Worried about Layla

[linz06]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone!

I haven't noticed a lot of improvement, but when we took her to our regular vet today, boy was she impressed! I think it's because we're with Layla all day every day, it's hard to notice the little changes. We went in today because she has been biting at a paw, but the vet did a whole assessment of her progress too. She noticed that Layla seems to be using her core muscles and she has a lot more tone and holds her back straighter than she did before. She tried getting Layla to stand by shifting her center of gravity. She wouldn't eat treats (that's weird!) but she was interested by all the new smells. So, the vet pulled out a cat pillow that was filled with some kind of herb (I don't remember what) that is supposed to be really good for nerves... Anyways, Layla kept trying to get close to it and started lifting her back end up an inch or so. The vet kept saying "This is HUGE!" and told us to use these new smells as part of rehab. She threw the pillow in Layla's crate because she liked it so much She was also looking for a toy she might like, but Layla hasn't been into toys at all since she went down Anyways, I'm more than happy with how thoughtful she is! She really restored a lot of faith and told us that she's going to keep praying and that we're doing great things for Layla!

Tomorrow and Friday she will be at rehab, then we're going away for a friend's wedding for the weekend, and next week we'll be back in our new regular routine... Monday, Wednesday, Friday rehab... Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday laser therapy.... I am really excited to see if the laser helps at all because the studies I've read are so promising, and the real life stories with dogs are inspirational too. I just want to keep everything going for another month or two at least and do what I can to give her every opportunity to get her functions back!

Expressing her has become a lot easier on us, especially after the rehab vet told us we are getting it completely empty. She hasn't shown any signs of another bladder infection, so we must be doing something right. Her poop is still sometimes coming out little by little on a car ride or when we get to work, but I read up on how to express that too to avoid accidents. I got it my first try, but haven't been successful since! Usually though, she just goes when she pees. I don't know if she can control it, or if I'm putting pressure on something while I express the bladder. Either way, it's not too hard to deal with. I would much rather be cleaning up firm poop every once in awhile than puddles of pee, so we do have it pretty good!

Scott is so cute... he was playing really really old Nintendo (NES) on the weekend, and Layla was in her crate beside him. I went up after a couple of hours and he was playing Final Fantasy where he gets 4 characters and he named them "Bean, Beaner, Beans, and Butts"... ALL nicknames for Layla! Lol she was slaying dragons all over the place. That's my girl!

This is getting long so I'm going to go find something to eat! I just thought I'd find a spare minute and update everyone. We still have ups and downs but it's getting easier every day. And Layla is so worth every second.

[linz06]

One more thing... I had told our reverend at church about Layla and he and his wife are both animal lovers. On Sunday, they brought some belated Mother's Day carnations for all the women, but added "Even though some aren't mothers" (just me!) When his wife handed me a carnation, she whispered "This is for Layla!"
I thought it was really sweet

[yorkieusa]

That is absolutely wonderful. You are doing wonderful things for her and you are right that she is so worth it! She is very precious plus she is our little miracle baby. Have a good time on your little trip.

[Theodore]

So happy to read your update. you are a "mom"!! Like any of us, when our kids are hurt, we panic, cry, get frustrated, pray like the dickens, fall apart, and wipe our tears as we do what has to be done for our kids. Great job. You sound so self-assured now. Layla's so lucky you're her mom and Scott's her dad. Still praying. xoxox

[linz06]

I am ready to cry tears of joy. Layla is showing signs today of beginning to spinal walk. It's not real conscious walking, there's no brain activity involved, but basically just muscle memory. She was starting to move her legs on her own a tiny bit on the underwater treadmill. The vet got video of it but said you can't see it very well, but she could definitely feel some movement when she was in the tank with Layla. It's not a nerve recovery step, but it's still progress!

I told myself I wouldn't ask, but I went ahead and asked if she still has the chance to gain back feeling and do real walking. She said oh yeah, there's definitely a chance. Some dogs take months to get it back. They're not giving up hope yet!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by linz06

I am ready to cry tears of joy. Layla is showing signs today of beginning to spinal walk. It's not real conscious walking, there's no brain activity involved, but basically just muscle memory. She was starting to move her legs on her own a tiny bit on the underwater treadmill. The vet got video of it but said you can't see it very well, but she could definitely feel some movement when she was in the tank with Layla. It's not a nerve recovery step, but it's still progress!

I told myself I wouldn't ask, but I went ahead and asked if she still has the chance to gain back feeling and do real walking. She said oh yeah, there's definitely a chance. Some dogs take months to get it back. They're not giving up hope yet!

woohoo...wonderful news!!!!!

[AddieandMiaMom]

Fantastic! So happy to hear the news!!!!!!!! *Grinning from ear to ear!*

[Ringo1]

That is fantastic news!

[TwoforFun]

So happy for Layla

[Perrella]

Just got on to check Layla's procress and found such WONDERFUL news!! Truely, so great. Sending hugs and prayers everyday!

[yorkieusa]

I just came in and saw this. It has made my day! Come on sweet Layla. Get up and go! This should help you off to a great weekend. Enjoy your trip!

[cathys]

Go Layla, you are one tuff cookie.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by linz06

I am ready to cry tears of joy. Layla is showing signs today of beginning to spinal walk. It's not real conscious walking, there's no brain activity involved, but basically just muscle memory. She was starting to move her legs on her own a tiny bit on the underwater treadmill. The vet got video of it but said you can't see it very well, but she could definitely feel some movement when she was in the tank with Layla. It's not a nerve recovery step, but it's still progress!

I told myself I wouldn't ask, but I went ahead and asked if she still has the chance to gain back feeling and do real walking. She said oh yeah, there's definitely a chance. Some dogs take months to get it back. They're not giving up hope yet!

YAY Layla!

I love checking into this thread and reading positive news.

Keep your head up!

[teacup0819]

Go Layla!! It is so nice to hear that she is improving...every little bit helps. Keep up the good work!!

[scentlady]

Originally Posted by linz06

I am ready to cry tears of joy. Layla is showing signs today of beginning to spinal walk. It's not real conscious walking, there's no brain activity involved, but basically just muscle memory. She was starting to move her legs on her own a tiny bit on the underwater treadmill. The vet got video of it but said you can't see it very well, but she could definitely feel some movement when she was in the tank with Layla. It's not a nerve recovery step, but it's still progress!

I told myself I wouldn't ask, but I went ahead and asked if she still has the chance to gain back feeling and do real walking. She said oh yeah, there's definitely a chance. Some dogs take months to get it back. They're not giving up hope yet!

Praise the LORD! Hallelujah!!!! Great news! go Layla, go Layla, get your walk on! you can do it!