Post herniated disc surgery advice?
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2018 12:50 pm
Hi everyone,
I'm new here, though I've been stalking around for a week reading posts. What brought me here: A week ago today, my 11 year old male cat BB had an acute disc herniation in his lower back, We have an idea of what happened though not 100%, but he was diagnosed and in surgery in under 48 hours (not sure if that means much?) and has currently been staying at the hospital during recovery, but he returns home tomorrow. his current point; paresis/partial paralysis and DPS loss in his lateral lower limbs and toes, with minor return in his right toes recently, and full paralysis/DPS loss in his tail (it is currently a limp noodle..). He cannot weight bear, though he is trying in his right leg. Hips and inner muscles/nerves are good though so he kind of half froggy legs scoots around, he cannot relieve himself independently either.
Unfortunately, the neurologist was unable to answer some of my questions and is not available tomorrow (they work in a very busy emergency clinic). We have a two week follow up after they return from vacation, but I'd really like it if I can get some things rolling and not wait two weeks if I dont have to. My hope is some of the more experienced fur parents on here may be able to provide advice from experience. I realize you are not vets, but a lot of things I've read on here have been more helpful than what the clinic has provided because of your personal experiences. Long winded, ok my questions:
Physio: I believe this to be a fairly crucial part in recovery, and I will be shown some home care physio, but I mentioned going to a professional PT as well and the neurologist seemed so-so in her answer. Would this not be beneficial for the first little while? I thought they may have other techniques? The other thing I thought of trying was hydrotherapy, for three reasons really; first,to help build his muscle and do our best to counter the muscle atrophy; second, to allow his legs to do some work more easily; third, my boys is a tad chunky (not obese) and could benefit from some weight loss to make life easier. I know cats hate water, I would like to try it though, has anyone done this with their cat? Did you notice any extra benefits over land physio?
Acupuncture: I have read this is a helpful treatment for this kind of injury, I get it myself, and wondered if it would be worth doing for him? If so, is it something I could start right away? Or does it have to wait a bit post surgery?
Bladder things: I've read a lot already on this, he will be a manual expression for the time being, or maybe forever, who knows and he dribbles when half full. While he is on cage rest, is it better to leave a diaper off him and just put a pee pad down? My husband and I both work full time jobs and though we've arranged our schedules best we can, he will still have a couple days in the week he is alone for 8 hours, is there anything I should do to make sure he is comfortable for longer periods?
Medication: I've read a couple posts regarding a drug called Nivalin. I couldn't find much info on its use in animals aside from a couple articles I couldn't understand, and the one or two posts on here regarding Sasha. I want to ask the neurologist about this, but is it beneficial? Has anyone tried it for a cat, or can cats not have it? Is it pricey?
Last question: What do you all do with your paresis/paralyzed kids when you are out or at work? Do you restrict them to a room or a crate? or let them roam free? I'm mildly afraid to do this, once he is more healed and able to come out because he is "that cat": who would try to do something silly and I'm afraid he'd get hurt, is that really a legit concern? How do the FT employed manage their special fur kids in this respect?
I am remaining positive, and am hopeful for a recovery of some kind whether full or partial. It will be a long road for the both of us I'm sure, and I'm sure my anxious thoughts will come and go (especially while learning to express his bladder..which I hope I learn quick!). Coming across this forum was a god send in anxiety reduction though, reading post after post made me more and more motivated and positive, I hope all of you taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences with others know how awesome you are
I'm new here, though I've been stalking around for a week reading posts. What brought me here: A week ago today, my 11 year old male cat BB had an acute disc herniation in his lower back, We have an idea of what happened though not 100%, but he was diagnosed and in surgery in under 48 hours (not sure if that means much?) and has currently been staying at the hospital during recovery, but he returns home tomorrow. his current point; paresis/partial paralysis and DPS loss in his lateral lower limbs and toes, with minor return in his right toes recently, and full paralysis/DPS loss in his tail (it is currently a limp noodle..). He cannot weight bear, though he is trying in his right leg. Hips and inner muscles/nerves are good though so he kind of half froggy legs scoots around, he cannot relieve himself independently either.
Unfortunately, the neurologist was unable to answer some of my questions and is not available tomorrow (they work in a very busy emergency clinic). We have a two week follow up after they return from vacation, but I'd really like it if I can get some things rolling and not wait two weeks if I dont have to. My hope is some of the more experienced fur parents on here may be able to provide advice from experience. I realize you are not vets, but a lot of things I've read on here have been more helpful than what the clinic has provided because of your personal experiences. Long winded, ok my questions:
Physio: I believe this to be a fairly crucial part in recovery, and I will be shown some home care physio, but I mentioned going to a professional PT as well and the neurologist seemed so-so in her answer. Would this not be beneficial for the first little while? I thought they may have other techniques? The other thing I thought of trying was hydrotherapy, for three reasons really; first,to help build his muscle and do our best to counter the muscle atrophy; second, to allow his legs to do some work more easily; third, my boys is a tad chunky (not obese) and could benefit from some weight loss to make life easier. I know cats hate water, I would like to try it though, has anyone done this with their cat? Did you notice any extra benefits over land physio?
Acupuncture: I have read this is a helpful treatment for this kind of injury, I get it myself, and wondered if it would be worth doing for him? If so, is it something I could start right away? Or does it have to wait a bit post surgery?
Bladder things: I've read a lot already on this, he will be a manual expression for the time being, or maybe forever, who knows and he dribbles when half full. While he is on cage rest, is it better to leave a diaper off him and just put a pee pad down? My husband and I both work full time jobs and though we've arranged our schedules best we can, he will still have a couple days in the week he is alone for 8 hours, is there anything I should do to make sure he is comfortable for longer periods?
Medication: I've read a couple posts regarding a drug called Nivalin. I couldn't find much info on its use in animals aside from a couple articles I couldn't understand, and the one or two posts on here regarding Sasha. I want to ask the neurologist about this, but is it beneficial? Has anyone tried it for a cat, or can cats not have it? Is it pricey?
Last question: What do you all do with your paresis/paralyzed kids when you are out or at work? Do you restrict them to a room or a crate? or let them roam free? I'm mildly afraid to do this, once he is more healed and able to come out because he is "that cat": who would try to do something silly and I'm afraid he'd get hurt, is that really a legit concern? How do the FT employed manage their special fur kids in this respect?
I am remaining positive, and am hopeful for a recovery of some kind whether full or partial. It will be a long road for the both of us I'm sure, and I'm sure my anxious thoughts will come and go (especially while learning to express his bladder..which I hope I learn quick!). Coming across this forum was a god send in anxiety reduction though, reading post after post made me more and more motivated and positive, I hope all of you taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences with others know how awesome you are