jennloveslucy
New Member
My Italian greyhound/dachshund mix just came home today from surgery for rupture disc, send some luv
Posts: 1 
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Post by jennloveslucy on Sept 21, 2013 14:27:56 GMT -7
First of all, let me say, I am so glad that I have found this website! It seems like a lot of my questions I have had throughout this whole traumatic experience have been answered on here and have given me some great ideas and tips! So thankful for the creators of this!!
Tuesday, 9/17/13, I came home to find my dog laying in her bed unable to walk or stand up. Earlier on in the day she had jumped onto my bed and fell, tried again and fell. A couple hours went by and she tried to get on the couch but even when she put her front paws on the cushion and crouched down to jump, she refused. It was almost as if she was afraid of falling again. A few hours later she had a drunk, wobbly looking walk. I was at work and my parents took her to the vet for me and had them check her out before they left for the day. They said she'd probably be okay for the night but definitely needed to see a doctor by tomorrow. A few hours later, I came home and found my dog unable to move from her bed. I fell to pieces thinking that maybe she had a hip out, she's having a bad arthritis flare up, etc. I immediately took her to a 24 hour animal care hospital who examined her right away and their exact words were, "my biggest fear right now is that she is paralyzed."
I completely broke down! Tears streamed down my cheeks, my stomach tightened like I had never felt before, I was hysterical and honest to God, felt like I was going to throw up. How could my dog be paralyzed?! I had no idea that dachshunds were the poster children for herniated discs.
The tech had the surgeon take a look at her, who had said the same thing. It looks like a slipped disc. At this point Lucy still had deep pain sensation and we were considering operating tonight. The tech went to go speak with the surgeon again and when she came back we were told that he was the only surgeon in Austin on call for a surgery like this and he had done so many surgeries earlier on in the day, he didn't have the necessary equipment required for surgery because it was all being cleaned and sterilized.
About 1am we decided to admit her into their facility, give her some pain meds and hope for the best while we wait for her surgery tomorrow morning. About 5am I got a call from them to tell me that the Dr. wanted to meet with me at 8am to discuss Lucy's options and what's going on with her and the dreaded news of, she had lost deep pain sensation at about 2am. My heart broke once again for her. Her chances of making a recovery from this just dropped down from 80% to 50% or less. The odds are not in her favor.
After meeting with the Dr. and weighing her options. I decided to go ahead and go through with the surgery because I can't give up on her yet, even if the odds are against her. I believe God can work miracles and if it's meant to be, she will walk again. It's been three days since her surgery and she was released to come home today. Still no deep pain sensation, no real function of her bladder, not eating well, etc. I need some support tonight and something to look forward to. She's in her crate as I was directed to follow a strict confinement schedule post surgery and I just hate not seeing that lively, bubbly dog I once knew. She just lays there, like she has no will to live. I'm sure part of that is an effect of the pain killers she's on, but I just need someone to reassure me that it will be okay.
We have a follow up with the Dr. on Wednesday to reevaluate. I've read somewhat about water therapy and acupuncture for dogs. Has anyone had good experiences with them? I want to do anything and everything I can to help her function like a normal dog once again. Does anyone have an suggestions. Can I do water therapy at home for her on my own or do I need a professional? Any other suggestions that would help get that deep pain and mobility back.
The Dr. gave her some exercises for me to do with her a few times a day. bicycle movements, standing her up, swaying her back and forth, etc. Is there anything else I can do in addition to these to help?
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Post by natureluva on Sept 21, 2013 16:30:55 GMT -7
Hi Jenny, welcome to Dodger's List! We're glad you found us. Sorry to hear that Lucy has IVDD, but it's great news that she made it through the surgery! Can you give us more information so that we can better help you? What meds is Lucy taking? Can you give us the names/dosages/frequency of dosing? Since she does not have bladder control, are you expressing her bladder for her 4 to 6 times per day? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Drugs often change a dog's personality. She also may be feeding off of the anxiety that you are feeling, so try to put a smile on your face and in your voice while you're around her. Keep in mind, it takes about two weeks for post-op swelling to go down, then many owners see improvement in neurological status. Acupuncture and laser light therapy are excellent complementary treatments for IVDD. They both stimulate the nerves to heal and reduce pain and inflammation, and acupuncture has the additional bonus of inducing a state of well-being. These treatments can begin asap, as long as you can safely transport your dog to and from the appointments (crated). You can ask your vet for a referral to a holistic vet that does acupuncture and laser light therapy, or you can search for one in your area here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ The best way for you to help Lucy is by learning about her disease. Here is a brief tutorial on IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.html . If a dvd is more your style, we have an excellent one available for only $3 including shipping. It's great to have on hand to show to family/friends/petsitters so they will know what they can and cannot do with your dog and how they can help: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Feel free to read through some of our Success Stories to get an idea of the recoveries our pups have had. Those marked with an "S" next to their names had surgery. We look forward to hearing more about Lucy! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Sept 22, 2013 10:59:06 GMT -7
Hi Jenn, my name is Maureen. I am sorry that have had such an emotional roller coaster ride as you are introduced to IVDD. Here is some general information on surgery www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmYou can best help your Lucy by getting to know all about IVDD, the medications and the phases of healing. It will take about 2 weeks for the post operative swelling to go down and it takes longer for nerves to heal - weeks to months. How nerves heal - order of recovery Here is how nerves typically heal... in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 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 place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. Right now she sounds doped up from her medications and surgery - she is part Italian Greyhound and these, along with other Sighthounds take longer to recover from the effects of anesthetics and pain medications. It has to do with their body fat and metabolisms - but they are in a class all by themselves, so try not to worry about her rather lethargic manner right now (I know -easier said than done) You can contact your Vet for adjustments to medications if necessary. Read s much as you can about IVDD. Please keep us posted, and check in frequently to let us know how you both are doing. We are here to help, and we have all been through this. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs))) |
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