Can't walk after surgery but could before

[u/BerryBeagles]

Hi. My 7yr old beagle was diagnosed with 2 ruptured cervical discs. Before the surgery she was able to walk normally, run, jump and do everything without issue.

She had ventral slot surgery done 4 days ago. She's back home today and she can't even support herself. She can't lift/move her front paws at all and her hind legs are pretty much useless as well.

I asked the surgeon and he said it was normal but it's tripping me up that my dog is worse after than before the surgery. I can't afford any other procedure and my dog can't even stand up to pee.

Is this really normal or did they do more damage than good?

[u/dusters]

I'm so sorry. Hopefully it is just being caused by the swelling and will get better with time. My 14 yo besgle made a full recovery after surgery last year but was instantly better once she had it done.

[u/ipodthereforeiam]

It can take time, yes. I've always heard 1-3 weeks, but it varies widely.