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Post by Dana & Odie on May 2, 2021 6:50:22 GMT -7
Hi! My name is Dana and I just wanted to introduce Odin aka Odie to you  [Original subject line: Odie’s surgery 4/30/2021] Odie is a mini- dachshund, 5 years old. He has been having disc pain issues off and on for over a year being managed by his regular vet with pain medications and rest periods. His presentations of pain were compounded by suspected pancreatitis flares. On 4/29/2021 we could not manage his pain and he began showing weakness in his back legs. We brought him to a veterinary specialist emergency hospital were he quickly deteriorated. By the time he was seen by neuro he had lost all function in the back half but still had some deep toe pain. His MRI was unusual and initially made the neuro think the compression was being caused by a cyst or other mass on top of the spinal cord. Surgery was done on 4/30/2021 where they discovered his disc herniation was a missile type [Type III?] that erupted with the most force he has ever seen in his 20 years of experience. Somehow, luckily, when the disc erupted straight up it missed the spinal cord. Pre-surgery, 4/30/2021, he was paralyzed mid-back down with loss of bladder control. Post-surgery, 5/1/2021, doctor sent video of him standing with assistance and able to move his back left foot with proper placement, back right foot dragged but he appeared able to move that leg. I have not been updated on bladder control. I also know this is still very early in recovery and we are not out of the woods. He is still at the hospital so I will update with discharge instructions but had some questions on recovery suites. Your guide is wonderful! Thank you! We have a two story house with all bedrooms upstairs. Odie is used to sleeping with us. We are making a recovery suite downstairs but were wondering if we should be making a second one for upstairs so he can still sleep near us. Our assumption is that we should carry/move him as little as possible other than for potty breaks/PT. What are your thoughts and recommendations on this? |
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Post by Ann Brittain on May 2, 2021 7:30:55 GMT -7
Hi Dana,
Welcome to Dodgerslist. I'm sorry to hear that Odie had to have surgery, but it sounds like he's making good progress.
There is a wealth of information here on Dodgerslist. I'm glad you've been able to review the information about crate rest. It is the first, and most important, step toward getting your dog back on his feet. Well look forward to hearing more when Odie comes home. Be sure to answer the questions about the medication he is prescribed including doses and how often they are given.
If Odie is used to sleeping with or near you, he could become stressed or isolated if he's left alone in a downstairs area. Is there anyway someone could stay with him at least until you understand how he's handling being in the recovery suite? When Buster came home, after surgery, my husband and I took turns sleeping next to his crate on an air mattress. Frankly I couldn't sleep thinking he might hurt himself overnight. It was a little uncomfortable, but so worth it as he started to heal.
If that's not possible, I do think an upstairs recovery suite is an option if you're very careful to move him around as little as possible.
Read as much about surgery dogs as you can. It will help you prepare for Odie's homecoming.
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Post by Dana & Odie on May 2, 2021 8:37:20 GMT -7
Hi Ann, thank you for the quick reply.
I’ll probably sleep downstairs with him at first. Him alone is definitely not an option!
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Post by Ann Brittain on May 2, 2021 9:17:09 GMT -7
I think that's a good plan. It takes a few days to get into the routine during crate rest. And life will be a little different for Odie for a while.
I forgot to mention that Urinary Tract Infections are common in IVDD dogs. That's why you want be sure Odie's bladder is being emptied. Leakage in his crate is something to watch for. Although you don't want him to move around too much, it's important to get him out often enough to relieve himself. Medication may make Odie want to drink more water. I would never deny a thirsty dog water, but you can pay attention to when he's drinking to understand when he may need to go.
If you detect dark or foul smelling urine, consult with your vet. A UTI is easily resolved with medication, but repeated infections can lead to complications.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on May 2, 2021 11:20:42 GMT -7
Dana, let me add my welcome and chime on some things you may wish to consider while waiting on Odie' discharge date. With Odie having ability post-op to move his back left leg and no paw knuckling under, he just may have bladder control upon discharge day. Check out how Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord. 1. 5/1 yes! Deep Pain Sensation: the first neuro function to return. DPS is the critical indicator for more functions to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment.
2. 5/1 likely! Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. 5/1 likely! Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4. 5/1 yes! Left back Leg Movement 5/1 maybe right back leg movement
5/1 likely! Ability to move up into a stand position
5/1 likely! Wobbly walk
5/1 yes! properly place Left back paws, _?__ Right back paw
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmLet us know what your surgeon wants for the number of weeks for post-op rest which includes the at home PT he directs. Let us know what the at home PT is. Sometimes if a dog can wobbly walk when discharged the PT might be walking to and from the potty place. I bet your mind is flooded right now with concerns, questions. Now is the time to jot those things down. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns to ask your surgeon: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/03/discharge-day-list/**  This page is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. dodgerslist.com/2020/05/12/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers/RECOVERY SUITEs How much does Odie weigh?If a typical mini doxie weight, you could easily carry him up the stairs to a 2nd suite near your bed. Instead of two wire crates you may wish to consider an ex-pen for #2. The expen has great flexibility to use now and after surgeon directed rest is complete for blocking things off where Odie should not go. The panels can also be separated to fit the need.
LIFT and CARRY (support both ends, back horizontal to the ground) to protect the back and the healing surgery sites.
Keep us in mind, when the surgeon updates you next. We'd love to follow along! |
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Post by Dana & Odie on May 2, 2021 21:03:08 GMT -7
Hi Paula! Thank you for all of the advice. I got a late update from the doctor doing rounds today. He ate for them (yay!) and is now on oral pain meds. His surgeon is great about sending videos and texting but was off today so I only got a quick phone update. He is (maybe) standing on his own - I think she said he was but it may have been attempted to stand. His back left leg and foot sounded good. Back right much weaker. That leg does have pers Varsus so I’m not sure how much that is playing into the weakness in it but the video from 5/1 showed knuckling/dragging of that foot. Big news was that he is peeing on his own without the catheter. Odie was 17 pounds at his last weigh in a month ago, so technically a tweenie with a mini stuck inside him. I’m guessing he has lost some. I already was carrying him up and down the stairs so that won’t be too much of an adjustment for him. Husband is now on board with the never, ever can he go up or down them on his own again. Discharge should be tomorrow. I’ll update with more info when I have it. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on May 3, 2021 6:53:32 GMT -7
Dana, what an excellent report with catheter out, hospital says odie has bladder control. You will need a rear end sling for potty times outdoors. A sling is used as back up to catch a wobbly dog's butt and prevent twisting the back. Any sling needs to be accompanied by a front harness and leash to control speed to the very slow minimal footsteps at potty time especially during the post-op crate rest period your surgeon directs. A figure 8 DIY sling works especially well for the male dog anatomy vs. a belly type sling such as a long winter scarf, a belt that touches/covers the penis.  ** How to handle potty time Carry to and from the recovery suite (unless your surgeon directs walking) to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. The rear end figure 8 sling will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog’s back aligned and butt from tipping over. A front end harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and wanting to dart off. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to control speed. Then all you need is the rear end sling support for wobbly, weak back legs.  Look forward to your next update and Odie's home coming! |
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Post by Dana & Odie on May 3, 2021 20:42:09 GMT -7
I received a great text from Odie’s surgeon this morning at 6:15 with him walking and that he can come home today (5/3)
He’s home and doing well. Surgeon said he is didn’t think he would be walking as well as he is until another 2-4 weeks based on how bad he was on 4/30, surgery day. He was classed as a non-ambulatory paraplegic with right lateralization on 4/30.
1. Pain seems to be managed and he is resting comfortably.
2. Weight is 17 lbs. He came home on three meds:
Gabapentin 50 mg, 1ml by mouth 3x per day for 10 days
Tramadol, 50 mg, 1/2, 3x per day for two days then as needed for next 10-14 days
Carprofen, 25 mg, 1/2 tab 2x per day for 2 days
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
17lbs 5y.o
post op rest for 8 weeks: grad Je 28
carprofen as of 5/3: 12.5mgs 2x/day for 2 days for post op swelling
tramadol 25mgs 3x/day for 2 days, then as needed for post op pain
gabapentin formula?: ?mg per one mL: ? mgs (1mL) 3x/day for 10 days ]
3. Drinking fine. Ignoring dry food but ate two bites of high value food. Pooped after getting home and appeared fine.
Surgery was performed by a specialist who performed a right sided decompressive hemilaminectomy. Discharge note from surgeon is “recovery has been thus far amazing” and is considered weak ambulatory paraparetic and continent.
He is on strict cage confinement for 2 months.
No PT at this time. Will reassess at follow up in 2 weeks when he gets his staples removed.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on May 4, 2021 7:53:57 GMT -7
Dana, how happy Odie must be to be back in familiar surroundings and those he loves! Wonderful report of neuro repair in such short time to now have only weakness of his back legs when trying to move in a walking motion. You will find that figure-8 sling a game changer in saving your back when support Odie's at potty times. And Odie is much more likely to be ok with a rear sling when it's a figure-8. Did the surgeon give any specific instructions regarding potty time. Can Odie be allowed to walk slowly with aid of sling more than a few footsteps? Or is the thinking really strict adherence to very minimal potty time footsteps and then carried back to the recovery suite? Your surgeon knows best, just looking for clarification on the directives. All anti-inflammatory drugs can cause GI problems, If you notice any hint (lip licking> not wanting to eat> vomit> loose stool> bleeding ulcer> red or black blood in diarrhea), DASH to the grocery store for Pepcid AC (famotidine). Alert your surgeon for an Rx to SUCRALFATE. Often it can be prudent to be proactive, than to wait to see if Carprofen would cause GI tract damage. Might not hurt to call and see if Odie has any health issues that would prevent Pepcid AC (famotidine) for the two days he'll be on it. There are multiple factors that often cause extra stomach acids to form. Learn MORE: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/ |
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Post by Dana & Odie on May 5, 2021 16:06:19 GMT -7
Specific instructions regarding potty time: Odie is allowed to be taken/carried outside for short slow walks for 5 minutes for elimination purposes 3-5 times per day. So far, we are carrying him to his potty spot and his is ready to come in after a minute or two.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on May 5, 2021 18:44:43 GMT -7
Dana, sounds like the typical of a bit of slow, gentle walking allowed at potty time with a post-op dog who can move the back legs.
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