**
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dr-isaacs-surgery-interview-1.pngDr Isaacs' says: "I also advise that at 2-4 weeks we are not seeing the end result of the healing process - this typically does not occur for 6-12 months and in some cases even longer."
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/12/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers/Dolly's progress of being able to take footsteps in water bodes well for even more nerve repair and strengthening muscle to at some point have her walking on land.
Look how far Dolly has come since surgery following the classic textbook order that nerves self repair in!
1.
yes Deep Pain Sensation: the first neuro function to return. DPS is the critical indicator for more 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 during dreams, with joy at seeing you or getting a treat.
3.
yes Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4.
yes weak leg Leg Movement,
yes take footsteps in water
? ability to move up into a stand with rear legs by herself, and then
wobbly walking with a sling.
5. __ Being able to walk with more steadiness and
__ properly place the paw on floor without knuckling under
6. __ Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
LEARN MORE:
dodgerslist.com/2021/02/06/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/Paw Knuckling under whether slow to right it or can't right yet.
thumb.ibb.co/k3dqRS/Knuckling.jpgTell us how you have integrated Dolly back into family life with graduation from the 6 weeks of post-op rest your surgeon directed.
GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION
Ease back into more normal activity at graduation from post-op rest. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free riegn of the house and yard immediately! LOL
Your dog's muslces are soft and out of shape after the rest period. Gradually build up their muscles and their lungs.
Take a look at our information. Gradually building your dogs muscles over a month's time will have your dog safely running and having fun again!
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Here is a sample schedule to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20scheduleGARMENTS TO PROTECT SCOOTERS
You will want to consider how you will prevent rug burns from scooting and protecting bacteria from entering the bladder. Females have a very short path into the bladder and the use of a garment will protect against urinary tract infection (UTI). Here are some sew and no-sew options:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/13/garment-skin-uti-protection/ TRACTION and other safety ideas
1) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for wobbly dogs or for the front legs when scooting:
dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/2) Teach your dog to be safe and not jumping up or down, but to use a ramp whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in the house.
i0.wp.com/dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Training-love260.jpg Dogs are best at visual learning rather than verbal commands. Dog trainer Anna Jane Grossman says “Dogs learn in pictures. Inside your dog’s brain is a very simple algorithm – pleasant images in one place and unpleasant images in another." Ramp training for sliding down a ramp for dog with paralyzed back legs!: 3) At the top of the GRADUATES board are several discussions you may be interested in including furniture blockers, scooting protection and more:
dodgerslist.boards.net/board/8/graduatesDIY back PROTECTION around the house
Good ideas in making your home back friendly for now and when she is able to jump up but should not:
dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/HAPPY DAYS AHEAD
You and your dog have survivied a disc herniation! Learn what you can do from this point forward. Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog from dentals, nail trims, to having fun:
dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 STRENGTHENING CORE MUSCLES. Core exercises don't require specialized equipment. The core muscles play an important role in supporting the spine.
Here are 5 exercises you could do at home at the point she is able to control her back legs:
totofit.com/five-basic-exercises-essential-to-building-core-strength/HELPING ANOTHER MEMBER
Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions about surgery?
We have a directory where you can share surgical info.
Here is where you can share your dog's info:
dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs recommendations
State:
Hospital:
Address:
Cost:
Date of surgery:
What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.)
Comments:
Let us know if there is an area of concern we could specifically comment on for Dolly.
