IVDD Post Integra CS

IVDD Post-Injury Issues Following Alternative Treatment

The treatment path followed following medical treatment, surgery, or during the integrative treatment path is critical for the maximum return of functionality for dogs with IVDD. A well thought out schedule and attention to the needs of the recovering doxie are the minimal requirements for support. It is important to remember that although full recovery may not come for weeks or even months, the steps taken during those first days of the recovery process may make all the difference to you and your doxie.

DRBC has utilized the integrative treatment path as both a primary and adjunctive form of treatment. Please read the case below. The goal for the outcome was the maximum recovery of function.

This section, like the other post-treatment sections of this site, has been divided into three parts:

Case Study: Greta

Greta is a beautiful standard red dachshund that is well known and loved by DRBC. When Greta was 5 years old, she experienced an acute disc rupture. Her mom rushed her to the local veterinary emergency room, where a non-board certified veterinarian performed the surgery.

Greta's mom had done everything right. She kept Greta trim and minimized her jumping, but the surgeon failed her, and now Greta is facing paralysis.

Love is a very special thing, and Greta's mom loves her very much. She knew Greta didn't want to give up, and so neither did she. She turned to an alternative path to help Greta regain function. Greta's treatment included physical therapy, acupuncture, and electrotherapy. Ever so slowly, Greta progressed.

Greta is a very special doxie to DRBC. Her owner was heartbroken and devastated. True love sometimes means believing when no one else can and persevering when no one else would. Greta is lucky; she has a Mom that loves her very much. She looked at all the options and found canine acupuncture and electrotherapy. Today, Greta is making progress and is on the road to recovery. Watch the video below to learn more!

Greta was treated surgically by a non-board certified veterinarian that misrepresented his credentials. An MRI months after the surgery showed that not all of the disc material was removed during the procedure, leaving Greta paralyzed. The individual performing the procedure told Greta's mom that she would be fine in 6 weeks; she was not. Greta's mom didn't give up; she fought to help Greta and examined every option. The alternate approach she settled on had a happy ending for Greta and her Mom.

Following Greta's surgery, she returned home to find that a treatment crate had been set up for her. The bottom layer was a double folded layer of eggshell foam. On top of that was a hospital wheelchair pad in case of accidents. A soft blanket covered that with an airline blanket to tuck her in for warmth completed the crate. The top of the crate is removed easily to change her bedding and to take Greta out of the crate. No one else was allowed to go in her crate.

Time [Days]	Progression
Post Injury Week 1	Following the surgery, Greta was completely paralyzed and showed no signs of deep pain sensation. Deep pain sensation is a critical sign in the recovery of IVDD doxies. Because of her lack of nerve function, Greta could not urinate or defecate on her own; her mom had to express her 4 times daily. Greta was watched closely. Her bedding was changed frequently, and her movement was restricted. Then the real work began...
Post Injury Week 2	Greta began formal physical therapy. She participated in floor exercises, passive Rom, and underwater treadmill therapy. She also received a home program to do daily. Sadly, after several weeks, there was no improvement.
Post Injury 2 Months	As time went on, Greta wanted to move around but could not. Her mom reached out to K9 Carts and had a cart custom made for Greta. She drove to where they make the carts to get the best fit.
Post Injury 6 Months	Undaunted, Greta's mom refused to give up. She reached out to Dr. Gerstenfeld, who started electroacupuncture and supplements [B12 injection, B Complex supplements, cranberry, Discus comp, Methigel®, Omega 3 Fatty acids, probiotics, and Prozyme®. Greta received treatment twice a week. Not long after, Greta waged her tail now and again. The supplements helped in keeping to a schedule for expressing her bowel and bladder.
Post Injury 8 Months	Greta's progress continued, and she stopped having recurring Urinary Tract Infections [UTI's]. Greta's need for acupuncture and electrotherapy was reduced to once a month.
Post Injury 10 Months	Greta's legs began to move; she responded to a deep pain sensation. Best of all, she began to take wobbly steps.
Post Injury 12 Months	Greta began walking in the house without her cart and indicating when she had to go outside. Still unable to initiate anything, she could sense that her bladder was full. Next, she started doing pool therapy at a friend's house once a week, and she started paddling in the water.
Post Injury 17 Months	Greta returned to formal physical therapy and received a home workout program to continue her balance and strength exercises. She used a tilt board and walked over PVC piping as part of the routine designed by her Certified Veterinary Physical Therapist.
Post Injury 18 Months	Today Greta has acupuncture monthly to keep her 'tuned up.' She will never regain the mobility she once had. No matter, her mom and doxie brothers love her, and thankfully, they never gave up hope.

NOTE: This section of the DRBC website is offered as a medical reference only. DRBC is not operated by veterinarians. Seek the attention of your veterinarian to obtain a complete understanding of any of the topics listed.