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Post by Elaine & Gracie on Mar 7, 2022 9:30:39 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
I will get some video of Gracie and post it for sure. She is doing so well! Her back is still weaker than before the episode, but continues to improve.
I do have a few new questions though and wonder if you have any insight.
>Gracie’s back is slightly more rounded than I ever realized before this episode. I am pretty confident that I am just noticing it because I am still so nervous, she still has very short hair there as compared to the rest of her back, and I am always checking her to be sure all is well. Is this to be expected? She will be 8 weeks post op this Thursday 3/10.
>Gracie has spontaneously burst into a happy run when we have her on her 6’ leash and harness outdoors in our yard. She kind of does a bunny hop with her back legs. She is moving straight (no zig zags or jumping) and we trot behind to keep up. Is this ok at this point? We absolutely don’t let her jump or do any steps and are careful she doesn’t do any quick moves.
> other times she is very low key and kind of mopey. She loves to sleep and gets grumpy if her routine is disturbed. Now, this is also not unusual for her (everything is on her terms and often based on whether we are eating). This made me wonder, though, if IVDD is painful, like bad arthritis?
I am supposed to call our neurologist this week to give him an 8 week update.
Thank you!
Elaine and Gracie
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 7, 2022 10:58:25 GMT -7
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Post by Elaine & Gracie on Dec 26, 2022 19:36:48 GMT -7
Hello and Happy Holidays to you all.
It’s almost a year since Gracie had her surgery. She’s done extremely well and we have been very careful to follow precautions.
I have a couple questions I hope you can help me with.
My questions are 1) do IVDD dogs experience chronic back discomfort? And does the winter weather affect it?
And 2)I’m always watching for any signs of another disc problem.
I hope it never happens again but know it is very possible. Today, when Gracie was outside it looked her tail was bothering her. She walks fine but her tail seems oddly droopy. She can wag it. I’m hoping this isn’t a concern, or maybe just because she hates the cold or is tired from Christmas company, but thought I’d ask.
Thank you. You all are very appreciated!
Elaine and Gracie
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 27, 2022 10:03:30 GMT -7
Elaine, appreciate getting feedback a year post-op that Gracie is doing well. Some thoughts on pain. Bring up your questions and discuss with your vet. Let us know what your vet's take is and if anything even pertains to Gracie.
IVDD is an unpredictable disease a dog is born with. Some dogs have only one disc episode their lifetime. While other dogs can have multiple disc episodes. An IVDD disc episode is acute (it happens right away). Then there is the natural normal aging process for discs people and dogs have. It is a slow process. The interior of the disc begins to harden and no longer can flex as it should. As the vertebrae push on the disc when walking, etc. the disc exterior could develop painful cracks. Disc could slowly bulge enough to aggravate nerves. Arthritis in the Facet joints of the spine.
A small sack or capsule surrounds each facet joint and provides a sticky lubricant for the [synovial] joint. Each sack has a rich supply of tiny nerve fibers that provide a warning when irritated. Heat can help relax the muscles and open up blood vessels to allow blood flow and oxygen to reach the painful tissues Dogs live at floor level where it is colder unless you have in-floor heating. Good idea to have them wear a sweater or access to a warm blanket. Tail down has been reported by some Forum members and turned out to be a warning of a disc episode. Katherine I. Crook DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) in Clinician's Brief MARCH 2018 explains. Lumbosacral disk disease in the L7-S1 region where patients among other signs (reluctance or difficulty jumping and/or going up stairs, difficulty posturing to urinate and defecate, and avoidance of sitting) may also have a low tail carriage. neck C1-7, Chest T1-13, low back L1-7  Wishing you and Gracie a happy and healthy New Year! |
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