 Barked: Thu Feb 25, '10 11:39am PST |
 | |  | | My Mommy says:
"My Pepper had emergency back surgery 5 weeks ago today. He jumped off the couch and ruptured a disk. After it occurred, he was dragging one leg behind him and by the next day, the other back leg as well. It was a swift, but still difficult decision. He was kept in the hospital so the Neurosurgeons could monitor him for a few days. Once he had the sensation to go potty on his own, they released him. He was ordered antibiotics, pain killers, and steriod pills for about 10 days and complete CRATE rest for 6-8 weeks! Since Pepper has always had free reign of the house, and has not been crated since he was a little pup and he's now almost 10 yr old, it was sad to have to confine him like this. He seems to have adjusted though, even 5 weeks into this recovery period. We take him out of the crate about 5 times a day. Carry him to the yard and let him walk around to do his business, then right back in he goes! We had to use a sling to lift his back end a bit when he first had the surgery, but within a few days, he was holding his own weight and walking. He was wobbly at first, but now walks well. He only seems to sweep one foot under him a little bit, but nothing to noticeable. He is eating and acting like his old self again. Next week, at his 6 week ck up, they'll let us know if he should be crated another 2 weeks or not. I feel he is safer in there for now as I can just imagine the doorbell ringing and him running to it and reinjuring himself. They said since I did the surgery so quickly after the injury occured, he has a 85-90% chance of full recovery, and had a waited a few months and then did the surgery, it only has a 40-50% success rate. We feel we made the right decision. His scar is healing nicely, stitches are out and hair is growing back well. It's a personal decision, but for us, we know this was the best for Pepper and our family. As a Weiner Dog, they said this is extremely common and he must NEVER be allowed again to jump off of anything or ANY height. So, we will have to confine him to certain areas of the home when we are out where he cannot jump onto any furniture. There are adjustments to be made, but we can all get used to it. Good luck to anyone who has this life-changing event occur in their family. God Bless.."
I'm so blessed to have a family that loves me so much! I'm feeling stronger each day and plan to keep them happy for a looooooonnnngggg time!  |  |  | |  |
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Has anyone on here have had more then one back surgery with their little ones?
