From one Kobi to another Cobi
I just read your posts. My Kobi's diagnosis is not the same as your Cobi's, but the neuro issues have a similar feeling.
The first thing that helped us was coming to a correct diagnosis. I was jumping to all kinds of conclusions, the Yorkie talk members helped me to not jump but wait till I spoke to a vet that I felt comfortable with. I saw an orthopedic surgeon and neurologist at two different medical facilities to be comfortable with the diagnosis.
An MRI was done, Kobi had disc disease so surgery was done. His neck and lower back were affected but surgery was only done on the lower back. It has been one year since the surgery with continued neuro deficits. What has helped us is:
1. I put a mattress on the floor next to the couch so that I can lay close to him. Immediately after surgery, I enclosed the mattress with an exercise pen so that he would be safe. This allowed him freedom to move without the dangers of injuring himself. You can not have any people visit you during this time because they will think you are CRAZY. I called the pen the TIGER cage!!!
2. I tried rehab...underwater treadmill...but Kobi was unable to use his back legs so this was not effective.
3. I do range of motion daily, massaging his legs and back.
4. I have him on low dose Medicam and Cosequin daily.
5. I swim him in the bathtub using a life vest for 3 minutes 3 x per week.
6. I put dog boots from All dog boots on his back feet for protection due to the dragging of his back feet.
7. This is the tricky intervention. I bought a dog wheelchair (K 9 carts) which helps him move about better but the neurologist warned..."Once he becomes dependent upon the cart, he will NEVER walk again." So I am very cautious using the cart.
8. I try to stay positive (sometimes the hardest part) because he is still my Kobi...alert with a true Yorkie personality. I spoil him with toys and adding the best foods for his meals. But I do really watch his weight. Becoming overweight would be devistating for him. He still seems happy without pain so that makes me happy also. He means so much to me.
Here are the suggestions that helped my Kobi...But you MUST first have a correct diagnosis. We may not being talking about the same medical problem. Kobi will be 13 years old on Feb 11th. Hope this information helps.
Kobi and Abby
