Spinal surgery

Hiya. I have not been on for so long I had to make a new username!! Formally known as Eve!

I wondered if anyone has been through disc surgery in their Shih Tzu. My Crystalhad to have an op 4 weeks ago now as she had 2 diseased discs, 1 slipped and one that looked to be going. I was told surgery was the best option and she would have 95% chance of using her legs again and vet estimated 2-3 weeks for her to use them. It is now just over 4 weeks but still not using them.

I know a few folks w/ shids that have had to have this surgery done. I pray Crystal has a safe op and a speedy recovery. I know you are beside yourself though

Oh Eve what a horrible time it must be for you both hun, what has the vet said ?? do they sound hopeful ?? Is she using her legs at all ??

Never had any experience of this, did have a dog with Meningitis who lost all use of his back end and remember having to do pysio every day for a few weeks which seemed to work wonders but i suppose not the same

I do hope she makes a full recovery hun

Thanks for replying. Well the vet had originally said it would be 2-3 weeks after op to get the use of the back legs so quite surprised she hasn't yet. I have been massaging and physio everyday. She had a really bad case of Cystitis which I think put her recovery back a bit. She has been stretching her legs when she wakes from sleep and she still seems to have deep pain sensation in her toes ( which is good) apart from maybe one leg is slower than other in responding to pain. But she is not trying to stand , she will drag herself around the room if I can't get the sling quick enough. The vet hassaid give it another 2 weeks and we will review again ( that will be 6 weeks since the op then) Maybe to see a hypnotherapist. He said it is hard to find a good physiotherapist apparently. Not sure crystal will get much from the hydrotherapy as she hates water and baths! I am having to keep her on training pads as her toilet habits are unpredictable x

That should be Hydrotherapist!

Hi, friend of mine parents dog had it done and it took a lot longer then 2-3 weeks to get him back on his feet. But he is back and racing around!

I can definitely recommend hydrotherapy even if they don't like swimming it honestly works wonders, hoping she's up running round soon

Hi.Thanks for the replies. Well still giving lots of massage and a few more of those stretches of legs going on! Will let you know how it goes x

Must be so awful for you, well please keep us updated and i hope shes fighting fit very soon

Lost all my posts so now trying to work my way through all the missed ones

So sorry to hear about Crystal hun

I know 2 people who had surgery like this on their JR and both dogs regained the use of their back legs although one leg was slightly less mobile.

Think it took longer than 3 to 4 weeks though

Both dogs had hydrotherapy and it really worked well hun

that she soons starts to feel more confident and using her legs again

Thanks DaisyDotes It probably doesn't help with my floors downstairs being tiled and a bit slippery and confidence on that. I think it is just going to take time (fingers crossed) Just a bit surprising she hasn't got it back as she is a very determined Shih Tzu!! Will see what the vet says about the Hydrotherapy. x

Hi
Crystal still not trying to walk but has been pushing up a bit with her legs crossed at back. Hoping that is progress, bit worrying they are crossed though. Am waiting on the vets for next suggestion and possible hydrotherapy

Both of the people I know who had this type of surgery on their JR had the sane thing to start with and although it improved a lot with time both JR always had a slightly crossed look to their rear legs hun

that this is the start for Crystal

It is so frustrating to see her like this, just wish i could do something more Max is so confused without her to lead him in walks too. Do you know how long your friends dogs actually took to get to a more walking stage? There is nothing on it anywhere I look.

Awwww bless, well lets hope shes just a bit slow and it will come in time

Well she has been doing excellent pushing up albeit crossed legs since this morning outside!!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww im so happy for you hun

Thanks Fluff

Just so pleased for and hope it makes your Christmas a little easier knowing shes trying

great news hun

Can't really remember how long it took either dog to get fully mobile but will ask them when I am back to work after Xmas. It was quite a long time ago that they had their ops.

ok thanks Dotes and thanks Fluff, it does indeed make it easier knowing she is trying just a bit more!

That's wonderful news I'm really pleased for you that she's improving

Fab news