Layla

[Lindsey]

I mean I wish we would have taken her to the college sooner. I wish we would have gotten her to the specialists sooner. It took a long time to realize that the regular vet, or ANY regular vets just don't have the knowledge to deal with what was going on. Her vet kept saying she's still doing great, she still has deep pain sensation, she still has an 80% chance of recovery. And it wasn't until later when we visited her again and she pinched Layla's toes and said "Well she got her deep pain sensation back" ... but no, she didn't. Her pulling her leg away is NOT deep pain sensation, because she has no idea she's doing it. So really we have no idea how long she actually went without it. The vet said she had it the morning of the surgery, and had it the night we took her in to start with, but obviously her definition is different than the real definition. The same thing happened with her acupuncture vet, she considered pulling away to be deep pain too. I said no it's not, the surgeons and specialists said she has no deep pain sensation until her BRAIN recognizes that something is hurting her.

Everyone has a different story. And from what I'm reading, most dogs who start walking again were put on steroids immediately after surgery. Layla has been given NO steroids. In fact she's completely off all her medication already. Most people are saying do NOT start physical therapy until weeks after surgery, but Layla started immediately after surgery.

I just don't know what to do or what to think and I'm scared that nobody is taking it as seriously as I am. If she's laying on the bed beside me, Scott will start playing with her and pushing her over so she will bite at his hands. She has tipped herself backwards in her crate and can't get up and he doesn't worry about it. She is supposed to be kept as still as possible. Scott falls asleep at night while I stay awake if she's crying. She's not crying for no reason. She will stop if I get her what she wants, or move her bedding to make it more comfortable for her.

I know that Scott doesn't have the same bond with her that I have, but he keeps saying it's hard on him too but he has to just get on with life. I am telling him I'm still trying to adjust. I am the one with her all day, worrying that she's eating and drinking enough, she's not staying in the same position to get bedsores, she's having her bladder expressed.... I'm trying my hardest to keep her happy even though she needs to be cooped up in a crate for the next couple of months. And yet he yells at me for being absent-minded lately with other things.

I am just starting to feel very very alone. I know that Layla loves me and she knows that I'm doing what I can to save her, and she is grateful to be with me every second we're together. That's what is getting me through the days. But this is so hard.

[paula1961]

Lindsey I can't even begin to imagine how hard this all is on you! If I could change it for you........I would in a second! You are one terrific girl and you are doing such a great job with Layla! It's only natural for you to have up days and down days. Hang in there sweetie. If only the rest of us lived closer to you, we could step in and help ya but unforunately we don't so we just hope that maybe a little something we say can at least make you feel a little better for a little while.

I am looking forward to the day when you post and say guess what........Layla walked today! I know it's going to happen. I just don't know when.

[gja1000]

Lindsay, it is so hard, I know it is. You are doing such a good job. Why don't you ask the docs why they started her PT so soon when other sources say not to. Maybe there is a good reason in her case and if so that might ease your mind, as well as why no steroids.

[Lindsey]

I am so happy I could cry! Talk about a roller coaster day!

When we picked up Layla after work it took about an hour, and we didn't get to see her vet because she was in surgery. We were told she did about the same as last time, and the vet would call us later when she was done surgery.

Well, I just got that phone call. She said she tried assessing her deep pain sensation again and there was no response. However, she felt that her left leg has toned up quite a bit, and while she was massaging and stretching her back legs, Layla did seem to notice that she was being massaged. It's not definitive, but it seemed like she knew. And, the biggest thing, is that she confirmed what Scott and I thought we noticed in the past few days - she seems to be able to hold her own weight for a split second after holding her back end up. We can pull her up and she stiffens her legs and if we pull our hands away there's a tiny fraction of a second that she can hold it before her legs give out.

I can't even explain how overwhelmed with emotion I am right now. All I wanted was a sign, just a tiny glimpse of progress, and here it is.

I joined a yahoo group today called Dodgers List full of pet owners with dogs who have IVDD. There is a wealth of information with these people and I learned the things I am doing wrong and have committed myself and Scott to keeping Layla on STRICT crate rest for the next 8-10 weeks. We've decided until at least the end of June, she is only coming out for potty breaks, range of motion exercises, and her other treatments and therapy. No laying on the bed, no sitting on the couch, no sitting in the grass. Nothing but laying in the crate. It's the best thing we can do for her right now.

[judy]

Thank God!!! You poor baby! This has been awful for you, but here it is - the good news you have been waiting for. She will recover because you are right there with her, and she gains strength from your love.

I am sending you hugs, and, of course, prayers. Please give Layla a kiss from me.

[paula1961]

Originally Posted by Lindsey

I am so happy I could cry! Talk about a roller coaster day!

When we picked up Layla after work it took about an hour, and we didn't get to see her vet because she was in surgery. We were told she did about the same as last time, and the vet would call us later when she was done surgery.

Well, I just got that phone call. She said she tried assessing her deep pain sensation again and there was no response. However, she felt that her left leg has toned up quite a bit, and while she was massaging and stretching her back legs, Layla did seem to notice that she was being massaged. It's not definitive, but it seemed like she knew. And, the biggest thing, is that she confirmed what Scott and I thought we noticed in the past few days - she seems to be able to hold her own weight for a split second after holding her back end up. We can pull her up and she stiffens her legs and if we pull our hands away there's a tiny fraction of a second that she can hold it before her legs give out.

I can't even explain how overwhelmed with emotion I am right now. All I wanted was a sign, just a tiny glimpse of progress, and here it is.

I joined a yahoo group today called Dodgers List full of pet owners with dogs who have IVDD. There is a wealth of information with these people and I learned the things I am doing wrong and have committed myself and Scott to keeping Layla on STRICT crate rest for the next 8-10 weeks. We've decided until at least the end of June, she is only coming out for potty breaks, range of motion exercises, and her other treatments and therapy. No laying on the bed, no sitting on the couch, no sitting in the grass. Nothing but laying in the crate. It's the best thing we can do for her right now.

YAY!!!!

[gja1000]

LINDSAY! This is the BEST news EVER!!! This is exactly what you needed, a sign that things ARE improving. You have done the very best that you can with the information that you had - and now - you have even MORE information!!!

I'm so happy for you, wish I were there to give you a BIG HUG!

[Janet]

I am so thrilled for you and Layla Lindsey!!! Such wonderful news. Remember to take one day at a time and thank God for each improvement...no matter how big or small.