please read and offer your own experiences

[rosies_mom]

My dachshund-mix  Rosie had spine surgery on Sept 4 to remove the L4-L5 disc. Pre-op, she had lost function of her hind legs.  Two days later and she has not gained any hind leg mobility.  I visit her twice a day and each time she is a nervous wreck, in a pure state of terror. She stares into my eyes the whole time as if to say, "why is this happening?"  She comes home on Monday and I work full time with very few people to help me care for her.  This surgery was $7000 and now i must get a second job to help me pay for this.
What kind of complications did anyone have with their dog's recovery?  And, for those who work full time, how did you manage caring for your dog and working?  
Any help would be so appreciated.  
Thank you.

[Misfits4Me]

Hello Rosie's mom....Kudos to you for taking such good care of this girl!!! How old is Rosie??

I've lived through this & I have a few pointers:

I don't know what your discharge orders are, but you must follow to a tee! Hopefully, she is on a good pain regimen....If not, go back...Keeping her pain under control is vital!!! The look you describe sound like pain to me! I would re-evaluate whether you need to get better pain management from your doctor....
Your dog MUST be crated 24 hours a day....Your mesh crate is not good enough..You need a wire crate (With padding) that she can see out of...It helps w/anxiety when she can see you.....you can move it from room to room.....

DO NOT let this dog sleep w/you.....That is an accident waiting to happen....One wrong move & you will be back to square one....She MUST sleep in her crate......ONLY take her out to potty ON A LEASH.....Do not risk her wanting to chase something in yard, because trust me, she will....Carry her out And back in.....If she cannot stand on her own, use a towel or scarf to support her middle and gently lift her rear up to potty....She will learn how....

Keep doggie urine pads in her crate for accidents.....This way she will not be laying in urine to scald her skin..... Feed in crate.....Get her a kong (Google creative ways to fill kong) and find ways for her to entertain herself in crate...

I would not take her to work.....Another accident waiting to happen! Plus, extra stress if she is not use to it.....She needs to rest at home! Can you go home for lunch & check on her, let her out to potty & such or is that not possible?

This will take anywhere from 6-8 weeks, but again, it can be done!!!

Yes, she is going to cry! You are the boss & this is what is best for her...Stand firm and you both will get through this...

She should not be expected to walk this soon....Be patient.....It will happen....

My Oliver (Poodle) did this when he was 5 years old.....Christmas Eve Emergency....Surgery that day...He too was paralysed.....

A couple of years later, he felt so good, could run & play & go crazy, he tore an ACL and had to have that knee repaired.....Turned out fine...

We use Chinese Herbs & Acupuncture for pain if he has a flair up...

Oliver will be 11 soon & he was out chasing creatures/squirrels this morning......He is the dog from "Hell" and I LOVE him!  :)  

Hang in there and follow your instructions.....It's hard I know, but you must do it for Rosie......Let me know how it's going...I'll be thinking about you both!!!  Karla

[rosies_mom]

Thank you, lindapalm.  You are kind.  I appreciate your thoughtful words.  They are much needed right now as I anticipate the coming weeks.  Please pray for us if you can remember to.  many many thanks.  
Rosie's mom

[lindapalm]

Rosies_mom, Rosie is a very lucky girl to have you as an owner, its a shame all dogs can't be loved as much as your girl.  I wish you luck in her recovery, and hope its speedy.  

[rosies_mom]

Hi Margot49,

Many thanks for your good ideas, especially about hydrotherapy.  

I have her care covered for Tuesday and Thursday, just need to find someone for Wednesday.  I am hoping my boss will be ok with her coming to work that day.  Fridays I work from home, so I just need to worry about Wednesday.  

I have a crate with a mesh covering so that will be her place of rest during the day.  I'd like for her to sleep with me during the night, if possible.  

I guess this will be our new normal...I pray with all my being she recovers some use of her legs....she is the love of my life.  

many thanks again, Margot49. you are generous with your advice.  

[Margot49]

So sorry to read about your Rosie.  Ginger gave you good advice that I would just repeat.  The Vet will be your best source for post op care.
Myself and my aunt had Doxies for years and, like your Rosie, my Tritza was my heart dog.
Aside from that, my aunt had a Doxie that lost the use if her hind legs.  Now, mind you, this was many years ago and they did not have the advanced Vet care or expertise they have now.  I want to say she was put on steroids for a while, but not sure.  We went to the same Vet fir many years.  He told my aunt to fill her tub with tepid water twice a day and to support the dog in the tub and let her swim.  My aunt's dogs were like her kids and she did this religiously.  Eventually, the dog started moving her back legs in the water and eventually was able to walk again.  Point being, you might ask the Vet about aquatic therapy.  It would be difficult since you work, but maybe you could do it once a day.
As for care, that's a tough one if you have little help.  Any chance you can take her to work?
Is there anyone that could come in and check on her?
You may consider hiring a service to help but more expense.  Perhaps your Vet can recommend someone.  My Vet has info at his office.
If you don't have an X pen, perhaps you can gate her in a bathroom or kitchen or service porch area that is covered and comfortable.  You would have to make sure water is available where she can reach it.
If she would tolerate it, you might try to find a cheap play pen to keep her in.
Just throwing out ideas.
Hoping Rosie has a full recovery and hugs to you.
Please do keep us updated.

[rosies_mom]

ginger899,

Many thanks for your kind and compassionate reply.  Rosie is my life mate and companion--I believe God entrusts us to take care of these little gifts.

In my grief, some people have said some really insensitive things like, "Have you thought about putting her down if she doesn't recover her hind legs?"  Or, "Wow, that's a lot of money to spend on a dog."  Those are the last things I want to hear right now.  What I want to hear is what you said.  

I know there may come a time where I may have to consider putting her down but I wanted to give her the best opportunity and surgery was that option. I love her with all my heart, and then some.  

Again, thank you for your kindness, I appreciate it more than words can say.

Rosie's mom

[ginger899]

I am afraid I don't have any experience of this surgery, and hope someone comments who has experience.

Your sweet Rosie is such a lovely little girl.
Two days after surgery is still 'early days'. There will be some bruising ad that will have to clear before any beginning changes might be noticed. She will need strict rest right this moment. She is scared, bless her little heart -because she is in the hospital, surrounded by strangers. But it is the best place for her right now.
The vet should be able to give you some advice or an outline of her future care plan/physiotherapy exercises, etc, so then you will know where you stand, but probably won't be able to do that right this minute as the initial healing has to take place first.

Bless you for giving all you had -and then some -for your little dog! I wish I was there, because if I was I would volunteer time for sure, to help you.