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.

Rehabilitation Trial

My NMES unit arrived so today we went to the local rehab center to set it up and also to try Carl in the underwater treadmill.  The first item of business was to make some adjustments to Carl's new cart ... what had looked ok in the house during initial alterations turned out to be very off balance, tipping Carl backwards if he lifted his head up.  A quick alteration of the level of the front harness was thankfully all that was needed.

The e-stim went well - we got Carl's quads, hamstrings, gluteals and biceps contracting well.  The underwater treadmill not what we had hoped for.  After surgery in 2009, Carl had some motor function.  The neurologists at NC State had said he no longer had motor, but I still hoped that he may do something in the tank.  Carl had a great time in the water, talking and splashing around, but there was clearly no movement in his hindlimbs.