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Post by Christina & Oscar on Apr 24, 2021 19:33:56 GMT -7
  
Hello. Oscar is a 9 year old miniature red haired Doxie. He weighs 14.6 pounds.He just had surgery for a slipped disc that was compressed against his spinal cord by at neurology surgeon (I think) (forgive me it all happened so quickly I do not remember the details as the whole situation was a traumatic experience for both of us). Paperwork I recieved upon leaving surgery says: History: Intervertebral disc rupture L2-3 with non ambulatory paraplegia Surgery: Right hemilaminectomy L2-3 Medications: Diazepam: 5mg per pill- 1/2 tablet orally 3 times a day to help with urination. Pprednisone 5mg per pill- 1/2 orally twice a day for 4 days then once daily for 4 days then every other day until gone. Gabapentin 100 mg per capsule. 1 capsule every 8 hours as needed for pain. Simplicef 100 mg per pill- give 1/2 tablet orally every 24hrs with food for 7 days. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
14.6 lbs 9 yo
Prednisone as of 4/24: taper dose: 2.5 mgs 2x/day for 4 days
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day
diazepam 2.5mgs 3x/day
Simplicef (antibiotic) 50 mgs 1x/day]He was released to my care today 4/24/21. His surgery was 2 days ago. He is unable to use his legs or urinate on his own. I have been unsuccessful [expressing] at trying to make him urinate and am feeling defeated. I did try the scarf but I am noticing this be a two person job. I wonder how a bowel movement is supposed to happen when I haven't evem figured out how to express his bladder? 🤷🏻♀️😭 He doesn't appear to be in pain unless I press on his bladder. He was able to wag his tail when the neighbor came over. 😊 This has been the most difficult thing Oscsr and I have been though. I noticed he was in pain on 4/21/21 and thought this time he was having a flare up and was going to need muscle relaxers and bed rest as this happens every few years. I took him to his reg vet which he was able to walk at that time. They brought home out and somewhere between him walking into the office and coming out he lost the use of his hind legs. I want to blame them for whatever they did in there inspecting him but I knew that this could be a possibility one day. They had me rush him to the ER. That ER did not have a neurosurgeon so I had to drive another hour to the next ER. By the time I got him there 2.5 hours had gone by They told me I would need 8000 before they would do anything MRI included That took me another 4 hours of phone calls. I was worried because I know when this happens, time is of the essence. I honestly didn't have the money and posted on facebook asking anyone who would be willing to help to please donate. The money was raised in that short period of time. This is our story. I hope to hear stories of hope and recovery somewhere on dodgerlist. I am struggling and just feeling sad for him. There have to be others who have struggled as I am now. I would do anything for Oscar. He is my baby. I dont remember the rest of the questions I am supposed to answer but i hope this works as Oscar's introduction. I posted in the newbie section the list of meds and all the info that was asked. I am curious if there is any support on how to express his bladder by myself. I live alone and this appears to be a 2 person job as he was just released today 4/24 and has not been able to use his legs or pee on his own. I am feeling defeated and need help. I have watched the videos and in all of them there are 2 people doing it. 😭 |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 24, 2021 20:57:56 GMT -7
Welcome Christina, you have found the right place. You CAN, all by your self, express the bladder and express for poop. Poop is very easy. Plan on learning to express the bladder and know it may take practice of about every 2-3 hours and by the end of a week's practice, you will be an expert! I expressed my doxie by myself just as 1000's of others do too. Give yourself a break, you just need some time to practice to get the skill. EXPRESSING for urine and for poop Did the surgery hospital give you a hands-on-top-of-your hands expressing lesson? Look over the videos, the tips for express the bladder and also for expressing for poop here: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/ I found expressing indoors where there are no distractions for the dog best. This makes it easier for you to learn. Express Oscar on the floor onto a pee pad or if you have a rubber mat for traction you can express in a shower stall or a bathtub Tell us what is the hardest part of learning for you. Don't hesitate at all to go to your family vet where the vet or his vet tech can watch YOU express there and check your work and give you pointers. PREDNISONE While on pred, Oscar will be thirsty. This is why while learning you will expect to express the bladder every 2-3 hrs to keep him staying dry. As you perfect this new skill, you can go to every 3-4 hrs. With experience you can even go to every 6 or 8 hours for expressing. The goal is he stays dry between expressing sessions. Try to relax and and give your self confidence you can learn this new skill. Check out the tips in setting up the recovery suite for making the rest period go smoother: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/What did the surgeon direct for the number of weeks for rest PLUS the at-home PT? What is the at-home PT you are to do for the back legs? Any of these demoed in the video below? Appropriate at home physical therapy can help maintain the muscles with lost nerve connection. Therapy keeps muscles in optimal condition while in wait to receive regenerating axon terminals. Post-op PT for the paralyzed IVDD dog: What is the name of the hospital were the surgery was done?
We look forward to hearing from you about any other questions or concerns going thru your mind. |
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Post by Christina & Oscar on Apr 24, 2021 22:44:38 GMT -7
Veterinary Specialty Care in Mount pleasant [ bluepearlvet.com/hospital/veterinary-specialty-care-mount-pleasant-sc/our-vets/ ] is where the surgery was done. They did not give me a hands on lesson but they did send me 2 YouTube videos that I have watched plenty. I have put the muzzle on Oscar to prevent him from biting me when I attempt to express his bladder. He appears to hate the process. They did not give me aftercare instructions except crating him. I was very confused when they said it could take up to 6 months for him to regain mobility... How would that work if I just kept him in a crate for weeks on end? They did not mention physical therapy. I was wondering why Oscar was drinking so much water. Good to know! They told me to bring him back tomorrow and they would show me how to do it. I just dont want him to be uncomfortable holding it. What if I told them to hold their urine until tomorrow? I appreciate the information you left. I will check it out now.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 25, 2021 5:21:40 GMT -7
Christina, there could be one of a couple of reasons why Oscar is experiencing pain when you try to express his bladder and also why it may be that you're having such a difficult time with it.
If a dog has a urinary tract infection, which is common with incontinent dogs, it can be very painful and difficult to express. When you take Oscar to the hospital today for a lesson, please ask them to do a urinalysis to check for a UTI.
When a dog has bladder control, they often resist being expressed. The only way we humans can tell if a dog has bladder control is to carry them to a spot where they or another dog have peed before, support their hind end but not under the belly, allow them to sniff and see if they can release urine on their own. If they can, then they have bladder control. If not, then their bladder needs to be expressed. Please try a sniff and pee test today and let us know how it goes. If a sniff and pee test does not show that Oscar has bladder control today, continue to test every few days.
Please also speak to them about when physical therapy can start and what exercises you can do at home to help get those legs start moving. The post-op crate rest is to allow for the healing of the surgical incision and will allow for scar tissue to form over the disrupted annulus. Only the surgeon knows how bad the spine looked during surgery and only they can tell you when physical therapy should start. So do speak to them about that.
Damaged nerves can take a very long time to heal, months, even a year or more. The fact that Oscar wagged his tail when a neighbor came over is a very good sign of more nerve healing ahead. it is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag!
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist but must have DPS since he can give a happy tail wag.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk. - YES!
3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test.
Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine.
4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
The first days following surgery can be very, very stressful. But please do know that it will get better. We're here for you and Oscar and will help you through this. Please keep us updated. Healing prayers for Oscar.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Apr 25, 2021 9:08:30 GMT -7
Hi Christina, I remember how stressed out we were after Buster's surgery. It's a very scary time, but it will get better. Do scroll up and read Marjorie's excellent reply to you above.
It sounds like Oscar is making good progress. I know it's hard to be patient when you want your dog to be able to do all the things he loves to do. Each little step, like the tail wag, is an indication that he's healing, so hang in there.
Expressing seems so difficult, at first, but it's like riding a bike. You just learn what it takes to get your dog to respond. It's important for you to act relaxed and calm when you do it, even if you're nervous. Oscar will know if you're upset and he'll respond negatively.
Hopefully you'll feel more confident after you've been shown how to do it. Let us know how it goes.
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Post by Christina & Oscar on Apr 25, 2021 18:06:51 GMT -7
I was having login issues but somehow made it back.
We were unable to get any real rest last night as it was Oscar's first night home from surgery. He whined most of the night. I eventually took him outside and attempted to stand him up with the scarf again. I thought he was trying to get me to pick him up and when I did he growled at me. I saw he was having his first bowel movement since the surgery. What a blessing! It wasn't much but it was a relief that I would not have to take on the challenge of making that happen! 🙏 And hopefully that is a good sign of it's own.
I fell asleep for a half hour and woke up to Oscar in a puddle of urine. Assuming it was the bladder being overfill I attempted again. No [expressing] success for me.
We packed up and went back to the vet. I asked for the hands on lesson as y'all suggested and realized I was not only doing it wrong but I was in the wrong area pushing. I was happy he got some relief.
3 hours later I tried again. I'm getting a little better but not much. His pad is staying soaked though like it is just pouring out on it's own. It's a little concerning actually. I just keep changing the pad and trying to keep him clean.
I wonder if this is normal???
Either way after reading your posts I my spirits have lifted a bit. I am hoping to help someone else once I get through this just as y'all are helping me.
I did not ask for uti test since I did not see the post. I will ask when to start PT tomorrow when the doctor is back in the office.
Strange question but are the BM supposed to be small and dry as a result of the meds??
Thank you thank you!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 25, 2021 18:26:03 GMT -7
Christina, thank you for the good update news! Getting that expressing lesson is key to knowing how to do it. As mentioned, by the end of a weeks worth of expressing sessions you will be moving towards the title of "pro expresser". Being able to feel when the bladder is actually pretty empty is the key to extending time between sessions. When the bladder is pretty much empty, one hand can almost feel your other fingers on the other side of the bladder. Don't hesitate to re-review the videos, express in the surgeon's office and have him or the vet tech check your work and give a few technique pointers. That is pretty much how we all learn, practice and if need be getting another lesson. It is not necessary to express for poop, as it will all come out eventually. It is more of a thing to eliminate anxiety for Oscar if he would find poop where he sleeps. I like your confidence that you intend to help another! Here we are all about helping others. Dry poop is constipation likely from the surgery meds. Plain pureed canned pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. NOTE: alternatives are really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potatoe -- To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. -- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble. MONITOR NEURO FUNCTIONS With your observing a happy tail wag, the next neuro function to return is usually bladder control. A dog may no longer like you expressing the bladder. Periodically take him outdoors for the sniff and pee test Marjorie explained: Carry Oscar outdoors, set him on an old pee spot to sniff. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. See if he will release urine on the old urine area. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. You should continue to do a quick express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening. Let us know what you observe. |
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Post by Christina & Oscar on Apr 27, 2021 21:14:28 GMT -7
Just checking in as I had my first nights rest since everything has happened. I am still struggling with expressing the bladder. Oscar has taken to screaming and thrashing about when I go to express his bladder. I have been driving him back to the Veterinary specialty care place where his surgery was done and they have been very helpful and shown me different ways to do it.
He does not thrash about or scream as they are doing it, only before hand. They said it appears as though he is anticipating pain that isnt going to happen since they have removed the disc material.
I have asked a friend to come stay with me for a few weeks so I can have help getting him and I used to this process with bladder expressing. I definitely think it would be helpful to have someone hold him or distract him while I work at getting better at this.
I haven't noticed any progress in DPS yet.
I'm curious how long I should wait until I start physical therapy with him? He is confined 95% of the time to the crate unless I am trying to express his bladder.
I have taken him out of it and sat him on a mat to see if he would be interested in anything (looking out the window, his doxie sister or toys) but he seems depressed. Hopefully just tired and not depressed.
I want to hold him but he seems resentful at this point.
Still adjusting. Some days are better than others. It's a one day at a time process I guess.
I have a friend who is a vet tech that came to show me and friends how to express the bladder together so I am getting training and grateful for it.
Also, I tried the sniff and pee test but nothing yet. Hopefully soon.🙏
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 28, 2021 7:02:58 GMT -7
I am glad you were able to finally get a night of rest. We all need rest so we can take good care of our dog's as they recover. It is stressful physically and emotionally for you and for Oscar.
Expressing is a skill and needs to be practiced to learn. Many of us struggle with learning. I did, but I kept practicing and finally became proficient. After that, taking care of my dog post surgery became much easier. It is great that you are able to get training from a friend. You can try expressing in different positions and may find a position that works more easily for you both. Oscar might be anticipating pain when you go to express him. In that case having a friend to help may keep him calmer.
Usually some Range of Motion and massage PT can be started fairly soon after surgery. We have some information about these at the link below. Please check with your surgeon before starting.
Since Oscar can do a happy tail wag (an important indicator in healing), keep giving him the opportunity to sniff and pee. In most (but not all) cases, bladder and bowel control is the next function to return after the happy tail wag. |
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Post by Christina & Oscar on Apr 28, 2021 21:45:05 GMT -7
Was able to get nice streams expressing Oscar's bladder twice today! Small victory for us.
The last two times I tried it he thrashed and flailed about, and he tensed up so much that it almost felt like he was holding it in. He hates this and tries to bite me every time. After a few times with the struggle, I just put him back in his crate. As soon as I did he peed. 🤷🏻♀️ I hope he was purposely holding it in because he can and wants to release it when he wants.
Just now, as he was resting I quietly pinched his toes. He growled at me. I am thinking he felt it. I have not had this response yet to pinching his toes since the surgery. I am not sure the exact test for DPS so I just pinch the toes. He has never liked his feet touched.
The vet techs said I could start trying to scarf walk him to potty at least. The PT videos y'all posted look easy enough and I am excited to start helping him get moving.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 29, 2021 7:14:33 GMT -7
Good job in getting a steady stream! Leaning how to express can be tricky, but you are well on your way to proficiency. When bladder control begins to return dogs may resist being expressed. This may be what is happening to Oscar. Continue to give him frequent opportunities to sniff and pee. Only a specialist can reliable interpret a DPS test. For us pet parents the way we can easily tell if our dogs have DPS is a happy tail wag. Since Oscar can do a happy tail wag, he has DPS. Toe pinching sometimes results in too much movement. DPS is an indicator that the brain can communicate through the spinal cord to the rest of the body. When a dog can wag his tail in response to a friendly neighbor there is no doubt that the dog has DPS. It works like this, dog sees his neighbor (brain level) dog wags his tail in response to seeing that neighbor. (body level) When a dog does not have DPS (which is the last neuro function to be lost) the brain signals cannot reach the body through the spinal cord because the spinal cord is too damaged.
Many times the surgeon will suggest short sling walks for a post-surgery dog as a form of PT. It will be good for Oscar to get moving.
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Post by Christina & Oscar on Apr 29, 2021 8:24:19 GMT -7
I have attempted to express Oscar's bladder 3 times since my last post. All times I have been unsuccessful.
I did manage to almost lose a finger because he bit me as he is tired of taking his medications and I tried to shove them in his mouth. Thank God the pill popper arrived from amazon.
With that being said I was desperate to get him to pee and we scarf walked to his old leg hiking grounds. Not only did he poop near his old poop spot but he even scratched the ground with one paw (that's what he does before he pees) and a few drops came out!!! This happened 3 more times and then he was tuckered out.
This may be good news but I think I need to go back to the vet because it was only a few drops and not a full bladder release or even close to it. He is holding it in or I am failing. One of two.
He has always only peed a little bit at multiple pee stops on his own over the years but this was way less. Literally a few drops.
A random lady drove by and stopped to tell me her doxie had an ENTIRE back surgery at 8 years old and although it was difficult that her dog recovered and lived to be 17 years old. In my time of feeling defeated, hearing that brought me hope so I wanted to share that for anyone who may read this.
Thank you for telling me to do the sniff and pee test again. I did and something has happened, even though it wasn't much it's still progress.
❤
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 29, 2021 9:35:51 GMT -7
Christina, scratching with front paw then release of urine? Well, front paw is near the head and that can well signal a message travel down he cord to the bladder to release urine. While on pred and he's more thirsty, do sling walk him to the potty place eery 3-4 hours to give him a chance to practice peeing. Sounds very much like he is peeing and not overflowing caused by reflex. One ought to try a quick express check after Oscar is finished until you feel he is consistently emptying the bladder. A figure 8 DIY sling works especially well for the male dog anatomy at potty times. Maybe the figure 8 will help Oscar. In your avatar, Oscar wears a cone. Is he still having to wear it?Most dogs will take about 14 days for all the post op pain to subside. Maybe Oscar is one whose surgical-caused swelling pain is now gone? Discuss with the vet if it is ok to back off gabapentin for nerve pain. Maybe or maybe not Diazepam as it can be a pain med or it can be used to help relax the bladder for urination. The toes tickling can be very beneficial in causing via reflexes muscles to fire in back legs. It can be used as part of Oscar's at home PT which now includes sling walk to potty. Pinching can hurt. As Romy explained is not needed 'cause of course ability to do a happy tail wag could only exist after having DPS. |
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Post by Christina & Oscar on Apr 29, 2021 19:00:04 GMT -7
Oscar still has pain related to the surgery. I backed off of gabapentin today and he was trembling after hours without it.
The diazepam has helped relax his bladder. I took him back to the ER because I was unable to express anything all day (20 Hours since his last express) and I was beginning to think he had something wrong with him. He didn't want to drink water or eat much today. Perhaps he was in pain from me not giving him the gabapentin? They tried to express and only a little came out. They said he didn't have hardly anything in there. Maybe his release into the grass the few times I took him out was enough. There is no telling at this point. His dose of the steroid has gone down to once a day.
I do want to note that Oscar does not need to wear the cone or muzzle unless I am picking him up to express him. He can be extremely aggressive and is a very difficult patient at the vet. He loves me but will not hesitate to bite me if I invade his personal space and he doesn't want me too. It is his way of protecting himself.
Today was a rough day for both of us. Tomorrow will be better. Going to make that sling this weekend. Thanks 🙂
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 29, 2021 20:10:28 GMT -7
Christina, let us know how the figure 8 sling works for Oscar.
With pred in the taper, if you find gabapentin is not enough to provide full round the clock comfort, do discuss with the surgeon about adding in another pain med to the gabapentin while the body works on the surgery-caused pain.
Has the antibiotic Simplicef been completed or still on it?
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Post by Christina & Oscar on May 1, 2021 9:48:36 GMT -7
I have not been able to express the bladder at all since my last post. I have tried multiple times and nothing. I sense he is holding it back when I try.
Oscar is urinating on his own when I walk him. He is no longer wetting the potty sheet in his crate. I'm not a professional but it appears that he has the ability to hold it in! I take him put every few hours and he pees a few times then. We have not been back to the ER for them to express his bladder because he appears to be releasing plenty on his own. He is very resentful when I try to do it.
His diazepam has run out. His gabapentin is almost out. He finished the simplicef last night. Steroid is now every other day.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
14.6 lbs 9 yo
Prednisone as of 4/24: taper dose: 2.5 mgs 2x/day for 4 days, then taper days
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day]
Do I need to pay for PT or is this something I can do without spending more money that I dont have. I saw the video that was posted for the PT but am curious if that is enough or if more is needed.
Thanks for being here.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 1, 2021 10:49:49 GMT -7
Christina, such good news to hear there is bladder control! Right, dogs who have control do not like being expressed.
Tell us more about the use of the word "walk" so we know better how to comment about PT options at home.
-- does he use walking motions only with front legs while back end is supported with a sling? OR...
-- does Oscar now wobbly walk back legs on his own, or with aid of a sling? OR...
-- are his back legs not able to attempt to move at all in walking motions.
• Back paws knuckle under?
For how many weeks did the surgeon direct for post-op rest which includes any PT he directed you to do at home? Some want 4 weeks and depending on the case make want 6 weeks.
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Post by Christina & Oscar on May 4, 2021 18:22:27 GMT -7
Hello. We are getting Oscar's staples out tomorrow. 2 days ago he rolled onto his back because he wanted his chest and belly rubbed. He did it again today. I was worried because of the staples. He's moving alot better than he was last week. He is pooping alot better also, it looks normal now and not all dry and hard- no constipation.
When I walk him to potty I keep him supported by the sling so his legs just swing around. He really tries to go places though but I am not letting him walk but for a few minutes to find the right potty spot.
The doctor said at this point I can massage his legs when he is laying on his side but that is it for now.
Oscar is constantly sitting up and wants out of his crate. He has full on tail wag when we are on our potty walk. I let the scarf drop for a few seconds and his legs held him up for one of those seconds. I have hope.
Not much else to report yet.
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Post by Ann Brittain on May 4, 2021 18:50:50 GMT -7
It's great to learn that Oscar is making such good progress.
As he feels better, he will want to do more which makes it harder to enforce the
'rules'. Just stay strong.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 4, 2021 21:01:57 GMT -7
Christiana, can you tell us which of these brain directed things can Oscar do with his legs:
1. Does he use walking motions only with front legs while back end is supported with a sling?
2. When using the scarf sling, do his back legs attempt to move in walking motions?
Being able to remain in a stand means the legs do get important weight bearing opportunity for bone health. Being able to move up into a stand is a brain directed neuro function.
For how many weeks did the surgeon direct for post-op rest which includes any PT he directed you to do at home? Some want 4 weeks and depending on the case may want 6 weeks.
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Post by Christina & Oscar on May 5, 2021 19:42:11 GMT -7
Hello! Oscar got his staples out today and the doctor said that Oscar does have feeling in his legs DPS!!! She noticed that he is attempting to support himself while in the sling.
He does move his front legs very well while in the sling and his [front or back?] legs go back and forth while his tail wags the whole time. When I attempt to let him bear his weight I have to do it carefully because it automatically does the [back legs?] paw knuckling if I don't.
I would upload a video or an updated photo but I'm not sure how I uploaded the first photos.
She said it looks like he is going to walk again!!!🎉🎉🙂
She also said one more month of crate rest.
Yay!!!
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Post by Julie & Perry on May 6, 2021 1:41:48 GMT -7
Hooray for Oscar! He's showing positive signs of recovery and doing very well.😀
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 6, 2021 8:00:46 GMT -7
Yes, indeed, with DPS present that bodes well for more nerve back leg nerve function to self repair. -- So did you see the back legs go back and forth when in the sling?
-- Can the back paws correct themselves if knuckled?
This is the classic textbook order nerves heal in: 1. YES! Deep Pain Sensation: the first neuro function to return. DPS is the critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about this very tricky to correctly idenfiy neuro function.
2. Yes Tail wagging specifically with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. Tail, leg movements at potty times often are a reflex thing
3. 5/1 Bladder control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4. ? Back leg movement, and then
ability to move up into a stand position, and then
wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmHere is how you upload a video so we can see too! You will need a Google account which is used to sign in at YouTube (see below info if you do not have one) Upload your video to YouTube.com — At the top of your browser when viewing your uploaded video you will see a "share" button below your video window. — Pressing it will expand to reveal the URL (it starts with <http...> ) you can paste into a Forum post. — How to details for mobile devices and computers: support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?hl=enHow to get a Google Account:—Use an existing email address —Go to the Google Account creation page: accounts.google.com/signup/v2/webcreateaccount?flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=SignUp—Enter your name. —Choose to use 1) current email address OR 2) Create a new Gmall address. —Enter your current email address. —Click Next. —Verify your email address with the code sent to your existing email. |
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Post by Christina & Oscar on May 7, 2021 19:41:04 GMT -7
Oscar's legs do go back and forth when in the sling. I have to lift him up in the sling and lower it back down to correct the pawknuckling. Last night he stretched his whole body out legs and all but this is the only movement I have seen with his legs. I am not sure if this was reflex to stretching or not. I have noticed i am not having to support all of his lower back weight in the sling like I had to last week though.
He has taken an interest in playing with toys again so I know he is feeling better.
He is doing better at positioning himself into the pooping position also.
Tomorrow is the last dose of steroid.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
14.6 lbs 9 yo
Prednisone as of 4/24: taper dose: 2.5 mgs 2x/day for 4 days, last taper dose 5/8
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day
diazepam 2.5mgs 3x/day]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 8, 2021 7:35:27 GMT -7
Christina, good to hear from Oscar's point of view life is good and having fun with this toys again. From our human point of view, it is very early in the nerve healing department at 2 weeks post op. Here is what you would take notice of in the next neuro function to self repair (leg movements). For us humans to be able to distinguish between reflex and brain directed, we have to see some sort of head level involvement with the tail, with a limb or with release of urine so we know the movement was done with purposeful thinking. --- Itchy sensation at neck (near the head) and then tries to scratch would be purposeful movement. Tickling paws, etc can cause reflex leg movements of pushing in or out. --- Knuckling, as the nerves self repair, will allow Oscar all by himself to attempt to right his paw. It starts out with taking quite some seconds to right the paw. As nerve repair progresses he will be able to quickly reposition the paw correctly on the ground and then with time always correctly in position on the ground. Are you also doing some range of motion (ROM) along with massage of the back legs? IF not, do call in and ask. ROM keeps the joints in the back legs flexible and from getting stiff. Post op at home ROM and massage |
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Post by Christina & Oscar on May 9, 2021 15:26:08 GMT -7
Today I have seen some progress! Someone gave me a hug today and Oscar stood right up to head over and attack. He was only up for a second or two before he plopped back down on his bottom but I was excited!
He is wobbly walking with the sling now and can stand on his own for a few seconds at a time.
I have to stand him up with the sling before he can wobbly walk.
He is getting itchy on his back legs, tries to chew so I'm guessing he feels the little things in his legs again.
I haven't given him his flea meds yet this month because he was on so many other medications.
I am doing the PT but only while he is laying down. He tries to bite me so I do it mainly when he is extra sleepy that way he kind of doesn't notice.
I would like to bathe him as he pees on his chest because of the scarf. I am using baby wipes in the meantime. I dont know when it is ok to bathe him. His incision has healed.
Happy mother's day!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 9, 2021 16:10:04 GMT -7
Christina and it looks like Oscar gave you a Mother's Day gift-- that for sure his back legs are no longer paralyzed — he can move up in to a stand and when supported via a sling can wobbly walk! Go Oscar! SKIN and FUR clean up Bathing a dog on rest can be problematic. A wet dog is slippery to hold. Dogs always do that shake thing when wet. Do check with the surgeon about baths, if ok. You know the safety in using unscented baby wipes for quick clean up his fur and skin. I like Marjorie's tip best: Brew up a pot of decafinated green tea. Let it cool, dampen a sponge or cloth with the tea and then gently wipe chest, belly legs where any urine may have splashed. Tea is mild with acidifying, antibacterial properties to neutralize urine on skin and fur to avoid rashes from urine scald. The tea leaves a clean earthy fragrance. The remaining tea can then be stored in the refrigerator and warmed before use.  Add a hand sprayer to a bottle of white vinegar. Use it to disinfect and remove the urine ammonia smell from floors, etc. A spritz on urine and poop disinfects and completely removes the odor... good on linens, floors and other hard surface. For males a figure 8 sling is preferable over a scarf at potty time  ** FLEAS or NEUROPATHIC PAIN? Do a little test to see if fleas are the issue. Use a white paper towel dampened with some water. Rub against his fur. Any red would be from flea droppings. With dogs who have been paralyzed the concern is biting or chewing at back limbs, tail, paws, penis would be due to neuropathic pain. Everyone has experienced numbness or pins and needles tingling in your legs when sitting in a bad position for too long a time. Your dog could be feeling abnormal nerve sensations that are mild pins and needles to quite painful burning, on-fire feeling that makes them bite to stop the pain. These are abnormal signals. You would need to stay on top of observing for any more signs of chewing on body parts as this can lead to death. Immediately put an e-collar on. Gabapentin is the drug for neuropathic pain. Alert your vet as he may want a higher dose than the current 100mgs 3x/day More info: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/10/neuropathy/
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Post by Christina & Oscar on May 10, 2021 18:36:03 GMT -7
Oscar is able to stand on his own today for several seconds at a time. He attempted to scratch behind his ears with his hind leg but wasn't able to quite reach it. Regardless I witnessed him moving his leg in that direction!
I did not find flea poop but he tried to bite me again when I was trying to wipe him. My long haired doxie is also scratching now though so I'm guessing we have some fleas. It is summer in the south. I will keep monitoring Oscar for chewing though.
Oscar is definitely wobbly walking and trying to run. He isnt really trying to stand up though unless I put the sling under him.
We will see what tomorrow brings. 🙂🙏
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 10, 2021 20:51:25 GMT -7
Christina, lovely to hear the things you report about nerve healing. Sounds as though you will definatey need a controlling front harness with the rear sling with his enthusiasm to run!
Why do you think he is biting when you wipe?
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Post by Christina & Oscar on May 11, 2021 5:21:50 GMT -7
Does any harness work for the front? Or is there a specific one I should buy?
Oscar has always been a biter. I have tried to correct it over the years but I have not been successful. He is aggressive when it comes to toys, treats and all. I am embarrassed that I haven't been able to correct it. He will bite the ankles of people who are trying to leave the house for no good reason. 🤷🏻♀️
I would like to do more PT with him but I dont want to stress him out. I noticed his legs had what felt like a clicking when I did it yesterday. I didn't hear a sound but it just felt odd.
[5/7 med list forwarded to page 2:
14.6 lbs 9 yo
Prednisone as of 4/24: taper dose: 2.5 mgs 2x/day for 4 days, last taper dose 5/8
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day STOPPED
diazepam 2.5mgs 3x/day STOPPED ]
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