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Originally Posted by ladyjane  Gabby had a good day today in Physical Therapy. What she had prior to her surgery was spinal walking (reflex walking) and that is what they are hoping she will regain. I have been trying to find more information on the web about it and found a couple of things...but not much.
At this link: discbook
I found this: Occasionally a dog that has transverse malacia of its thoracolumbar spinal cord (no deep pain sensation) can learn to "walk" again using the crossed extensor reflex that may still exist in the hindlimbs. Without motor connections to the brain, this reflex is "released" and causes the involuntary motor movements that are frequently observed in the limbs. Through extensive physiotherapy, many of these dogs learn to swing their bodies to get their hindlimbs under them and allow the reflex walking movements to be effectual. This form of walking is called spinal walking and looks a bit "motorized" but serves the function well. Unfortunately many of these dogs are also permanently incontinent. Many owners lifestyles do not allow the time necessary to properly care for incontinent dogs. As a result many of these dogs are euthanized rather than allowed the time to see if they can develop spinal walking abilities.
Functional recovery of locomotive behavior in the ... [Tohoku J Exp Med. 1986] - PubMed result |
Linda,
I am so happy to read that Gabby had a good day at P.T.
I am praying she will regain her reflex walking.
Sheila