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gemini26
08-25-2002, 08:33 AM
As some of you know my dog was diagnosed with partial paralysis of the hind legs due to a probable spinal cord injury. I was told his only hope was prednisone to hopefully get the swelling down and after a couple of days at the vet getting it through iv there was no noticeable improvement. He needed help to get up and could not really walk. He drug his back legs. The vet said his only hope was a surgery that would probably work that would cost $2000 which I could not afford in any way. I searched the web looking for similiar cases and ran across a site where an eye dr had discovered medicine that worked to clear scar tissues in eyes. He found that it helped people with arthritis and he then progressed on to dogs with parpalysis due to spinal cord injuries. He has had good success in helping some dogs with paralysis and I have spoken to a few of the other dog's owners to get their thoughts and feelings on the Dr's Rx. So I had the vet give me prednisone to give to Pedro at home (which he is now off of and has a terrible side effect of making them urinate all over the place) and I placed him on the Rx from this dr and some joint care medicine with msm and glucosamine which is supposed to help with repair, swelling and regeneration of cartilage, and some dog boots since dragging his legs was wearing down his nails.
Pedro can now stand up on his own. He can do a run of sorts which can be a little awkward looking sometimes or else he does a bunny hop which looks a little funny. He can walk on his back legs now albeit slower than before but at least he is walking!! He can now go over steps and other objects without having to drag both legs over it or going around them. He sometimes will still walk on his knuckles but he now corrects himself in the next step. Five days ago I noticed he regained the use of his tail!! Before it just sort of stayed in one spot and did not move and now he can wag it again! I am absolutely thrilled that he has regained as much as he has and would be happy even if he stayed like this. Of course I would be even more thrilled if he kept improving. I don't know what caused this to turn around for him when the vet did not expect it without surgery but am glad something did. I definately think the Rx has had something to do with his recovery and am glad I decided to try it. I also believe that the rest and other pills probably helped as well as everyone's good thoughts and prayers. I will continue doing the same regiment for him except we do have him off the prednisone and see what happens from here. I just wanted to let all of you know that offered me support, joint pills, and thoughts and prayers. Thanks so much!!:)

miccit
08-25-2002, 09:56 AM
Glad to hear he is a little better! Pat him on the head for me and tell him I said to keep up the good work!!

gonzo
08-25-2002, 10:19 AM
I'm glad your dog is better. Could you tell me and tell me what this stuff is please. My little dog, only 8lbs, was attacked by another dog (won't say the breed cause it doesn't matter)it broke his back. It's been 2 weeks and he just went off the predisone. He has feeling in his tail but is still dragging his back legs. He does have feeling in them cause if you push on his feet he pushs back a little. He can't stand up for more then a few seconds. Since he is so small, we have him in diapers. The vet said it could take up to 4 months before he will be better, "if" he will get better. So I will try anything, I don't want to have to put him down. I know if my vet knew about this stuff he would suggest it, he believes anything is worth a try. TIA and I'm so glad your dog is doing better.

eeigh33
08-25-2002, 11:19 AM
That is truly wonderful news! I am glad to hear he is doing better.

gemini26
08-26-2002, 09:44 AM
Thanks to you all for your replies. Gonzo I will be emailing you shortly.

GnaGtCha
08-26-2002, 09:49 AM
I'm so glad he's doing better. And props to you for being such a wonderful owner and seeking out the care he needed.

the1bea
08-26-2002, 10:08 AM
I am SO glad the hear that your dog is doing better. It is just amazine what modern medicine will do for humans as well as animals! :)

gemini26
08-26-2002, 10:22 AM
Gonzo I just noticed that you removed your email address. Please email me at and I will let you know what I know and answer any questions I can. Thanks!

gonzo
08-26-2002, 11:55 AM
You have mail and thanks so much for helping.:D

gemini26
08-26-2002, 05:27 PM
Bumping for night people!!:)

Jaidness
08-26-2002, 05:33 PM
aweomse!!! soooo glad to hear it, please keep us updated..