He was paralysed when it first happened - the vet reckoned that could have been shock. He could “walk” (ie stagger) when we got to the vet which they were thrilled to see. (as was I).
Damage to dog was extensive bruising of the organs (excluding the brain) as well as muscles. Rips in his skin all over and a concussion. 4 days in vet hospital on IV fluids and multiple blood tests and full body xrays - my words were “are you sure that you have done enough tests.” It was the first time that I ever heard that dog moan with a load of pain-killers on board.
Any way, he could walk very slowly when I picked him up and it took two of us to lift him.
He took about 6 weeks to really recover - and that was the laser therapy that helped reduce the time. During the initial periods of his recovery at home, he didn’t want to move much as he was very sore - so not paralysed but with damaged muscles etc. We rolled him over every 30 minutes during the day for the first 2 weeks - and 2x at night We also used a belly sling to help him get to his feet for those weeks - and the vet said to get him up every 3-4 hours to get him to walk to stimulate blood flow through the body. (We needed to do it for toileting - he was a very proud dog (anthromorphising I know) and we knew that he wouldnt want to soil himself again.)
As the bruising started to go down, he found it easier to get up but we still rolled him over and used the belly sling for another 2 weeks as a precaution.
As the vet said - if you have to run over a dog, a fit mature male Labrador would be the best. Luke was a very fit dog going on multi-hour walks and other training with my collies.
Oh yes - and post recovery, he lived another four years with no effects from the accident - except I never run the dogs from the car since!
Hugs to you. I hope all goes well.
Most importantly of all - DONT BEAT YOURSELF UP! You didn’t mean to do this and you will get through it as well.
When he swims, he used his legs alternately, when he walks he paces.
