Layla

[Gina]

Aww Lindsey don't cry Layla will get better you will see. I too have not been on much but think of Layla and continue to pray for her... She is just so adorable...

[DianaB]

Lindsey, don't be sad. It sounds like Layla is still very happy and loves you!!! That's what's important!!

Didn't you talk to others who said that it took 6 weeks? Don't give up hope yet. Healing takes a while. Hugs to you, Layla, and Scott!!!!

[paula1961]

How's Layla? Hope all is well Lynsey.

[Lindsey]

I tried to post a couple days ago but it didn't go through So here I go again...

Layla started her laser light therapy on Tuesday, and I'm hoping it does something. They want me to bring her in every second day for a treatment, so we will be doing that next week when we have some more time. The cost is $64 per treatment, so it's still expensive but not as bad as I was expecting.

I researched it on Saturday, and they have not done studies on dogs but they have on rats. They took 20 rats and SEVERED their spinal cords. 10 of them began laser light therapy, and the others were the control group. I think one from the control group gained a little bit of movement back. All 10 from the laser group were completely back to normal within 9 weeks, not only walking as well as before, but with the same speed too. It's just completely astounding that the laser seems to be able to help nerves jump the gap in the completely severed cord. Of course, that is with treatment starting immediately, and Layla's treatment didn't start for 4 weeks after injury. But Layla's spinal cord wasn't severed either, just compressed. But we'll see and keep hoping and praying every day.

Yesterday we took her to our regular vet because she has been chewing on a front paw. While there, the vet did a whole check of her standing ability and was amazed. She told us it looks like Layla is starting to engage her core muscles and she's sure she'll be walking this summer... I know it's probably false hope but I just want to believe so badly. The specialists and surgeon will not say anything like that to us. She hasn't shown signs yet that anything is coming back except reflex muscles. I'll hear back from the rehab vet this afternoon though, so maybe she'll see some change today. She hasn't seen her since last Friday.

Every night now we do her range of motion exercises on the bed. She always used to suck on the edges of our pillows as a comfort thing, and she does that now after exercises. I just take 5 or 10 minutes to lay there with her and cuddle. I really miss snuggling with her while we sleep at night. But the safest place for her right now is her crate.

[Blueyes]

It's not false hope Linds, its REAL hope!! Hang on to it

[Janet]

You are such a good mommy Lindsey. It really sounds like Lelah is improving...maybe not as much as you'd like, but still...every little bits counts. I think of you and her often and will continue to keep her in my prayers.

[Lindsey]

I just got the call saying Layla is exactly the same as last week, no changes.

[gja1000]

I would imagine she made so much progress last week that her body has
To take a rest this week. Don't be discouraged. I bet the vet is right, she'll be walking in no time!

[DianaB]

Layla is still healing.......give her time!!! We're all hoping and praying for her!!! Go Layla!!!

[Lindsey]

I can't believe I forgot to update here!

On Friday, Layla started showing signs of "spinal walking" on the underwater treadmill! It's not real conscious walking, but moving her legs due to muscle memory. Basically it's the spinal cord in her lower back telling her legs to walk, but not the brain. There's still no sign of the spinal cord healing, but I need to be confident it will come!

At Reiki yesterday, the woman told me to visualize Layla running and walking and playing with her favorite toys in her favorite places and to send those images from my "third eye" to Layla's. She will get the images and remember what it's like to have 4 legs and will her own body to heal. She said I need to be positive ALL THE TIME, even when Layla's not around. If I talk to someone who doesn't know about Layla's problem, I can say this happened and there was damage but it's HEALING and she is getting better! I am not supposed to say there's a 50% chance or that she might not walk again. She will walk again, because she IS healing. The universe will give us what we believe I'm hoping so, anyway!

[DIANE W]

Thanks for the update Lindsey.. It is so hard for you, but you are doing everything possible for baby Layla.... she is improving, i know it is slow but that is how it has got to be.

She WILL GET WELL, i just know it.

[paula1961]

I like the way that Reiki lady thinks!! She's right too, Layla has improved. She is going to walk again!! I am keeping the faith!!!

[judy]

She certainly is healing! I missed the post about what the vet said about Layla walking by summer. I am thrilled for our baby girl!

I looked up spinal walking, and, until she is completely healed, she is mobile anyway!

That's the way to go Layla! Max, Annie and I are sending you tons of positive energy, and I am praying. (I don't know if dogs pray, per se).

[Lindsey]

Lol! Thank you all! Layla's stroller came today and we just got it put together. She LOVES it! I didn't think she'd like it at all, never being in a carrier before, but she settled right in, laid down, and stuck her head on the edge of the front "window" to rest I rolled her around the house and she was looking around eagerly. It's very smooth and even has little shock absorbers on the front wheels lol! Then I carried her up here and she's sitting beside me. It's so much easier to move her around. This is the best idea we've had!

[JJJ]

Ok I just finish reading about poor Layla.

Just hang in there, I know it's going to be a long journey but eventually she will come around. I also think a stroller is a great idea, I'm sure she feels like a lil' Princess in there. You have to post pics of her in her stroller.