Many dogs and dog families have to deal with disc herniations, fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE - similar to a stroke but in spinal cord), and other injuries or diseases that cause partial or complete paralysis in the legs of the dogs. Most commonly, disc herniations in the back cause the disc material to press on the spinal cord, causing paralysis of the back legs. Regardless of the cause of the paralysis, physical therapy can be extremely helpful. I have treated hundreds of dogs who were once completely paralyzed in the back legs (or all four legs) and have returned to walking all by themselves! Many veterinarians cite old statistics (such as a 50/50 chance or even only a 5% chance if your dog loses what is referred to as "deep pain") - these statistics don't factor in the much better outcomes with physical therapy. As a result, it's all too common for dog owners to assume their dogs won't ever be able to walk again. Unfortunately, this can impact a life or death decision. So, if your dog ever loses function in his or her legs, please know that with the proper veterinary and physical therapy care, it's most likely that your dog WILL be able to walk again! And I'm here to teach you all you need to know to help you achieve that goal! Whether you are local or across the country, I want to help you and your pet. A new website will be up soon with both local and long-distance service options to help you. Check back in April at http://www.pt4animals.com/.
As always, I'm taking "pawsitive steps" to help improve the lives of animals and their people...
Julie
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Thanks Julie,
ReplyDeleteAfter about 3 months our paralyzed Dachshund is showing slow recovery. He is now wagging his tail, and with minimal trunk support he is FWB through his hind legs. He still gets around in the wheelchair but now he is actively trying to use his legs when he walks with the WC. I think it was a huge help to him, it got him up moving, increasing circulation and I think it really helped to speed up his recovery. He was so sad and depressed before we got him the wheelchair. He does great with hydrotherapy. I am hopeful that he will get his function back!!
It sounds like he is on the right track! Everything you have said is exactly how I see my patients go through the process. First the standing with support, then full weight bearing (FWB), and then some movement of legs while in the cart, etc. I agree with you completely about the cart. Some people worry that carts will make dogs dependent on them - but I always see the reverse. It helps them to walk sooner by supporting them and letting them practice!
ReplyDeleteYou can get him in a good standing position and see if you can just hold the base of his tail, and then give him some encouragement to take a step forward (someone holding a treat out for him about 2-3 steps away is ideal). But, don't let him go down to a dragging position. So, hold his tail and pull back on it a bit if he is trying to move foward only with his front legs and really leaning forward. Only let him go forward if he uses his back legs to attempt to step. If he does, let him move forward and if necessary, just correct the placement of his paw. Doing some of this "gait retraining" will help the stepping motion return more quickly.
Also, if standing is getting pretty easy, try putting his front legs up on a thick book (creating a small step for him). This forces more weight to the back legs. But, most dogs "cheat" and lean forward, so you can place your hands on his thighs and pull some of his weight back - this will keep some good weight through his back legs. He can stand in this position (with minimal assistance) for 2-3 minutes at a time. I often shift the weight very gently side-to-side as dogs stand in this position.
Glad his physical therapy and recovering process is going so well. I suspect it won't be longer now until he is walking by himself! What is his name, by the way?
Thanks for sharing!!! :)
We'd love to see a picture too, if you can post one here on the blog?
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