severe spinal cord injury NEED HELP

[Flakes]

My 3 yr old yorkie fell off the back of the sofa on Saturday night and suffered a severe spinal cord injury. He is currently unable to use his back legs although he does have control over bladder and bowels. Is anyone familiar with treatment, prognosis for recovery, whether it is best to keep him alive with such a severe disability (if he doesn't recover use of legs) etc. Any info would be greatly appreciated. He was seen by the vet within an hour of the event and was given steroid injection etc. He is not in any pain. He is now on confined rest, prednisone and will see the vet again in three days.

[Ellie May]

I'm very sorry.

It sounds like the vet is not following the right protocol. The best chances for your pup to walk again would be to be assessed by a surgeon (neurologist) immediately after something like this happens. Surgery done within the first day or two carries a much better prognosis. This pup needs to go to the ER of a specialty hospital or vet school right now to be checked and they will decide if surgery is indicated. The longer you wait (if this does happen to be surgical), the less likely your pup will ever walk again. Not walking but yet the vet doesn't want to see your pup for 3 days for a recheck??

Pred is good. No pain because of lack of nerve function. If this pup doesn't regain the ability to walk, it is your decision alone about whether he has any quality of life. A lot of dogs would do fine in a cart, but some won't. Most adapt just fine, but some may not. My pup also had a spinal issue, but never lost the ability to walk.

You can look for the htread "Worried about Layla". It's all about this. However, right now (this evening) it's time to get a neurologist involved if your vet hasn't already.

[yorkiemini]

IMO= You need to find a neurologist ASAP. Ask you vet about one, but don't wait any longer.

[ladyjane]

I agree with the others....Neurologist ASAP

You can find one at:

www.acvim.org

[Buster Brown]

I agree see a specialist. When you get a chance please read this thread and contact the YT member she knows what you may have to go through and has been a wonderful inspiration and role model with her pup Layla. I am so sorry you and your sweet boy have to deal with this. Sending prayers and best wishes.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...out-layla.html

[Flakes]

Unfortunately we live on an island and the nearest neurologist is on the mainland. Xrays have been done and he shows no sign of fractures. He was seen by three vets and they did consult by phone with the neurologist on the mainland. They suspect a comprssed disc at 16th 17th vertebrae so there is no surgery that will help in this instance. Because moving Max to transport him can at this stage do more damage the vet felt a recheck in 5 days was ok unless we saw any real change in his condition. I've had yorkies for over 30 years but I've never faced this kind of situation, I've researched the various treatments etc but none of that stuff comes from hands on people. Max has deep pain response only and I can't find any information about likelihood of recovery etc which is why I'm looking to the group for help.

I'm a polio survivor and know from a human point of view the challenges of living with a severe disability. I have to do what is best for Max and try to remove the emotional side of things which of course tells me to keep him alive. It amazes me how quickly animals adjust and how my other yorkie is glued to his side making sure we don't hurt him.

Should I be massaging his leg muscles? What is the best way to address his urination and bowel needs? Just some of the 100's of questions in my mind.

[Ellie May]

Because the neurologist says it is not surgical, I think all you can do is conservative management. Keep him as still as possible and keep medicating to try and get any inflammation down. I don't have stats about how many fully recover, but that is something the internet group "Dodger's List" may have.

Is this incontinence or an inability to go at all (and a need to be expressed)?

[susan lynn]

Praying for you and your baby that he can rcover from this terrible accident.

[linz06]

I replied to your PM but I just wanted to add here to check out Dodgers List, as Ellie May suggested. It's for dogs with IVDD but they have a lot of information on crate rest, meds, and statistics about spinal injuries and recoveries.

In your PM you mentioned he still had bowel and bladder control. Are you unsure now? Poop will come out of paraplegic dogs by reflex and it's not a health issue, but if his bladder is filling and overflowing, that is a HUGE health issue. You may want to try expressing even just to get it empty. You may need a vet to help you get the hang of it. Try to also get a urine culture done to see if there is any UTI already... they can quickly spiral out of control and become major issues.

[Sandysbabies]

So sorry about your baby. THere are always alot of info here and people that know what they are talking about. Hope it comes as a real help. Hang in there for that baby and pray all goes well.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Flakes

Unfortunately we live on an island and the nearest neurologist is on the mainland. Xrays have been done and he shows no sign of fractures. He was seen by three vets and they did consult by phone with the neurologist on the mainland. They suspect a comprssed disc at 16th 17th vertebrae so there is no surgery that will help in this instance. Because moving Max to transport him can at this stage do more damage the vet felt a recheck in 5 days was ok unless we saw any real change in his condition. I've had yorkies for over 30 years but I've never faced this kind of situation, I've researched the various treatments etc but none of that stuff comes from hands on people. Max has deep pain response only and I can't find any information about likelihood of recovery etc which is why I'm looking to the group for help.

I'm a polio survivor and know from a human point of view the challenges of living with a severe disability. I have to do what is best for Max and try to remove the emotional side of things which of course tells me to keep him alive. It amazes me how quickly animals adjust and how my other yorkie is glued to his side making sure we don't hurt him.

Should I be massaging his leg muscles? What is the best way to address his urination and bowel needs? Just some of the 100's of questions in my mind.

Where is that? I never heard of the 16th or 17th vertebrae. I just looked and here is the anatomy that I found:

Anatomy

Maybe they are referred to as different names? I dont know....

As for questions on management, your vet has not talked with you about this? I have had two spinal pups and both times the vets were very thorough in their treatment plans. You really do need to know about bladder and bowel management.

[Flakes]

Thank you all who responded to my thread. Your input has been extremely valuable.

Max saw his vet yesterday for followup and it was all good news. He expects Max to make a full recovery. Shortly after arriving home Max moved his left hind leg several times in an attempt to scratch his ear. He then stood up!!!!!

This morning Max did his business outside. My husband had to provide some support in order to keep his back straight but otherwise Max took care of things himself. It is a huge step forward. Max will have to continue to be crated and kept quiet for several more weeks but his prognosis is excellent. He will be with us for a long time.

We have located an alternative medicine and animal rehab just a few short miles from our home where Max will receive therapy if required once all the swelling has resolved. My vet sent his own dog there for treatment after knee surgery and highly recommended the clinic.

The future looks so much better now than it did six days ago. Maybe now Mom can get a few hours sleep!!!!

Thank you for all your prayers they obviously worked.

[Buster Brown]

I am so Happy to hear Max is doing better. Sending prayers for a complete recovery. Go Max GO!

[susan lynn]

This is a wonderful answer to a lot of prayers. Hope he continues to grow stronger everyday.

[Flakes]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Where is that? I never heard of the 16th or 17th vertebrae. I just looked and here is the anatomy that I found:

Anatomy

Maybe they are referred to as different names? I dont know....

As for questions on management, your vet has not talked with you about this? I have had two spinal pups and both times the vets were very thorough in their treatment plans. You really do need to know about bladder and bowel management.

It took me some time to figure out th 16th and 17th as well. Seems some vets may think they have to dummy down the terminology. It is where the thoracic and lumber spine come together.

Initialy and in the next day follow-up we saw two different vets neither of which was our vet. He was on holidays although he did come in to read the xrays and check on the initial treatment plan. We saw him yesterday and as always was very thorough and spent a considerable amount of time explaining treatment. etc. I don't know if it is the same elsewhere but here animal clinics have multiple vets on staff so when the emergency happens you are seen by the first available vet. It can be a very frustrating system to work with.

Max appears to be feeling better as each hour passes, he is determined to get out of his crate and go about the business of being a dog. I think it will take a constant vigil on our part to keep him confined for another two weeks. Next week he is off to the alternative medicine for rehab assessment and treatment. I'm sure he'll enjoy the water therapy and think himself quite special to have such treatment.