Good days and bad ....

Last week was a great week with movement in both hindlimbs, wanting to stand all the time. Today things are not so good - Carl is his usual crazy self, but there has been no movement of his legs and his tail is hanging. The neurologist told me she expects dogs to fluctuate over time, but it doesn't make the less positive times any easier to handle. Tomorrow is Carl's week 4 trial evaluation, I'll be interested to hear how he does....

From last week is Carl's first "real" session in the UWTM (having a blast and behaving quite badly at times). No movement in his hindlimbs at this point. The plan from here on is to go in the tank and move his legs for him.

Trial and Conduction testing

Today was the end of the second week on the drug trial and Carl was in to be tested. I see definite changes, but these could simply be natural variation.

Also today Carl was tested to see if there was any conduction of impulses beyond his spinal lesion. There was nothing, but that was no surprise to the neurologists given the severity of his spinal cord injury. Given that Carl can wag his tail, there is some conduction, just nothing that registered in his legs.

The trial continues and we will see what happens over the coming months.

Spring is Here

Finally the snow and rain is gone and the trees are once again green (pity about the grass though).  Having tried all sorts of things from kids trousers to insulation leg protectors I finally concluded that the only way Carl could be outside was in a cart.  Thankfully I have two - his k9 cart he uses for playing in the yard, his Doggon cart for longer walks.

Trial Starts

After flunking out of the initial stages of the paralysis trial, Carl started to improve, most visibly being able to wag his tail.



The neurologists decided it was worth re-enrolling Carl in the trial, so today we began the medication. Life is a bit more complicated as Carl need the meds three times a day, but if he improved further it will be well worth it!

At Home Rehab and Off Roading

Finally got in the tape measure, NMES unit and additional pads. Started at home rehab last night with core strengthening (side sit ups and reaches), proprioception (rubbing feet on rough surfaces to try to elicit kicking, gently pulling toes to stimulate withdrawal reflex) and strength/balance exercises (gently bouncing on hindlimbs while standing). Finished with EMS to gluteals, quadriceps and hamstrings. Carl did well tolerating an hour long session.

Today went out for an off road spin for the first time in Bonnie's modified cart.  A few more adjustments are needed but it definitely is a better fit and Carl appeared more stable, easily navigating tree roots and steps.