Guest Che_mar_Cody Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Well I didn't get the news that I wanted on Saturday. Cody's right side did not heal the whole way, but on the other hand the vet DOES NOT want to do surgery since he is flexible (enough to lick his scratch raw on his back legs and clean his genitals) He's off meds and now we just have to change our life style. My boy can no longer sleep with me upstairs I have to keep him from whipping his neck and avoid most steps, running, rough playing with toys, no collars etc. Walks must be short and slow, and very limited car rides...which are his favorite!! Just watch his neck pretty good to avoid it getting worse. If he shows signs of clumsiness in his rear legs, loses coordination of them or starts to cry again, we go back and continue treatment. There is a chance he might recover about 5 - 10 % more but that's it. I'm thankful that he has healed that he doesn't need surgery, just afraid. My boy handles pain extremely well, and I'm just watching his eyes and face to see if he looks happy. So far we've had really good days, and other times I was in doubt, just hoping it's because he can't go with me everywhere like he did before. I'm still feeding raw 5 x's per week, but wonder if that might be too hard on his neck twisting to eat some of it. He never thrashes his food but I'm paranoid. I've been holding it and let him gnaw it off bits at a time. He still really enjoys it and I hate to take that away from him on top of most other things. Now his quality of life is still good, we're just so used to being extremely active together this is a major upset for us both. I'm also looking into further treatment with out surgery. We do have an acupuncture vet (pros & cons on it working) and I heard lots about laser? How does that work and if you have experience with it please let me know. I'm in this for the long fight... Thanks for all those who have been praying for us!! I really appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Oh, I have just seen this now. I took John E for acupuncture, many times, for his painful neck and after each session, he seemed to be better. The stairs were really a problem. Sometimes he would even cry out after bounding down the stairs. What are you going to do? You can't keep him in a bubble. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Acupuncture works. It cannot cure some things, but can others and make life easier. The right vet coupled with the right patient can be amazing Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 another vote for acupuncture, especially for this type of injury! as for the raw, can you give him smaller rmbs that maybe don't require as much chewing? like, duck necks instead of turkey, or smaller turkey necks cut into 3"-4" sections (pvc pipe cutters work great for cutting turkey necks!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahicks51 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 When Minerva was hurting before her neck surgery (completely recovered and her fur has regrown- I can't even see her zipperneck scar anymore), I would chop up her raw food and then hold the bowl up to her face so she wouldn't have to lean over at all. It was a bittersweet thing, seeing her gobble food, letting out tiny whines of pain- her appetite was never impacted, but to think of her hurting while eating was pretty rough. Quote Coco (Maze Cocodrillo) Minerva (Kid's Snipper) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Oh, Pam. I don't have any advice, but just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you and Cody are going through this. I know how much you did together, and how it must be breaking your heart to have to limit him so. I would vote for giving acupuncture a try too. Sending continued prayers and white light. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 3greysinPA Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Just wanted to send hugs to you and Cody and tell you how sorry i am that it is not healing correctly... and i hope you try the acupuncture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Hugs to you and Cody! He is a trooper for sure. I don't feed raw, or understand it, but could you cut it up for him, so he doesn't have to "thrash" his little neck? If he likes that type of food, the sweetie should get it, if possible :-)) Love, hugs and sooo many prayers from us here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Glad to hear that Cody is doing better! Acupuncture on my grey has certainly worked for her slouching in the hind legs. We do it every 6 weeks now (since 2004). Sending hugs.....I know this is difficult for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 (edited) Acupunture helped Teddy and his disc issues. Big time. It's easy on the dog. Bring a nice comfy comforter and plan on sitting on the floor with him. Bring some treats too and a book for you. Eventually he will sit down and relax. Nothing bad will happen, however it could take up to 5 or 6 times before you see anything, although it's usually sooner. It can APPEAR worse before it gets better. I don't like chiro as the manipulation can cause issues but acupunture is just fine. I recommend it. Edited October 27, 2009 by RobinM Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 I've had good experiences with acupuncture too. Sending good thoughts to you and Cody. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Pam, I'm so sorry the vet visit didn't bring more positive news. Is your vet a neurosurgeon? If not, I would definitely get a referral to one. The neurosurgeon Canyon saw was great and I wouldn't have trusted anyone less qualified to accurately assess his condition. Surgery was tough for my sensitive boy, but most dogs heal much more quickly than he did. The laser treatments post surgery were miraculous... much more effective than accupuncture, in his case. Canyon has had a complete recovery! Veterinary laser treatments should be available at some Veterinary Specialist and Critical Care Hospitals or Holistic Veterinary Hospitals. You might have to phone around a bit. All the best to you and Cody! Please keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Sending hugs and best wishes. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gryhnd_adoptee Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Our Willie Bean had neck issues too which also changed our lifestyles. She always did the stairs with grace, so we didn't stop her from going up and down, but we did put down the thick bully bed mats at the bottom of all the stair landings. These helped to cushion her landings at the bottom. We also switched from a collar to a harness, and her favorite hard pressed rawhides had to be eliminated. She loved them like no tomorrow, but the chewing stressed her neck. At first I thought it was a coincidence, but after she chewed for any length of time, she got really stiff and yipped whenever she moved about. She had good, and bad days, and received Deramaxx for pain and swelling on really difficult days. Getting up on the couch was no longer allowed because she would extend her neck to get up and it stressed her. Bed however, was still ok. When we first moved in here, we didn't have bed frames...just mattresses on the floor. Once we got the houndies we figured we didn't need the frames anyway because we didn't want any of them getting stuck under the beds, so the beds are only two mattresses high. Before you know it the new routines will be old hat, and you'll never even think twice about any of it. I hope Cody continues to manage well with his disk issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Oh, Pam, this is so rough. I'm a big fan of acupuncture, I did it for Sheila some time ago. Gentle hugs and healing thoughts for Cody and you. Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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