Tony, your reporting sounds very promising for Mac to likely go on with even more neuro improvement over time for the back legs.
If you have the ability to give us a link to a video of Mac walking, we sure would love to see it.
FYI, spinal walking is something only dogs with paralyzed legs and no deep pain sensation can sometimes learn how to use reflexes to move about ==> A
video and more information GRADUATION DAY, BEGINS A SLOW & SAFE 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
Mac's muscles are soft and out of shape after the rest period. Gradually build up his muscles and lungs. Normally post-op rest is for 4 weeks. So make sure you are safely increasing supervised activity so as not to disrupt scar tissue that has formed so far.
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
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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 on smooth flooring:
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 whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in the house.
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."
HAPPY DAYS AHEAD
Lots of ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog such as handling dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more:
dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 PT THERAPY AT CLINIC or HOME
Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog.
-- Water therapy to build up leg muscle strength:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/28/surgery-dog-water-therapy-- Strengthening core trunk muscles.
This applies not just for humans, but REALLY applies to the IVDD dog: "...improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that surround the spine so they can act like the world's greatest back and neck brace."
www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/spondylosis Core exercises don't require specialized equipment. Here are 5 exercises you can do at home:
totofit.com/five-basic-exercises-essential-to-building-core-strength/May 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 Mac'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.
Introduce us to your vet and
don't leave home without some wallet cards to hand out
-- 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:
And finally, don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love to hear how your dog is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see Mac in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD!
if you see a new member in a tough spot on the Forum, give them hope. A brief paragraph about your dog can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need!
