Sam facing surgery

[Rich]

Sam could use some rays. within 10 minutes tonight he went from normal happy boy to unable to stand and painful muscle spasms. We had a similar situation six weeks ago and treated with meds and crate rest. For a couple of weeks he was back to normal, but now that conservative treatment hasn't worked it's recommended that he have surgery while he still has some motor and deep pain response. So tonight he is at the emergency vet's on a fentanyl drip and probably looking at surgery at Iowa State or possibly at the emergency vet's since it is a satellite office of Iowa State. It was hard to leave him there but we know he is going to be watched carefully and free from pain. There wasn't anything more we could do for him at home.
 

[papbouv]

Rays & Hugs to Sam hope his surgery will go well and he will be back home soon remember Dogers List.com is for Dachshunds with back problems.

[Rich]

Sam is at Iowa State tonight with surgery imminent. His motor function was getting worse at the clinic so a 2:00 pm we took him up. After an evaluation a surgeon was called in and we are at home now waiting for him to call after the surgery. Nerve wracking.

[papbouv]

More Rays to Sam next time  you see him a lite hug too hope all goes well and he will have a great recovery. Patches,Buddy & Papbouv

[Mike]

Rays heading west for Sam.  I hope the surgery was a success.  I know how that waiting goes...

[Rich]

Last night at 10:30 we heard that Sam came through the surgery OK. Now waiting for a morning progress report.

[DeeanDave]

Rays are coming Sam's way!

[Mike]

Whew, first hurdle handled.  Fingers and paws still crossed for Sam.

[Mike]

Rich, how is Sam doing?

[Rich]

Well, this week has been a roller coaster. Sam was recovering from surgery routinely, but was unable to urinate and they couldn't express so they had to catheterize him intermittently. This was of some concern since we could handle expressing at home, catheter not so much. We scheduled a visit yesterday (Thursday). When we got there, Sam was very glad to see us, but then the surgeon came in and informed us that Sam's neuro signs were actually getting worse and he had lost deep pain sensation. So he suggested an MRI to see what was going on. Sam had the MRI yesterday afternoon and last night the senior neurologist operated on him again. More disc material was removed and I was told that both surgeons are still optimistic about recovery of function. I just now received a call from his student attendant and they were able to express his bladder this morning which is good news! Keep those rays coming - this little guy needs a break!

[Mike]

Rays coming full force.  Our best buds sure take us on a rollercoaster.

[Ruth in MT]

Hugs and Rays from Montana.

[papbouv]

Little rays from Patches and big rays from Buddy & I lite hugs when possible rooting for Sam to get better soon.

[Roberta]

Rays are a coming from down under you are all in our prayers..
Roberta Nick Ollie and Ella

[Mike]

Rich, how is Sam doing?

[Rich]

This Thursday (8/7) will be three weeks since Sam's second surgery. He has returned to Iowa State twice for physical therapy. At this point he has movement in both hind legs although the right is lagging a little, his tail wag is good. We take him outside with a leather sling we designed for him. You can follow his progress at his facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/samgordleynews?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark. We now are guardedly optimistic that he will regain all his functions.

[papbouv]

More Rays on the way can't hurt lite hugs too.

[Spanish Teckels]

Bless his little cotton socks and you too.  Congratulations all round on the recovery steps and spontaneous piddling is a great step.
His is clearly a really feisty little guy and so lucky to have you.  I reckon Deb should patent your duffel and sling techniques!

Every possible warm Spanish healing ray coming your way for a sound recovery.  Give him a gentle hug too please.

Thanks for updating here as I cannot use Facebook so miss a lot of the news.