[Dailydrool] ruptured disc-vinny

[Kristy Warner]

Hi Sue,
I am sorry to hear about Vinny-but keep the faith. Is he able to walk?
Was he paralyzed? Did vet recommend crate rest? My 7 y r old Lilly
ruptured her disc when she turned over in the night-back in May. I
woke up to a paralyzed basset hound. When her disc ruptured-cartilage
embedded into her spine-hence the paralysis. I live in MI-there is a
fantastic neuroclinic named Dogwood in Ann Arbor-two neurosurgeons are
there. They did a MRI on Lilly-and took her into surgery immediately.
She also retained her own bladder function = huge + sign for good
prognosis. She had to have 100% crate rest (I put her in a
playpen-baby gates in octagon) to keep her contained. The only x she
could go out was to go potty-she had to heal. I had to use a rolled up
towel under her stomach-in front of her back legs and towel walk her
out-since she could not walk. I had a ramp built to get her in and out
of my house. I worked with a PT-and did exercises with her 2x a
day-every day..after her two weeks of crate rest. This treatment
regimen will differ depending on each case. After 2 months she was
able to walk again-and we walk every day. We can't go as far or as
fast..but it is a joy to be out with her. Her recovery has been
remarkable. She has 2 other discs that are prone to blow = genetic . i
can never use a collar with her..must have a harness.
A harness may work for Vinny and towel walking may also
work-especially in the beginning? It may depend on what the doc says.
Check out Dodgerslist.com it is a site that has lots of info for dogs
with ruptured discs....its a case by case thing. Find a neuro surgeon
in your area.or a dog rehab clinic and go from there. I also did lots
of lillys work in a pool...water up to her stomach...cheaper than
going to the clinic for treadmill in the water work. Good luck! Please
contact me off list if I can help in any way.
Kristy