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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 5, 2015 6:06:04 GMT -7
Post moved to the Forum on behalf of Debbi:
Thank you Paula your the best!
I'll start with my name is Debbi, my 6yr. Old female Dautshund is Bailey. My story is long, and I need your help please. I'm petrified, and shell shocked at the events that took place this week.
I was on vacation from July 25-August 2nd. Bailey stayed home with our 26 yr. old son ( I hated leaving her) but I had everything covered, my son was the full time caretaker, and my mom, and father-in-law were coming too check on her also. I keep in contact with all of them, everyday. My son stated Bailey was acting weird, not sick just weird. We thought she was depressed because I left.
When I returned home late Sunday Bail wasn't her crazy self ( normally she would run you down, and lick you like Dino on the flint stones!) she walked over slowly, licking, but kinda groaning. Her stomach was puffed, and I thought omg they all must of fed her, or she got into something ( Bail gets in everything) it was late I picked her up, brought her to bed, and we slept. The next morning Monday she was still making the noise, almost like labored breathing. Definitely pain in that sound, the more I picked her up, the worse it got! She went potty, no problem, but she wouldn't eat! ( that's not Bail)
I said that's it something is wrong!
With that I called the Vet first thing, they said bring her right over. My husband and I ran her over, when I put her on the examine table her right back foot gave out, I lost it!!!! I was freaking out. My Vet explained this happens with this breed, and he gave her a steroid for 15 days Prednisone 5 mg, and Tramadol for 5 days he said they would make her thirsty, and could upset her stomach to go buy
Pepcid AC 10 mg.
if it got worse I would need to call a neuro specialist right away, and he gave me the number. We brought her home, I was sick, scared, and boy did I cry. How could I have a walking dog at 9 and a partially paralized dog at 9:20? I layed her on the couch, gave the meds, and sat with her. About 15 minutes went by, and she tried moving, I said it's okay just rest. Oh yea the Vet said strict crate rest for weeks. Anyway I moved her covers, and she went potty, she lost control, nothing was working, no potty, no legs, I was panicking, thank god my husband was home. Called the vet, he said go, go now time is of Essence here. We flew, at this time Bailey was definitely displaying pain ( so sad) we called ahead, when we got there they took her away. The wait felt forever, they came out and said she would need surgery. $6500.00 later, which we didn't have. Thank goodness for credit cards, Bailey had surgery
Bailey had deep tissue sensation, and was given 85-90 percent chance of walking again. I'm heartbroken how did this happen to my little girl, and so fast!
Bailey is now on day 2 since surgery, she still at the hospital, wags her tail little, not going potty on her own yet, and no movement. She still has deep tissue sensation. I'm lost, lost without her, scared I'm not going to know what to do, scared for her, please help. Sorry so long had to vent, Bailey is my world, my shadow
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 5, 2015 21:14:14 GMT -7
Debbi, welcome to the Forum! I know how overwhelmingly fast things can happen with a disc episode with decisions to be made quickly. You are reporting some good post-op news! The ability to wag the tail with happiness bodes quite well for more nerve healing to take place! The timeline for each neuro function to return in is not something anyone can tell you. Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord so you can witness the miracle of nerves self healing and functions return as the nerves reconnect: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. Right now you have some things to do to ensure the recovery suite is set up for easiest post op care of Bailey. Many of the supplies you will already have around the house or you can easily assemble. Great member tips to make crate rest go smoother. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmAs things come to mind you will also want to jot down your questions so that in the excitement of discharge day every question gets an answer. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmHere is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmBailey was born with disc disease. Often it is not til a dog is 3-7years old with the first signs of pain, the owner and the vet know the dog has IVDD. Getting up to speed on disc disease can help you understand, protect and live many happy years ahead with Bailey. Shortcut Through IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.htmlPlease keep us in the loop as you are updated about Bailey and let us know when she is likely to be discharged from the hospital. As you read all you can get your hands on over on our main Dodgerslist.com page, you can emerge from a scary place...the unknown to one of "knowledge is power" to care for Bailey so she can get back to enjoying all of her family activities once crate rest has been completed. |
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 6, 2015 4:57:27 GMT -7
Dear Paula, I don't know how to thank you, I read that reply, and cried. Thank you so much for the hope. I actually have 3 Doxies, Baily being the oldest, and now I'm petrified for all. I'm anxiously waiting for the morning call on Baileys progress, she may come home tonight. I'm reading everything and anything. So nervous to care for her, but I'm in it to win it, and I will give her 101 percent! Thank you so much
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 6, 2015 5:21:50 GMT -7
I'm sure you and Bailey will feel much better about everything once she comes back to your loving home, Debbi. Please let us know what meds are prescribed, including exact dosage in mgs and frequency given and what instructions are given for crate rest and physical therapy. Your reading and learning about IVDD is the best thing that you can do to help Bailey in her recovery. And we're here to help you both through this.
Healing prayers for Bailey.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 6, 2015 7:24:48 GMT -7
Dear Marjorie, thank you so much, for your prayers. I will definetly let you know about meds, and instructions. Just got the update phone call, Baily has little motor movement in her right leg, and when expressed this morning, she only needed a kick start and finished on her own! All positives. She is now off of any injectable pain meds, only receiving oral. Her IV port was removed this morning, and we are able to go at 4:00 today, and maybe bring her home. It's been since only Monday, and I feel like it's been a month. Still can not believe this happened, and how dumb I was about IVDD. Thanks to all of you, I feel more confident, educated, and ready to do this. I'm ready, and well prepared for Bailey to return home. Thank you again, and I wish the best of luck to all the loving pets on the site
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 6, 2015 7:54:45 GMT -7
Debbi,
I just joined this forum for the same reason. My 7 year old Dachshund, Maggie, ruptured her disc between the T13 & L1 vertebrae on Monday, August 3. She had back surgery on Tuesday. Before surgery she had feeling and a little movement in her back legs (drunken, wobbily walking). After surgery, she was able to use the bathroom on her own at times (the staff is trying to not have her move that much so they are expressing her bladder for her most;y and because she is a dachshund she is stubborn), when the doctor pinches her back legs she looks at her so there is some feeling. This morning when she stood her up she was able to hold on her back legs for a second then sit down so there is some tone there. I asked if there is more of a chance for her to walk and the doctor still says 80-90% chance. She will be staying there for therapy and rehab for 2 weeks which is killing me because I want her home but I know it is best for her. I was told that healing takes time especially with this type of surgery. I don't know how encouraging this post is for you but know that I am here for you for I am going through the same situation. Stay positive. That's all I can try and do right now. |
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 6, 2015 17:05:39 GMT -7
Awww Kellie I'm so sorry your Maggie's going through this also. This just stinks thank you for sharing that it is a big help to know I'm not alone. I wish you both the best. I will be sticking really close to this site, so if you need me I'm here. Please let me know how she progresses
Baileys update she is now home with me resting in her crate, with a big pink cloth cone around her neck, a bandage where her port was, and a big boo boo down her back. She has 13 staples running down her back. She is resilient, she is doing better then I am. After many questions, she's finally mine again, love having her home. She was missed dearly. Bail was sent home with
[Bailey's weight?]
Prenisone 5 mg tabs. She will take 1 more full one tommorow, then 1/2 tab once a day for 3 days, then a 1/2 tab every other day for 6 days then stop. She also has
Tramadol 50 mg tablets I'm to give 1/2 every 8 hrs (3times) for 5 days. She will take
Pepcid 10 mg once daily. She also will start
Cephalexin 250 mg caps 1 pill twice a day for UTI like my poor baby needed that on top of everything.
I'm still very nervous to care for her, afraid I'll break her, and afraid to express, not real good at it, but I will give it my best, and stick close to here. I'm going to lay beside my girl now, thanks for all the help.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 7, 2015 6:33:46 GMT -7
Debbi, if you need another hands-on-your-hands demonstration on expressing from your vet, please do ask for one. It takes some practice to get expressing right. A UTI can make it harder to express, too, so hopefully once the antibiotic takes effect, expressing will get easier. If you need any advice on expressing, please do ask us and we'll try to help. Do you find wet bedding or does she leak on you when picked up? How often are you expressing? Prednisone causes increased thirst and urination so Bailey should be expressed every 2-3 hours. Here are our tips on expressing both bladder and bowels: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmWhat instructions did the surgeon give as to crate rest and physical therapy? |
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 7, 2015 9:18:18 GMT -7
Marjorie, thank you. Baileys up-date for today, we ended up back at the Vet this morning for another lesson. I feel so much better about expressing. I thought we had to get every drop out. According my Vet, I only have to get the majority out. Bailey now has been put on 5 mg of dizapam for relaxation. They are hoping this will relax her, and make her more easy to express. she should be going on her own now, as of today she now has feeling in her left leg, so she should go, just stubborn ( comes with the breed). . She had a great night, some shaking, but a great night. She did express for us, ate and took her pill. She is on a blan diet of chicken, and rice until her staples are removed. She will have no therapy until those staples are out. STRICT crate rest for 3-5 weeks, seen again at 4 weeks for a check up, and further discussion on therapy from there. I'm able to take her outside 4 times a day with sling to promote potty, and then back in the crate she goes. While out I can do some little excercise with her back legs, but as of right now just rest, lots of it. Love having Bailey back, I know it's going to be a long ride, but everyday she improves. First the tail wag, then feeling in the right leg, then feeling in the left, goes potty with a kick start. All positives. Bless all these babies on here.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 8, 2015 4:41:43 GMT -7
Glad to hear of the improvements that you're seeing, Debbi. I am concerned, though, about the shaking that you saw. Was it trembling of her weakened legs or trembling/shaking all over? Trembling can be a sign of pain and would mean that her pain meds aren't right yet. She's on a low dose of Tramadol, which could be increased if she has pain. Also Gabapentin and Methocarbamol can be added. Please let us know more about the shaking that you saw and if you are seeing signs of pain, please do let the surgeon know ASAP so meds can be adjusted.
We usually see surgeons prescribe 6 weeks of crate rest. So I would err on the side of caution and let her have that extra rest, only out of the crate for potty and PT.
You don't need to get every drop of urine out but you do need to get as much out as you can. You should continue to express until the urine comes out in dribbles instead of a stream. The longer urine lies in the bladder, the more chance there is of a UTI. I'm glad you went back for another lesson. Know, too, that while bladder control usually returns once there is leg movement, nerves don't always heal in the correct order. My Jeremy had surgery four years ago and while he began to walk 6 months after surgery, his bladder/bowel control has never returned.
Continued healing prayers.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 8, 2015 8:52:47 GMT -7
Awww Majorie I love all your advice, so glad your here. Bailey's update. Bail is now going potty on her own (Yes!!!!) I can handle anything else. I sleep right next to her, and I wake up checking all night. The Tramadol falls in through the night, and I'm not missing that pill, she had the Diazepam before bed, had a great night no shaking, and peed in her crate on her own.  ?. When I had Baily back to VSEC yesterday for another lesson, they took her away again, ultra sounded her bladder, performed their Neuro test, confirmed her left leg had feeling, with the right being much stronger. We discussed the shaking, and that's when they prescribed the Diazepam [5mg 2x/day] . They didn't think it was pain. . It worked, she calmed those muscles, let us express before bed, then through the night went on her own, and again this morning. I will stay on top of it. They said she could go hrs then try, I'm not sure if I agree with that. How often would you try? I hate giving her all these Meds so I'm only giving Diazepam, if I think she's stressing. I'm a freak with her, and not letting anyone near her. Unless they say it's me, it's okay, just lay down, and she stays calm. I'm scared to let her get too excited, am I going to wreck her when she gets excited to see us? She goes back next Monday for staple removal, and she has a 4 wk check up. I don't believe he will stop crate rest at that time, those where just discharge instructions. I've read so much, I will never let her out to soon.. I want this happy, stubborn, go lucky, crazy dog back. Today she seems, comfortable, adjusting well to life in the crate, happy to be home, and alive. Thank you so much for the prayers, and bless your little Jeremy, love that picture. I really can't thank you enough for just being here! ? |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 8, 2015 9:20:08 GMT -7
Debbi, best to not be stingy on meds...give them on time. Bailey had a major surgery and pain is expected with any big procedure like Bailey had.
Peeing in the crate often signals no bladder control. So I believe Bailey's bladder overflowed. The body had a mechanism to protect the bladder so that when the bladder is so overstretched by urine reflexes kick in to allow some urine to be released. Overflowing is not a good thing. Too much overstretching over time can permanently ruine bladder tone. Reflexes don't fully void the bladder. The longer urine stays in the bladder the more inviting for bacteria to breed. While on prednisone you may have to express when learning every 2-3 or with proficiency 3-4 hours during the daylight hours if you have reached the proficiency level that the bladder is really quite flat at the end of each session. At night when the body produces less urine, you may only need to express midway during the night so that you find no urine leaks in the bedding.
The only way for us humans to know if there is bladder control is with the sniff and pee test. Carry outdoors, set on an old pee spot to sniff it. See if urine is then chosen to be released. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. You should do a quick express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening. Let us know what you observe.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 8, 2015 10:37:31 GMT -7
Oh no Paula that's not good. My husband was able to express before bed, lots came out, but yes through the night more came out. I never looked at it like that. She has not gone again today, will try again. Every med that's was prescribed, she definetly gets around the clock, it's just the Diazepam. Now you got me thinking, that's probably what relaxed her, therefore we could express easier, but didn't get all. The pill is what's doing it. Oh no, she's not going on her own, she's definetly not going out and sniffing, then going. I better give it to her. Whatever works at this point to make sure it all gets out. This dog has taken 10 years off my life! Thank you so much for your knowledge, and guidance
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 8, 2015 13:01:06 GMT -7
Diazepam can be used to help make expressing easier to relax those related muscles. How many times a day was Diazepam prescribed at a 5 mgs dose? Dr. Isaacs at the Dodgerslist Neuro Corner talks about how diazepam is used to relax muscles so that expressing is easier: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/TenseExpressing.htm |
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 9, 2015 6:40:51 GMT -7
Hi Paula thanks for the link. Bailey takes it [diazepam] every 12 hrs. I ended back at VSEC last night they expressed her, then through the night she did it again. Walked her with sling this morning, and more came out. I am following the Diazepam dose now.. Not quite sure what's is happening. They say she is perfect, and coming along nicely. She has a small bump by one of her staples, they say it's normal. (Sad story there was a hot dog who had surgery 3 was before Bailey, who came back yesterday all swollen on his back, do to the owner let him run after 4 wks.) and I freak out if she barks! Baily woke up in great spirits today, not much change, she still has feeling in both legs if I tickle under her paw very little it moves, tail is still wagging, and resting very comfortably in her crate, eating, drinking, and taking her Meds. Very proud of her.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 10, 2015 13:07:06 GMT -7
Hello everyone, Baileys update: yesterday was a good day, except for the peeing. Seems the meds have relaxed her so much she pees on the pee pads in her crate. I brought Bailey back AGAIN, saying we can't express, and she's peeing lots. They say as of today good news Baileys now has full motor function, therefore she should be peeing on her own. I'm so concerned about this do to the fact Bailey would never have an accident in the house, nor in a crate where she slept. I'm also concerned because Majorie said her Jeremy walked but never regained bladder control. Can this be true for Bailey also? Or is it still to soon to tell. Just 1 week today. She is at the hospital, until 5:30 they are watching her today to see. They could not even express her, stubborn dog. They had us try to get her to go outside, nothing. Other then that she is doing amazing, no Predisone today we are now on half every other day for 8 days.
Kellie how is your little Maggie doing? Hope she is well.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 10, 2015 14:48:32 GMT -7
It does sound as though her bladder is still overflowing, Debbi. And yes, as I mentioned, while bladder control usually comes back before leg movement, that's not always the case, as I can testify to with my Jeremy. I was told by his surgeon that the nerves leading from the brain to the bladder/bowels must have been too damaged so couldn't heal. That doesn't mean that Bailey's bladder control won't return. Each dog is different. Nerves can take a long time to heal, months, even a year or more. So yes, it's too soon to tell if Bailey's bladder control will return.
I would ask them to do a urine analysis while she's at the hospital to see if she still has a bladder infection. If she does, that might make it difficult to express and may cause leaking. If she still has a bladder infection, I would ask that a urine culture be started to pinpoint the exact antibiotic that is needed to deal with the infection. The only way we can tell if a dog has bladder control is to see if she can pass a sniff and pee test and Bailey can't. So she does need to be expressed if she can't go on her own. Please do get another lesson/demonstration on how to express before Bailey comes back home. It can take some practice but it's the only way to keep the bladder healthy.
Please continue to give the Pepcid AC for as long as Bailey is on the Prednisone. Has the Tramadol now been stopped?
Please keep us updated on what they observe at the hospital.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 10, 2015 17:10:28 GMT -7
Here's my girl, making her first appearance!!!!! Marjorie thank you for the great advice as usual. I am all over this potty thing. Today she was observed they could not even express. We are now advised not to. They strongly believe she is stubborn and has regained control. They believe she going on her own, but can't hold it when ready. ( have you ever heard that) She is sniffing and peeing, but they believe it's the pills, and I've been giving tons of water because of the medicine. I've been letting her have as much as she wanted. I now can just limit, but make sure she gets plenty. If she does not go within 12 hrs I need to call. She walks if held by her tail, and she did come home, sniff, and pee. If this doesn't keep working I will be back there again. I'm Baileys voice, and I will fight for her. She's actually on the Tramadol for 5 more days, but as of tomorrow dropping only to 2 not 3 a day, still giving the Pepcid and Cephalexin for another 7 days also for the UTI. Predisone drop to every other day now ( I forgot to ask, would she still take Pepcid on the days she's not taking it now) sorry to be a pain, this is making me so scared! They also are allowing me to slowly introduce her food back to her again. She's back home tonight resting, and doing well.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 10, 2015 18:33:20 GMT -7
Hi Debbi, Maggie is slowly gaining back movement in her legs. They said her left leg moved a bit and her right a little. When they stood her on her back legs, she placed her left foot normal on the floor but the right foot knuckled. When the PT pinched her toes of the right foot, she moved it which shows she has feeling in it. She finally had a bowel movement yesterday (5 days after surgery) and she was able to do it on her own. They put her in water therapy today which is an underwater treadmill. She will get that at least twice a day. Still waiting for her to pee on her own but like you I think she is being stubborn. She is acting more like herself personality wise which I am thrilled about. Off her pain meds and is wagging her tail. Happy with the progress. Just can't wait to have her home. She will be there for another week. She is getting amazing care. She is so spoiled there. She gets loved on all the time  . Thanks for asking! Seems like Bailey is coming along too |
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 10, 2015 21:25:46 GMT -7
Hi Debbie!
Yes please do continue the Pepcid AC twice a day even on the days without the Prednisone.
They can become difficult to express when they are getting bladder control back.. Also a UTI can make it painful so they don't want to go or be expressed, so I would still ask them to check to see if the UTI is still involved and if so do a urine culture to check for the right antibiotic to fight the infection as Marjorie said. I wouldn't wait 12 hours before she goes. That would make the infection worse.
Prednisone is making her thirsty which is making her need to pee more.. Most need to be expressed every 3 hours while on Prednisone..
While the Prednisone is being tapered be sure to watch for signs of pain which would mean the swelling is still present. Pain meds are backed off or stopped usually during the taper. If she shows pain, call the Vet and let them know. Prednisone would likely increased back to the twice a day anti inflammatory level to work on the swelling until the next taper. If no pain, then the taper goes to completion. Once off Prednisone, then no further pain meds would be necessary. Just continue the remainder of crate rest.
Glad she is back home with you.. thanks for the update!
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 11, 2015 14:57:55 GMT -7
Thank you Pauliana so much for all your help.. Bailey has been very comfortable today, just resting, and taking her meds. She did go potty outside, no crate accidents, but I'm still concerned that was this morning, and nothing since. I think she is starting to feel better she's been trying to roll around, maybe her boo boo itches! So great to see her getting back to herself.
Kellie, your little Maggie is precious, and I'm so happy she's doing well. You are so lucky they kept her, this is driving me nuts!!!! Lol
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 11, 2015 20:38:21 GMT -7
Hi Debbi,
It isn't a good idea for her to hold her urine for so long. It is best to keep expressing her until she goes completely on her own. Keep taking her outside and if she doesn't go, express her.. Bacteria keeps building and can make her UTI worse and head for her kidneys.
Glad she is feeling better..and acting more like herself. That's wonderful news!
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 12, 2015 6:08:17 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana
Yesterday was a great day for Bailey spirit wise, not so good for the peeing. She started out well, dry crate, went out and peed, from there on nothing outside all peeing inside. This is is so upsetting to me, wondering if I'm wrecking her. I called again this morning, and explained. All they say is bring her back we will check her bladder, they believe she is going on her own, and is being stubborn! I said shouldn't we do a urine analysis/ urine culture. They said they wouldn't until she done her antibiotics. I know my dog, and this isn't right. I think they think I'm crazy calling every other day about this, but I'm concerned. Now what do I do? As far as progress, she's amazing, now starting to pick herself up, can walk very little on her own, and her guard is back on, every noise she's letting us know she's here. That's my Bailey, the notifier! Please tell me what you would do. Thank you
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 12, 2015 8:10:52 GMT -7
Debbie, just to clarify "she went out and peed" did that mean you observed her sniffing, squatting and then she chose to release urine? OR did she have a sling or your hands pressing on her tummy area which might have in a way expressed urine?
When she "went out and peed", did you follow up with a quick express check to verify pretty much all the urine had been released? That is the bladder was so flat one hand could almost feel the other hand?
How much does Bailey weigh?
The only meds she is on currently are the Pred every other day, pepcid AC, Cephalexin and Diazepam 5mg 2x/day? I would discuss the stop of Diazepam and see if that has an effect of Bailey being able to control her bladder better...that is not leaking in bedding. What is your schedule to take Bailey outdoors to potty... every 3-4 hours? Once off of prednisone, you can try moving up potty time to every 4-6 hours and possibly 8 hours.
You can also meet with your local DVM vet for a 2nd opinion on bladder control, stopping Diazepam to see if that helps Bailey control her bladder better.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 12, 2015 9:56:44 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Bailey weighs 20 pounds, little chubby. She also takes the Tramadol for pain, she is now down to 2 a day, instead of 3. She definetly peed on her own, 1 time, no sling, they showed us how to hold her by her tail at the base and she walks, and sniffs on her own, she is doing wonderful pooping. ( when they first showed us, I freaked, that it would hurt her) they say no. I am very over protective of her, this is my best furry friend. They say I can bring her outside every 2 hrs, and if she wants to sit and smell the air that's fine. She has not had in 2 days Diazepam, they stopped it. I had them keep her Monday for observation, and they could not even express! They advised us not to, assured us she is in control. Told us to stay consistent with going out time, and if she didn't go in ex amount of hrs call. I'm not having this, something is wrong. She is peeing large amounts in the crate. today the Doctor I spoke with this morning seemed a little annoyed with me, like I'm nuts. I have much better things to do with my life other then call them. This is a definite problem. I washed more blankets, wiped her private, and have been through more pee pads then I would of ever thought. I just ordered anther case, for I am a clean freak. I just don't want her bladder destroyed, or it interfering with her kidneys. They say she is protected with the antibiotic. When the antibiotic is through she will have been on them 14 days. Sorry probably driving you nuts also. I will call my Vet and get a second opinion. Thanks so much for putting up with me.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 12, 2015 13:46:43 GMT -7
Hi Debbi
Even if Bailey peed on her own as measured by the sniff and pee test, she may not be able to completely empty her bladder.This would explain peeing in the crate. The pee you notice could be from the bladder overflowing as it gets too full. She may be protected from a UTI with antibiotics but not from her bladder getting damaged by being overstretched.
I think she can not go completely on her own and still needs to be expressed. Dogs do not like their crate to be soiled or wet so I don't think it is a matter of being stubborn.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 12, 2015 19:34:53 GMT -7
Thank you so much, for all the great advice. Going for second opinion with my Vet tomorrow.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 12, 2015 21:19:24 GMT -7
Hi Debbi,
You aren't wrecking Bailey, trust me. Hopefully your other Vet will be more helpful and supportive. Ask for another expressing lesson, sometimes the right teacher makes the difference. I would still take her outside for a sniff and pee every couple of hours to see if she will go and if not express her.. Prednisone makes them have to pee every 2 to 3 hours.
Bailey is still in the early healing stages and you aren't doing anything wrong and giving her wonderful care.
Trust your instincts.. you are Mom and know your furbaby.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 14, 2015 14:28:46 GMT -7
Thanks Pauliana so much! I would be lost without you all. Baileys update: she is really peeing on her own now, and apparently has been. She went for second opinion yesterday at my vet, bladder was empty, and felt normal. He believed it is combo of stubborn, being crated while her friends are out, and the meds. I have taken notice that on the days Bail has to take the Predisone, is when she has many accidents. The days she doesn't no problem. Not sure if this is of significance or not. Thank goodness she's coming off of them soon. Monday her staples get removed, her boo boo looks awesome. I will post pics later ( I need my kids to do it, I'm not sure how) lol. She's definetly feeling better, in the legs, and mind. She can fully stand on her own, move both legs with help, and is really sniffing and peeing. ( figures I just ordered, and received the box of 150) that's just fine in my eyes. She has a drive to skip the dragging, and walking, and just run. Don't worry I won't let her, I do everything but burp her! I can see the crate is getting to her, so she goes in the crate most of the time, and then an ex pen for more room, and different scenery. That seems to help a lo! When we go out she just smells the air, and watches her arched enemies ( squirrels, and birds) I'll speak for her I know she's saying soon I'll chase you again. Other then that she's seems very comfortable, except when I lift her, she still makes that noise like we squeeze her. They say it's normal. I've also bought a little bowl that hooks on the crate. I monitor it, and what a difference. When I brought her water, she was acting like she would never get it again. Her having 24 hr access, has slowed down the drinking incredibly ( probably the smartest thing I've done yet. I just love this dog of mine, like we all do here. I'll be so glad when we are in the clear. Thanks again, for all the great info.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 14, 2015 15:04:59 GMT -7
Prednisone increases thirst and thus extra drinking. So for the "on" day for prednisone, give her a potty break maybe every 3-4 hours. Very good news confirming she can release urine by choice!
Can she move herself up into a standing position? Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord.
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
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?. When I had Baily back to VSEC yesterday for another lesson, they took her away again, ultra sounded her bladder, performed their Neuro test, confirmed her left leg had feeling, with the right being much stronger. We discussed the shaking, and that's when they prescribed the Diazepam [5mg 2x/day] . They didn't think it was pain. . It worked, she calmed those muscles, let us express before bed, then through the night went on her own, and again this morning. I will stay on top of it. They said she could go hrs then try, I'm not sure if I agree with that. How often would you try? I hate giving her all these Meds so I'm only giving Diazepam, if I think she's stressing. I'm a freak with her, and not letting anyone near her. Unless they say it's me, it's okay, just lay down, and she stays calm. I'm scared to let her get too excited, am I going to wreck her when she gets excited to see us? She goes back next Monday for staple removal, and she has a 4 wk check up. I don't believe he will stop crate rest at that time, those where just discharge instructions. I've read so much, I will never let her out to soon.. I want this happy, stubborn, go lucky, crazy dog back. Today she seems, comfortable, adjusting well to life in the crate, happy to be home, and alive. Thank you so much for the prayers, and bless your little Jeremy, love that picture. I really can't thank you enough for just being here!
. Thanks for asking! Seems like Bailey is coming along too 
