I agree with Karen. It is good to gain knowledge, but sometimes we can scare ourselves needlessly. Being a nurse, I know how it is to think ahead and worry about things.
Best right now to wait until you have been to the specialist and know exactly what you are facing with your sweet Kobi.

no thanks necessary. please don't be afraid. you're at one of the top 3 Veterinary Schools in the United States. they will do whatever they can to help Kobi and help to explain everything to you. I will say a prayer tonight for a good visit and hope Pamela gets the opportunity to meet you and Kobi.

Alldogboots and Ladyjane
That advice sits well with me...I am jumping ahead. I need to slow down and see what the experts say. I'm glad I read the information so that I am informed but I need confirmation on a diagnosis.
I am so glad I have you guys to lean on. It is hard to be objective when there is ALL of this emotion. Thank you for helping me stay focused.
Will post tomorrow.
The prayers, thoughts and suggestions truely help.
Abby

I'm sorry I'm just seeing this thread now. My Layla has disc disease and also had the same surgery your Kobi had, although by that point she had completely lost use of her back legs and she has not regained it. I just want to tell you not to rule out another disc flare-up because disc problems are a life-long disease and just because one has been fixed, it doesn't mean another won't compress or rupture. Many dogs with disc diseases will continue to have flare-ups throughout their lives. Whatever it may be, it is probably best to keep Kobi as still as possible and not let him on stairs or have him jump up or down on anything until you see the neurologist, just so if it IS another disc flare-up, he won't do more damage. I would just like to be on the safe side. I'm sorry you're going through this and I know how tough it is! Good luck with the neurologist and keep us updated.

Looking for an update on the neuro appt.

YT members
Here is the summary from the trip to the neurologist at U Penn. Appt was scheduled for 11:30, I arrived at 10. Just the worrying, traffic issues, poor nights sleep, and thoughts of being lost in center Philadelphia...I was determined not to be late. So Kobi and I waited in the waiting room beside the friendship tree of past pets. I kept repeating the suggestions from Alldogboots and ladyjane...don't jump to conclusions until you have facts. So I refused looking at the plaques and focused on loving and talking to my Kobi. It was now 11:15 and I was called to a room. The hospital was VERY busy, It was overwhelming. Then in pops Pamela, daughter of yorkiemalt. She was like an angel, her timing was perfect!!! That cold room was brightened with her friendliness. I suddenly felt very special...I knew someone who was a medical professional at the school. The door opened, in walked the neurologist Dr. Cross, and he said, "Do you know her?" Pamela's response was yes, she is a friend of my Moms. Yorkiemalt...Thank you so much for suggesting your daughter peek in. I felt like I had connections in a HUGH hospital.
He was very nice, spent an hour examining Kobi. I felt he did a thorough exam.
Here are the results:
1. He is certain that it is NOT DM!!! (A positive)
2. He thinks it could be residual issues from his laminectomy last Dec. When they operate on the disc, there could still be tissue from those injured discs that cause continued neuro problems. Also sometimes fluid can replace the space that the disc once occupied...this fluid can cause neuro issues.
3. He also said that other discs could be involved, though his cervical exam was good. (A positive)
4. His treatment was to continue to swim Kobi, start physical therapy, get a set of BOOTS!!!! (which I interrupted him by saying, they are already on the way).
5. When I asked him if Kobi's front legs would be effected, he said No. Since the cervical exam was OK...I was not to think negative that his front legs would go paralyzed. (A positive)
6. He said that there could be problems down the road with incontinence. Not an issue at this time. (A positive)
7. He said that Kobi looked like a VERY happy dog...He was bright, but was clinging to me...or was I clinging to him. He told me that dogs live a FULL life with spinal cord disease. (A super dooper POSITIVE)
8. Right at the end of the meeting...the tears started. I LOVE this little baby so much.
9. I left the hospital with a smile on my face...yes he has spinal cord disease...yes his walking is greatly compromised but his words echoed in my HEART...Dogs live a FULL life with spinal cord disease.
10. Did not get lost driving home...Did not drive around center city Philly.
11. Kobi slept the entire ride home on a pillow at my side. I kept looking at him...he is my baby.

Thank you ALL for your prayers, words of support, and concerns. They say if one person prays it is powerful...if two pray even better...but ALL of YOU praying is why I had this wonderful outcome. I can't tell you how much your words have affected me.

The cart and BOOTS come Wednesday. Will post on how Kobi does.

Love you all
Abby

I think this all sounds great! I told you to be positive! I'm not even sure what to say. I'm going to reread your post. How awesome is it that Pamela "knew" you? I thank God it's not DM, but I'm not really familiar with any of the other issues.
(i think you'll get the boots Thursday, sorry).

Thank you for the update! Yes, dogs do live full lives with all sorts of disorders! My Layla is incontinent... I need to express her bladder for her. It's so easy to do and takes no time. She can't walk like a normal dog but she scoots and rolls in her cart and lives life to the fullest. She can do anything any other dog can do, except climb stairs and scratch herself, but that's what we're for! I'm so glad you see that Kobi can live a full life with this disease, no matter what! Thanks for being such a good mom to your little boy!

Alldogboot and ladyjane
Thank you for your kindness. Your words of support not only focused on Kobi, they focused on ME!!!! Your suggestion of waiting until I had the facts was perfect. I was moving ahead tooooo fast. You both had the intuition to see what was happening to me.
Alldogboots...I wish you could have seen my face when the neurologist suggested the boots. I almost yelled...they are coming in a proud way. (Thanks to you).
Will let you know how he does in his new RED BOOTS.
Love you so very much
Abby

I am glad you had so many positives. That was so sweet of Yorkiemalt to have her daughter stop in. YT prayers and people are the best.

Relax, they are just boots:rolleyes: I was in a situation about 4 months ago where I thought my puppy was dying based on his symptoms. I went to a university hospital (LSU) and ran every test possible on him to find out he has idiopathic epilepsy. I was so relieved and felt foolish for thinking the worst. My negative thoughts really got the best of me.

linz06 - Bless your heart for being such a great yorkie mom too.

YT is truly amazing. Sometimes I just don't know what I'd do without it.

Oh gosh, I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. What a wonderful day this is!!!! I am SO happy things went well for Kobi. Yorkiemalt is a doll for sending her daughter and Alldogboots is a doll for sending boots. JUST ALL AROUND WONDERFUL!!! This just made my day complete!!

Oh YES, Layla is so lucky to have such a wonderful mom!! ... and a dad, too! :)

linz06
Thank you for your post. This post puts everything in perpective...that Kobi can and will live a FULL life just like YOUR baby. Your avatar shows a happy, healthy Yorkie. This gives me TONS of encouragement. I'll try not to flood you with questions...BUT here are a few.
1. How old is your baby? At what age did this start?
2. When did you know that the cart was necessary? (I have one coming this week)
3. Do you use the cart inside and out?
4. How do I get Kobi used to the cart? What did you do?
5. Any suggestions for this disease? Things that have worked for you.
Your timing is PERFECT.
Thank you.
Abby

You are ALL wonderful!

As for your questions...

Layla just turned 5 last month. This all started for us in April of this year.

We got a cart because Layla lost complete use of her back legs. She was on crate rest for about 10 weeks after her surgery (longer because of an issue with some vet techs that may have caused more damage, so we wanted to be safe). She had been using a cart in rehab and really took to it well, so we researched a lot of companies and ordered the one we liked best.

We actually don't use the cart a whole lot. Layla has been able to scoot around the house quite well lately. We will use the cart when we're outside in the yard, and it's enabled us to go for walks again. If she's going to be on concrete or asphalt where she can hurt herself, she is in her cart. But otherwise she is just as happy to scoot around and be able to lay down when she gets tired!

Layla took to the cart really well, but she also has no feeling in her back end so I don't think she really understood what was going on other than she could run a lot easier! The yoke part that goes over her shoulders can make her sore, so when we were first getting her used to it we'd just ease her in with 5 minutes a day... then 10 minutes a day... just small walks around to get used to it.

I think we have tried EVERYTHING possible with Layla. Rehab has been great, although we have cut back on it now. She does the underwater treadmill and lots of strength training exercises. We also have been getting electro-acupuncture to stimulate her nerves. We tried laser light therapy but didn't see much of a difference to be worth the money we were paying for it, but a lot of people swear by it! We even tried Reiki! But in the end it all adds up, and a lot of things can be done at home.

When Layla went down I could barely find any information on IVDD and just today I've seen two posts here on two different yorkies with this disease! It's kind of sad that we're not alone in it, because I don't think any dog should have to go through it. In fact, it seems like Layla may be going through another flare-up tonight. But I'm glad we are able to help.

If you ever have a LOT of time to spare, my whole ordeal with Layla can be seen here:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...out-layla.html

such encouraging news! I'm so happy for Kobi and you. now you know what you're dealing with and can do everything possible to make him comfortable. I can only imagine all the things that were going through your mind. Like you, I would have been there hours early! lol Philadelphia is not a good place to get lost in.

I'm also thrilled Dr. M got called into surgery and you got the best of the best....Dr. Cross. I can see by your post that he took a lot of time with Kobi and explained everything to you in full detail.

Pamela was more than happy to stop by and meet you and Kobi. It's always nice to know somebody/anybody in such a large intimidating setting. She felt bad that she was so busy in Orthopaedics but you can see how busy that hospital is and especially on a Monday. I didn't hear anything more from her yesterday....she got called into a 7 hour surgery right after she saw you.

Please keep in touch and let us know how he's doing.

linz06
Your post was very informative and I will read your info about Layla. When you spoke about a flare up...is there pain with that? Did she initially have pain? Kobi did not have pain but did have neuro deficits.
Did the bladder problems occur immediately or has that been a gradual issue?

Kobi's cart comes Wed...I plan on doing what you do...use the cart outside...encourage him to move about on his own inside.
Did Layla seem frustrated? Kobi seems frustrated that he can not move like he used to.
Thanks for the information.
I pray that Layla does well.
Abby

Abby, I am so glad to hear your good news. Sounds like Kobi will be hanging in there for a long time, especially with all the love he gets.

Yes, there is pain. We took her to emergency today and they are sure it's another disc bulging in her neck, so we're doing what we can to prevent it from moving and possibly rupturing like the one in her back did. We can't have another surgery.

Layla was on crate rest for a long time after she went down, so she was mostly frustrated about being locked up. She adapted really well when she was finally out. Her front end has gotten massive with muscle, and she has adapted really well to the situation. She lost her bladder control immediately with the loss of her motor function. Her brain can not communicate with the back of her body at all.

Lindsey
I read some of your posts, I am so very sorry. You and Layla have been through so very much. Thank you for answering my questions. I didn't realize what your were experiencing with your baby, my questions came at a bad time for you. The questions that I asked were already written in your posts...I am sorry I repeated those same questions. My thoughts and prayers go to you, Layla, and your family.
Abby

YT members
Just to update you...Kobi's cart arrived today. I am slowly introducing him to it but haven't tried him in it. He is a bit of a nervous little guy and I don't want to tramatize him. I have it sitting by his bed, I have been pushing it around the room. (I look like a fool) but will do anything to make it a better experience for him.
The cart is actually pretty...bright red...like a sports car!! But I don't think he looks at it that way. I am anxious to get started...will go over the directions tomorrow.
Alldogboots...his red boots will MATCH his cart!!!!
Will keep everyone updated. Thank you for ALL of the prayers and posts. The support really helps.
Abby

Oh don't worry about it! I am so glad to help. I know what it's like to go through this and how worried you must be. You and Kobi will get through this!

YT members
Wanted to update you on Kobi and the cart. Today was his 3rd time in the cart; he is doing OK. I still need to encourage him to move forward; he is unsure of what to expect. Little pieces of cheese works wonders. The cart is a MAJOR support for him, it keeps him from falling down. He is still able to walk without the cart...but falls so very easily. You definitely have to monitor him when in the cart...if he is going slightly up hill, I could see that he could topple backwards.
I continue to swim him in the tub every third day, 3 minutes. He tires easily...but I would also tire if I swam for 3 minutes!!! Passive ROM daily. My living room has turned into a physical therapy department. But I don't mind...doing everything I can to help him. Has anyone seen or had experiences with the Dogger? It is a stoller for older dogs. Looks like a good quality piece of equipment. Before all this disc stuff happened to Kobi, I would mountain bike in the woods and Kobi would run along. He could outbike me easily (all 8 lbs of him)...my biking skills are not the greatest. Kobi loves the woods...we even saw a bear once. You should have seen my biking skills that day...I grabbed Kobi and peddled faster than Lance Armstrong!!! When I saw the Dogger...I thought I could still take Kobi in the woods. Not as fast as biking...but still enjoy the scenery and smell of the pine trees. Even using his doggie cart, Kobi is not strong enough to go on a walk. I need something that I could push along. I want to keep his mind happy...both of us need to be thinking positively.
If anyone thinks of suggestions to help the spirit or body of my Kobi...please post. I WELCOME everyone's comments.
Thanks everyone for listening.
Abby

Hi Abby!
I just want to tell you that if Kobi is still wobbly walking, there is probably a disc that is pushing on his spinal cord. The more he moves, the more the disc will push. If you let him keep pushing it, it will most likely rupture and cause him a lot of pain and probably paralysis. You CAN prevent that if you put him on crate rest. He will not like it, but it is worth it in the end if it will help. Layla is now on 8 weeks of crate rest, and another yorkie from this forum is also on 8 weeks with the same problem. A site with a ton of good advice and knowledge of this disease is Dodgerslist Home Page. They have a mailing list as well that I am a part of and the other member here is also a part of now, and there are hundreds of people there who have gone through the same thing with their dogs and are willing to answer any questions about the disease, pain, drugs, therapy, etc! I would really urge you to join there because they can give you so much more support and advice specific to this disease than I can!

Lindsey
Thank you very much for writing back. Sadly to say, you are one of the experts on this topic. You can write from experience which after reading your posts...you have had a lot of. I did get on that web site that you suggested...Thank you. It does give useful information. This web site will be VERY helpful.
Kobi's dx is similar but a bit different. The orthopedic surgeon and neurologist know that Kobi's condition is due to flattening of the spinal cord. This was the result of the MRI. They did a laminectomy (which removed an extruded nucleus T12-13) but said that improvement was not guaranteed. It depended upon how much damage had occurred. I am sad to say that improvement did not occur. He never had pain or discomfort which differed from your baby.
Neurologist and Orthopedic surgeon want controlled physical therapy. ROM, swimming and the cart are approved. In the beginning after surgery, he was on crate rest for 6 weeks. He was then allowed only supervised walks in the house. I started him on the physical therapy which was recommended. I just wish he would have had more improvement.
Since improvement is questionable (I keep hoping), I am just trying to keep Kobi happy. He is ... but I am ALWAYS looking for new suggestions. I want to try the Dogger...to let Kobi go back into the woods. Just riding instead of running.
Please keep posting me suggestions that have worked for you and Layla. My heart goes out to you and Layla. You are a wonderful mom. Just reading your posts about the pain and restlessness sounds VERY overwhelming. It is so hard just to watch the stumbling...putting pain on top of that...sounds almost too much to handle. You both are in my prayers.
Thank you again for helping me and Kobi.
Abby

Kobi wishes everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Since it is Thanksgiving, Kobi will get a physical therapy break today. NO EXERCISE!!!! Yea!!!! Thanksgiving is meant to lay around, relax, eat, and give Thanks to all the wonderful members of YT. Thanks everyone for all of your concerns.
Kobi and Abby

Happy Thanksgiving Kobi! Hope you enjoyed every moment of the day!

Hope you both have full bellies and getting some much needed rest & relaxation!

I am so happy that things have gone as they have and you and Kobi are together on this Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you! :)

What a good day today!!! I received Kobi's orthopedic dog boots from AllDogBoots. I put the boots on his back feet, Kobi was very patient. What happened next seemed like a miracle...Kobi walked better. He stumbled less, he did not cross his legs in the back, and he did not knuckle. Those boots made a difference. I kept staring at him...was I imagining this??? Well, NO I was not, he moved better.
Thank you Karen and all the YT members for your suggestions and support. I would have NEVER thought of the boots. This forum has HELPED my Kobi live a better life.
Today, I am crying for joy.
Abby and Kobi