Update on Lenore's IVDD Surgery Recovery: How Swimming PT is Making a Difference

Watching a beloved pug go through the challenges of IVDD can be heartbreaking. Today, we're sharing Lenore’s journey of healing, resilience, and her remarkable progress since IVDD spinal surgery—all thanks in part to swimming physical therapy. You heard that right, a pug is swimming!!!!

Understanding Pug IVDD: What Lenore Faced

Pug IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) is a condition affecting the spine, causing pain, mobility loss, or even paralysis. Like many pugs, Lenore developed IVDD, and her early symptoms included unsteady walking and trouble jumping onto the couch. After months of a misdiagnosis, Lenore's new nuerologist diagnosed her during a routine exam and off she went directly to surgery.

The Early Days Post-Surgery

The first week after Lenore’s procedure was challenging for everyone. She needed strict crate rest and frequent supervision. Her initial post-operative days involved:

• No walking except for bathroom breaks
• Careful monitoring for bladder function
• Gentle massage and passive range-of-motion exercises
• So many medications to manage pain and inflammation

The Introduction of Swimming PT

Water therapy, or canine hydrotherapy, was recommended by Lenore’s neurologist during her six-week checkup. For pugs with IVDD, swimming can be a game-changer because it allows exercise without the stress of gravity on healing tissues. Lenore was exhausted from a little vacation, so we waited a few more weeks for her to gain some more strength back to start swimming.

Why Swimming?

• Low impact: Water supports Lenore’s body weight, while letting her move more freely than on land.
• Muscle building: Swimming helps rebuild strength and balance safely. Even when she doesn't move her back legs, she's still working her core. 
• Confidence: The supportive environment can increase morale, especially for dogs hesitant to walk post-IVDD surgery. Lenore wants to walk everywhere, run rather, but swimming is helping her figure out her balance. 

For Lenore, the first swim was met with uncertain curiosity. In a warm water pool, her therapist guided her movements gently, helping her adapt to the unfamiliar sensation. Every session focused on proper limb placement, controlled paddling, and avoiding stress or fatigue. The hardest part has been finding a life vest that fits her.

What Hydrotherapy Sessions Look Like

Each swim therapy appointment for Lenore consists of:

• Warm-up massage to relax muscles
• Short, carefully monitored swims (usually fine minutes or so)
• Rest breaks after each swimming burst
• Hands-on guidance from a trained canine rehabilitation therapist

We're swimming once a week right now for just the 30 minutes, but want to work up to an hour.

Swimming encourages the use of all four limbs, stimulating nerve pathways and improving coordination. Hydrotherapy also helps minimize secondary complications, such as muscle atrophy or joint stiffness, which are common in pugs recovering from IVDD.  The consistent resistance in water improves her muscle tone, without risking reinjury to her healing back. Lenore is great with her front legs and working on her hind legs.

Managing Expectations: Every Pug is Different

Recovery from pug IVDD is highly individual. While Lenore regained some function in the first few days, some pugs may need longer periods or different types of rehabilitation. Factors affecting progress include:

• Extent of spinal injury
• Overall health and age
• Timeliness of surgical intervention
• Consistency and quality of physical therapy

For some families, a dog may never walk unaided again. In Lenore’s case, however, early PT, including swimming, has brought tangible gains—greater stability, improved paw placement, and an unmistakable wag in her tail. Seriously, her tail is curled and wagging again!!!!

Home Care and Lifestyle Changes Following IVDD Surgery

For pugs with IVDD, recovering from surgery is only part of the journey. Families need to make ongoing adjustments to protect their recovering pug:

• Limit jumping and furniture climbing with ramps or stairs
• Use harnesses instead of collars for walks
• Control weight with a healthy diet
• Schedule regular check-ups to monitor progress
• Provide non-slip surfaces to prevent falls (we have runners everywhere now!!!!

Emotional and Practical Support for IVDD Caregivers

Caring for a pug after IVDD surgery can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to experience worry, frustration, or even guilt during the recovery process. These steps can help:

• Connect with veterinary physiotherapists for guidance
• Lean on local dog support groups or online communities (Reddit can be terrifying, just to warn you)
• Keep a recovery journal to track milestones and setbacks

Common Questions About Pug IVDD and Swimming PT

Is swimming safe for all pugs with IVDD?

Not every pug is a candidate for hydrotherapy. It’s vital to consult your vet before beginning any therapy, especially if your pug has respiratory challenges or other complicating factors. Proper supervision and water temperature are essential. Also, a sturdy life vest is crucial, so the pug doesn't twist his back too much. You'll see people saying online that swimming is bad for IVDD sufferers, but our nuerologist and vet both recommended it over water treadmill walking since Lenore's issue is strength.

How soon after surgery can a pug swim?

Timing varies. Most specialists recommend waiting until incisions are healed and initial pain is controlled, which typically takes more than four weeks. Your vert will know best. We decided to wait until the 8-week mark.

What about pugs who dislike water?

Many pugs are more water-shy than other breeds. Still, with positive reinforcement, a supportive therapist, and shallow entry, many dogs adjust. Even tho Lenore used to Swim with Le Mops, it's been ages, so she's been a bit hesitant. Lenore’s early hesitancy was overcome with treats, patience, and consistent gentle handling. She may not love it, but she's not howling or complaining. 

Will my pug fully recover from IVDD?

Full recovery is not guaranteed, but many pugs regain significant mobility and comfort with timely surgery and consistent rehabilitation. Some may always need adaptations. Quality of life, not perfection, is the main goal. Lenore still isn't doing stairs to the couch and can get wobbly when excited, but she's on a path to recovery. Our next checkin with the neurologist is at the sox-month mark to see if we need further treatment.

Lenore’s Progress Today

Lenore can now walk around the yard with no help other than being carried up the stairs and enjoys short daily strolls. Her tail wags with more energy, and she's extra spicy. While she still has occasional wobbly moments, swimming PT has been transformative, letting her exercise and rebuild her strength safely.