PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 22, 2013 19:49:50 GMT -7
Posted to the Forum on behalf of liamfitz
Sorry for invading your site. We dont have a dauschaund but are going thru this same ordeal. We have a recently back leg paralyzed border collie. the diagonsis was susptected slipped disc at the ER. we opted for the conservative treatment because of the cost, risks, and her age. Our dog Sophie is 9.
Anyhow, day 4 and there is some signs of hope. her rear legs were the legs affected. the left especially. the right still has movement and good pain response. she also still has full bladder and bowel control. I rubbed her back for a 1/2 hour very gently yesterday and then touched her left leg. It moved a little bit. I also saw it move this morning while she was dreaming. Up to now she's been dream chasing squirrels with her other 3 legs.
there is some history, here is my question. day 4...i cant stop her from moving around in her crate. she'll adjust and turn over. she also keeps wanting to prop herself up and sit on her bottom. she's a border collie. i cant stop her. by chance im on vacation this week so ive got to watch her practically 24/7. next week we're hoping to keep her home while we work. we have my wife's father trained on how to come over in the afternoon and let her go out to pee. we're just terrified by this movement. is she ruining hopes of recovery? she's not in pain. she's happy as can be. totally alert and smiling all the time.we just cant keep her from moving around. even in smaller crates. the ride to the vet was tough. she uses her front legs to look up and balance when i make turns. i cant stop it.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 22, 2013 19:57:15 GMT -7
Liamfitz, welcome to Dodgerslist, My name is Paula what is yours? I sounds like Sophie can have a very good chance to recover with conservative treatment as she is already showing in dreams her brain can send a message to both legs!! The single most important part of conservative treatment is the 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. Sounds like you are being very conscientious!! -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment once off all meds and there is no pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? We look forward to learning more about Sophie with your answers. |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on Aug 23, 2013 6:58:25 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen. All breeds are welcome on Dodgers List. My Stevie is a pekingese, and I had a border collie Abbey for 12 years. Border collies do present a unique set of challenges don't they - try not to worry about her moving a bit in her crate, she can lie curled up, or sit up if she wants or turn herself around - this is all normal. What you don't want her to be doing is jumping around in there or repeated circling over and over (you have a Border Collie-you know what I mean  ) If she get too restless there are some calming aids that can help Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php [Composure] 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com Other brands may be available in your area… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label. I know that 8 weeks seems like a long time right now. Read all that you can about IVDD so that you can become the best advocate possibele for your dog. If you check in the Updates section there are some big dog stories too - Jude with Penny the rottweiller and Tony with Buddy the Lab. Keep us posted - we are all here to help |
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) If she get too restless there are some calming aids that can help 