Loki not getting out of her crate

[Leslie]

Well, she had one rough day yesterday, and got man-handled just when she didn't need it the most.  Ate her breakfast, took her medicine, drank some water and we had a visit.  Will try again in another hour or two after am meds kick in.
How long is too long to see if she's ok?
Vet said no nuerological damage so I do expect that she CAN walk, just too achy to try. She now fully realizes her limitations today!

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

I don't mean to scare you and chances are that she really doesn't have damage, but even if she didn't have a rupture or damage when she went in, it can happen really fast (if the herniation gets bigger or the rupture actually occurs) and the story could change. I am not saying that is what happened!! But if she gets worse or if you see that it's more than just pain keeping her from standing up and walking, I'd take her right back in asap. And be sure to have her strictly in the crate, only out to potty, to avoid as much movement as possible. If she is close to rupturing, or is starting to, think of it that disc as a tube of toothpaste with the cap off, any movement of the tube will squeeze more of the toothpaste out and cause more problems. Have you tried the propioreception test with her...taking a front or rear foot and turning it over so the top of the paw is on the ground, then letting go to see how quickly she rights it? If she will let you do that, it might help monitor what is going on. If her reaction is very slow then she should be seen again. Or if she worsens or you feel she isn't in full control of all her limbs. She's probably just sore...keep watching her close though to be sure things don't change dramatically. (I hate saying this I don't mean to scare you!! Chances are better that she's ok). Keep us posted and hang in there.

[Leslie]

Yes, I understand that things can change in a heartbeat. 

After a slow start this morning, I let her stay in for another two hours, and then she got out of her crate when she smelled MEAT!    She wouldn't walk any closer so I carried her outside to pee.  She stood there in the rain, and wagged her tail at my neighbor, then said:  "ok, enough, I'm going in the house." And turned around and walked to the house.  One inside and dried off, she trotted around, complained a little about the lack of steak in her diet, had a big stretch and gnoshed on a chewie.  After two hours, and another --more successful--potty walk, I put them both back in their crates for another two hours.

I figure this type of schedule, in for two out for two, is appropriate if she has the capacity to walk and other limited activities.  She'll maintain the precious muscle tone, get some mom time, and get some rest, as well.

And hey, I got a good nap, too, knowing they were in their crates.  And this is the most important reason that they are crate trained to begin with--so, that if they are sick, they will accept the crate with no fussing!

You are very loving and wise to re-iterate the danger of the danged disc popping, and that the paw technique is one I will teach Neil.

oh--and BIG RETRACTION:  He did NOT let her jump out of the big bed on Monday.  OY!  Man, I THOUGHT he did, put he picked her up and put her on the floor right next to the bed.  AAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!  I will have to APOLOGIZE for weeks for THINKING that! 

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

LOL! *snort*

NOT that it's a laughing matter...but that is pretty dang funny that Neil got in trubble for something he didn't do. (ORRR...is he trying to cover his tracks now LOL). 

Sounds like you are doing all the right things. I knew I was preaching to the choir :) but I like to think out loud when I'm worried! Things seem to be kicking in and giving her some relief, if they are worried about steak, they can't be too bad, right? Keep us up to the minute with her I'll bet she'll be even better tomorrow...and the day after that....and the day after that...

[David C.]

Sorry we missed some of the previous posts about Loki.

Sending mega rays to Loki.   We hope she's back to her normal self again, too.

[DeeanDave]

I've been out of town for the past four days and am getting caught up -- Sargey and Looie and Dave and I send mega rays to Loki -- AND positive thoughts!   Hugs to you all. Dee

[Barb]

Just catching up on baby girl.....hope she continues to rest as she has been.  Is she on a steroid and muscle relaxer?  Sending rays in full force.......please keep us updated.