Rita's Scout 6/2 NECKsurgery3wks, female pitMix; GRAD 6/24

Rita, now with graduation day from post-op rest these things may help Scout get a better night's rest.  Increasing her supervised time out of the recovery suite on a gradual basis can lift her spirits, and tire her out.  The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free rein of the house and yard immediately!

Look at the sample schedule and start her from the point your surgeon has directed: dodgerslist.com/back-friendly/

GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION
     Follow your surgeon's directives on walks with support harness.   Let us know if you are connecting with a rehab clinic for the physical therapy is is specifically Underwater Treadmill therapy?

To help Scout  safety around your home
1) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for wobbly dogs that need sling support.: dodgerslist.com/traction-solution-improvements/

2) When the time is right, teach Scout 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.
i.postimg.cc/BQ2d3gkd/Crusoe-Doggone-ramp600-1.jpg √

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
    1) You and Scout have survived a disc herniation! Learn what you can do from this point forward. Especially good to use with youngsters and others who may be around your dog to help them understand his disease:  dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ivdd-6-Life-with-IVDD-Dodgerslist.pdf
    2) Now for the everyday living with an IVDD dog things. 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/after-graduation-living-with-ivdd/

PT THERAPY AT CLINIC or HOME
     Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although your senior Scout needs to stay limber, IF she has severe arthritis, that might make certain movements inappropriate.
-- Details about water therapy at home or in a clinic:  dodgerslist.com/surgery-dog-water-therapy/

-- Strengthening core 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.
You will know when her back legs are ready and able to try these are 4 exercises you can do at home: 1) Sit toStand, 2) Down to Stand, 3) Three Leg Stand, 4) Backing UP.
The last exercise presented in the video,⚠️ HIP extension, exercise is NOT for dogs with IVDD back disease!

At home PT ideas:
--- Buy cheap cut of meat or chicken when on sale as really high value treats. Cook, cut into tiny treats and freeze to use as needed each day.  Dogs don't care how big the treat is, just that they get treats!
--- Do all PT where there are no other distractions of kids or other dogs.
--- Do PT slowly so that steps are deliberate- helps to re-train the nerves and muscles to work together in a more normal gait pattern.
--- Surface with good traction such as carpet or use of a Yoga mat or rug runners
--- Do therapy at meal times. Feed dinner a few kibbles at a time, for stands, sits. Scatter some kibbles on a non-slippery floor and use sling if wobbly walking to get her food. 
---Use sticks, broom, pvc pipes spaced out on good traction carpet. Dog then learns to lift paws as they walk SLOWLY over each one.
--- Single leg balance for the weaker leg. While standing, lift her stronger leg off the ground for a few seconds-this will force bearing weight on the weaker leg. Lower and repeat with the opposite side leg.
--- Outdoors on leash/harnes/sling. Walk across a gentle slope, walk up and down the slope. Walk on different textures...low grass, higher grass, on sand.

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..
-- "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.

-- 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 Scout 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.postimg.cc/8P5FkBYy/living-laugh-love-in-spite.png

Please update us on her current back leg abilities.