Roscoe Update - A week past back surgery

[Krista]

Roscoe came out of surgery around 5:30pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 to remove a ruptured disk at T12 & T13.   

He first showed signs of not being quite right on Sunday and things progressively got worse, despite getting a steroid shot at our regular vets on Monday evening.  We called the specialist on Tuesday around 9:30am and made an emergency appointment for 11:30am  .  Sometime during our hour drive to the surgeon, Roscoe became paralyzed in the rear.

The surgeon said if he was moving both feet by 2 weeks after surgery that we would pretty much be assured he would make a full or near-full recovery.  He said at 4 weeks we should start to be concerned if he were not showing signs of motor function (though even then, function could return later).    So where do we stand one week out?

1.  Roscoe can move his back right foot.  He cannot really bear weight on it, but he can voluntarily move it.
2.  Roscoe can Pee at will and hold his urine all day without leaking.
3.  Roscoe appears to also be able to hold his bowels, but he does have a bit of a difficult time going poop because he cannot squat.  He has not had pooped unless we've been outside for 2 days now.
4.  We have seen some small tail wags at appropriate moments.

So basically he is doing quite well.  His left foot/leg is the only thing not showing signs of improvement yet, and we are still well within normal time limits for function to start to return. :xfinger:

Thanks again, from the bottom of my heart  , for all your support, rays and prayers.

[April]

That sounds reassuring.  I'm sure he'll get his left side going soon enough.  YOu did say that side was worse before hand, so it may just take a little extra time to heal. 
Rays to you and Roscoe!  {{HUGS}} to you! 

[Bratpak and Lauri]

Oh Krista, this is a hard time for you both, but things will get better.  Just hang in there girl, and many warm hugs to you both 

[lowriders]

You and your family are in my prayers.  I can't imagine what you're going through.  I'm a mess with Baxter, just having to rest in his crate for 2 weeks to (hopefully) recover.  And then there's always that worry his disc will rupture....

I sure hope Roscoe makes a full recovery!!!

[Tona5959]

Krista...This may sound strange, but my lazy ole Boogey had surgery twice both 6 months apart and he had a lot of trouble regaining use of his right leg.  But the more I let him walk on his own, the better he's gotten.  We did also A LOT of water therapy.  Sky rocketed my water bill, but it's worth it.  He still drags his lil foot around, and sometimes it even starts to bleed from the toenails or just the top of his foot.  But we bandage it like a cast almost, and let him walk around grassy areas.  He's still improving day by day, but I don't think it'll be 100%.  From what I hear about Roscoe, he's definitely doing 200 times better than Boogey.  My lil guy was just too lazy.  He's actually on a diet right now so he can loose some of that weight he gained from not moving around as much.  But I'm sure Roscoe will get better!!  He sounds like a real trooper!!  for Roscoe!!

[Krista]

Thanks Tona.  I do think Roscoe is doing really well and I'm very pleased with his progress so far.  Last night and this morning I started to see some signs of motor function in the left leg.  He is able to move it some of the time when we are sling walking and he is almost to the point where he can stand up on his own without support.

We will be learning therapy techniques when we see the surgeon again next Wednesday.

[Barb]

Woo Hoo - Go Roscoe !

[Delia and girls]

That sounds very encouraging. Good boy, Roscoe!

[TerriL]

Good Job Roscoe!  We are all pulling for you here in Florida!  Just do what mama says and soon you will be all better!   

[Tona5959]

YAY ROSCOE!!   :apls:  keep those legs moving!!

Here's some pictures of Boogey doing his water therapy a week after his 2nd surgery...

[Teresa]

I'm glad to hear that Roscoe is doing so well. I knew when you wrote that he was trying to scratch his ear so soon after the surgery that he would do GREAT! It also helps having a great mom and dad watching after him.