My dog has a degenerative disc

[lucyk]

Shih poo breed, 5 year old female has a degenerative disc in the middle of her back. The worst case scenario is paralysis. Started on Metacam, a 7 day prescription, works great. Question is long term care? Quality of life is important. What's the balance? She is a spunky, dog, loves to run. Any advice from pet owners in a similar situation (exercise, diet, medication).

Bye,
Lucy

[diandpat]

Hi Lucyk...welcome to the board

Sorry to hear your pooch has been diagnosed with disc disease. My Hobo also has disc problems and has had two "episodes". He surely is pathetic when his nerve is being pressed by I can so relate as I have three herniated discs :sad:

If your dog is presently acute you need to isolate her totally...NO unnecessary movement at all. Make sure she is comfortable eating, even if that means raising her dishes. Where Hobo's disc is it hurts too much to lean forward to eat. I have left his bowls elevated permanently to avoid putting undue pressure on the back and disc.

Long term you should be limiting your dogs jumping up and especially down. Also, stairs should be kept to a minimum, especially down. All that pounding is jarring on the spine. I have built little steps to get on and off furniture otherwise he will jump up anyways

Both of my dogs are on Orijen grain free food. Good nutrition is always a good idea. Keep her weight in check too. Extra weight is as hard on them as it is on us

They are also on Flex Tabs that I order from painfreepet.com in the states.

Hope that helps a bit. I know it is hard to watch the first time. Hobo has had two episodes but has not had one now in over three years.

Please keep us posted and pictures are almost mandatory on this site

Good luck!

[SnowDancer]

If you do a search of most of my posts they will be about Dachshund disc disease - a little different I know - but you will get the picture. I know it is expensive, and there are no guarantees, but if you can afford it, I would get a referral to Guelph - the day clinic - to see one of the neuro surgeons - to see if your pup would be a good candidate for surgery. The X-Rays alone are very expensive - but not as expensive as having to race there at midnight to be met by the on-call neuro for immediate surgery. (In Toronto, the specialists require a 24 hour work-up - no exceptions) - so they refer you to Guelph. Certainly following your vet's advice re limiting movement, keeping off stairs, lifting to bed and furniture, a ramp, weight under control etc. etc. will help a lot, but the bottom line is you never know when it will strike again. We have been through 2 surgeries as you will see from my posts. It is heartbreaking and seems to be affecting an increasingly alarming number of breeds these days. We now have an about to turn 5 Eskimo and they have long backs and have recently learned of a few of them coming down with the back problem. Based on my experience, I would tend to jump fast towards surgery since your dog is not experiencing full body and neck problems requiring full body surgery. And yes, paralysis is a possibility. If that happens be very careful when you touch your dog - if screaming occurs the discs are pressing on the spinal nerves so be prepared with heavy gloves etc. If you dog starts to show signs that paralysis is setting in - believe me, you will know it if this happens, please rush to vet immediately. I think Missisauga has a good Emergency - I am very happy that Toronto now has the Emergency on McMurrich in Toronto that is open 24 hours a day - this is the place that most Toronto specialists operate from. I seriously hope that if my Eskie develops this problem - or if he needs to see an ortho for any leg disorder - that we have the 24 hour window. But Guelphs' Small Animal Clinic is wonderful and if he is still there, neuro Dr. Thomas Gibson is absolutely wonderful with dogs.

[lucyk]

Dear Di and Pat,

You're my first reply. Thank you for your good tips. I'll do as you suggested.
Good luck with your own pets.

Bye for now,
Lucy

[lucyk]

Dear Snow Dancer,

Thank you very much for your information. I'll talk to my vet. I'm sorry about your dogs too. Take care.

Bye for now,
Lucy

[lucyk]

I spoke to my vet today about taking Cookie in to see a neurologist. There's a neurologist at the Mississauga Emergency clinic in Oakville. My vet feels I should give Cookie more time, and see how she manages on her own without the meds. So I'll do that.

Anyone have any practical ideas how to stop her from running up and down the stairs (2 flights of stairs carpeted), she won't use a ramp. I carry her as much as possible, but sometimes she's so quick she's already past me. (She follows me everywhere.)

Bye,
Lucy

[SnowDancer]

I expect at 5 your pup is too set in her ways to start using a ramp. If I were to adopt a Dachshund puppy today, I would try and start training ramp use right away - this apparently is a lot easier sooner rather than later. Even after surgery baby gates did nothing to stop my Dachshunds if they wanted to reach stairs etc. You might have to use a double high gate or put your pup somewhere where the steps are not accessible - this would mean even in a room when you are not at home - we were finally forced to do this - a large bedroom - and when you are home fully blocking off of stairs if at all possible. The problem is that if your dog feels she can do the stairs she will. I can tell you though that if she is feeling pain she absolutely won't try the stairs which will be a very clear signal to you to get to the vet as soon as possible. And, sadly, and not to alarm you, I expect that you will be going through this again, so would take every precaution. But no matter what you do, if it is going to happen it will. The bottom line is that you have to let your dog life his life. I know a woman whose Dachshund was almost fully paralyzed yet she kept him in this state in a crate for years. I couldn't do this. I took all precautions but my guys enjoyed their lives. But I was always aware that that could change in a minute. I know that there is a neurologist near where you live - what I was hoping was that you might be able to get a better price if you went to Guelph's Small Animal Clinic on a "regular" patient basis - with a referral of course from your vet. If you have to go to Guelph at midnight for emergency surgery the price will be higher than it would be if performed by a Toronto neuro. A friend of mine had the option of a bit of time - her Weim had degenerative disc disease. She did go to the Toronto clinic, but ended up being referred to Guelph as the cost was considerly less - and frankly this is a very expensive procedure. Of course travelling to Guelph from Toronto is a pain - especially with a paralyzing dog - and then you have to go back for a follow-up. But they are absolutely wonderful at Guelph. I hope all goes well and good luck with keeping your pup off the stairs - and from jumping up onto the bed and couch. Remember where there is a will, there is a way.

[lucyk]

Dear SnowDancer,

Thank you for your reply. Everything you say makes good sense although I dislike the idea of confinement, and barriers but it looks like it has to be this way especially when I'm out of the house. I do carry her up the stairs most of the time, but not always because I'm either carrying a laundry basket, dinner plates, or whatever the case might be. I don't think a gate would work in this case because I would have to put down whatever I'm carrying to open the gate with her at my feet trying to squeeze by. (I'm thinking out loud.) I'll have to put a board across high enough to stop her but to allow me to step over it. I'll try that. She's my shadow and follows me everywhere.

I did call the Oakville emergency location, and yes it's expensive. I'll also call the Guelph neurologist to find out more. This is pretty scary stuff so it doesn't hurt to be better prepared.

Thank you again for your helpful information.

Bye,
Lucy

[diandpat]

Lucyk, you are right...this is pretty scary stuff

When Hobo has had his episodes, he is confined to the livingroom, I put the ironing board across the Upstairs (don't use it for anything else ) and a chair across the Downstairs. All the cushions are off the furniture and blocking their access. He has a bed and toys and the radio...that's it!

You have to find the balance between letting Cookie live her life and live her life safely and comfortably

Please be careful how you are carrying her too. You should be keeping her back straight. Lift with your forearms behind her front legs and in front of her back legs...don't let her back curve. It can push the disc out further.
for you and Cookie and please keep us posted.

[diandpat]

BTW Cookie is adorable!!!!

[lucyk]

Hi DiandPat,

Thank you for the information on how to hold and carry Cookie. (I was wondering about that myself.)

I had another talk with my vet. He called the nueorologist at the McMurrich ER clinic, on Yonge & Davenport. Cookie has type 1, which is potentially dangerous. It can rupture anytime. I'd like to see a specialist for consultation, however does anyone have any recommendations? There are 2 ER clinics, one in Toronto and the other in Mississauga. I live in Mississauga which is convenient, but I'd rather see a specialist that is easy to talk to, and who has good bed side manners. So if anyone has had any opinions pls let me know.

My dog groomer recommends a product called Caneve (caneve.ca). Her large dog has major back problems and she says it helps. I just hate to get in the desperate trap of trying all these natural remedies, that really don't help. If anyone else is trying Caneve it I'd be interested in knowing what you think of the product.

Cookie is doing alright, and she's her usual self. Thanks for the nice compliment.

Bye for now,
Lucy

[SnowDancer]

Personally, I would get a consult with Dr. Patricia Cochrane - or her designate at the Toronto clinic - of course, I know this clinic and that they have excellent specialists who work from the facility. But of course the Mississauga clinic may be excellent as well. Plan B is Guelph - or a combination thereof - a consult say at McMurrich and then a referral to Guelph, if needed. We were going to see Dr. Cochrane when our guy - who as it turned out suffered from Stage II Dachshund disc disease, which does not present in the same way as Stage I - of which I know every symtom. - started to paralyze 15 minutes after our vet had taken a general back X-Ray. Due to the sudden paralysis, we had to go to Guelph to meet with the on-call neuro for immediate surgery. The Toronto clinic requires a 24 hour work-up to do all of the necessary X-Rays etc. - Guelph does not on an emergency basis and both my vet and the Emergency agreed that he needed surgery within the next 10 hours or there would be no hope. I loved the neuro at Guelph - especially since he had 2 pups at home recovering from same surgery - and like we would shortly be doing, was sleeping on a mattress on the floor with his dogs, with the rest of the furniture turned upside down - this when just pass the cage requirements. It will not be cheap though. In the event that my Eskimo should develop a back problem - and it has happened to a few Eskies - I would be there fast - but then I am very afraid of this disease. Should he develop Patellar Luxation or Cruciate Ligament, I hope to go to McMurrich and have names of orthos ready. I don't want to have to race the highway to Guelph late at night ever again. Re the natural remedy I have no idea how it would work. Each dog is different and while cage rest can certainly help and often does with no need of surgery, we were not so fortunate - and some dogs do not recover with just cage rest. Sometimes the neuro will indicate that surgery will not help the situation. In our last case, we went ahead because we had to make an instant decision, but based on the circumstances it appeared as if our guy would come back at least 90%, but at the point no one knew Stage II - the leakage of the nuclear fluid causes spinal cord death in places, which does not regenerate. He came out of the surgery and after 6 weeks was at about 70% which was far less than expected but enough to live a decent life. But at his follow-up we were warned that he would suffer a relapse and that a second surgery would not be successful. We knew we had about a year - we ended up with 10 months to the day of his surgery. Truthfully, had we known this going in, we would not have had the surgery, in that we had been through it before we our first Dachshund and frankly it is hell, but so wonderful when it works out. But we gave it a shot, and I do not regret one day of the 10 months that we had. He had just turned 6 when he had the surgery. I hope everything works out for you. In the meantime, you have to do everything possible to keep your pup still - and carry him as DiandPat said.

[lucyk]

Dear SnowDancer,

I mentioned that my vet spoke to Dr. Susan James at the South clinic in Toronto and her advice was to give Cookie plenty of rest, and carry on as normal but if I notice any "drunken" walking to call my vet immediately.

My vet suggested that I should go in for consultation and see Dr. James anyways, and I think I'll do that. I have the x-rays and will get a referral from my vet.

As far as the Caneve product, the owners of the company are suppose to call me tonight. I wonder why one disc has degenerated and the others are okay. I guess that's a question for the specalist.

Thank you again.

Bye,
Lucy

[SnowDancer]

Yes, Dr. James is the doctor my friend saw. Keeping an eye on your pup is the hardest things because everything goes to "h" in a second. One thing to be VERY grateful for - only one disc! I know how awful the whole process is, but since every single disc in both of guys' bodies were affected, you can probably figure out why I would be happy with just "one". A question though to ask Dr. James would be the chances for the problem to spread to another disc. There is a procedure they can do (not sure if it is just done at Guelph as a trial) where they "work" on the immediately adjacent discs hoping to avoid such a problem in the future. Of course with my last guy this was not an option, but might be for you. Just wish I knew the name of the procedure. Some of the other patients' Moms told me about it while we were back at Guelph for our follow-up - it was like Dachshund central - with a few other breeds thrown in to round out the group. It was nice though to have others in the same situation to compare notes and ways of coping. Hope your appointment goes well.

[lucyk]

Dear SnowDancer,

I did alittle investigating on the internet and the neurologist Dr. Carolina Duque at the Mississauga Emerg clinic has very good qualifications, DVM, MSc, DVSc, Dip ACVIM which is equivalent to Dr. Susan Cochrane at the Toronto South clinic but I was told that Dr. Cochrane doesn't perform surgery anymore although Dr. Debbie James does (I thought it was Susan James). Dr. James shows DVM, and Dip ACVIM after her name. I've decided to go with Dr. Duque. I also found out that if an MRI is necessary they can do it at the Mississauga site, for $1700. They don't have the MRI equipment at Toronto South.

If you can think of anymore questions to ask the neurologist please let me know. My appt. is booked for Tuesday Feb. 10, in the morning.

Bye,
Lucy

[SnowDancer]

I didn't realize that Dr. Cochrane wasn't performing surgery any longer - of course I only know of her through reputation and I didn't get to meet her. The MRI I know is so expensive. I don't know what Guelph Small Animal Clinic would charge on a day, regularly booked appointment. My friend had her first consult with our vet, then she went to McMurrich St. and met with Dr. James (I know it wasn't Dr. Cochrane) and then she went to Guelph for the X-Rays - I think there was some savings - but of course there is the travel etc. to get there which no everyone can manage during the day hours. I sure wish they would set up a special bus for Guelph as so many people need to get there. I guess see what Dr. James says and then you could ask her about Guelph - and then you can go from there. But as I warned you, should you need to go to Guelph for after hours surgery - with the on-call neuro - then $$$. Also, before the emergency in-take doctor will examine your pup, while waiting for the neuro, you have to pay 50% of the anticipated cost of the surgery upfront - by credit card or cash equivalent - and the balance on release from hospital. So don't rush out without your wallet. I gather they used to allow for some sort of payment plan, but when we were last there in 2003, that had stopped and my friend was there just recently - same procedure. Best of luck on Tues. The really hard for you will be trying to pretend that nothing is wrong.

[lucyk]

Dear SnowDancer,

Today I saw the neurologist Dr. Duque at the 24 hr. Emerg clinic in Oakville who by the way is a clinical neurologist and not a surgical doctor - things are so complicated. She examined Cookie, looked over the x-rays and thinks Cookie has 2-3 herniated discs. Tomorrow I take her in for an MRI.

I did call Guelph this morning about the cost of an MRI but they wouldn't give me the price over the phone, (only to vets) so I had my vet's office call (which they did) but they weren't successful either (too many variables). Anyways I did find out there might be a couple hundred dollars if at all. Guelph will not talk to you directly unless your vet sends them a referral and you've had an appt. with them.

My hunch is she'll need surgery. Seeing that you've been through surgery with your pets please let me know how bad postoperative care is?
There are 4 surgeons at this clinic.

One last thing, the neurologist thinks CanEva is a very good supplement. For anyone interested check out their website. www.caneva.ca

Bye for now,
Lucy

[SnowDancer]

Hi Lucy,

I was wondering you how made out yesterday - internet was acting up last night and I got booted out. Too bad the vet wasn't a surgeon. I am not surprised really that more than one disc is affected - but 2 or 3 still gives me hope. I do understand how hard it is to get info over the phone, but what is frustrating is that an MRI of your pup's back is just that, an MRI - doesn't matter if every disc is affected or just one - same procedure so same cost. Of course they sometimes have to do other very fancy X-Rays - my guy had a few that night at Guelph, so they are perhaps wary of quoting one cost only to have to tell you that based on the MRI that the other X-Rays are required. And, yes, you would need a referral to Guelph. Out vet had to fax all of the info from the X-Ray our Dachshund had had done that day to the surgeon, along with his general health history. There was a bit of a problem in that someone put it in the wrong in-tray and neuro couldn't find it - just what you need at midnight! Dogs come home very early from surgery these days - although, frankly, they seem to get a few more days in hospital than a person does. With our guy, 4 nights hospitalization was included in his surgery - if they had had to keep him longer, we would have had to move on to the per diem which would have been about $200 a night - this after a cost of $6,000 in 2003. But Jack came home on day 4 - I was horrified and called my vet in horror - who told me this was the new norm but that at the time it seemed to mean he was going well - this was before we realized Stage II disease. While your dog is in hospital, he will have physio etc. and they will try to get him walking using a sling - the hospital gave us one. People with big dogs often use towels but with a 10 lb. dog kind of tough. So you sling it under the back end for support and carry pup outside and then back in. As mobility increases it gets easier - but the dogs don't really like it - and what was hardest for our guy was trying to lift his leg - he finally gave up and wet in a squat position - but also having a bowel movement - he had to try and position himself - and of course was still constipated from the drugs. Second day home I gave him a little full fat milk - that solved the problem nicely - and created a new favourite drink for him. We had to confine him to a crate to prevent him from managing the household - he was very Alpha. In bed, Dachshunds like their sleep - so as our neuro did, we put the mattress on the floor and then surrounded it with the children's fencing you can buy and we all got in. We couldn't leave him alone in the makeshift bedroom because he was able to haul himself up to the rim of the fencing - Dachshunds have strong upper body muscles. So the crate was the only option and it was very unpopular. Eventually we moved on the a Graco play pen with a top over it. It was only because he decided not to chew the webbing that this was possible - and I moved the play pen to wherever I was in the house so that he could keep watch over me. You will have to see if your dog can urinate on his own - if not, the vet will show you where to apply pressure to assist - we had to do this with our first guy, but not the second. Jack did not have to take meds when he came home - out patients released the day he was did. All depends on the dog. You would then have to go for a follow-up - probably about 6 weeks post surgery - or on an emergency basis should something go wrong. I was on pins and needles - and my husband left for a 10 day business trip the day after Jack came home. I quickly located the pet taxi company's info - Lyon's Pet Taxi - in case we had to head off to Guelph at midnight - no way would you want to drive yourself with a paralyzing dog. If you could manage it, I would probably suggest Guelph if the price was right on a regular appointment basis and if you can arrange the travel time there and back. My friend booked herself into a hotel in Guelph for the night before her dog had surgery just in case and it avoided the ride back. She did it for cost reasons as she had the time for the appointment to be made. She didn't get a pick of neuros - who does - but I sure would want Dr. Thomas Gibson if he was still there, if for no other reason than my dog absolutely adored him as did all of the other dogs in the waiting room - and Jack even ate a bun on the exam room table after a particularly horrifying exam. This is how much he loved this doctor - and even a Dachshund isn't that much of a gourmand under regular circumstances. Please keep posting progress. Remember it isn't pretty, but the joy of seeing your dog walk again is beyond words. When our first guy had the surgery, the new associate vet at our clinic had trained in California where the surgery had been taking place for a few years and she warned us how bad it would be - but remember, with Duke it was full body - but she said that if it worked, it would be wonderful. And it was - everybody cried when he finally walked - including Duke, the vets, the other patients - and Mommy of course.

[lucyk]

Dear SnowDancer,

Thank you very much for your reply. I received the results today from the MRI. It's one herniated disc and it's moved up into the spinal cord. It's very obvious in the MRI. The neurologist has booked surgery for tomorrow morning with a senior surgeon. They will work on the one disc which is the obvious threat. According to the neurologist everything else is okay. She said 95% of the time surgery is successful.

Cookie is home with me tonight, and she's back to her perky self again. Tomorrow will be a long, hard day for her. So I better get her to bed soon.

I'll keep you posted. Thank you for hanging in with me. It means a lot!

Bye for now,
Lucy

P.S. Is this what you were talking about the other day? Pls read the information below.

A procedure called fenestration may also be done to help prevent a future disc rupture. This involves opening the side of adjacent discs and removing the gelatinous nucleus pulposus material. One study reported a 4.4% recurrence rate when fenestration procedure was done versus a 6.6% recurrence rate when no fenestration was done. Our surgeons and neurologists advocate the fenestration procedure.

http://www.michvet.com/library/neuro...racolumbar.asp

[SnowDancer]

Hi Lucy,

I am very happy that you are having the surgery performed so quickly. Yes, fenestration was the word I was trying to come up with. I know that it was in the "study" period when Jack had his surgery and that people had to sign forms etc. to allow the procedure and then occasionally have follow-up phone calls. Personally, I would go for it. One disc is great - but I would still go with the work on the immediately "attached" discs. Do not be dismayed if your pup does not come back to a full 95% - you would be amazed what they can do even at 70%. Actually, our neuro thought Jack would come back to 95% and was very upset when he did not due to the Stage II disease that as I mentioned isn't clear at the time of surgery - it takes the recovery process to show that. Our first guy who had the surgery in 1989 at age 3 after 3 "events" came back to about 90% and yet no one thought he had a chance - it was his extremely feisty attitude that persuaded the surgeon to take a chance - and 40 days later it worked. So when we had to make the immediate decision with Jack we went ahead because no time to think, he was only 6 and we had to go on our previous experience. Dachshund disc disease is a little different though. You should ask about the possibility of a recurrence and then make every effort to adjust your pup's lifestyle to suit the problem - but still let him live his life as a dog. Probably at 5 he won't use a ramp, but then every dog is different - my 2 were very bossy and decided what they would and would not do. I can tell you though that if my Eskie were to develop degenerative disc disease I would have the surgery in a second. Actually, on May 30, 2007 he was afraid to jump up on to the bed and asked for help. I was horrified as it was that week that 2 Eskies of his size had the problem and the owners elected to have acupuncture against their vets' advice - vets said surgery - and well the dogs fully paralzyed and both had to be euthanized. So my Eskie and I presented ourselves at the vets asap and a general X-Ray was done. He had in fact pulled a muscle. But with my past experience I was terrified - actually so were they as we have gone to same vet for over 25 years and they lived through it with us. It seems every year more breeds are coming down with this disease - Beagles are high on the list now as well. With just one disc affected, I expect your pup to be home in 2 days - with a sling. Really suggest you get something as a laxative aid - whether it be milk, yogurt, pumpkin - whatever works - and remember your dog will be frustrated - and then there is the mattress on the floor. I will worry right along with you - but be assured you are doing the right thing. That is all you can do.

[diandpat]

Lucyk, good luck

I am so happy SnowDancer has been here to help you. I hope your Cookie sails through today and that she is back home with you soon

Please keep us updated.

[SnowDancer]

Just thought I would check in - it is 4:15 - wanted to see how Cookie made out in surgery. I know how horrible it is waiting for surgeon to come out to waiting room or to call. But depending on the time they actually took her in, I might be a bit early. My guys took about 6 hours each so hopefully that won't happen with Cookie. Plaster that smile on your face for when you see her. You will want to perfect the flip the foot test too - you gently nudge the foot and Cookie should reposition it properly on the floor. This will be happy news. I am going to pick up my guy now from his Thurs. day out and will check back on our return. Really hope all went well - and I also really hope that they keep her for at least 2 days - I know you will want her home, but trust me, rehab is much easier done by the neuros and staff and Cookie will play by the rules a little bit more in a medical setting. I still haven't recovered from Jack coming home after 4 days and brilliant little devil that he was, it was really hard keeping him under control - and frankly scary.

[diandpat]

I am hoping "no news is good news"

Please post an update on Friday

[SnowDancer]

So am I. Hopefully Lucy is getting some sleep and Cookie is on the mend.

[lucyk]

Hi!

Friday, 4:30 pm. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. The operation was done yesterday (Thursday). Cookie is on her way to recovery but no guarantees although the surgeon did say her spinal cord and nerve roots look healthy.

She was on painkillers yesterday, a continuous rate of infusion but today on a painkiller patch. Cookie ate some chicken today. A good sign. I hope she'll be alright but only time will tell. To be honest I wouldn't want to do this again.

The clinical neurologist is in touch everyday and she thinks Cookie will be released on Monday. (Thursday - Monday in the hospital.) As far as physio they're not doing anything because she needs time to heal but my understanding is it's up to me to do it once she gets home unless I have them do it...which isn't included in the price.

I'm inlcuding some information about Ester C. They've had good results with dogs, it's affordable and safe. I'll give it to her when she gets home to help with the healing process.

Sorry but I'm not feeling too cheerful. It's been terribly hard on her. I'll sign off for now. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

Bye for now,
Lucy

http://www.yourdoghealth.com/dog_ester-c.htm

Ester-C ® is a buffered form of Vitamin C that is "body ready" and 4 times more available to the tissues than ordinary Vitamin C, which is highly acidic. In Ester C®, the acid is buffered with calcium and processed to contain threonate, a metabolite which dramatically enhances absorption.* Ester-C dog usage is increasingly proving beneficial.* Although animals can manufacture Vitamin C in their bodies under ordinary conditions, stresses such as heavy exercise, injuries or respiratory problems increase the demand for Ester-C in dogs. An important component of collagen or connective tissue, Ester C® functions as a chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory and immunoresponsive substance.

[SnowDancer]

Lucy, I am so happy that you posted on how things went. I have been very worried - especially since Cookie was operated on so quickly once the surgical neuro saw the MRI - relieved and worried at same time. I am also very pleased that Cookie is staying in hospital until Monday. I know you will want her home, but trust me, wanting and the reality are two very different things. Even with my previous experience with post recovery care, I was a basket case keeping an eye on my guy. So try and rest up and prepare your home for Cookie's recovery. Re the physio - definitely once Cookie comes home and the neuro will tell you how to do it and hopefully give you a sling. If not, they can tell you how to make one - Cookie's size and weight will determine what you need - also factor in your height so that you can stand as she tries to walk. I am assuming that the surgical facility is open 24 hours a day so that if you have a problem you can go directly there. I had been concerned that something might happen with Cookie prior to your neuro appointment, after your regular vet had closed for the day - and to have access to Guelph's on-call night neuros you need the referral to come from a vet - either your own or an emergency vet - and you wouldn't have wanted that extra step in there. Thanks for the link re the Ester C. Thankfully it isn't as acidic - and it is supposed to help with the back problems. My first guy was adopted with 4 bladder stones and couldn't have the Vitamin C - this was before Ester became common. I had kidney stones at same time and it seemed as if we had same diet restrictions. Funny but sad. Hopefully all will go well over the weekend, but I know you will worry. Just know that you have done everything humanly possible for Cookie and that is all she could ask for. Except of course for a big smile on your face that reaches your eyes - that is hard - and a "cookie".

[lucyk]

Hi SnowDancer,

Thank you for your reply. You're very kind. It's nice to know that there's someone out there who cares.

You're right I better rest up and get myself prepared for the long haul. I'm anxious to see her but I know it's going to pain me when I see her with the scar on her back. She's never been confined to a cage and it makes me miserable knowing she's in one.

The surgeon wasn't 100% about the operation - they're saying just wait and time will tell. I had higher expectations and admit I'm disappointed.

I spoke to someone I know about their dog which had a disc problem, it's a large dog. This happened 4 years ago, it became paralyzed, I believe they went to Guelph but anyways the vet said to put the dog down but they decided against it. They went to an animal chiropractor and the dog survived. It wasn't as mobile but was able to get around on it's own. So who knows? If there are issues with Cookie in the future I may consider taking her to the same chiropractor. I can't imagine doing this again.

Well I'll continue to keep you posted. Thanks very much for keeping in touch. It helps especially right now.

Bye for now,
Lucy

[hazelrunpack]

for a swift recovery for Cookie, lucyk. I'm so glad she made it through the surgery so well.

Don't fret about the cage--she's likely not feeling all that perky and a confined space is probably to her liking right now. We had a springer that needed a different type of back surgery to relieve pressure on nerves from arthritis. She didn't move a whole lot for the first week.

[lucyk]

Dear Hazelnutpack,

You're new on my bulletin! Thank you for your email.

I called the veterinary hospital this morning, the technician said Cookie misses me (me too - just awful). Cookie wouldn't eat last night. I offered the technician some suggestions that might help. The little bit of good news is they've had her for little walks (to relieve herself). They use a towel for support, pretty much like a sling so she doesn't slip and hurt herself. So that's all the news I've got this morning.

I read your profile, pretty incredible. As you know I have a small dog Cookie, and a white cat Popcorn, I lost my beautiful black cat Pepper last summer. He was fifteen years old, he had diabetes for the last 2 years of his life. I gave him 2 needles a day. It changed everything. No matter where I was I had to get home in time to give him his injection. It was hard but you do it. I can appreciate what you're doing for your dogs, I think it's really great that you're such a huge animal lover. I like your signature too.
Thanks again!

Bye for now,
Lucy

[diandpat]

Lucyk, I was so happy to get home last night and read your update...I was getting a little nervous

I am sure Cookie misses you a lot but really you need to collect your strength for when she comes home because she is going to need a lot of attention and caring

I hope to read over the coming days and weeks about her total recovery. So lucky that SnowDancer is an expert on the subject and can walk/talk you through it.