P
peppermint lady
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keep up the good work Kay, Flo is so lucky to have you and Rob looking after her :wub:I'm sure her improvement will be at a slow but steady pace :thumbsup: :luck:
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Poor Go With The Flow
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keep up the good work Kay, Flo is so lucky to have you and Rob looking after her :wub:I'm sure her improvement will be at a slow but steady pace :thumbsup: :luck:
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Jayne is right Sienna is very happy. it's been a long road and like Peggy she will never be 100% but she doesnt seem to think she is any different from any other dog unless it suits her and she can milk it o
I hope Flo makes a speedy recovery :luck: :luck: :luck: and if you need any help or anything just give me a shout
)
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Thanks Jayne and Lesley, - I'm sure I'll be in touch.
:thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
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Just a quick note I remembered Sienna shook alot for quite a while the vet said itit can be a sign of pain on occasions but she was on massive doses of pain killers so he put it down to the nerves a little damaged, she doesnt do it anymore, but you know Flo best so you would probably be able to tell if she was in pain, also we worried about the dynamics as Sienna had always been top dog and even when she was bed ridden it was obvious the rest of the pack still saw her that way none of them tried to challenge her for the position :thumbsup:
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Sorry to come home to this news Rob and Kay - we send our good wishes for a speedy recovery for Go With The Flow :huggles:
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Today in the post we received a totally unexpected but very generous contribution towards Flo's vets bills sent from the Northern club committee from a collection taken on the day she had her accident. We would just like to say thank you so much to everyone who contributed to it and also to the Northern for topping it up, you are all wonderful people. We are both so grateful and amazed that folk could be so very generous, especially in the present climate.
We are very touched that you should all care so much about Flo. We know how upsetting it was for everyone who saw her collapse on the track, but that so many people should be so concerned restores our faith in human kindness. Thank you doesn't seem enough , but thank you anyway to all those who contributed towards Flo's treatment, it is certainly an expensive business, - but we were so lucky that we were able to get her to the referral centre on our way back the same day.
I haven't posted for a couple of days as there has not really been a lot different to say. She is still showing some encouraging movement in her R leg and although she still needs the sling under her for support she is trying now to move her R foot in a 'walking gait', though not putting her weight on it. We are still waiting for the L side to show some movement. I am sleeping downstairs with her on the settee and when Rob came down this morning we both saw a little wag of her tail so something must be getting through. Anyone who has been in the same situation will know what I mean when I say the smallest things can either lift your spirits up high or drop you down. We are just waiting for something from that left side now.
She received a lovely new padded sling from June Foster at the weekend which has made life a lot easier for all of us as it is so soft we can just leave it under her so we can lift her up without any fuss when needed. June had tried it out on WCRCh Evansent for a fitting, so a further bonus or Flo was that it already smelled wonderful too! Ray Jones called round to see her yesterday and I thought she was going to leap out of her basket, she was SO pleased to see him, - we both had to hold her down! ( I expect he remnded her of her 'past life'!)
Like poorly people, she is brighter through the day then gets a bit tired and shaky by the evening, - but rest is a great healer so I'm told. I'm sure she knows we are trying to help her and now, instead of struggling when we need to lift her up or put her back in her bed she lets us lie her down very gently without wriggling.
We are all getting used to this strange routine which has now somehow become 'normal' for us.
Here are a couple of pictures of her taken earlier today.
Thanks again, so much.
We are very touched that you should all care so much about Flo. We know how upsetting it was for everyone who saw her collapse on the track, but that so many people should be so concerned restores our faith in human kindness. Thank you doesn't seem enough , but thank you anyway to all those who contributed towards Flo's treatment, it is certainly an expensive business, - but we were so lucky that we were able to get her to the referral centre on our way back the same day.
I haven't posted for a couple of days as there has not really been a lot different to say. She is still showing some encouraging movement in her R leg and although she still needs the sling under her for support she is trying now to move her R foot in a 'walking gait', though not putting her weight on it. We are still waiting for the L side to show some movement. I am sleeping downstairs with her on the settee and when Rob came down this morning we both saw a little wag of her tail so something must be getting through. Anyone who has been in the same situation will know what I mean when I say the smallest things can either lift your spirits up high or drop you down. We are just waiting for something from that left side now.
She received a lovely new padded sling from June Foster at the weekend which has made life a lot easier for all of us as it is so soft we can just leave it under her so we can lift her up without any fuss when needed. June had tried it out on WCRCh Evansent for a fitting, so a further bonus or Flo was that it already smelled wonderful too! Ray Jones called round to see her yesterday and I thought she was going to leap out of her basket, she was SO pleased to see him, - we both had to hold her down! ( I expect he remnded her of her 'past life'!)
Like poorly people, she is brighter through the day then gets a bit tired and shaky by the evening, - but rest is a great healer so I'm told. I'm sure she knows we are trying to help her and now, instead of struggling when we need to lift her up or put her back in her bed she lets us lie her down very gently without wriggling.
We are all getting used to this strange routine which has now somehow become 'normal' for us.
Here are a couple of pictures of her taken earlier today.
Thanks again, so much.
She's looking as lovely as ever which is testament to your care and her spirit We used a sheepskin (thanks to Carmel for the advice) for Woody when he had to be cage rested for 12 weeks it helps to prevent pressure sores from building up on the oh so thin whippet skin. Also at the first sign of any red patches use Sudocreme on them. It really helped Woody's bandage sores to heal.
Our thoughts are with you and Flo. Thanks for letting us all know how she is getting on. It's damned hard work nursing them but it'll be worth it.
Our thoughts are with you and Flo. Thanks for letting us all know how she is getting on. It's damned hard work nursing them but it'll be worth it.
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We are thinking of Flo and of you Kay and Rob. Flo looks so well in the pictures, her general well being will help her come through this, given time.
We are still planning to go to Cotheridge on Sunday and we are sad you will not be able to be there.
David and Pete
We are still planning to go to Cotheridge on Sunday and we are sad you will not be able to be there.
David and Pete
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Thanks Barbara, - we will get some Sudocreme in, just in case. Flo is well padded in her bed with about three layers underneath, ...but she would probably like a sheepskin as well.
At night she sleeps on two duvets. I have given up sleeping on the floor next to her as I was beginning to need serious manipulation myself after five nights, with a stiff neck and shoulder, so I now sleep on the settee and spread out plastic bags around her duvet then if she tries to move around in the night I can hear her (sounds odd but it works)!We have not crated her since we brought her back from the vets as it was so difficult trying to get her in and out without twisting her back as she can only help out with her front legs. Thanks for all the suggestions. :thumbsup:
David, - sorry we won't see you at the weekend, but thanks for your post and e mail. I would like to have seen a 39lb. Pete!
Flo had some good races with him in the past. We are all doing our best here, I know you understand.
Hope we can get together at the Indi again before too long.
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Aww , she lovely...i wish i had a lovely sheepskin sling like that...we used a soft fleece kiddy blanket which done the job but didnt do any good for my back though
Peggy used love to lie outside in the sunshine..i used to put a padded sleeping bag out side for her and we had to take turn to sit with her,,,but she loved just being outside and being part of the pack,even if she couldnt walk...she hated to be left on their own...she had to go in her cage at times especially if there wasnt anyone to watch her as she would try scamble along the floor
just keep up with the exercises on those legs...she'l start to used the L leg when when the nerves start to repair themselves...
At times i felt that some peole was against me by keeping her like this, and that made me more determind(sp) to prove those wrong that i'd made the right decision to make her better..im so glad i did
i know how you feel about the wagging of the tail, i thought i'd won the lottery when peggy started to use hers...her tail wagged very low but it was a wag...im sure people thought i was going mad
Your doing a great job with Flo and plz call anytime....
Did you get in touch with Elizabeth and James as they came to see her while she was still struggling to walk
Peggy used love to lie outside in the sunshine..i used to put a padded sleeping bag out side for her and we had to take turn to sit with her,,,but she loved just being outside and being part of the pack,even if she couldnt walk...she hated to be left on their own...she had to go in her cage at times especially if there wasnt anyone to watch her as she would try scamble along the floor
just keep up with the exercises on those legs...she'l start to used the L leg when when the nerves start to repair themselves...
At times i felt that some peole was against me by keeping her like this, and that made me more determind(sp) to prove those wrong that i'd made the right decision to make her better..im so glad i did
i know how you feel about the wagging of the tail, i thought i'd won the lottery when peggy started to use hers...her tail wagged very low but it was a wag...im sure people thought i was going mad
Your doing a great job with Flo and plz call anytime....
Did you get in touch with Elizabeth and James as they came to see her while she was still struggling to walk
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Thanks Jayne, it's so good to hear from folk who have been through similar experiences with their dogs. Hopefully today looks brighter and I may be able to get her out in the garden in her bed to sit in the sunshine 8)
Yes, Elizabeth and James have been in touch (they mentioned that you would be a good source of information!)
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After some progress with Flo's right leg last week we seem to have 'plateaued out' a bit over the last few days. It's easy to feel disappointed that the left leg hasn't followed suit so quickly, but from what we have learned it isn't uncommon for improvements to be followed by a lull, so we are trying to be positive that she is using her right leg in a kind of 'walking gait' and although her back wobbles all over when we move she is at least touching the ground with that right foot, though I am having to hold her up or obviously she would fall over. She is such a good patient and is getting used to this strange procedure now whenever she needs to go out!
The big news is that we are starting hydrotherapy next Thursday! This was recommended by the specialist from 2 weeks after her accident. That seemed very early to me, especially with no movement from her left leg, but having spoken to the lady who runs the hydrotherapy pool at some length and explained my reservations I've been reassured that they have a lot of experience with spinal injuries and that the sooner Flo can start there the better. It is all part of the vets practice at Worcester and the lady I spoke to is the senior nurse and will be looking after us.
It seems that Flo will be more suited to the underwater treadmill with the nurse in behind her holding her back legs and basically teaching her how to walk again. She will have to have quite a lengthy assessment before she goes in and will probably only spend a few minutes in the water to begin with so as not to tire her out. They are going to contact the orthapaedic specialist before we go, so they should have all her notes to hand. The nurse said that even dogs with no movement at all in their legs are often able to kick out when supported in the water.
To be honest, I'm feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, - hopeful that it may stimulate her legs, especially her left one, and give her the gentle exercise she needs right now, but also trepidation, as from previous experience I know that she absolutely HATES the water! So I know that to begin with at least, both she and I will probably be jibbering wrecks! :wacko: I know she'll be very scared at first but just hope that she will get to relax and even maybe enjoy it a bit with time. I guess we just have to give it a try anyway.They said that they have quite a good success rate with spinal injury patients and I suppose the very worst it can do is nothing, - but it might just be what she needs
Anyhow, here she is below, showing off her lovely new sling from June F. ( so beautifully colour co-ordinated for her June!) She almost looks 'normal' doesn't she! I am supporting her right leg, although she appears to be standing on it, though she is now able to put a small amount of weight on it when she is still. ... We toddle around in the garden on her two and a half legs, but because we have 'front wheel drive' I am constantly being dragged under trees and through the bushes! She still has plenty of spirit and determination left and I do hope that will help with her recovery. Will let you know how she gets on with her hydrotherapy.
The big news is that we are starting hydrotherapy next Thursday! This was recommended by the specialist from 2 weeks after her accident. That seemed very early to me, especially with no movement from her left leg, but having spoken to the lady who runs the hydrotherapy pool at some length and explained my reservations I've been reassured that they have a lot of experience with spinal injuries and that the sooner Flo can start there the better. It is all part of the vets practice at Worcester and the lady I spoke to is the senior nurse and will be looking after us.
It seems that Flo will be more suited to the underwater treadmill with the nurse in behind her holding her back legs and basically teaching her how to walk again. She will have to have quite a lengthy assessment before she goes in and will probably only spend a few minutes in the water to begin with so as not to tire her out. They are going to contact the orthapaedic specialist before we go, so they should have all her notes to hand. The nurse said that even dogs with no movement at all in their legs are often able to kick out when supported in the water.
To be honest, I'm feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, - hopeful that it may stimulate her legs, especially her left one, and give her the gentle exercise she needs right now, but also trepidation, as from previous experience I know that she absolutely HATES the water!
So I know that to begin with at least, both she and I will probably be jibbering wrecks! :wacko: I know she'll be very scared at first but just hope that she will get to relax and even maybe enjoy it a bit with time. I guess we just have to give it a try anyway.They said that they have quite a good success rate with spinal injury patients and I suppose the very worst it can do is nothing, - but it might just be what she needsAnyhow, here she is below, showing off her lovely new sling from June F. ( so beautifully colour co-ordinated for her June!) She almost looks 'normal' doesn't she! I am supporting her right leg, although she appears to be standing on it, though she is now able to put a small amount of weight on it when she is still. ... We toddle around in the garden on her two and a half legs, but because we have 'front wheel drive' I am constantly being dragged under trees and through the bushes! She still has plenty of spirit and determination left and I do hope that will help with her recovery. Will let you know how she gets on with her hydrotherapy.
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All the best of luck with the hydrotherapy she is absolutely stunning looking and you both are doing a great job with her as we all knew you would give flo big hugs and kisses from us :luck: :luck:
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GOOD LUCK WITH FLO :luck: she will enjoy it kay, she looks lovely :wub: you can see how her right leg is
to the left one,but she is getting there , Flo is a brave girl,
to the left one,but she is getting there , Flo is a brave girl,
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Sending you lots of positive vibes, and good wishes for Flo. Lets hope the hydrotherapy does the trick. She looks happy enough, and why wouldn't she when she can drag you wherever she wants to, and you follow without a single moan?!! Keep up the good work, I'm sure it will pay off in the end :thumbsup:
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Good luck to little Flo :luck: We hope the Hydrotherapy works wonders! :thumbsup:
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she is such a pretty girl hope the hydrotherepy helps sending gentle hugs and lots of luck :huggles: :huggles: :huggles: :huggles: :luck: :luck: :luck: :luck: :wub: :wub:
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Good luck with the hydrotherpy and hope she starts to improve more with her L hind and keep up with the physio
your doing great and i can remeber Peggy dragging me under bushes and trees to find the spot to have a wee or just to have a sniff, sometimes she used to forget that i was holding her up and took me all over the garden..it killed my back
keeps us posted on her progress
your doing great and i can remeber Peggy dragging me under bushes and trees to find the spot to have a wee or just to have a sniff, sometimes she used to forget that i was holding her up and took me all over the garden..it killed my back
keeps us posted on her progress
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KAY how is Flo doing?, did she get on ok at the Hydrotherapy, and has it done any good ) was thinking of her :wub:
hope to see yo all soon.
) was thinking of her :wub:hope to see yo all soon.
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Today was Flo's first hydrotherapy session! The vet nurse had said to allow one and a half hours for her first appointment and amazingly that's how long it took, though she was only a short time in the water. She began by giving her a deep massage, - Flo was quite anxious to begin with but with a few treats and a bit of jollying along she started to relax a bit more.
The nurse then went on to do some ultra sound treatment on her back (they'd been in touch with the orthopaedic specialist to get the OK for this). So she had lots of slippery goo smeared all over her back before working the ultra sound over her very slowly. She had a few goes at trying to lick off the goo, then amazingly seemed to settle down, relax and stop shaking as though she was quite enjoying that part!
Then at last it was time for the underwater treadmill, which was like a big tank with a grooved rubber base. They put a safety harness on her and stood her inside the empty tank first, then began filling it up very slowly with warm water - so much better than just duimping her in! Because it was her first time they only filled it up to her chest level and the nurse got in behind her and held onto her back legs. Of course she was frightened but she didn't thrash around frantically as I'd thoughty she might have and I was able to stand at the other end of the tank and stroke her head and talk to her. Then they turned the treadmill on very slowly, which was a bit of a surprise to her, so she was having to concentrate on moving her front legs in the water while the nurse was trying to move her back legs for her in a walking action. After a minute they turned it on slightly faster and she started trying to pull her right hind leg (the stronger one) away from the nurse which unbalanced her a bit, but they said she had done very well for her first attempt as there was a lot to get used to. She was only in for about three minutes as it's quite strenuous for her, then it was a rub down and a blow dry and a few more treats, - which she pretended she didn't want then gobbled on the sly!
Hopefully when she goes again next week she'll begin to get the hang of how it works and get more used to the procedure, - though I don't think she will ever get to enjoy being in the water! :wacko: At least it does give her some controlled exercise and as she's able to build up the time hopefully will stimulate that left side into action. I really appreciated that they just took things very slowly and gently with her and that it wasn't the negative experience that I'd dreaded. They even had another vet nurse to come in and watch how she was doing in the tank as she could see her side on.
She was quite bright when we got back though is sleeping it all off now, - the other two thought she smelled very strange when she came home (must have rolled in some 'sticky goo' of course!) She even tried to get over the front doorstep on her own for the first time, - still in the sling, but the first time she's not waited to be lifted over!
Thanks to you all for your posts and interest. :huggles:
The nurse then went on to do some ultra sound treatment on her back (they'd been in touch with the orthopaedic specialist to get the OK for this). So she had lots of slippery goo smeared all over her back before working the ultra sound over her very slowly. She had a few goes at trying to lick off the goo, then amazingly seemed to settle down, relax and stop shaking as though she was quite enjoying that part!
Then at last it was time for the underwater treadmill, which was like a big tank with a grooved rubber base. They put a safety harness on her and stood her inside the empty tank first, then began filling it up very slowly with warm water - so much better than just duimping her in! Because it was her first time they only filled it up to her chest level and the nurse got in behind her and held onto her back legs. Of course she was frightened but she didn't thrash around frantically as I'd thoughty she might have and I was able to stand at the other end of the tank and stroke her head and talk to her. Then they turned the treadmill on very slowly, which was a bit of a surprise to her, so she was having to concentrate on moving her front legs in the water while the nurse was trying to move her back legs for her in a walking action. After a minute they turned it on slightly faster and she started trying to pull her right hind leg (the stronger one) away from the nurse which unbalanced her a bit, but they said she had done very well for her first attempt as there was a lot to get used to. She was only in for about three minutes as it's quite strenuous for her, then it was a rub down and a blow dry and a few more treats, - which she pretended she didn't want then gobbled on the sly!
Hopefully when she goes again next week she'll begin to get the hang of how it works and get more used to the procedure, - though I don't think she will ever get to enjoy being in the water! :wacko: At least it does give her some controlled exercise and as she's able to build up the time hopefully will stimulate that left side into action. I really appreciated that they just took things very slowly and gently with her and that it wasn't the negative experience that I'd dreaded. They even had another vet nurse to come in and watch how she was doing in the tank as she could see her side on.
She was quite bright when we got back though is sleeping it all off now, - the other two thought she smelled very strange when she came home (must have rolled in some 'sticky goo' of course!) She even tried to get over the front doorstep on her own for the first time, - still in the sling, but the first time she's not waited to be lifted over!
Thanks to you all for your posts and interest. :huggles:
