Pug Puppy - Paralysis after Hemivertabrae Op
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 4:18 pm
Hi Everyone, im looking for some advise on anyone who can help or offer advise with Paralysis and bladder problems after a spinal op.
My pug puppy Frankie was diagnosed with a spinal condition called Hemivertabrae disease, which means he has a curved spine which led him to loose some sensation in his hind legs. This has caused him to walk 'drunk' and finds it difficult to climb stairs and sometimes after a hard day he drags his back legs. Strangely he is fully capable of sprinting around the garden and around fields no problem. After taking him to the vet and having MRI scans we have found out he has a degenative disease called Hemivertabrae disease which is a curve in the spine which may eventually cause full paralysis (the vet believed him to have semi paralysis)
The vet suggested decompression surgery, and on monday he went for his op. After he came round the vet had said he was doing well however after 2 days in recovery the vet phoned to say she was concerned as he had not moved his back legs at all. They have now fitted a catheter as they are saying he is not expressing. When I asked whether he can feel his back legs the vet mentioned that there seems to be some feeling but still concerning his back legs are not moving.
Hes coming home tomorrow and we are so confused and worried sick, the vets wont give us an answer on whats going on - only that it takes time and they cant tell us if they have caused more harm than good. They cant explain why a catheter is on, and whether he has lost the use of his bladder forever.
Friends and family are concerned thats its inhumane to keep a puppy (9 months) on a catheter and putting him down would be more humane. Im devestated. We were under some illusion that he would come round after the op and be back to 'normal'
Does anyone have any advise - does the catheter mean he is paralysed? and will never have the use of his bladder. The vets keep 'beating around the bush' and not telling us the options straight. He was never in pain and has always been a happy boy. He is my world and the thought of considering euthanasia is devasting but im so worried we are being cruel as he is a pup. We both work and I dont know whether looking after a paralysed dog is a 24hr a day responsibility. I can work a couple of days from home but will still be away 9-5 3 days a week.
can anyone offer any advise? Thanks so much in advance for your thought.
Beccy
My pug puppy Frankie was diagnosed with a spinal condition called Hemivertabrae disease, which means he has a curved spine which led him to loose some sensation in his hind legs. This has caused him to walk 'drunk' and finds it difficult to climb stairs and sometimes after a hard day he drags his back legs. Strangely he is fully capable of sprinting around the garden and around fields no problem. After taking him to the vet and having MRI scans we have found out he has a degenative disease called Hemivertabrae disease which is a curve in the spine which may eventually cause full paralysis (the vet believed him to have semi paralysis)
The vet suggested decompression surgery, and on monday he went for his op. After he came round the vet had said he was doing well however after 2 days in recovery the vet phoned to say she was concerned as he had not moved his back legs at all. They have now fitted a catheter as they are saying he is not expressing. When I asked whether he can feel his back legs the vet mentioned that there seems to be some feeling but still concerning his back legs are not moving.
Hes coming home tomorrow and we are so confused and worried sick, the vets wont give us an answer on whats going on - only that it takes time and they cant tell us if they have caused more harm than good. They cant explain why a catheter is on, and whether he has lost the use of his bladder forever.
Friends and family are concerned thats its inhumane to keep a puppy (9 months) on a catheter and putting him down would be more humane. Im devestated. We were under some illusion that he would come round after the op and be back to 'normal'
Does anyone have any advise - does the catheter mean he is paralysed? and will never have the use of his bladder. The vets keep 'beating around the bush' and not telling us the options straight. He was never in pain and has always been a happy boy. He is my world and the thought of considering euthanasia is devasting but im so worried we are being cruel as he is a pup. We both work and I dont know whether looking after a paralysed dog is a 24hr a day responsibility. I can work a couple of days from home but will still be away 9-5 3 days a week.
can anyone offer any advise? Thanks so much in advance for your thought.
Beccy