Health: Cauda equina Syndrome operation - Page 1

Hi

Has anyones dog had the operation for this illness. My dog was suffering a limp after ball runs and couldnt get in the car boot anymore so we had he accessed and after MRI he has been diagnosed with lumbosacral stenosis (cauda equina). He 4.5 and fit and healthy at the moment. Also been told he has HD

As he is high drive the specialist wants to operate on him.

I have been crawling the internet for info on dogs who have had the op but cant find many at all. We are finding it hard to make the call as he walks/jogs fine, up and down stairs fine, wags tail, sneaks on the couch, shows no signs of pain. But we obviusly dont want to leave it too late in case he gets incontinent or suffers weeing etc.

Any comments or refrences to information greatly appreciated

Thanks

Gina, if  you want to PM me here with your email address, I will get you in touch with a friend who has a dog that has had multiple surgeries for CES and some other spinal issues. He's doing well.  Click on my screen name and then click on send a personal message.

Gina,

My dog had a back injury (at 18 month old) at the L7/S1 disk, which is the same area where CE is diagnosed. The surgery procedure to fix the disk is similar to the procedure to fix CE. They have to remove or drill a hole in the bony plate to get to the joint below. We were told that the chances for him to make a full recovery were very good if we followed the recovery protocol.  We elected to do the surgery. He is now almost four and so far doing well. The hardest part was the recovery. You have to be willing and vigilant in following the recovery protocol (even after your dog starts feeling better) until your vet gives you the OK to go back to normal actives. 

Best of Luck, 

Cheri

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Blitzen - thanks so much we are emailing each other at the moment so think this will help to calm my nervousness about putting him through an operation.

Cheri. Glad to hear your dog is doing well. Could your dog walk after the operation?or did you have to help him to walk? Did you crate him for the 6-8wk recovery period?

Thanks

Gina

Gina,

Part of the requirement for me to take him home from the vet (right after surgery) was that he had to be able to walk on his own and that he was able to go to the bathroom. Yes, I crated him for the entire 8 weeks and he was on strict leash walks for potty breaks. One thing that helped him and me (being the worried mom that I am) was to get an exercise pen (4x6) for my living room. That way he could be with us during non sleeping hours as well. He was crated in the bedroom at night. He was in recovery for almost 4 months....no explosive movement, no jumping, no stairs (and we have 6 leading into the back yard). Leash only outdoor excursions. It was a long expensive journey, but is worth it. We are trialing for his Rescue Dog (RH) Title next weekend. FWI...I have pictures of his surgical incision if you want to see what to expect. I would be happy to talk to you about it over the phone. If your interested PM me a contact number or I can PM you mine.

Cheri

You're welcome, Gin. With her help and Cheri's advice you will be able to make an informed decision for your own dog. It sounds like both dogs have profited from the surgery. Good luck!

HI Gina-  My GSD had the surgery at Tufts with wonderful outcomes!  He was 5 1/2 when he had surgery for both lumbar sacral stenosis plus a herniated disc.  He will be 9 in a couple of weeks and continues to be very active although I did have to retire him from Schutzhund after the surgery.  He ended up having neurlogical bladder issues due to the severity that the cauda equina was prior to having surgery but he is on daily medicine since the surgery and it is under control.  As Cheri said, it is a very long healing process and the surgery is not cheap but I am glad we did it and got through it!

Good luck!

Doreen

Again thankyou for your replies

It certainly helps us to make a decision with regards to his surgery which we will be booking him in for next week after long talks about it over the last few days.

I will keep you all updated as to how it goes, sure he knows whats coming  - poor Marley dog. Taking him up on the moors tomorrow for a nice mooch about before hes laid up for a bit.

Thanks everyone

Speak to you soon
Gina

If you have a good surgeon, all should be well.  Trust me, Marley will surprise you!  Please do keep us posted!