Worried about Layla

[kjc]

Glad to hear she's doing well....

When people say things about face the facts, and PTS... just tell them something like:
Well, years ago, that was the reccommended treatment for her type of injury. But, currently, with the advances made in veterinary medicine, the reccommendation is that this type of injury can be repaired, and there is no longer any need to PTS pets that have a loving family who can care for them and see them through their illnesses. This is the path we have chosen, we are very well aware of the other options, thank you. And we would greatly appreciate you not commenting on the subject again, as we are quite capable of making our own decisions, and we are trying to remain positive at all times and to follow our vet's treatment plan, to give her the best care and best chance for recovery possible.

And if they say stuff in front of Layla, cover her ears with your hands, so she cannot hear it.

In her crate, try cutting a used, non slip bathroom or kitchen rug (laundered, some have a chemical odor). Maybe it will help calm her.

[jenn1381]

Sadly, so many people see dogs as possessions, and are so quick to get rid of them when things get tough or expensive. When our first dog was sick, I heard it all the time... why did you do surgery that cost 3 grand on a 9 yr old dog, are you nuts... Eventually, I got angry enough, and I screamed at work (through my tears) that I felt sorry for anyone who has never felt the kind of love it takes to spend that kind of money to keep an animal alive. Just because they have 4 legs instead of 2 doesn't mean that we have the right to end their lives if they can have a happy life. We eventually did have to make the choice to PTS as the cancer had spread, but not before spending another $1000 or so on medications and vet visits trying for just one more day.

Layla is SO lucky to have you. Truly lucky. So many would have thrown her to the curb long ago. So many do not know the kind of love that you know. The kind of connection that you feel. Anytime you're feeling down, all you need to do is remember that Layla is counting on you to keep it together. YOU are her lifeline. And as long as you are doing everything in your power to help her (and you ARE!), you are doing your job.

You are truly blessed to have one another. Layla WILL have a great life. This is only temporary, and with your help she will learn to thrive whether she gets use of her legs back or not. And we will be here, cheering you all on, no matter the outcome. We all know that no matter what, Layla will be ok!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by jenn1381

Sadly, so many people see dogs as possessions, and are so quick to get rid of them when things get tough or expensive. When our first dog was sick, I heard it all the time... why did you do surgery that cost 3 grand on a 9 yr old dog, are you nuts... Eventually, I got angry enough, and I screamed at work (through my tears) that I felt sorry for anyone who has never felt the kind of love it takes to spend that kind of money to keep an animal alive. Just because they have 4 legs instead of 2 doesn't mean that we have the right to end their lives if they can have a happy life. We eventually did have to make the choice to PTS as the cancer had spread, but not before spending another $1000 or so on medications and vet visits trying for just one more day.

Layla is SO lucky to have you. Truly lucky. So many would have thrown her to the curb long ago. So many do not know the kind of love that you know. The kind of connection that you feel. Anytime you're feeling down, all you need to do is remember that Layla is counting on you to keep it together. YOU are her lifeline. And as long as you are doing everything in your power to help her (and you ARE!), you are doing your job.

You are truly blessed to have one another. Layla WILL have a great life. This is only temporary, and with your help she will learn to thrive whether she gets use of her legs back or not. And we will be here, cheering you all on, no matter the outcome. We all know that no matter what, Layla will be ok!

Beautiful post!

[linz06]

Originally Posted by jenn1381

Sadly, so many people see dogs as possessions, and are so quick to get rid of them when things get tough or expensive. When our first dog was sick, I heard it all the time... why did you do surgery that cost 3 grand on a 9 yr old dog, are you nuts... Eventually, I got angry enough, and I screamed at work (through my tears) that I felt sorry for anyone who has never felt the kind of love it takes to spend that kind of money to keep an animal alive. Just because they have 4 legs instead of 2 doesn't mean that we have the right to end their lives if they can have a happy life. We eventually did have to make the choice to PTS as the cancer had spread, but not before spending another $1000 or so on medications and vet visits trying for just one more day.

Layla is SO lucky to have you. Truly lucky. So many would have thrown her to the curb long ago. So many do not know the kind of love that you know. The kind of connection that you feel. Anytime you're feeling down, all you need to do is remember that Layla is counting on you to keep it together. YOU are her lifeline. And as long as you are doing everything in your power to help her (and you ARE!), you are doing your job.

You are truly blessed to have one another. Layla WILL have a great life. This is only temporary, and with your help she will learn to thrive whether she gets use of her legs back or not. And we will be here, cheering you all on, no matter the outcome. We all know that no matter what, Layla will be ok!

Thank you so much for this post. Layla has been giving me kisses all evening, sitting on the couch between Scott and I. This will get easier on all of us.

[jenn1381]

Originally Posted by linz06

Thank you so much for this post. Layla has been giving me kisses all evening, sitting on the couch between Scott and I. This will get easier on all of us.

You're welcome I don't post a lot, but know I am always thinking about you and reading up on how Layla is doing. She is right where she is meant to be.. with you. I honestly feel there will be improvements soon, I am looking forward to that post. I know it will come! Only temporary... this too shall pass.

[linz06]

Thank you!

Last night we had a little setback... She was laying down between us on the futon, being so good, and then she adjusted her position and in the blink of an eye she was on the floor She "jumped" to go get some water. It scared me so much. There was no thud, no hard hit on the floor, and Scott even called it graceful, but it is exactly what she's NOT allowed to do. We were told specifically don't let her on furniture if she's going to be able to fall off. She could hurt her back more. I was so mad at myself and it happened so quickly, I felt sick all night. Scott keeps reassuring me it was only about a foot and a half drop, and she did not twist her back and she landed on her tummy. But I am so worried still She didn't seem to be hurt, but then I don't know if she could feel it if she was. From now on, she's in her crate unless our hands are on her.

This morning Scott was doing her exercises and said she seems to be able to almost hold her own weight when he puts her in a standing position! He said it's more than she had yesterday. I'm hoping he's right!

[celstu1]

Maybe the fall and instinct made her legs move for her and loosened her spine .... you know she might enjoying all this 'laying around'. Now she knows she has to get better because you'll catch on! (i'm kidding of course) but I'm glad to hear the progress of this morning!

[yorkieusa]

Just checking on little Layla...

[teacup0819]

Just stopping by to see how Layla and you are all doing. Glad to hear she is okay from her little fall. Hope all is going well....keep the faith!

[scentlady]

OMG Linz, I am sure that must have scared the bejeezus out of you!
I'm glad it didn't cause a relasp

[linz06]

Originally Posted by scentlady

OMG Linz, I am sure that must have scared the bejeezus out of you!
I'm glad it didn't cause a relasp

If it did we'd have no way to know anyway She has no sensation so she wouldn't know if she's hurt.

[yorkieusa]

I think of your beautiful little Layla everyday and pray for a miracle for her.

[linz06]

Thank you so much. We are still praying like crazy too. We are unable to get her to acupuncture this week because the vet is only in the same days we drop Layla off for the day for rehabilitation at the university.

Yesterday at work, I was in a meeting and took Layla with me to sit on my lap because these meetings tend to be pretty long and I didn't want her crying or trying to get out of her crate to find me if I left her at my desk. After about 45 minutes, her back legs started twitching enough to lift her butt up a little, and her tail started twitching like crazy too... not a wag, not an up-and-down motion, but kind of circular and all over the place. I was worried she was going to poop so I put my hand over her butt to keep her tail still, but it was going hard enough that I couldn't hold it down. I am going to ask about that if we see her vet tomorrow or Friday. Maybe it's a good sign, but I'm prepared to hear the same old "It's just a reflex."

She also finished her bethanechol pills, which are used to keep muscle tone in her bladder. Basically she's not using her bladder, and we're just pushing on it to get it to release, so by the time she gets function back, if she gets function back, she could end up with just a big flabby piece of muscle that she can't control anyway. So I'm going to ask if she can have more of those pills.

I had a dream last night that Layla started walking with her back legs if she was walking slowly, but they would drag if she started running or walking fast. It was weird because no matter what, her butt still stayed level with the rest of her body lol. But I'm going to just take that dream as a good sign.

[linz06]

We have a glimmer of hope!

The vet today said she noticed more tone in Layla's left leg and her abdomen. She also seems to be able to hold her own weight for a split second, just as Scott and I thought we noticed in the past few days! This just confirms it, there is a tiny bit of progress. The vet said she's very happy with where Layla is at right now.

Please keep your prayers coming!

[yorkieusa]

Wonderful news! I came to check on Layla before going to bed and I'm so glad I did. It makes me happy to see any progress and I think your dream is fascinating as well. I sometimes look at them as an omen. Keep on keepin' on, Miss Layla. We're all pulling for you and sending you lots of prayers for healing.