Post hemi-laminectomy surgery; ?? Wiggleless brace anyone ??

[MadreDeMorty]

My worst nightmare happened (even though I knew this was common in frenchies). Morty suffered from two herniated discs about 3 weeks ago and had emergency surgery because he had a huge/long blood clot compressing his spine. Everything happened randomly and so fast that I was devistated for 2 days crying all the time. The great news was that he went from completely paralyzed in both hind legs (peed and pooped on himself because he couldn't feel it) to walking on his own the next day after surgery. We are on crate rest for 6 weeks and halfway done! We never crated him as a pup due to him having issues with small spaces but for some reason he took well to the crate from day one back from the hospital. My question is, has anyone used a back brace for their dog w/back issues or after the same surgery? I am looking into the Wiggleless back brace and wanted to know if anyone had any experience with it. I only want to use it when we are done with crate rest after this surgery site heals more.

 

[2bullymama]

So happy it all went well and he is recovering so quickly.

I have no experience but send you tons of postivie thoughts and wishes for your baby to heal. I would think, the crate is giving him a sense of safety and comfort.. might be why he took to it so well

 

[Jakeyjake]

So sorry for you and your baby! Glad he is doing good in the crate and we are sending positive healing vibes your way. I am not familiar with the brace however. Good luck in his recovery.

 

[Mavis]

I am so happy that your boy has responded so quickly after his surgery. That is a great sign. I hope he continues to do well. How old is Morty?

 

[MadreDeMorty]

I am so happy that your boy has responded so quickly after his surgery. That is a great sign. I hope he continues to do well. How old is Morty?

He is only 2. The Neurologist said that since he is so young we will be seeing this happen again in the future but there are ways we can do lifestyle changes to make it so that the next time doesn't need such an invasive option.

 

[blushy]

I can only imagine the whirlwind you were in. I would've been constantly crying too! *hugs*

I've never heard of the brace but as most products for our dogs, we know what works, so it's pretty much will your dog cope will with it or not. I'd look into their return/refund policy and if there's a good time frame I'd order it, see how he does, and decide from there. [emoji4]

Wishing you good times ahead!


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[Shelltoes]

I feel your pain, I've been through the exact same story and procedure with my Louie. He was the same age as well. You may find it comforting to know my dog made a 99% recovery and you could never tell he was completely paralyzed.

Physotherapy ( massage and short walks with the rear leg support harness) phase 2 was uphill walks and swimming wich helped him tremendously regain his strength in his hind legs.
Was you dog fenestrated during the procedure?
As far as the back brace goes, my opinion it would hinder strengthing of the dogs stabilizer muscles during recovery.

 

[CarrotTheFrenchie]

I feel your pain, I've been through the exact same story and procedure with my Louie. He was the same age as well. You may find it comforting to know my dog made a 99% recovery and you could never tell he was completely paralyzed.

Physotherapy ( massage and short walks with the rear leg support harness) phase 2 was uphill walks and swimming wich helped him tremendously regain his strength in his hind legs.
Was you dog fenestrated during the procedure?
As far as the back brace goes, my opinion it would hinder strengthing of the dogs stabilizer muscles during recovery.

Sorry to hijack this conversation! But Id love some advice on the hemi-vertebrae situation. By chance I happened to find out my dog has several hemi-vertebrae. We had to X-ray her due to thinking she had swallowed part of a tennis ball! She's not having any problems yet (she's ten months) but I'm wondering what I can do now to try and help prevent problems? Should she do physical therapy to strengthen her back? And are there any supplements she can take?