HandicappedPets.Net

Liz and nels wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2019 3:33 am Hi, my 7 year old lurcher, Nelly suffered a severe Acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion 7 weeks ago which rendered her completely paralysed from T13 down. With the exception of my daughter, I love this dog more than any human. At time of diagnosis, she was given a 10% chance of any recovery. She had 2 weeks in hospital, cathaterised where her deep pain sensation did return but no voluntary movement. I was told there was no hope and I should euthanise but I had seen a few twitches while she was dreaming so brought her home. I've been caring for her for 5 weeks now, giving her physio 3x day (massage, passive range of motion and gentle weight transfer) and expressing her urine. There has been some improvement. She can bear weight through her back legs briefly, there is definately some tail wags, some attempt at voluntary urination and some voluntary movement in back legs, but a long way off walking. Really I'm just reaching out to anyone who's been through/going through similar. It's tough, I'm a single mum amd am doing this on my own, but I will carry on while I'm seeing signs of improvement, and she remains in relatively good spirits. Just wanted to know if anyone else's pet had taken this long to show signs of improvement, if so, did they walk again and how far did recovery continue? I know every case is different but just really need a lift right now! And any advice on what more I can do to aid recovery. Thanks in advance...

https://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/181/11/293 wrote:Abstract

Presumptive ANNPE and FCEM were diagnosed in 157 and 44 dogs , respectively. Ambulatory function was regained in 99 per cent of cases, with persistent motor deficits in 83.6 per cent and 92.5 per cent of dogs with presumptive ANNPE and FCEM, respectively. The presumptive diagnosis was not associated with motor function recovery, recovery times or urinary continence.

Liz and nels wrote: ↑Fri Jan 10, 2020 11:00 am Hey Carol, had the first hydrotherapy treadmill session, she wasn't that keen as she's never been a huge fan of water and I think she found the treadmill a bit freaky. But I'm going to persevere with it as I think apart from the PT I do at home it's going to be the most helpful thing for her. This reminded me of a post I wrote about the same thing.

When she does take a few supported steps, it's like she's not quite sure where her legs are in space and they cross over etc, so I reckon hydro treadmill is the best thing to teach her where they are. Have another session on monday so just hope she gets used to it. This reminded me of another post. They actually make a pillow to put between the legs to help crossing now. I have never used it and have no idea how well it stays on or how well it works, but I used to dream of something like that. I agree, the treadmill is a great place for your dog to learn uncrossing. If she crosses and starts to fall, the water will support her till she gets untangled. Is the therapist in the treadmill with your dog? Here is a description of the way the therapist helped with crossing. Another way was to just keep one hand between the dog's legs during the session. Do not worry too much about it, even if she continues crossing she can still walk. Here is something I wrote in 2007"

https://handicappedpet.net/helppets/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8444&p=43571#p43571 wrote:On the question of legs crossing, I know what you mean, my dog does that constantly. The official name for it is scissoring. She crosses her legs, then they get locked together, then she trips and drags. Then I am running along behind her calling, "Uncross! Uncross!" or I reach down and uncross them for her. I don't know of a way to cure crossing, I try to keep my dog's legs stretched and we just live with it. She does it less on pavement, more in grass. She has been walking (and crossing) since 2004.

Sounds like you have done a lot of caring for handicapped dogs.. Amazing, it's such a hard thing to do and requires sooo much commitment. This site has been great for me - with the exception of a couple of friends, I've had so much negativity and criticism from professionals, friends and even family - it's hard enough doing this on your own without that! . So it's been fantastic to hear of other people's experiences and successes and knowing not to panic if things don't seem to be happening quickly, and to be happy for every tiny improvement. Thanks so much x