Layla

[gja1000]

Thanks so much for the update, Lindsay. I'm so happy to hear that she is doing so well with her wheels. My mom's doxy really didn't like them very much and would only "go" when HE wanted to get somewhere, which wasn't very often. It is interesting though, he began to get back his movement after he started using the cart - so maybe there is something to that idea.

I'm SURE the B12 shots are giving her more energy - I sure hope they help with nerve regeneration!!!

Thanks again for the update. I've been thinking about her AND YOU!

[lynne b]

I am so happy to hear that Layla is doing so well with her cart and sounds like she is making wonderful progress at rehab.
I love reading your updates on her.

[judy]

She is the best!!! How cute that she took off! What a trooper!

[Lindsey]

Thanks everyone!

Unfortunately, after paying bills last night, it looks like we will have to do some major cutbacks on Layla's rehab. We take her three times a week plus she gets acupuncture once a week for an extra cost... basically it's costing about $1000 per month for all of this. It breaks my heart to cut back because she is showing she is STILL improving every day, but I was shocked to see my bank account last night and realized we only have enough in our fund to do this for another month. I know that she's happy either way, but I just want to give her the best chance I can. A lot of stuff I can do at home, but the underwater treadmill, the thing that helps her the most, I obviously can't do at home.

I hate to complain about money because I am lucky to have a good job and a good house and everything, and I can still pay bills and eat, but I love Layla so much and I wish it didn't have to cost so much to keep trying. I have given up paying other things off so that I could pay for her surgery and recovery and Scott said to me last night "Where does it stop?" He will not let me take money out of what I'm saving for Europe or what I'm saving for our wedding some day in the future... he won't let me make those sacrifices. And he's right.

Anyways, I guess Layla is happy as long as we're happy so I can't put us in the poorhouse for her. It won't do any of us good. She's just an amazing little girl and I know she doesn't have complex thoughts but I'm worried she'll think we're giving up on her. Or maybe it just feels that way to me.

[judy]

You have to know in your own heart Linds. Nobody can tell you what to do.

She is a happy little dog, either way!

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by judy

You have to know in your own heart Linds. Nobody can tell you what to do.

She is a happy little dog, either way!

That's true. You've already gone over and above what I would have done.

If you put Layla in the water does she try to swim using all of her legs? Maybe you could fill the bathtub really full and let her exercise in the tub. She may not really need the treadmill.

[Lindsey]

She won't use all of her legs except if she's on the treadmill - we have tried. If she's in the tub she just walks around with her front legs and lets the back ones float and drag around.

We talked with the vet yesterday and I think we've got it down to just two days a week... once for acupuncture (plus keeping her there for the day is free) and once for rehab.

Yesterday we took her to our small town vet for her shots. She did a little check-up and when she put the rectal thermometer in, Layla's back end started running away! Her front end didn't know what was happening, but her back legs were moving in a perfect walking motion. It was so crazy to see!

[gja1000]

I know this is a financial burden for you and I think you have done as much as possible for her. I think she will improve some more though! You are a good mom!

[Lindsey]

Something very weird happened one night before the weekend (I can't remember if it was Thursday or Friday). We took Layla upstairs and put her on the bed to wait for us to come and snuggle before going to sleep It's what we usually do and she just lays down and waits or sucks on the corner of a pillow. Well, we put her on the bed and went to brush our teeth and get ready for bed. But she would not stop crying and barking! I was in the middle of washing my face but I went to check on her and she was pacing around and sometimes she'd quickly turn her head back and jump forwards, like she was scared of something behind her. One time she whipped her head around and bit her back foot! She has NOTHING to do with her back feet. I thought she may have been feeling something! But a few minutes later she was back to normal, no more pacing, nothing. And she still had no deep pain sensation or any feeling down her back. Strange!

[gja1000]

I wonder if she was getting that "tingly" or "prickly" feeling that happens when nerves awaken??? It sure is strange! I realize she still didn't have any deep pain sensation, yet, it seems like she must have been having some sort of sensation.

[Marilyn]

Lindsey, so wonderful to hear of her progress!!!! This is such encouraging news!!!!

[JJJ]

I'm happy to hear she's progressing even if it's a little at a time. I'm sorry to hear you have a small burden financially but I'm sure things will work out. Best wishes

[Lindsey]

Thank you

I talked with the vet about it and she wants us to keep watching out for that kind of behaviour. She still didn't have deep pain, so we're not really sure. But if it does happen again we need to put an e-collar or at least wrap a towel around her neck to discourage her from biting her back paws. The mailing list I'm on said it could very well be neuropathy which means there are some errant messages firing from the nerves and it can be VERY painful. And with lack of deep pain, some dogs have bitten their feet so far as to mangle or bite them right off... they can't feel it. But I want to stay positive and hope that it's something good starting.

[gja1000]

Oh Dear, I never thought of something like that!! I sure hope it is a good sign and not what you described from the other forum!

[Lindsey]

Can I ask for more prayers for Layla? She has been acting weird today, not wanting to move, and tonight she is trembling and won't move her head to either side. She is not eating or drinking. I am terrified that she is having a cervical disc issue. We will try to take her in to her specialist at the hospital tomorrow. I am so worried about her I can't stop crying.