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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 11, 2023 6:59:37 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Auggie Fr. Bldg Surgery 2/9/23 - Paralysis Pre-Surg, no DPP]
Hi, My 3 year old french bulldog was ambulatory on Wednesday, 2/8/23 but in pain. The hospital admitted him and the next morning he was paralyzed but still had deep pain sensation.
He had surgery for a herniated disk in the mid-back and a clipped blood vessel on 2/9/23.
On Friday morning (2/10/23), he was still paralyzed and had lost sensation in his feet.
We are awaiting a call from the vet this morning (2/11/23). Needless to say we are devastated and really hoping for a full recovery. Looking for insights as to the likelihood of being able to walk again given that he had sensation in his feet pre-surgery but not post surgery.
☆ 1 No, he is not home yet though and on pain meds.
☆ 2 HHe is 36 pounds but lean. He is a big frenchie. He turned 3 on 2/1/23.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 11, 2023 11:13:51 GMT -7
Welcome Jaclyn! We are glad you've joined us all. From your report sounds as though Auggie will have a good chance to self repair his nerves. Best is to think more in term of months rather than day/weeks for this slowest part of the body to self heal. The surgery itself can cause a temporary setback to the nerves. That surgery caused swelling can take about 14 days to resolve on an anti-inflammatory and pain meds for at home. Then you and the surgeon can better see the direction of healing. The usual criteria for discharge is that transitioning over to at-home pills still control pain. 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/See if there things you can do to get ready for post-op crate rest your surgeon directs. Lots of useful tips to make those weeks go smoother for you and Tyson: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/You may also want to get a brief overview on the disease your dog was born with. Helps to understand what the vet communicates. And it will put you "in the know" for living many happy years ahead with your pet: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/26/time-and-ivdd/ As you learn more from the surgeon, do keep us posted.Thank you for registering! You can set up to get an email alert when there is an answer waiting for you to read: look at: 2) Bookmark a thread at this link for the detailsdodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7353/register-bookmark-dogs-post-thread |
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 11, 2023 13:20:53 GMT -7
Thank you so much for all of the information. It is so reassuring to know that this wonderful resource is here to guide us through this very scary time. We heard from the surgeon (2/11) today and he had some mild twitching in his left leg. A small gain but we will take it! We are prepared for the long haul recovery and will keep the community posted on Auggie’s progression.
Many thanks!
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 12, 2023 14:04:16 GMT -7
We heard from the surgeon. Auggie appears to have partial movement in his left leg, which is reassuring. They are going to take the catheter out today, 2/12, and see if he can pee on his own.
They will call us in the morning with an update. I am really hoping he can pee on his own, but I am prepared for the strong possibility that he cannot. Regardless, he is very unhappy at the hospital and they are likely to release him tomorrow or the next day as they think he will be more comfortable at home.
We have already bought the materials for his at-home recovery set up. I am curious what you all recommend for transporting him home. Should we just carry him to the car and lie him flat next to us on the back seat and I can sit next to him to keep him stable? We don’t have a crate but we were thinking we might ask a neighbor to borrow his so we can roll Auggie out while lying flat and put him in the car in the crate. We only live 5 minutes away from the hospital but I still want to ensure a smooth transport home.
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 Feb 12, 2023 14:45:26 GMT -7
Jaclyn, if there is some movement in the back legs, that means deep pain sensation (DPS) has returned! DPS is the first neuro function to return upon which all other repairs are dependant on. So DPS bodes well for more neuro function to self repair with time. I recall my neuro letting me know my dog was not a china doll after the surgery. The why of the post-op rest is to take it easy and give all of the areas (skin, muscle and the bone (vertebra) around the spinal cord accessed in performing the surgery a chance to heal. Dogs don't get the concept of "taking it easy." The crate is what reminds them of no unexpected darting off at something, etc." A crate for a car transport provides protection for Auggie. Pad out any extra space with a rolled up towel or blanket snug up to his body. This prevents his back with stops and when taking corners. i.postimg.cc/vmYQVvpz/Transport-CHUNK450.jpgOur hope is to hear with the catheter out, Auggie will give proof of bladder control by taking a sniff of another dog's urine in the grass and make the decision to mark there or give a good release of urine. Should there not be good proof of bladder control, you want to be prepared to get a hands on top of your hands type of lesson at the hospital on discharge day. It would not be a bad idea to get a sense of what is involved so you would get more out of the lesson. Here is the video to watch today: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/What kind of recovery suite do you have at home? We are looking forward to you next report and when Auggie comes home. |
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 12, 2023 15:41:35 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
Thank you for the information. We will contact our neighbor to borrow his crate to bring Auggie home.
We have a pack and play for his recovery suite. It has enough room for a flat bed and his raised food and water bowls. We reviewed the infographic so we plan to wrap it in plastic and put the pee pads on top.
The vet has a sling for Auggie, which apparently he enjoys walking in. They will go over everything at discharge, but I feel ahead of the game having reviewed the various FAQs and forums on this site.
My husband and I can’t thank you enough!
=====
Posted Feb 13, 2023:
Hi! So I just heard from the doctor. Auggie has some movement in his right leg and has pain sensation in his right foot. No indication of deep pain sensation in the left foot at the moment. He is unable to pee on his own at this point.
We are going to the hospital at 3 pm today (2/13/23) to learn how to express his bladder and then we will take him home. I am so excited to see him. Although he has acclimated to the hospital somewhat, he REALLY hates medical care of any kind. The doctors have said that he is definitely anxious, so recovery at home will most certainly improve his mood. I will also be less anxious as I won't have to wait for the daily phone call to know if he has made any progress as I will be able to see it for myself. Since he had a lot of bruising, I suspect that he will continue to improve as the bruising heals and I am hopeful that his ability to pee on his own will come back soon.
I will post tonight once I have his medication dosing schedule. I am sure I will have more questions as well once I get him home. Thanks again for all of your support!
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 14, 2023 5:18:12 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Auggie is home as of Monday, 2/13/23! We are thrilled to have him home. He is eating well and taking his meds without issue. We have found it difficult to express his bladder. I can't feel the plumb sized bladder. I press down near his ribs and the pee will sometimes come in spurts but not a consistent flow. When I do this, he also pees all over his stomach, which is fine but not ideal. Last night he peed himself in his recovery suite. Does that mean that he has control or is it possible for him to pee involuntarily?
Also, the doctors expressed his poop before we left the hospital at 5 pm yesterday but he hasn't pooped since being home. We keep taking him out to the yard but he isn't going. Any recommendations for how to facilitate pooping other than going on himself and scooting around in it?
As far as mobility, he definitely has feeling in his right leg. I don't think he has feeling in his left leg although both legs have been twitching.
Thanks in advance for your insights and support!
Jackie
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
36 lbs 3 y.o.
meloxicam as of 2/14: 35# dose 1x/day for 2-3 days
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day for 5-7 days
Prazosin 1 mgs 3x/day til consistently urinating]
Medications:
Gabapentin (100mg) every 8 hours for the next 5-7 days
Meloxicam 35# dose by mouth, once daily for 2-3 days, then as needed for pain
Prazosin (1mg): Every 8 hours until consistently urinating on his own
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 14, 2023 11:30:54 GMT -7
Jackie, I bet Auggie is very glad to be home with you guys. It sounds as if the surgeon feels that some degree of bladder control has returned??? An "OVERFLOWING" bladder is one where urine is released by reflexes because the brain has not yet been able to connect to the bladder. -- Examples are when lifted, the dog releases urine. The lifting kinda presses on the bladder like when you express and voilà urine comes out. -- An overflowing bladder needs to be expressed every 2-3 hours as you a just learning a new skill. As he stays dry, move up to every 3-4, then 4-6 hrs, even 8 hrs overnight. 1. When the bladder is quite full, it fills the tummy area. You won't really feel it. Any slight pressure with your hands or lifting him can cause urine to escape. 2. As the bladder empties, then you can learn to feel around to find it. It may be the size of a small plum. 3. Don't hesitate to go to your local vet or the surgical hospital to get another hands on your hands expressing lesson. This is a practice thing and you will "get" it likely after a weeks's worth of expressing practice. "PEEING" is release of urine by a brain directive being able to travel down the spinal cord to the neck of the bladder. TIP: Every couple of days take Auggie outside for the "Sniff and Pee" test. Use a leash/harness to control speed and darting off. The sling is to keep his butt from tipping over and twisting the back. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on! POOP EXPRESSING Expressing for poop is so that before mother nature would just let it plop out anywhere, you get there first to encourage poop to clear from the digestive tube to plop out where you desire. Most of us express on the toilet: upon awaking in the morning, maybe at 1-2 pm during the day and again before bedtime. First you should make a chart of eating, poop plopping times and try to figure out when you should be expressing. You really do not need anyone to demonstrate how to express for poop. This video shows how easy it is:
For how many weeks does the surgeon want for post op rest to heal all of the surgical involved areas?
Which of these at-home PT did the surgeon direct for the rear legs demoed in the video below? Post-op PT for the paralyzed IVDD dog: Let us know if there is full pain control, night and day. If not, alert the surgeon to what signs of pain you observe and when. Often the temporary post-op painful swelling can last for 14 days for some dogs.
SIGNS OF PAIN: ⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved ⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned bac ⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions ⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life around them |
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 16, 2023 15:08:07 GMT -7
2/16/23 - one week post surgery. So we feel pretty confident that Auggie is able to pee on his own. Today he was in his pen and he was crying. My husband came downstairs and he seemed frantic. My husband asked him if he needs to go potty and he barked and said yes (something he always used to do). My husband brought him outside and he immediately peed with a heavy stream and no pressure after the initial putting him down. My husband also walked him around in his sling and he did a big solid poop on his own. This is the biggest poop he has done yet and the first time in the yard. I am very pleased about the progress. Do you recommend letting him try to pee on his own moving forward or helping him to express as needed before bed for example?
He has feeling in his right leg but still knuckling when in the sling and not able to really move it.
No feeling in the left leg. Is it coming that feeling comes back in one leg first and the other eventually follows?
Thank you!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 16, 2023 15:17:39 GMT -7
Good news that Auggie has bladder and bowel control! Once dogs have regained some control, they are often opposed to being expressed. Still, as Auggie has only recently regained control, a quick express check after he pees outside is a good follow-up. This will only be necessary until you are sure he can completely empty his bladder.
It is quite common for IVDD dogs to regain feeling and movement in one leg before the other. The other leg should catch up in a bit.
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 18, 2023 18:39:14 GMT -7
Thank you for the information. I am really not sure that he has bladder control. I can feel him clenching his muscles in response to being expressed but I have not seen him go voluntarily since my husband thought that he went on his own. Anyways, I guess we will wait and see.
So I can tell that he had some feeling in his thighs as he turns around and looks puzzled when I rub them and he even got slightly annoyed today. However, he does not have feeling in his feet. He used to be extremely reactive to me touching his feet and he has no response now. Is it common for feeling to come back in the upper leg and later the foot?
Thank you for your help!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 18, 2023 19:16:28 GMT -7
Jackie, have you taken Auggie outside periodically to give the Sniff and Pee test?
Give him a chance to release urine on his own (scroll back up for the details of the test. If he does not release urine then, express him.
How often do you express? every 3-4 hrs ...???
Does he dry until the next expressing session?
Does he ever leak on you when lifted?
As for other body movements, those also need to be associated with a head level involvement. Otherwise it is difficult to know if movements are related to reflexes.
--- bladder control: Dog sniffs (head level) and then urine is observed being released.
--- Hear (head level ear) you doing some happy talk and then butt/tail stump wriggles is brain directed.
--- Itchy sensation at neck or ear and then tries to scratch would be purposeful movement.
--- Tickling paws, etc can cause reflex leg movements of pushing in or out.
--- Leg and tail movements during pottytime/expressing are often reflexes.
For how many weeks does the surgeon want for post-op rest?
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Feb 19, 2023 5:54:39 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
We take Auggie out multiple times a day. When we put him in the sling, he enjoys walking around our small yard to smell things. I have yet to see him pee after smelling things. Usually I try to express him when we first go out so I am going to try putting him in the sling and letting him sniff about before trying to express him. So the sling that the surgeon gave us somewhat compresses his penis and I have to pull it out from under the sling. I also think it somewhat compresses his bladder. I wonder if this sensation is uncomfortable and preventing him from peeing. Is there a sling brand you recommend that can better facilitate peeing?
As far as timing, we do it about every 3 hours, sometimes more, sometimes a bit less. Two nights ago his bed was not wet in the morning, one night ago it was wet, and this morning it was not wet. He will sometimes leak when lifted.
During the day and evening before bed, he leaks occasionally. We try to always have a pee pad under him but he often moves away from it and so we have been doing A LOT of laundry. Obviously this tells me that he doesn't have full or maybe any bladder control and that we aren't getting all the pee out. He really doesn't like that when I express him, the pee tends to get on his front legs and belly. I have tried different things like putting a plastic bag over his penis so that the pee goes into the bag but its hard for me to position the bag, hold his legs up, and express him at the same time and he is only patient for so long. He won't let me express him while lying on his side. I am curious what other dog owners with male dogs have done to make the expression less messy.
As far as other movements, I have been giving him regular light massages and doing the toe tickling. When I rub his hips and thighs, he does turn around and look at me. He has no reaction to his toes being pulled. From what I read, it seems that he needs deep pain sensation in his feet and toes to walk so I am curious if he has feeling in his upper leg, if it will just take more time for the sensation to return to his feet. Have you seen this before?
The surgeon wants 4 weeks of post-op rest and then we will have a follow-up visit.
Luckily, Auggie is really happy and when we are in the house and I am sitting next to him on the ground, it is like nothing has changed (except we are sitting on the ground on pee pads and blankets instead of the couch together). He used to be a runner and really enjoyed spending time with his "friends" (i.e., the other dogs from the dog park). In fact, the owners called him the "mayor" of the dog park as he got along with every dog and person. All of his human dog park friends have been so sad to hear of his condition and are rooting for him! In any case, we are getting into a routine and doing OK. Although I am eagerly waiting to see more progress, I know it will take time so I am trying to be patient. Thanks for the support!
Jackie
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Post by Ann Brittain on Feb 19, 2023 7:12:31 GMT -7
It's always best to get your dog out regularly to pee and to keep track of how much water/fluids he is drinking so you know when he has to go. If Augie has bladder control, he will go on his own. As a precaution, try to express him after he's peed to be sure he is empty.
Nerve healing is not an exact science and it takes time. Any sign that Auggie is regaining feeling in his legs or paws shows he's making progress. But it's important to give his body the time it needs to heal by continuing his crate rest. Once the vet gives the okay, you can start physical therapy exercises to help rebuild Auggie's muscle tone.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 19, 2023 8:10:37 GMT -7
As Ann said, nerve healing takes time. It's very early days in Auggie's healing so try not to expect too much. Take it one day at a time. Some male dogs prefer a Figure 8 sling. Here's how to make one: i0.wp.com/dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Figure8.jpgi0.wp.com/dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Figure8.jpg?resize=320%2C391&ssl=1It took me quite awhile to learn how to express my Jeremy's bladder. I tended to push the penis to the side and would get a soaking on my shoes! Practice makes perfect for sure. Try to find the bladder, feels like a small ball. When the bladder is full, the whole stomach area is extended. As you express, the bladder will get smaller. Sometimes the bladder will slip away and you need to find it again. When that happens, it usually moves back by the pelvic area. You can try expressing, then wait for 15 seconds or so and then try again. Once you find the bladder, express until the bladder feels flat, almost like your fingers are touching. I personally express over a small pan and then just wash the pan out. Or express outside in the grass where the dirt will absorb the urine around his feet. Don't hesitate to get another demonstration by a vet on expressing. It can be a challenge to learn to express but you can do it. To help with clean-up, make up a pot of decaffeinated green tea, let it cool down, dampen sponge or cloth and gently pat dog’s belly and legs. The green tea neutralizes the acidity of the urine so helps with urine burn and leaves a nice smell. You can keep any unused tea in the fridge to be warmed up for later use. Can Auggie do a happy tail wag? If so, then you can be assured that he has deep pain sensation. There is no timetable anyone can give you when to expect nerve repair to happen. In fact, there is no time limit for nerves to heal...it can take weeks, months or even a year or longer. However, 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.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk. 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. Healing prayers for Auggie. Please continue to keep us updated on how you and Auggie are doing. |
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Mar 5, 2023 11:33:55 GMT -7
Just providing an update on Auggie’s recent progress. In the last week, he has consistently demonstrated bladder control and we have not had to express him anymore. When we take him out, he goes on his own. We usually have to give him time as he will go several times as opposed to a consistent, heavy stream all at once. We also need to take him out every couple of hours. He hasn’t had a wet bed overnight in a week or so. He still unintentionally pees when he gets excited. He always used to do this when seeing special people (like my parents) but now he does it every time we come home. We have managed by trying to make sure he has a pee pad under him most of the time.
It is also clear that he has mild feeling in his feet as he looks at his feet when I press between his toes. His reaction when I press down hard is pretty mild as compared to what it would have been in the past, but I will take it. He regularly tries to stand up, particularly while eating but can’t really get his feet in the right position. Today I had him in the sling outdoors and he was moving his right leg a bit while walking, rather than just have it drag. Also, when I put his back feet in the right position and barely held onto the sling, he stood pretty well on his own for 30 seconds or so.
On Wednesday, 3/8, he has is 4 week follow up appointment with the surgeon. We also booked a PT intake on 3/13, during which they will evaluate his mobility and determine the right treatment options for him. If you have any recommended questions we should ask at either appointment, I welcome the guidance!
Although, I cannot believe my formerly very athletic 3 year old dog is still paralyzed, we have gotten into a new routine and are a managing well, thanks to the wonderful resource that is Dodger’s list. I am glad he has made progress and I am hopeful he will have some independent mobility back this summer. I will keep you all posted on his 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 Mar 5, 2023 12:57:41 GMT -7
Jackie, so glad to hear the very positive self healing going on with Auggie's neuro functions. After bladder control comes leg function repairs. He's not paralyzed. Instead he has shown great improvement in being able to move his legs— they might be weak movements but movement it is!! Bodes well for even more neuro function to self repair. Hope your PT clinic has underwater treadmill therapy. That kind of water therapy is exactly what would suit Auggie at this point in time. Because it is the movement of the hip joints and muscles and the changes in pressure on the paws from the underwater treadmill, which triggers spinal cord communication with the brain. Water buoyancy makes it easier for the current weak leg movements to move than against the more difficult on land gravity. There is not only the potential to regrow damaged neuronal path ways but also for neuron to muscle re-education to learn the art of walking again. I bet the surgeon will be pleased with all the progress he's been making in the last week. Wow, Auggie is on a roll! We look forward to hearing if Underwater Treadmill is available at the PT Clinic. At graduation date on March 9, and taking into consideration your surgeon's directives from 3/8, we'll have lots of tips and ideas to gradually transition Augie back into family life. Very excitiing stuff ahead for Auggie! Thanks for the great update.
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Mar 5, 2023 16:44:16 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
I do appreciate your reframing of his condition. It is true that he has weak muscle movement and so that means he isn’t actually paralyzed!
Yes, the PT clinic does have an underwater treadmill. Thank you for sharing how the treadmill can work to re-generate the neural pathways. He isn’t a big fan of water (mostly because of his ears) but I am hopeful that he will enjoy the freedom that the buoyancy provides. We never thought he would like the sling but have been quite surprised to see that he loves it as it allows him to move more freely.
I also agree that the neurosurgeon will be quite pleased with his progress. I will send updates after the appointment on the 8th!
Thanks so much!
Jackie
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Mar 9, 2023 19:14:05 GMT -7
Auggie had a good visit with the surgeon yesterday (3/8). She confirmed he has feeling in both legs with the left being a bit stronger than the right. She cleared him for activity and said it would be fine to order wheels for him so he can have more activity and traditional walks. We are going to wait until his PT appointment on Monday to discuss the wheels.
On another note, the surgeon noticed that his urine had a potent smell so they ran some tests and he has a UTI. He’s now on an antibiotic. The surgeon indicated that he probably had it brewing for some time. I am hopeful that once it clears, he won’t get one again since he now has bladder control.
Looking forward to the PT appt on Monday. I will send an update next week.
Thank you for your support!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 9, 2023 19:40:47 GMT -7
Jackie, agree would be good to hear from the PT folks whether it would be a better expenditure of money to pursue the Underwater treadmill or invest in a cart. With graduation Auggie will still be on a gradual increase in activity. Always supervised and under your control. So there are several weeks to assess where to spend money (cart or PT). GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION Determine how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation from rest. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free rein of the house and yard immediately! LOL Your dog's muscles 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%20scheduleDIY back PROTECTION around the house i2.wp.com/dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/home-back-protect-banner_700-45kb.jpg ** 1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly: dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/ 2) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for wobbly dogs or cart dogs: dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/ 3) Teach your dog to be safe and not jumping up or down, but to use a ramp 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."
Until he CAN walk, Auggie can scoot down from the couch having learned how to use a ramp such as this dog: HAPPY DAYS AHEAD 1) Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog such as dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more: dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 GARMENTS TO PROTECT You will want to consider how you will prevent rug burns from scooting around the house and protecting bacteria from entering the bladder. Here are some sew and no-sew options: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/13/garment-skin-uti-protection/ ** i.postimg.cc/6q8Cm3b6/garment-opitons.jpgMay we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? Did you know there are less than a handful who volunteer daily to help dogs and their owners? We need helping hands from other Forum members in educating. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs are put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication have helped many dogs recover. We depend on all members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate! Pick what suits you....We depend on you. Here are some ways to help..  ** -- Please celebrate Augie's graduation! Add a graduation photo and a short caption to our Gallery to give other members inspiration about your IVDD Survivor! dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas, Frenchies) give out our free little wallet cards. Hand carry our literature and print out our letter of introduction for your vet. ►ORDER BROCHURES & cards, they're free!◀︎] dodgerslist.com/free-literature-2/ for your vet and wallet cards for you -- 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: www.dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendationsState: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: Don't be a stranger! We'd love if you'd stop in periodically. We really do appreciate hearing how your dog is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see Auggie in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD! if you see a new member in a tough spot, give them hope. A brief paragraph about your dog can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need! I'll be watching to hear what the PT people suggest for Auggie at his Monday appt. |
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Mar 11, 2023 10:07:02 GMT -7
Thank you for this very helpful information!
I am posting again because Auggie appears to have a pressure sore. It is an oval hairless patch of black skin on his butt. It appears to bother him a bit when we touch it and it appears to be a bit moist. It seems to have come out of nowhere as I just noticed it yesterday (3/10) and the providers did not notice it at his follow up appointment on Wednesday. I just sent pictures to his doctor to see what she thinks.
In the meantime, we have put Neosporin on it and are ensuring he is on a cushy bed or blanket nearly all of the time. We are also making sure to reposition him regularly so that he isn’t sitting on that spot though this isn’t possible at night.
I am curious what you all recommend though, both as far as treatment and prevention. I am wondering if I should get him a scoot shirt or a diaper to prevent him from exacerbating the spot when he scoots on the ground. I also noticed that the sling sits right on this spot and probably irritates it. I just don’t want it to get worse or become a chronic condition.
Thanks in advance for your advice! Jackie
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Mar 11, 2023 14:57:12 GMT -7
Pressure sores sometimes develop on dogs that spend a lot of time lying down in one position. Memory foam or an egg crate foam mattress can help relieve pressure points. A good idea is to protect the foam mattress by inserting in a large trash bag and duct taping closed. This can be topped with fleece fabric as a sort of bottom sheet. You can also try an inflatable donut pillow, like people use for sciatica or hemorrhoids.
The neosporin could help, but it is important that he does not lick it. A scoot shirt is a good idea for covering the area. I am not sure if you have had a chance to look at the info on protective garments we have here:
If you feel the sling is irritating the sore, try a different type of sling. The figure 8 sling does not cover much area and should not irritate a sore on Auggie's butt. I am putting info on this type of sling here for your easy reference: i.ibb.co/q1V8S2c/Figure8.jpginformation |
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Mar 22, 2023 18:07:53 GMT -7
So Auggie continues to get stronger and make progress. He had his second PT session on 3/20. He did laser treatment again and got in the water treadmill. He didn’t move his back legs on his own, so the therapist just worked with him to move his legs and place his feet on the treadmill. He was far more tolerant of the experience than I thought he would be. I am hoping next week will be better.
He is definitely getting stronger though! When we place his feet correctly, he is able to stand up and correct himself from falling sometimes. Today (3/22) he stood up on his own! His feet were crossed but he did it!
Also, we got him wheels from Walking Wheels. The physical therapist measured him so we could get the right size. He has run around a couple of times in the yard with two of his dog friends. However, he doesn’t really like the wheels in general. He has never liked wearing any clothing and so he acts similarly in that he stands as if he is frozen and thinks he can’t walk. He will walk a little with enough treats but the only way to make him really move in it is when he feels motivated by other dogs. We are going to keep working with him in the wheels though. I am not down by the lack of interest in the wheels, as his ongoing physical progress leads me to believe that he will be walking soon! The physical therapist said that she has seen dogs worse than Auggie make a full recovery and she was optimistic that he will be walking again in some capacity. So we are on the right track!
Also, his pressure sore has basically heeled and I think his UTI has cleared as well. I will send more updates when we have more good news to share!
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 Mar 22, 2023 19:22:31 GMT -7
Jackie, definately Auggie is on a roll of nerve healing. With being able to move up into a stand all by himself, that gives real hope the next will be moving the legs in a walking motion. Glad to hear Auggie is ok with the underwater treadmill. That therapy will substantially move him towards moving his legs in a walking motion and strengthen his leg muscles to eventually be able to walk without aid of water bouyancy on land. Really exciting to hear how well Auggie is progressing.with nerve repair.
With the cart, can you use it as a PT device? Can his rear legs be down in position to touch the floor? With treats and cart support his rear legs may be able to attempt to move in a walking motion??
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Apr 4, 2023 17:08:15 GMT -7
Update on Auggie. He continues to improve each week. We took him to the dog park last week for the first time and he did great. He was really moving his back legs in his wheels and trying to push himself along. He is reluctant to use his wheels when he is just with us in the yard but as soon as a dog friend comes along, he is on the move! It is so nice to see. I took him again today, 4/4, and he loved it. All the humans were so impressed with how far he has come since his injury on 2/8.
PT has been going well. He LOVES going to the PT place as he gets lots of treats. They do a lot of floor exercises with him to start and then he does the water treadmill followed by laser therapy. It is surprisingly reasonable at $87 a session. He isn’t yet walking with his back legs on the treadmill, but the therapist moves his back legs and he moves his front legs. It’s hard to tell if his improvement is from the PT or just due to healing and time, but either way, he continues to make progress, so we are thrilled!
His UTI has cleared up. Even though he has bladder control, we still try to take him out every few hours since he doesn’t tend to fully void his bladder. The only time he pees in the house is when he is excited to see other people or when one of us comes home after being gone for a period of time during the day. He always used to leak a little when he was excited but now it’s a lot of pee, even if we take him out right beforehand. But we know to expect it so when guests come over, I try to have them greet him outdoors first so he can get the pee out or I place him on a pee pad indoors. We also put a big plastic tablecloth over part of our living room rug so that we use fewer pee pads. Anyways, we have a system down and it’s all pretty manageable. We are hoping some of these adjustments won’t be forever but are prepared for that possibility and know that he/we can continue to have a good quality of life with his current condition. He’s still the happy, loving dog that he has always been. I look forward to continuing to see improvement. I will send more updates soon! Thanks for all of your support!
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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 4, 2023 17:23:43 GMT -7
Jackie, so very nice to read this report that Auggie is making healing progress and importantly enjoying life. Sounds like your family has found a good work around system in caring for Auggie's bladder issues. Still early in nerve healing, so curious to see how things progress from here. Wonderful to hear he is still the same happy, loving fella he has always been!!
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Jun 8, 2023 15:58:55 GMT -7
So I thought I would provide a little update about Auggie. It has officially been 4 months since his accident. He has progressed so much! As of 6/9 he has good feeling in both feet and legs and moves them a lot in the wheels, which he has grown to love as a means to play with his friends. He regularly stands to eat. Two days ago he stood and took 12 wobbly steps - the most yet! He is particularly motivated to push himself when he is with other dogs. We take him to PT every Monday, where he has been doing laser therapy and water therapy. We are now going to increase it to 2 days a week and practice more strength exercises at home. It seems he has all the essential elements to walk fully again someday. It just seems he needs to get his strength back after not walking for 4 months. He is so smart that he has learned he can get around quicker most of the time if he scoots around on his knees instead of trying to stand, so we are trying to come up with ways to encourage him to try to walk more. We just got him a “help em up harness” so we can help facilitate more walking. So we will see what that brings.
The only negatives we are still experiencing are the cuts on the feet, which tend to open out from time to time. We wrap his feet in sports wrap when he is in his wheels but we try to avoid covering the pads of his feet as he uses his legs less when that is the case. But then he cuts his toes. So it’s a balancing act but we are doing our best. The other thing is the excited peeing. He has decent bladder control but when he gets excited he pees a lot. So we just try be conscious of this and make sure to put him on a pee pad as soon as we get home and greet him or bring him outside when guests come over so he can greet them and pee outside. Anyways, it’s challenging at times but we are in a good routine, happy with his progress, and hopeful about the progress to come!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 8, 2023 16:47:40 GMT -7
Jackie, this is marvelous to hear Auggie is continuing to heal his nerves. 12 wobbly footsteps is music to our ears. As he gets stronger muscles and more nerve healing, sounds as if you will see he will be able to have a more normal gait with time. You are doing all the right things for Auggie!!! I like your idea of help 'em up harness to encourage his walking on his own at home, practice, practice and the use of sport wrap on paws.
I had to do the same as you about excited peeing. We always greeted guests outdoors!
Thank you for sharing such a happy update!!
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Jun 8, 2023 17:41:13 GMT -7
Thanks for all of your support Paula. He’s doing great and we feel very fortunate. We will keep practicing the walking in the harness and the home exercises. We will send updates as he continues to progress!
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Post by Jackie & Auggie on Aug 20, 2023 16:17:03 GMT -7
Possible? disc episode as of 8/14/23?
Hi All, So Auggie continues to do well. We do PT twice a week now. He does laser and walks in the water treadmill, up to 2 minutes at a time. He walks almost entirely on his own. It has been so great to see. At home he had been standing up regularly and taking 3-10 steps at a time. We left for vacation [8/14] last Monday. When he arrived at the vacation house, he was walking a lot and almost running when he saw his dog cousin, Louis. I was thrilled. I thought he would be motivated to walk more during the vacation week while around his cousin; however, he didn’t. Anytime I would stand him up he would put his left leg in the air like a flamingo. He has done this with both legs several times throughout the healing process but now he keeps doing it with his left leg and is reluctant to walk again. I searched for flamingo leg on Dodger’s list and found that it is a sign of pain. I am curious if he is just sore from PT and pushing himself with the walking or if there is a possibility that he has hurt himself again. I am wondering if anyone else has reported similar symptoms in their dog as a result of the normal recovery process or if we should be concerned that he has another disc issue. Any insights are most welcome! Thank you! |
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