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Post by Lucyb on Apr 5, 2023 22:05:00 GMT -7
[ original subject line: 3 weeks post surgery, and no use of legs]
Hi! We rehomed our Frenchie in December after my husband’s cancer diagnosis. We rehomed him with the manager of his day care center. She called 3 1/2 weeks ago to tell us he slid while playing and had been diagnosed with IVDD and would need emergency surgery. We went ahead and paid for the surgery wanting the best for him. She took him home with her, but she called us last week to say she was tapping out. I have now had him back in my care for about a week. I am doing the home exercise regimen that she showed me, putting him in standing position, and using the sling to have him stand. His legs remain stiff, one of his feet feels cold, he has not bowel/bladder control, and he screams all night. We are taking him to our vet tomorrow, and taking into consideration the possibility of euthanasia. I guess I’m wondering if there is anyway to know if he has a chance of waking. It’s just so hard to know what is best for him. The vet says by now he should be attempting to move his legs and trying to stand….. he is not.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 6, 2023 7:26:22 GMT -7
Lucy welcome! You have come to the right place to learn about your dog's disease. The first thing to know is it is VERY early in the nerve healing department. Best to think in terms of months rather than days/weeks for this slowest part of the body to heal in. No one can give you a time table for nerve healing. There is however a predictable orderly step by step self repairing of neuro functions. More on that later. Just be aware...no vet has a crystal ball to be able to tell you a time period for walking. Your dog is going to have a good life and when his nerves heal to the extent possible, perhaps walking again as if nothing ever happened, that will just be icing on an already wonderful cake. Your dog does not think like people. He doesn't have to work or drive a car. He can easily and happily get to a treat or a warm snuggle with you by scooting or by wobbly walking.... he simply doesn't care how he gets from point A to point B. What is concerning to me is your reporting he screams at night. As you can imagine we are not there to understand and observe. In order for us to help, we need details from you to offer you comments that would be helpful. Observing 2 or more signs of pain can be helpful in confirming pain rather than shivering due to being cold, or anxiously trembling, etc?
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 selves ➕if a neck disc: ◻︎ head held high/ nose to the ground ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg up flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
Be in the know about the step-by-step order of nerve healing. Read what vets who understand nerve healing (Neuros and orthos) say: dodgerslist.com/2021/02/06/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/
QUESTIONS:
1. Why do you think he screams and is it only at night? Is it anxiety of not being near you? Is he in pain?
2. Was the surgery on the neck or back disc?
3. What meds, if any, is he taking: Name, mgs and how often?
4. How often are you expressing the bladder? Does he stay dry expressing session to session?5. What's your Frenchie's name?
Lucy please do register when you can. L👀k below if you want more info on registering. |
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