Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
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Post by Susi & Hans on Mar 27, 2015 13:48:24 GMT -7
The med list you have is what he is getting. As for the Ace, right now I'm giving him 1/4 of a 25 mg tab. I'm not seeing much change in his hind legs skills, but he's not knuckling on the right side any more. It does cross over under his stomach towards the left, or it seems to splay out the the right. I'll pay more attention next time I take him out so I can give you a better description. All I do know is it not as "good" as it was before that taper. As for pain, I really am not seeing any signs whatsoever. He's not yelping, holding them stiff while standing (although they do tremble a bit). If he gets tired, he will just sit down. The only time he seems stiff and and somewhat reluctant to move is the first thing in the morning when I need to take him out of the crate. He gets very squirmy when I am at the bottom of the stairs and he sees the grass, he would jump out of my arms if he could! When we are out, he is on a very short leash and can only take a few steps, who's he is not happy about,!but it is what it is. I make sure that he urinates, and if we've been out enough time for him to have pooped, but hasn't, I just bring him inside. Today I noticed that instead of swatting, he just sat down to poop, which he hasn't done before. So that's about all I can tell you right now about his progress (or lack thereof), as usual I probably told you more than necessary as usual, lol! I'll pay closer attention to to how he's moving the next time I take him out, and if there's anything different or something I may not have said, I'll let you know
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 27, 2015 15:57:42 GMT -7
Wonderful no signs of pain! Nerve damage can take time to come back again. He will get stronger on his leg skills and be able to control them better as time goes by... might be in weeks or might be longer.
Let us know when the vet will make a determination to guess all the swelling is gone and call for a test taper off of Pred 5mg 2x/day as well as a back off or stop of pain meds. I'm guessing it might be in 7 or 14 days from 3/24.
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Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
Posts: 105
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Post by Susi & Hans on Mar 31, 2015 18:26:18 GMT -7
Ok, vet wants him on one more week of pred twice a day. She asked me if he seems any better (like was at his peak before that first botched taper), I told her that although he is not knuckling or dragging his right leg, he is still having trouble with it, I explained that in my last post. In fact, his left leg is moving differently as well. Even though he is only taking very few steps to go potty, it doesn't seem to be as strong as before and it does the same things as the right leg. Basically, both of his legs are all over the place; he looks like he's drunk when he walks. So on we go...
8 hours earlier: I called the vet today to what she wants to do now; keep him on the pred twice a day for one more week, or try a trial taper if one pred a day. We'll see what whe wants to do. In either case, I still have a refill for 14 more prednisone, so I'm covered there. As for Hans progress, I'm not seeing anything new except that he isn't knuckling or dragging right foot any more. He does seem to be moving it by swaying from the hip (if that makes sense), so sometimes it crosses over to left, other times it's splayed to the right. His legs are still trembling a lot, and if he gets too tired he just sits down, or looks towards the stairs (he's a smart little guy). Other than those things, he's bright and active, very vocal, eating and drinking fine, peeing and pooping normally, and is not tearing up his crate thanks to the Ace. I'll be sure to update you this evening after I've talked to the vet.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 31, 2015 19:06:09 GMT -7
Steroids are one medication that requires the vet to tell you how to taper off of. This is a serious medication that has inhibited the body's own natural steroid production. The adrenal glands need to get the proper signal via a taper done correctly to know to start making its own cortisol again. The vet must be the person to direct the taper with specific instruction. The tapering instructions should be on the bottle of prednisone with enough pills to carry out the taper.
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Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
Posts: 105
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Post by Susi & Hans on Mar 31, 2015 19:07:42 GMT -7
Ok I hope that she'll have a good plan for a taper then
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Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
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Post by Susi & Hans on Apr 2, 2015 9:04:12 GMT -7
I have some good and bad news today... The good first: last night Hans lifted his leg to pee! That seems like a big improvement! The bad news: I fell today while carrying Hans up the stairs. Luckily it was only the top step, and I tried to protect his body as much as I could, but I did fall halfway on top of him. He yelped, but I think it was more out of fear than of pain. It was really scary for both of us! I have got to move to a downstairs apt asap, but there's a waiting list...
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 2, 2015 9:18:13 GMT -7
Oh no Susi! Hope that Hans is ok... watch him today for signs of pain and hope too you did not hurt yourself!
Most excellent news on ability to lift his leg!!! That shows the brain sending a message to lift a leg for a pupose!! I think with time for more nerve healing you will continue to see neuro function move in a good direction.
May there always be safe days ahead for both of you.
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Susi & Hans
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Post by Susi & Hans on Apr 2, 2015 9:23:40 GMT -7
I knew you'd like the leg lifting I'm ok, I will watch Hans. I am still not happy about how he's walking though, his legs just aren't working as they before I'll keep you posted of any changes
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 2, 2015 17:32:52 GMT -7
Susi, glad to hear you're OK and that Hans is doing well too. Keep up the good work.
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Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
Posts: 105
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Post by Susi & Hans on Apr 2, 2015 21:33:08 GMT -7
Good news! We will be moving to a downstairs apartment in about 6 weeks, if all goes well. I went to the manager to let them know I need to move downstairs for safety reasons. To make reasonable accommodations since My emotional support dog cannot walk on his own and I am not to be lifting or carrying anything 20 lbs or over,; if I have doctors notes stating this, I won't have to pay a hold fee. Even though it's still 6 weeks away, I feel like one of the many weights in my shoulders has been lifted. Enough of all that; I would like some suggestions and/or ideas on how to get Hans safely up and down the stairs. I probably should have asked long ago. There have been numerous times that I have almost fallen, today was the day that it actually happened, and thank goodness it was not a serious fall and neither of us were hurt. I've had suggestions ranging from carrying him down in a carrier (too big, more weight), to a large purse (Hans is too big) to using a type of baby sling. The use idea if a sling has crossed my mind several times, but I'm concerned that his back would not be in a straight stable position. I already struggle with carrying him correctly because of his size, and also mine, I am a small person! So, do you have any new and innovative ideas for me, or should I just continue as I have been. Just being extremely careful (and barefoot because it feels safer than having flip flops or tennis shoes on. I guess I already have my answer.. I do have some questions about how Hans is "walking", but it's late and we're all very tired.
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Post by Debbie Blackwelder on Apr 2, 2015 23:59:08 GMT -7
Susi, I really can't think of anything other that what you are doing now. Maybe some of the other moderators will have suggestions for you. Let us know tomorrow your other concerns. Deb
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Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
Posts: 105
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Post by Susi & Hans on Apr 17, 2015 21:47:51 GMT -7
Hi all, I just wanted to aopologize for not having posted any updates for a while, ive had health issues with the other dogs, and my mood has nit been the best.Just a quick note to let you know that we started the taper a week ago today, hes taking 1 5 mg tablet of pred a day, the vet wants him on that for at least two weeks, but im not sure if hell last that long. ill write more tomorrow, when i can give you an accurate list of his current meds and tell you more in detail how he's doing. Which is quite well actually;except for a few things. Of course i have questions for you! Im off to bed now. I'll explain more tomorrow . Susi
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 18, 2015 4:41:34 GMT -7
Sorry you've had problems with your other dogs, Susi. Is Hans still on crate rest? Please fill us in on why the taper was only started a week ago and not before that. Looking forward to more info.
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Susi & Hans
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Post by Susi & Hans on Apr 18, 2015 8:40:35 GMT -7
Hi Marjorie, The taper started late because the vet was not in the office for two days, so I was advised to keep him on the 2 a day until I spoke with her. Then, when I got the okay from her. I discovered that I was out of pred with no refills, so he went one day with no prednisone at all. I'm sorry I can't give you exact dates, but I picked up the new Rx on the 10th, so that's when we started tapering to one a day. She said she wanted him on that dose for at least two weeks. I don't think he's going to be able to handle any more time in the crate now. He is constantly whining, barking and even howling at times. She took him off of the Ace, and put him on trazadone, which he took 1/2 tablet ever 12 hours for 7 days, then started 1 whole tablet every 12 hours. Even that doesn't seem to keep him calm for very long. Right now these are the meds he's taking now:
[20lbs] 1 vetridisc (so) capsule twice a day [Prednisone as of 3/24: 5mg 2x/day, [as of 4/10]:▼pred 1 - 5 mg tab in the morning 5 - mg Zyrtec twice a day [trazadone 1 whole tablet every 12 hours]
He has been apparently pain free for sometime now, but I continued to give it to him twice a day up until two days ago. He seems to be fine, he's not showing any signs of pain whatsoever.
I'm waiting for a call from the vet right now to see if we can taper him down a bit more, so we can get him out of the crate.
As for his walking, I wrote last night that I haven't seen much change, but today I watched him very carefully and saw that he has improved somewhat, although his legs are still quite wobbly, and he can't take many steps without getting tired and needing to sit or fall down. He's bearing his weight very well, his back legs tremble a lot but he is not falling when he stands. Now my question is this. Would a cart be something that would work for his "rehab", to help strengthen his legs, and help him increase his stamina? I'm talking about one from Dogs to Go, one that will allow him to use those back legs since he is already able to "walk" on them? I was recommended by one of the vet techs to them, and I've also been told that I may be able to get a discount since he's a Dodgerslist dog. Right now I just need to see how my vet is going to taper him down, since she has been doing things differently than than the previous vet I had with my girls when they had IVDD episodes. I guess I'll have to wait and see, since I don't know the usual taper schedule. Wish both of us luck! I hope to hear back from you soon to see what your opinions are about what I've told you. Hugs from Hans and Susi
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 18, 2015 12:41:10 GMT -7
Won't hurt to ask if there is a possibility for a quicker taper, the vet will know if this is a good idea or not. The concern is with longer use of pred, usually there will be a slower taper to ensure the body gets the signals to again make its own life sustaining steroid hormone. Because Hans can walk, money is likely better spent on water therapy if on graduation day you see it might be beneficial. After graduation day you can investigate underwater treadmill at a rehab clinic. You can also perhaps do some at home water therapy www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm
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Susi & Hans
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Post by Susi & Hans on Apr 20, 2015 15:01:44 GMT -7
I have to admit something. I took Hans out of the crate two days ago. I read your last message too quickly and misunderstood what you said. I thought that you were saying that since he is walking that he could come out of the crate. Now I see that you didn't mean that at all. So now that it is off my chest, I can tell you what the vet said. She wants him to take one prednisone every other day now. She didn't give any time frame though. I don't know how to ask for a quicker taper. Like I've said before, I don't think she's worked much with IVDD dogs, I've been the one pretty much whose asked for the changes in the doses he's getting of prednisone. So like I said I have no idea how to back up why I'm asking for a quicker taper. Then, due to my misunderstanding of what you wrote, I asked her if he could come out of the crate, and she agreed saying "he can't spend the rest of his life in a crate". This time, instead of doing what know is right I've let him out. We still have basically the same routine, when he goes out I keep him on the short leash and limit his walking. Here inside he seems to limit his own walking. He can hardly walk on smooth floors so he pretty much stays on the carpeted area. Now I am kind of worried about him. His behavior has changed a lot since before he got sick. He's listless, not lethargic, he just kind off sits in one place, then gets up and moves to another over and over. It's like he can't get comfort anywhere. He's attached to my hip, which is understandable. I let him sit once with me on my chair but he tried to jump down so now I'm on the floor with him and the other dogs. He's still not showing any signs of pain at all, his walking hasn't changed, in fact it seems to have improved some. I can see when he's tired though because he just sits or lays down His behavior has changed in other ways, he's showing a lot of jealousy, some aggression (he was the alpha before) and is always trying to push the other dogs from their food I know that's more than I needed to write,, but since you've experienced IVDD dogs more than my vet, I feel more comfortable with your advice
Here is the medication he is currently taking: 1 - 5 mg tab pred every other day, (yesterday was his 1st day skipped, today he had one) 2 - vetridisc 1 in the am, 1 in the pm 5 mg Pepcid 2x a day 5 mg Zyrtec 2x a day 1 - 50 mg tab trazadone every 12 hours
I forgot to tell you that he still sleeps in crate at night.
Sincerely, Susi, who screwed up
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 20, 2015 15:26:23 GMT -7
Susi, the staying in the crate until totally off of Prednisone is a precaution that all the swelling is really, really gone. The proof is in the pudding (the very last of the prednisone doses) The every other day dose of prednisone is typically at the very end of the taper. There is nothing you can offer your vet as a prescription for the last of the taper. All you can do is ask what is the end date for the every other day dose. Then ask if it can be shorter than 3 days, shorter than 5 days for example. You will just have to ask. After he is off all prednisone then he comes out of the crate. Have you thought about how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation. Run runners for better traction on slippery floors. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmAnd now is the perfect time if you haven't already to make those home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on the spine in the future. No more stairs, ramps up to furniture, or blocking furniture all together. All those ideas and more are in this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm
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Susi & Hans
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Post by Susi & Hans on May 3, 2015 1:37:48 GMT -7
Hans has 7 days and counting until graduation day! The vet put him on one pred twice a week for two weeks, and his last one is on May 9th. After that, we'll be starting some of the rehab exercises you've recommended, also water therapy her at home. I got a baby pool and a life jacket for him, and in a while we'll be getting him a walker type Carr to help with his back instability and help him exercise those hind legs. He's doing really well now that he's getting 3 50 mg of trazodone a day, no more temper tantrums and blow ups, thank goodness!
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on May 3, 2015 5:13:11 GMT -7
Susi, I know how very anxious you are to get Hans out of that crate but please do take it slowly. Since his last Pred is May 9th, May 10th will be his first day without any meds. I would play it safe and give it until May 12th to be sure that no signs of pain have returned. That way you'll be sure that his swelling has completely resolved. The reintroduction to movement is very slow. Graduation from crate rest doesn't mean that you open the door and that's it. The first couple of weeks, he'll still mostly be in the crate with a gradual increasing of time out of the crate. He's been on crate rest for a long time and he needs to gradually build up his muscles and strength again. If he does too much too soon, he may have sore muscles and it will be impossible for you to tell whether his muscles are sore or it's his back issues. I found the schedule on this page to be very helpful when my Jeremy graduated crate rest. Please read it carefully: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmI would hold off on the exercises until he's gained back his strength and stamina. Again, too much too soon and he'll have sore muscles. Often times, with only wobbly walking as a neuro deficit, gradually increasing the walking and building up strength will be all the therapy he'll need. I found that walking Jeremy with a sling was better therapy than the cart though he did love the extra mobility that the cart gave him, which allowed him to move faster. You and little Hans have come a long way, Susi. You've done a great job getting him to this point. You will need to take extra precautions with him from now on as IVDD is a life-long disease. There's a list of never-again activities, such as stairs and jumping, on the page that Paula gave you. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmBlessings to you both. Please do keep us updated on his progress.
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Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
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Post by Susi & Hans on May 3, 2015 7:37:04 GMT -7
I was pretty sure that even though his last pred is on the 9th, that he probably should stay in the crate a few days more. We are going to have virtual " freedom day" party for him the 9th though just for fun . I also realize that he's not going to be stepping out of the crate and having run of the house either. The reason that I am always mention the crate is because he refused to walk with a sling, he has since the very beginning. Ive contacted Laurie from Dogs to Go as well, and she's aware of Hans and is prepared to make a walking style cart for him when he's ready. I've also been talking with Sharon from K9 Backpack a lot lately, and she's also given me a lot of support. I'm pretty clear on what we have to do after his strict crate rest is done, so don't worry. We won't have much time to do much of the other exercising other than walking this month anyway since we are moving into the new apartment on the 29th. I want you to know how much I've appreciated all of the support that you've given me these past three months, even though I've often been a bit of a pain in your side with all of my whining and complaining. I don't think I could have advocated for Hans and his steroid schedule without your guidance. You've all been wonderful! You have my deepest gratitude! Hugs from me and sloppy kisses from Hansie, Susi, Hans and the rest of the pack
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 3, 2015 10:02:27 GMT -7
Susi, we appreciate all of your communications about Hans. You kept us in the loop and we where able to provide helpful comments to discuss with your several vets. Pat on the back to you, Susie, for being on top of pursuing the care Hans needed! How about snapping a photo or two of Hans to add to the Gallery. You have learned so much on this journey with Hans, you recognize how important the crate rest part is to healing. Consider joining our educational team. We depend on Forum members across the country reaching out to other owners with breeds prone to IVDD, introducing their vet to our free literature to help another client. Check out our free educational cards and brochures then ask Linda to send you some. Our $3 DVD is something you'll want your friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog to watch; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htmLet us know when Hans has graduated and don't be shy to help a new member understand the importance of crate rest!
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Susi & Hans
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Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
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Post by Susi & Hans on May 3, 2015 12:46:55 GMT -7
I was just reading your post, and you said that May 9 would be his first day of no meds. He's been off meds for quite some tim now. The only medications that he has been given for at least 2-3 weeks have been. the pred, trazodone, and vetridisc. He took the pred every other day for one week, then went taking it twice a week for two weeks. He has not had any pain meds for a while. Taking the traz 3 times a day helped immensely, he is much calmer during the day and evening. Since we started this dosage, things have gotten so much better, he's only gotten agitated about twice since then. I will admit that on those two occasions I did give him 1/2 tab of tramadol and the 1/4 tab of methocarbomal to calm him down. I don't know what triggers these "temper tantrums" he's had. He still rushes the door almost every time I open it unless he's dopey from the traz. He's even bitten me and growled at me on twice, which he's never done before. He's aggressive towards the other dogs, both when he is in the crate, and also when I have them outside. Usually I take him out alone, but first thing in the morning, all three dogs go out at the same time, also when I get home from being out more than four hours. He's happiest when he is outside on the grass. After he's gone to the bathroom, just sits lays down, sometimes he will even roll in it. When I explained this behavior to Sharon from K9 backpack, she told me that the prednisone has probably affected his behavior since he's been taking it for so long at inconsistent dosages. He has not shown any signs (that I know of) of pain whatsoever. In fact, I'm having a difficult time keeping him from doing things that he did before he was sick. For these reasons, I'm not sure how the recommended schedule is going to work with him. Once he is out of the crate, he willnot want to go back in. He already is giving me a hard time putting him back in. Of course I won't give him free reign of the apartment, although it is not big at all. I will feed him in the living room where there is carpeting. As for going outside, I'll still keep him on the leash so he won't be able to wander around where he likes. When we move is when I'll probably have to get the runners, since floor will probably be laminate. Anyway, because of these things I may have to adjust the schedule somewhat. We'll see how he does the first couple of days.
I know I haven't been that much of a pain for you, but you have had to put up with my very emotional messages. I've been very symptomatic since all of this began, so my moods have been swinging a lot. Maybe after things calm down in my life I can help out on Dodgerslist. I already refer many people to you, and tell people about conservative treatment and hobbit works.
Oh, I will send some more pics of Hans. I already have some ones. You'll have to send me the email address to the person who help post them the last time. Sincerely, Susi
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 3, 2015 13:28:44 GMT -7
Susi, the med we are concerned with is Prednisone which you say the last dose will be on May 9. So give a few days after and about May 13 you should have proof positive if whether there is no more pain. I can't remember if you have an expen. That might be more acceptable to Hans when you have to leave the house and when you start giving him gradual increases in exercise opportunities and then he needs to be in a safe place afterwards to rest. As you know the idea is to go slowly from being a couch potato all these weeks to more physical activity. I know you will work up the best way to do that. You will want to know if you would see pain, that you are not confused is it muscle soreness from allowing too much activity too soon or is it a disc problem. You can mail your photos with a caption to: photogallery@dodgerslist.com
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Susi & Hans
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Post by Susi & Hans on May 4, 2015 16:54:23 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Thank you for your confidence in me that I will do the very best in getting Hans out if the crate slowly so he has time to build up his strength. I do have an expen now, but am not really familiar how to use it. When it is opened/set up all the way, it is about 4' in diameter. From what I understand, I can set it up smaller. What size would be good for Hans to be in while I am out? And is it ok if I put in his dog bed, or would a soft blanket be preferable? I know I'll be putting a water dish in for sure! Right now, while I'm still in my current apartment, there is carpeting, but when we move it possibly could have laminate flooring, that's when I'll have to get runners for him to get around safely. Hope to hear from you soon, Susi
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 4, 2015 17:37:11 GMT -7
For right now Hans in still on crate rest, so fold the ex-pen panels back on themselves accordion style. The panels should wrap around his bed/mattress. In the video you will see how the panels fold back on themselves.
Once he has graduated and is off of crate rest and you need to leave the house or you want to him to rest as you are gradually extending time he can be out for physical activity, then you can use all the panels to make the pen space as big as it will go. It would then accommodate his mattress plus extra space he can move off his bed to enjoy.
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Susi & Hans
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Post by Susi & Hans on May 6, 2015 20:37:53 GMT -7
hi Paula, I just discovered something. I miscounted the prednisone that were in the bottle, and today (5/6) should have been his last one, and I somehow did not give it to him this morning. I know this because I have a system to help me remember if I've taken my meds in the morning or the evening. I was just passing out the dogs meds when I saw that Hans prednisone bottle was upside down and has on pill inside. So it looks like tomorrow will be his last dose of pred. You suggest that he stayed crated for 5 more days after the last pred, so he should graduate on the 12th, right? After that I can put him in the pen instead of the crate if I remember correctly, but to have the panels basically just around his bed, then I start the schedule to help build up his strength and stamina. Dumb question now ( figuratively speaking...), how will I know that he just sore muscles as opposed to back pain, and what can I give him for sore muscle pain? I suppose it's a question for the vet. Maybe she'll give him an NSAID, if the proper time has past since he finished the prednisone?
Today he gave me quite the scare! When I got home from the studio the other dogs greeted me at the door, but Hans didn't bark or whine or anything, which usually does when I've been gone for the afternoon. I called his name and he still didn't move; I went to his crate and jostled it, he did not react. By then I was practically wrenching the door open, thinking the worse. When I put my hand on his head he didn't startle like he usually does, he just opened his eyes, yawned and sat up. I thought something had happened and that he had passed. It was awful! Needless to say, I broke the rules and took him to go sit with me. I wanted to have him close to me and make sure he was all right. Thankfully he was and still is!
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 7, 2015 8:05:10 GMT -7
Susi, how these little creatures can give us a scare!!! On May 11 if you are not seeing any pain, the you can begin to gradually introduce him back to physical activity. On May 11, the ex-pen can be used with all the panels extended at times when you will not be at home and during the gradual increases of activity. When the gradual activity session(s) for the day have been done, then back to the expen where he has his mattress plus whatever extra room the 8 panels provide.
Since you will be gradually increasing activity, there will not be a chance for Hans to overdo things with his muscles. Increasing activity gradually will not make his muscles sore. So if you were to see any hint of pain it would be obvious the pain is not due to sore muscles. The vet would examine Hans and give a diagnosis as to what the cause of the pain is. Of course our first thoughts as IVDD pet parents is always is this another disc episode???? There are other things too which can cause pain that the vet will have to pinpoint with their diagnosis and give the correct treatment. For example arthritis can cause pain. But lets look to the positive that with gradually increasing his stamina, getting his muscles stronger with a slow program of increasing activity you will not see any pain from anything!
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Susi & Hans
New Member
Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
Posts: 105
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Post by Susi & Hans on May 7, 2015 21:42:29 GMT -7
Great! I think I like that I can handle that. I'm wondering if I should put his "mattress" from his crate in the expen, or one of the dog beds? His crate mattress is really a pillow, still all wrapped up in that plastic bag. But if it's out of the crate, he'll have to step up on it to lay down, and he has trouble lifting up his back legs still. I guess I'll just have to see. I'll tell you one thing though, having the expen up all the way is going to take up more than half of my living room, that's how small my apartment is. I'll have to do some shifting things around so there's still room for Nueman and Ghia..,
I got an idea of how he might be able to sleep on the bed with us. I'm thinking about getting one of those flexible nylon kennels that he can sleep in. I'll put it up against the back and side wall, and I'll be on the edge. The other dogs will be sleeping around him too. I liked that vid about the ex pen, but I'm just not sure how to close the two ends. There are those clips things like on leashes, and it has a slide latch like his kennel has, but nothing to slide it into. I've been looking on you tube for videos on how to set it up but I can't find any.. If you can explain it to me that would be great! Other wise I'll be using carabiners to attach the two ends together. I am going to be positive now, the end of the tunnel is coming soon! Susi
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Post by John & Marley on May 8, 2015 5:28:27 GMT -7
When my dog was recovering, we left out his regular dog bed and after watching him a few times realized it wasn't good for him , he stepped up with front legs fine but back legs he tried to lift and either wasn't strong enough or felt uncomfortable to him. Just looked like he was struggling . Even a little in my mind wasn't good for recovery. So I took some large fleece blanky and folded them over and made him his pillow bed, it was about a inch thick , warm and soft yet still firm, too much softness in my mind could over extend a leg and twist the spine, plus his crate is always lined with a fleece blanket, so it felt normal to him.
It is 15 months since his IVDD happened and he has made a complete recovery and he still uses the fleecy bed setup, he now has two of them in the house. He just loves them... Plus so easy to wash once every week.
Sleeping in a bed with a human , Im not so sure of so soon after recovery, bed shift under people weight and could catch your dog off guard and twist him.
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Susi & Hans
New Member
Mom of three grown human kids and three senior doxie furbabies that are the light of my life
Posts: 105
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Post by Susi & Hans on May 9, 2015 12:38:37 GMT -7
To Sturgess- Hans is having a hard time getting comfortable anywhere it seems . He can get in the dog bed fine, he is able lift his hind legs with no problem. He'll lay down, but gets back up right away. He'll lay on the floor on one side for a little while, then turn over to the other side. He'll lay on his tummy but again gets up after a short time. I made a little bed for him with three fleecy throws I bought for the dogs and covered it with one of his fleece blankets that's I used in his crate, and he won't even get on that! I took his crate off of the table and put it on the floor with the door open so he go in at will and get out on his own, he went in twice but came right back out. Then the cycle started all I've again... Poor guy wanted to sleep but couldn't get comfy anywhere! So I put the crate back up on the table, and put him in it and closed the door. He immediately laid down and fell asleep. I'm thinking that I'll put the crate in the expen with him, with the door open and see if he'll go in there to sleep. I wish there was some way that I could take door off without ruining it!
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