Rehab/aftercare is CRITICAL to a dog's recovery process after hemilaminectomy. This includes hydrotherapy, acupuncture, cold laser therapy and core strengthening exercises.
Here are some suggestions and recommendations from many members of the #ivddwarriors who have been through this journey.
- First thing is to remember that our high energy dogs don't know they are broke! They will be confused and trying to move around. The first month after surgery is critical for healing! Keeping the dogs quiet no matter how frustrated they get is imperative.
Some items to consider for when your best friend comes home from surgery
Depending on the extent of the surgery there are two items to help your dogs stay as still as possible in order to heal.
- Crate or puppy pen to restrict movement
- Wagon - a great way to move your dog around the house with you with limited movement to their spine.
- Plenty of Pee Pads! Your buddy will possibly still have incontinence for quite some time as the spinal cord is healing and the signals are reconnecting. Having plenty of pee pads around will help a great deal!
Keeping your dog's mind on something other than the fact they can't move around is helpful.
- Benebones are a great safe way they can concentrate on something other than moving around. These can be ordered direct or on Amazon.
- IQ Treat/Lick Mats - fill with peanut butter and freeze. Also can be found on Amazon
Many of our #ivddwarriors recommend purchasing a full or rear sling for as soon as your best friend comes home. It makes it much easier for you to walk than using a towel.
- Ramps will be a new way of life. No more jumping up on furniture or out of Vehicles!
- Rehabilitation - getting your friend to a rehab center once the stitches/staples are out is the next most important thing! Your friend needs to learn how to connect the dots again. Look for a rehab center that offers:
- Hydro Therapy
- Treadmill
- Core Exercises
- Cold Laser Therapy
- Acupuncture
- If your surgery center/specialist doesn't offer these ask for a referral or look on our Links page to see if there is one near you.
- Mobility Cart - Only when recommended by your Rehab Vet because you don't want your dog to become dependent.