Layla

[paula1961]

Lindsey I can't even begin to imagine how hard this all is on you! If I could change it for you........I would in a second! You are one terrific girl and you are doing such a great job with Layla! It's only natural for you to have up days and down days. Hang in there sweetie. If only the rest of us lived closer to you, we could step in and help ya but unforunately we don't so we just hope that maybe a little something we say can at least make you feel a little better for a little while.

I am looking forward to the day when you post and say guess what........Layla walked today! I know it's going to happen. I just don't know when.

[gja1000]

Lindsay, it is so hard, I know it is. You are doing such a good job. Why don't you ask the docs why they started her PT so soon when other sources say not to. Maybe there is a good reason in her case and if so that might ease your mind, as well as why no steroids.

[Lindsey]

I am so happy I could cry! Talk about a roller coaster day!

When we picked up Layla after work it took about an hour, and we didn't get to see her vet because she was in surgery. We were told she did about the same as last time, and the vet would call us later when she was done surgery.

Well, I just got that phone call. She said she tried assessing her deep pain sensation again and there was no response. However, she felt that her left leg has toned up quite a bit, and while she was massaging and stretching her back legs, Layla did seem to notice that she was being massaged. It's not definitive, but it seemed like she knew. And, the biggest thing, is that she confirmed what Scott and I thought we noticed in the past few days - she seems to be able to hold her own weight for a split second after holding her back end up. We can pull her up and she stiffens her legs and if we pull our hands away there's a tiny fraction of a second that she can hold it before her legs give out.

I can't even explain how overwhelmed with emotion I am right now. All I wanted was a sign, just a tiny glimpse of progress, and here it is.

I joined a yahoo group today called Dodgers List full of pet owners with dogs who have IVDD. There is a wealth of information with these people and I learned the things I am doing wrong and have committed myself and Scott to keeping Layla on STRICT crate rest for the next 8-10 weeks. We've decided until at least the end of June, she is only coming out for potty breaks, range of motion exercises, and her other treatments and therapy. No laying on the bed, no sitting on the couch, no sitting in the grass. Nothing but laying in the crate. It's the best thing we can do for her right now.

[judy]

Thank God!!! You poor baby! This has been awful for you, but here it is - the good news you have been waiting for. She will recover because you are right there with her, and she gains strength from your love.

I am sending you hugs, and, of course, prayers. Please give Layla a kiss from me.

[paula1961]

Originally Posted by Lindsey

I am so happy I could cry! Talk about a roller coaster day!

When we picked up Layla after work it took about an hour, and we didn't get to see her vet because she was in surgery. We were told she did about the same as last time, and the vet would call us later when she was done surgery.

Well, I just got that phone call. She said she tried assessing her deep pain sensation again and there was no response. However, she felt that her left leg has toned up quite a bit, and while she was massaging and stretching her back legs, Layla did seem to notice that she was being massaged. It's not definitive, but it seemed like she knew. And, the biggest thing, is that she confirmed what Scott and I thought we noticed in the past few days - she seems to be able to hold her own weight for a split second after holding her back end up. We can pull her up and she stiffens her legs and if we pull our hands away there's a tiny fraction of a second that she can hold it before her legs give out.

I can't even explain how overwhelmed with emotion I am right now. All I wanted was a sign, just a tiny glimpse of progress, and here it is.

I joined a yahoo group today called Dodgers List full of pet owners with dogs who have IVDD. There is a wealth of information with these people and I learned the things I am doing wrong and have committed myself and Scott to keeping Layla on STRICT crate rest for the next 8-10 weeks. We've decided until at least the end of June, she is only coming out for potty breaks, range of motion exercises, and her other treatments and therapy. No laying on the bed, no sitting on the couch, no sitting in the grass. Nothing but laying in the crate. It's the best thing we can do for her right now.

YAY!!!!

[gja1000]

LINDSAY! This is the BEST news EVER!!! This is exactly what you needed, a sign that things ARE improving. You have done the very best that you can with the information that you had - and now - you have even MORE information!!!

I'm so happy for you, wish I were there to give you a BIG HUG!

[Janet]

I am so thrilled for you and Layla Lindsey!!! Such wonderful news. Remember to take one day at a time and thank God for each improvement...no matter how big or small.

[Lindsey]

Oh I have been thanking God with all my heart! I have been told to thank Him ahead of time for her full recovery, so I've done that too!

I just did her range of motion exercises and then stood her up again, and she held it for a whole TWO SECONDS before her back end fell sideways. I am so proud of my little girl!

[DianaB]

How wonderful that you've seen a sign of improvement!!!! I'm sure that the group you've found will have a lot of information and encouragement for you!!! Good news!!!!