Went from walking to paralyzed in one day

[deeda9999]

Now that things are a bit calmer I can post. I thought I had weathered the storm after Gilmore's LP surgery and 3 months of crate rest.

I went away for a week of dance nationals competition with my daughter to my husband calling me everyday about Skittles our 5 year old Yorkie Poo. First he had an upset tummy to being lethargic to my husband taking him to the vet who took xrays of back and tummy. She said there was some calcification of the discs and gave him steroids and pain meds. The next call I received when I was on my way home was he was taking him to the ER because he was not really moving. I had to pull off the road to talk to the surgeon so my daughter wouldn't hear who told me he was paralyzed on his lower half but he still had deep pain response which was good. It was just so very sad to see him like that. My daughter was begging me that even though he is very grumpy to please save him cause she loves him so much. Skittles had spine surgery the next day ($5300 ) and they found he had a large portion of disc herniation on his spine and they said he had a great chance at full recovery. We wound up having the same surgeon he did Gilmore's knee surgery back in November and he remembered us which made us feel better. And he did an amazing job on Gilmore who is happy and healthy today.

Skittles came home a week ago walking using a sling but walking. He kind of looks like he is drunk and his legs don't know where to go. He cannot walk at all on wood floors because he just flops over.

We were told that he needed 3 months of strict crate rest with only time out for P/T and short 3-5 minute sling walks outside. Our problem was Skittles has a lot of anxiety issues and cannot tolerate being confined. I have to tranquilize him if I put him in a back room during a party to keep him safe (so I don't have to worry about him running out the door or eating something he shouldn't). He cried non stop for days. I knew he wasn't crying because of pain because the minute you took him out he stopped immediately. We tried a soft pen a hard sided pen and a crate. It was horrible and he was not resting. We took him back to the hospital as well as my vet who both would not give him anything to help him relax other than the low dose of painkiller he was already on. They both told us to confine him in the kitchen which I found very strange. First they say he needs strict confinement and now they are telling me to give him the kitchen which has a lot of room????? I was furious and after a week of not sleeping was at the end of my rope.

I ordered 15 yoga mats on ebay and covered my whole kitchen floor with them. And he became a whole different dog instantly. He is able to relax and does spend a lot of his day sleeping. It makes me very nervous that he will hurt himself but there was no other option. He is actually walking pretty good for only 2 weeks after surgery and doesn't need to use his sling anymore. I am very blessed.

[gidget529]

I am so sorry to hear what Skittles is going through. Hoping for continued improvement (and sleep) for little Skittles.

[Maximo]

You have been through a lot with your doggies. Skittles is very lucky to have a family go the extra mile for him. I am so happy that you found a way to make his restricted activity tolerable for him. Sending prayers and best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

[alleykattkim]

I am so very sorry to hear about all the stress, worry and heartbreak youve been through with skittles. Nice to hear there are improvements. prayers are on thier way. Keep the faith!!

[Valenie]

Praying for you guys!

[Patti]

Wow you have been through a lot with your babies. I will keep positivethiughts that Skittles makes a full recovery.

[AllDogBoots]

You and your family have been through a lot. I agree that Skittles is very lucky to have you. I also believe YorkieTalk is lucky to have you as well. Your continuing to help Skittles with unwavering perseverance is absolutely incredible. And admirable.

[salazark]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

You and your family have been through a lot. I agree that Skittles is very lucky to have you. I also believe YorkieTalk is lucky to have you as well. Your continuing to help Skittles with unwavering perseverance is absolutely incredible. And admirable.

Great post! I agree 100%

[deeda9999]

Thanks for the support and the kind words. It really means a lot. It is what gets you through the tough days.

I believe that it was Yorkie Talk that helped me cope with Gilmore's LP surgery with the advice and the friends I made (one who I bothered and cried to every single day and still do ). I always read all the posts and admire how dedicated everyone is to their pets. YorkieTalk is what gave me the strength to have the surgery for Skittles because in the back of my mind I kept thinking of Layla and all the other pets with great mommies and daddies who love them and care for them despite their differences.

I will always be grateful to the wonderful group of people here.

[susan lynn]

My prayers are with you and Skittles. I am happy to hear that you found a solution to his walking so he doesn't have to be confined, hoping he continues to grow stronger everyday.