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Post by Karen's Poppy on Sept 21, 2023 5:18:08 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Newbie (with post op dog May 2023)]
Hello and thank you for allowing me to join this group. I have a gorgeous, sweet little Coton de Tulear called Poppy and she's almost 5 years old and neutered around a year ago. I know for a fact that one of her litter mates had exactly the same a year before she did but don't know anything about the 3 others.
in May this year, she [Poppy] experienced a herniated disc which had disintegrated and was pressing on her spinal cord resulting in a temporary semi-paralysis of back legs. She was admitted to a university animal hospital and had successful surgery and recovery. The cost was £7.5k.
She's great now but I've continued to carry her up and down stairs and also don't allow her to jump off anything if we lift her up. She no longer jumps up on furniture by herself. She's a fussy eater and is around 5.5kg and on no medication.obviously I'd hate this to ever happen to her again so keen to avoid it if I can. There was mention made of multiple calcified discs which makes me wonder if she ever experienced chronic pain in her spine. She loves to wander off lead and if she meets another playful dog will play chase quite happily. Any advice gratefully received. I will read the information on here of course!
thank you.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 21, 2023 14:08:42 GMT -7
Welcome, Karen. It sounds like you're doing a very good job of protecting Poppy's spine from re-injury. Do know that IVDD is a life-long disease and at any time a disc can degenerate to the point where it can rupture or tear, despite precautions being taken. If at any time you see any sign of pain or diminished neuro function (wobbly walking, knuckling of paws, etc.), do immediately crate Poppy to protect her spine from further damage and seek immediate vet advice. By catching any problem early, hopefully you can prevent any nerve damage and Poppy could heal with conservative care. Learn all that you can about IVDD so you can fight this disease on Poppy's behalf. The best place to start is at dodgerslist.com/. On this page, you'll find a list of back-friendly activities and never-again activities to help protect the spine: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendlyMake some home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on the spine in the future. No more stairs, ramps to slide down from furniture (dogs can so often do the unexpected and jump off a couch/chair so teaching them to use a ramp is a safe way for them to get up and down) Ramps: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/867/rampsFurniture blockers, etc.: dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/Here is information concerning calcification: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/05/calcified-discs-meaning/We're here for you and Poppy should you ever have any questions or concerns. |
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