Krista-any update on Roscoe?

[Barb]

We are all thinking of him and you - please let us know how he is this morning -

[Krista]

Roscoe is doing well.  He will be coming home with us TONIGHT!  I'm both happy and scared about that.  Happy because we've missed our sweet boy, but a little scared, or maybe nervous, that I'll do something wrong in caring for him so soon after surgery.  We'll be getting our lessons in his care at 6:00 est.  The surgeon and techs tell us that Roscoe is particularly easy to express (bladder) compared to most other dachshunds they see because he is so trim.

Roscoe has good pain sensation in both feet.  He does not yet have any bladder control or motor function in his rear half, but this is considered to be normal.  The surgeon said if we see him moving his feet by 2 weeks, then we probably have it made as far as a full recovery.  He also said they don't even start to worry until 4 weeks have gone by with no sign of returning function.  The vet still gives him a good 80% chance at walking again.

Roscoe is eating and drinking.  He's made no bones about letting the techs know when he is hungry.  He's been singing and baroooOOOOOOoooooOOOOOooooing back and forth with another dachshund that is in ICU too.  Roscoe gave us many kisses and just enjoyed getting pets and gentle belly rubs from us while we visited with him for an hour last night.  The techs said he is kissing all of them too.  That sounds so much more like my sweet boy.  :thumb:  He is such a kisser.

He will see the surgeon again 2 weeks post-surgery if all progresses normally.  The surgeon wrote a letter to my vet's office about Roscoe and also with some further education about disk disease and when referrals to specialists should be given without hesitation.  Our case prompted discussion among the Specialists down in Cincinnati and I hear they will be offering a seminar to vets in the area about spinal injuries/disk disease and signs to watch for.

Roscoe will need to be crated for at least 4 weeks per the surgeon, though we may go longer as DODGER's list recommends 6-8 weeks.  We will be shown exercises and hydrotherapy techniques at his 2 week post-surgery follow up appointment.

We've gone out and bought a new wire crate with 2 doors so it will be easier to get Roscoe out and he'll feel more apart of the family than he would in the airline style crate we have.  We've bought a bunch of supplies too and managed to find a chocolate nylabone which are Roscoe's favorite non-edible chew.  His tummy may be really upset from all the drugs and stuff, so I don't want to give him knuckle bones or greenies until he has had time to settle down in that respect.

I'll be staying home with him tomorrow and all weekend long, so I'd love to compare notes and get advice from those of you who have been down this road before.

Thanks to all of you for thinking of us and offering your support.  You guys really are the best!

[April]

That is wonderful news Krista!  If he's acting more himself and has sensation in his feet this soon I'd be beside myself with happiness!  The PT will be hard I bet, but well worth it for your sweet boy!  I started smiling when I read about him BaroooOOOing at another dachsie in ICU!  That is so like our lovable hounds!  {{HUGS}} to you and very gentle belly rubs to Roscoe!  How are your other two doing without their brother being around? 

[Barb]

Great news !!!!  I know you will be a nervous wreck tonight getting him home - but once you  work out a schedule the next few days - and it will all go fine.  When Rudy had his episodes and had to be crated - he HATED the airline crate and worked much better with the wire crate.  Roscoe will be able to see everyone and the others will be able to get right by him. 

Like April - I love the thought of him commiserating with another doixe in with him !!!

Hang in there - keep us updated please !!!!

Smoochies, rays and prayers on the way to sweet kissy boy Roscoe !

[Lori R.]

I am so happy your baby is home!  I know he is in the best hands possible!  I know you will do anything in your power to make your baby come through this with flying colors!

Sending LOTS of Rays and a hug for you!