Sebastian's IVDD 2015 journey

[RustysMom]

wonderful update, sending more healing

[alfina]

It has been a week since Sebastian came home and 9th day after surgery. He is doing good, more vocal. He is trying to walk. He does his pre-meal dance again except now it is more of looking like one of those cars that has jumping front end. He is now on half the dose of prednisone and it is definitely helping with him staying dry between our dog walker visit and us getting home. He is going to his checkup appointment with the surgeon tomorrow and his 4th laser treatment.

I am a little surprised how cold Sofie is to Sebastian. I always thought they were bonded as she has separation anxiety. However, she didn't really react when he was gone, and when he came back he just sniffed him once and went about her own business.

His quarters


He had 3 laser treatments so far and his incision is almost healed!

[Lisa]

Excellent update. His scar looks wonderful. I have heard good things about laser, wow, you can really see it in action.

[Yolanda]

He really is looking great. How does he like his theraphy?

[alfina]

We went to see Dr Chauvet this morning. She was very pleased with his progress and wants us to start swimming. My friend is going to let me use her pool. Just 5 minutes to start 2-3 times a week. She did warn me that some dogs don't try swimming if a life vest is used, so we are told to try and see how Sebastian does. She has a beagle from rescue rehabilitating at the clinic and after 4 weeks of no feeling/movement in the legs, his left leg is now moving thanks to swimming. So, she really encourages that for rehab. BTW, she takes that rescue beagle to her own pool at home.

She also said that we can cut prednisone even more since it looks so good. And start using vitamin E oil on the incision and massage that area to encourage muscle healing. Sebastian is still only able to take a couple of steps with his feet not quite placed correctly before he sits down. She wants to do sit-to-stand exercises, lambada, and massage. I am glad that we can progress beyond range of motion because he does not really like stretching and range of motion exercises.

[lotsadox]

It really sounds like he is doing well. I've decided to scope out some neurologists in the area. I doubt the ones I used for Amanda's surgery are working anymore. that was almost 20 years ago. Both of them were in their 50's then. *sigh* I keep losing my resources. My wonderful doggie dentist my vet found retired last year, too.

[Ivan]

Seb's doing fabulously well. The incision is healing fast, and he's trying to use his rear legs!!!! Yay
Yes, swimming would be good, cuz it lets Seb exercize his legs without lifting his own weight. Funny how Buddy did that same jumping-car thing too, at mealtime. Cute, but... I'm so glad Seb is healing well.

[LexieLuvr]

Outstanding update! More recovery

[oceangirls]

I am a little surprised how cold Sofie is to Sebastian. I always thought they were bonded as she has separation anxiety. However, she didn't really react when he was gone, and when he came back he just sniffed him once and went about her own business.

He looks great! That is a nice crate setup you have for him. Such a handsome guy.

It is hard to figure dog relationships. Patricia McConnell wrote about this pretty extensively (I forget which book it was), but she had the same experience where dogs she thought were very attached showed no reaction when one was hurt or died... and vice versa. It is hard not to interpret it based on our own human tendencies. My girls don't like pack disruptions, but I am not sure they are extremely bonded. And DH and I have both found ourselves expecting Angel (who tends to be more motherly and nurturing, as well as more anxious) to be more upset when they are separated - which has not necessarily proven to be the case.

[Rae]

I'm so very glad to hear that the beautiful boy-child is doing so well! I've been keeping up and am so relieved that he's on the mend. Keep up the great work, Mama!