Ben the dog and his Spinal Injury

My mum has decided to put this page into my website so you can see how I improved, and that little improvements are good. 

Mum struggled to find any idea of timescales for recovery and this is obviously due to the fact each dog is different, each injury is different and each operation, even if performed by the same vet, will be different. 

So the following is a guide to my stages of recovery and is not in any way indicative as to what should be expected in any other dog.

Again, if you are at all concerned about your own dog's recovery please speak to your vet.

2 days after operation - Regained Deep Pain sensation, this is tested for by grabbing between the toes on the affected pads.  Vet explains that the order in which abilities were lost is reversed in terms of recovery.  This means that because my deep pain sensation was the last thing to go, it is the first thing to return.  This is extremely common in recovery from spinal injuries.

3 days after operation - Able to support weight if legs and paws were placed in position.  Could hold this position for 8 - 10 seconds

4 days after operation - Vet suspected there was a glimmer of movement, this was so slight he could not be sure

5 days after operation - Definite movement today, it was only very slight but definitely there. This was confirmed by vet and nursing staff

6 days after operation - Movement continues and is now clear in both legs, however it is stronger in the left leg than the right

7 days after operation - Movement is stronger today and there is an effort to try to make legs do "something" when being walked in the sling. Vet so pleased he removed catheter to see if bladder function had returned.

8 days after operation -  Catheter removed and can urinate on own, trying hard to use legs properly and mores strength in muscles, can take 2 steps unaided.Got discharged.

9 days after operation - started exercises at home to build up strength.  Managed to poo outside on own.

10 days after operation - Getting on well at home, managed to poo again twice outside today on own and widdling is back to normal!.  Also a lot steadier on legs (still no where near walking.

11 days after operation - still struggling with balance and coordination, but walking well with support in the form of a dogmobile 2 in 1 lead. Toileting outside and tried to cock leg today

12 days after operation  - a bit steadier on feet, trying to cock leg every toileting time.  Tried to chase tail and general improvement in balance.

13 days after operation - got staples out today my own vet very pleased with progress.  Vet shocked at how ell walking has progressed and expplained falling over is due to lack of concentration, but that the muscles work well and the nerve is sending the messages so it's just a case of concentrating and relearning correctwalking gait.

13 - 15 days after operation  - no real change just still unsteady on feet but determined in every other aspect!

16 days after  operation - Managed my first real stretch today without falling over so had my back legs stretched way out behind  and managed not to fall over.

19 days after operation - Ben can sit properly with his back legs tucked under him, he can give paws without falling over and can balance with a cocked leg without wavering.  Walking has greatly improved and although still stilted the vet says he has made excellent leaps forward in recovery and it is truly amazing. There is now no knuckling under of his hind paws at all, and if you put his paws in a knuckled position he quickly corrects it.

20 days - 25 days after operation - nothing really to report in way of change.  At 22 days after the operation resumed 10 minute walks outside around the neighbourhood. Walks are on lead and No climbing or descending of steps allowed.

26 Days after operation - 1st Hydrotherapy session. Went well see seperate page for details

26 - 37 Days after operation - Ben has now had 4 Hydrotherapy sessions and his muscle is definitely becoming more defined again over his hind legs.  He is now trying hard to run and play and for the most manages whatever he wants to do.  Will check with vet on Friday aand intend to do more intensive work on him regaining control of where he places his hind paws. IThis will be doine with exercises such as walking over poles, and walking on surfaces where he has to work hardereg sand, earth, long grass etc