Roscoe Update - cleared by the surgeon

[Krista]

Hi all!  We saw the surgeon today and Roscoe got his stitches removed. 

The neurosurgeon is very pleased with Roscoe's recovery so far and said "I hope I never have need to see you again."  He said be believes with 95% certainty that Roscoe will make a full recovery and will be walking on his own very soon.  As for therapy, he said the supported sling-walking is doing well for us, and to keep it up as much as Roscoe appears to want to do.  He'd like us to get rid of the sling as soon as Roscoe can support his weight without us feeling like he'll fall over with every step.  He does not want the sling to become a crutch that Roscoe leans on too much.

We can do water therapy at home if we'd like, but Roscoe's muscles appear to be in good shape still and so is not necessary if Roscoe does not like it.

So basically, we just need to keep doing what we are doing,  and gradually return Roscoe back to his normal life as he is able to do more and more.

[Kari]

WOO HOO 

That is great news - way to go Roscoe!! I am so happy that the appt went well for you! I know how stressed you've been about this. :crazyeyes:

We'll keep sending the rays for contiued recovery!

[lotsadox]

Great news!  Actually, I would do the water therapy.  I did it with both of mine that had back problems and it helped strengthen the back leg as well as getting the walking rhythm back.  I'm so glad that Roscoe is doing so well. 

[wittlepawz]

Oh What WONDERFUL news!   Yea!  :apls:  Yea!  :apls:

Please give Roscoe a BIG Smooch from me!  :bkiss:

[oceangirls]

Sounds like Roscoe and his mom are doing a great job.   :apls:  Now you can relax a little.

[CA_Trixie]

Three cheers for Roscoe, I'm happy to hear the latest. :apls: :apls:  If possible please re-think the water therapy, I'll bet it will help him a lot that is if you can talk him into it.  Sending more rays and positive thoughts for a complete recovery.

[Mike]

That's great news, Krista.  Give Rosco a gentle pat from IL.  We'll send a few more rays up into the jet stream heading to OH.

[Roberta]

Thats fantasitimagolical roscoe.

Great news, I bet you sighed a sigh of relief.

roberta

[Bratpak and Lauri]

  This is great news Krista!  It's been a tough road for you both!  Hugs to both of you! 

[Barb]

Krista - that is GREAT news !!!!  Go Roscoe!  Are you going to try the water therapy and see if he likes it?  What a good Thanksgiving gift that he is well on his way to recovery !

[Brekkesmom]

How wonderful!  It is indeed a day for Thanksgiving!  Way to go, Roscoe!

[Nikki]

That news is something to be Thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day!  Glad he is on the mend and will be good as new very soon!

[Krista]

We tried hyrdrotherapy today and he FREAKED!  I cannot over-emphasize how much he did NOT like it.  I might try it again, but  it is not looking promising.

He really is very close to walking though.  He can take several steps without support before falling over.  Each day he makes progress, little by little.

[CA_Trixie]

I'm sorry to hear he freaked out at hydrotherapy, I would think that would have been relaxing with the warm water and all.  What about massage and/or acupuncture?  Of course with your vets approval first. 

[Delia and girls]

Good for Roscoe! Too bad about hydrotherapy. I remember Krista (of L and C) did it with Linus and it helped. But...if he's gonna freak and hurt himself, then it's not worth the possible benefit. The important thing is that he's getting a little better each day. I didn't do any hydrotherapy with Gretchen and she's 100% now.

[Krista]

Roscoe is not much of a water fan.  He will NOT potty in the rain or snow - he goes on our patio, which is covered by a large awning.  He does not like getting a bath, and when I bathe him I do so with a shower sprayer and I do it quickly as possible.  So being immersed in warm water, even with me half in the tub with him, was not a fun thing for him.  Oh the howls and flailing around.....

I do massage him daily and we do bicycle motions with his legs too, as is discussed by the DODGER's List folks.  I have thought of acupuncture, and have not ruled it out, but I hope to have success without needing it because the closest certified veterinary acupuncturist I've found is 40 minutes away.

The surgeon thinks he is progressing very well and that we are doing a good job with him. He really is doing really well and the vet and I both think he'll be walking on his own soon if things keep going as they have.

[Barb]

Oh well - at least you gave it a try !!!!  No sense in him hurting himself by fighting it...... Sounds like you are doing everything possible to get him back into shape - it will just take some time and mommy's love and patience !!!!  I am not so sure mine would do it either........one thing I missed seeing is when my step daughter was staying with us - she was about 13-14 at the time........I asked her if she would give the kids a bath while I was at work.  When I got home that night - the kids were all nice and clean and I asked her how it went.  She told me that once the tub filled up and both of them were floating - they weren't too crazy about it - HA !!!!  I have never tried to bathe them together and I never fill up the tub - the water drains......Dang - I would have loved to have seen it !!!!  She said they didn't jump out - but she let the water out pretty quickly