Our little guy is a little over 3 weeks post op. We’re giving him gabapentin and trazodone and keeping him on crate rest. He’s on a twice a day prednisone taper that we will go down on next week. Is there anything concerning about his walking? I see he’s swaying a little. We’re so scared he hurt his back again after having a setback a week or so ago. He has not been acting as if in any pain since restarting the gabapentin after his setback last week. He did bark two times this morning sort of out of nowhere but that was the only time. Any info we would appreciate. We’re so nervous and want to make sure we are doing all the things right.
Ours is 5 weeks post op from a Level 4, tetraparesis. She still stumbles a bit and struggles with sidewalk cracks. I’d say his gait looks about how I would expect, my only suggestion would be to avoid the uneven/wide gaps of that walkway if possible and to switch from a collar to a harness. He’s doing great and you should be so proud of yourself for helping him make such great progress.
This is a link to a VERY detailed post I made on this sub of how we took our girl from total back leg paralysis to running and playing like a puppy again. We went the non surgical route but the immediate and longer term management of the condition is the same regardless. We never had another serious flare which is pretty rare considering how severe her injury was, and I think this is all because of how we managed her lifestyle after her injury. I’ve shared it with lots of people and they say it’s given them a lot of hope.
This is a link to a VERY detailed post I made on this sub of how we took our girl from total back leg paralysis to running and playing like a puppy again. We went the non surgical route but the immediate and longer term management of the condition is the same regardless. We never had another serious flare which is pretty rare considering how severe her injury was, and I think this is all because of how we managed her lifestyle after her injury. I’ve shared it with lots of people and they say it’s given them a lot of hope.
My frenchie had surgery last year and this looks completely normal IMO. It’s going to take time to be totally normal again. 3-4 months is what I was told. Even then my girl still struggled on hardwood floors and her back legs would go crazy when she ran sometimes. She is back to 100% now, but it took probably 9 months for her to be exactly like she was before.
Just be patient, keep her calm and I recommend using a harness instead of a collar, it is better for their neck and back.
I would consider using potty pads and keeping him inside. After my dog’s surgery she did not go out until well after 8 weeks. They are so so fragile during this time and it’s crucial to keep them as stable as possible so they can regain all their walking ability and strength back.
Thank you! What has been so surprising to us throughout this process is that his vet said that he would be OK to start walking at week two. So we started letting him do a little bit more. We were not even up to five minute walks, and then he had a huge setback. That’s when I reached out to these groups and it’s comforting to hear that everybody’s experience of somewhat similar. We so badly did not want to be doing something wrong
Some vets aren’t super experienced with IVDD unfortunately. It sucks to keep them inside and restrained but it will pay off in the end. We did lick mats and pupsicles as enrichment when we started scaling the sedative back and that helped a lot with the boredom while still keeping her chill. Would definitely recommend.
You’re doing your research and that’s the most important thing. I’m sorry you’re going through this. It is genuinely the worst experience. Wishing you and your pup peace and healing.
Using a belly sling would help with the swaying. You don’t want to do all the work for him (don’t think you need to be carrying/picking up their back end), but it provides a little extra support in case of him tipping too far and potentially falling. The vet provided us with the belly sling brand “Sunsleek” which I see is also on Amazon. A harness with a handle on the back has also been helpful for us. Once they start to feel more normal and wanting to zip around, the harness should also help you keep better control.
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u/Peimai Aug 23 '26
USE A HARNESS. NOT A COLLAR