|
|
Post by Lisa & Oliver on Jun 15, 2024 3:48:19 GMT -7
[Original subject line:2nd Surgery complications ]
I am hoping to get some moral support/ encouragement from the group. My Oliver will be 8 next week.
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
weight? 8 y.o.]
2 1/2 years ago he had cervical ivdd surgery after going down paralyzed in all 4 legs. He made a great recovery with no flare ups until now. Though we are very diligent, he managed to jump off the couch. He started limping and walking head down. We are lucky enough to be down the road from the University of Missouri Vet School and they were able to see him quickly [6/15] this morning.
He was worse this morning and was very painful. He got an MRI and it was determined that the disc next to his old surgery site was herniated and needed surgery.
As an aside- they found what they believe is a benign mass in his ear canal that will need an ear canal ablation. But I can’t think about that right now.
Surgery on the disc went very long. Part of the disc material is adhered to the spinal cord. After 4 hours they decided they didn’t want to keep him under any longer. His blood pressure was dipping and they even gave him a blood transfusion. The dr said they got about 1/2 of the disc material taken care of. The Dr wants to see if they can medically manage the remaining but if not they will need to go back in. She said she’s only seen this ( adhered to the spinal cord) once before and that they did have to go back in surgically. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I am feeling defeated and a mess. He did so well with his first surgery so I’m just so discouraged and I am so scared he will still be painful.
Update- he is breathing on his own and oxygenating well. He is taking longer to come off the anesthesia than they’d like and showing signs of disorientation. Waiting for them to call with an update this morning.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,793
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 15, 2024 6:56:43 GMT -7
Moderator Paula is reading your post and preparing a reply. It can take 20-40 minutes or longer dependent on the complexity. Thank you for your patience. 👀 Please refresh your browser to see new replies. -- Your dog is very special to us. -- The answers you will receive takes a moderator time to research, compose and give you the in-depth information you will not likely find elsewhere.
🚩Remember add a bookmark to your Browser's bookmarks.
Appreciate your registering. Thank you! EMAIL ALERTS Now you can receive email alerts when someone has posted. Timely interaction/communications is needed when helping your dog. i.postimg.cc/T1xztZX3/Bookmark.png ** Bookmark for an email alert when someone has replied. Go to the CONSERVATIVE Board: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/6/conservative or the SURGERY board: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/7/surgery 1. Look for your dog's thread and checkmark it. 2. Look for the white ACTIONS button towards top. 3. Select “Notification Options" from the pull down menu — check mark “NEW POST” change from never to INSTANT email — press the SAVE button. Click the “x” to close the window 4. Next choose the “Bookmark” See the tiny book symbol now! i.postimg.cc/GhKYTNg7/Bookmarking.jpg
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,793
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 15, 2024 7:25:26 GMT -7
Lisa, welcome to the Forum. We are glad you have joined us. Good news this morning that he is oxygenating well on his own! No two disc episodes are exactly the same. However, it is always the same when an owner suspects disc damage: 1) immediately crate to prevent worse pain/neuro damage. 2) get vet help 3) know the two treatment options. How fortunate, you live so close to U of M! Sometimes there can be disc material that has adhered to the cord especially with an old/previous disc episode. The hope, when it can't be surgically removed, is the same as with conservative treatment that with time the the body will be able to reabsorb the offending disc material. OR that the body will get used to it and not be an aggrevating, painful thing. RECOVERY SUITE and more You may find these tips and ideas for making post-op crate rest go smoother useful to remind you what to gather up to make a nice recovery suite for Oliver: dodgerslist.com/strict-rest-recovery-process/ There are extra things you can do at home to help the neck heal, such as softening hard kibble, raising food/water dishes, etc. More info here: ==> dodgerslist.com/cervical-care-tips/This page is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. dodgerslist.com/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers/Get Ready for DISCHARGE DAY I bet your mind is flooded right now with concerns, questions. Now is the time to jot those things down. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns to ask your surgeon: dodgerslist.com/discharge-day-list/As you get updates, please let us know how Oliver is doing. |
|
