i don't know how i've missed this thread over the past few months but i did. I just read through the whole thing and i'm so happy to read how she's progressing. I think sometimes the vets sound pessimistic because they don't want to get your hopes up too much. This way, when something great does happen, it will be that much more special and wonderful!
I love that she's using her cart well and getting around. It can be tough to get used to but she is taking right to it.
As a tech i did have the opportunity to work with many dogs who needed back and neck surgery. Two of my fellow techs (at two different hospitals) actually had dogs that needed spinal surgeries. One was a 11 year old cocker spaniel and the other was a 2 year old mini dachshund. BOTH had hind limb paralysis and no deep pain sensation at first but with lots of PT and sling walking i'm happy to report they are now walking on their own. With the mini dauchshund, since he wasn't neutered (medical reasons), when he would drag his back legs around his testicles would rub on the ground. They were getting really red and irritated so what we did was place a hand towel on the ground then place him with his back legs on it and front legs off. Then we'd tie the ends of the towel up around his waist and knot it on his back, like an upside down waist superman cape. this way he could drag around all he wanted and not get ball burn.
