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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 6, 2015 8:35:01 GMT -7
My name is Kellie. My baby is Maggie. She is a 7 year old mini dachshund who weighs 16 lbs.The surgeon who performed the surgery is a DVM and DACVS. The surgery was Tuesday, August 4. She had a ruptured disc between the T13 & L1 vertebrae. Before surgery, she had feeling in her back legs and was wobbily walking. That's how we knew to get her to the emergency vet right away. After surgery, the vet pinched her back leg and Maggie looked at her. She said this was a sign that she has feeling there. No movement in the back legs yet. Maggie also urinated on her own a few times but the staff has been expressing her bladder for her to limit movement (Maggie is stubborn at finding a spot to go at times). The surgeon said this morning that Maggie wagged her tail a little when they put her back in her area (could have been a reflex not a happy wag). Yesterday when the surgeon tested her tone in her back legs there was really no strength. This morning when she stood her up, Maggie was able to hold her weight for a second then sat. I am hoping these tiny improvements mean a full recovery for my pup. She is my baby. It has been so hard for me to know she is in pain. As for recovery, she will stay at the facility for 2 weeks. During this time they are doing the neurological stimulus for 4 days (not really sure what it's called too much information to take in lately) where they put patches around the surgical site to stimulate the muscles and relieve pain. She is on strict crate rest except for potty and when I go to visit. During this 2 week duration, when Maggie is a little more stronger and the incision is healed, they will be doing water therapy with an underwater treadmill. Not sure yet what will happen when she comes home after 2 weeks. I know there will be more recovery for at least 4 weeks and confinement. She is on an IV for pain just not sure what she is getting. The surgeon said she seems to be a little more comfortable this morning. Not as tense as yesterday when she petted her. I went to see her yesterday (day after surgery) and snuggled her for about 30 minutes. She ate for me, gave me kisses and sat up for awhile until she started to fall asleep . Very out of it from the pain meds but was alert for a few minutes when I first saw her. She was trembling but it stopped once she saw us and I snuggled her. So it was her nerves not pain (I'm hoping). Really now I am just in a waiting game to see when or if my Maggie will be able to walk on her own again. The surgeon says it's an 80-90% chance. Would love to know other people's stories and journeys through this recovery.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 6, 2015 8:53:06 GMT -7
Kellie, welcome to Dodgerslist. We are glad you have joined us. With bladder control starting to come back that bodes extremely well that nerves will continue to heal to bring back walking. No one can give you the date that will happen. However it is known there is a predictable order to nerves coming back. They heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord and we tend to think more in terms of months rather than days/weeks. 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. When you can find out, let us know the exact name of the patch if a medication or is it having to do with a therapy such as those described here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htmDo you live far from the hospital and that is the reason she is staying for two weeks. Often the criteria for a dog to be released home is that all pain is controlled via oral pain pills sent home with the owner vs. still needing IV pain meds. Dogs often do better in familiar surroundings where their loved ones are... home. Then going in for PT and other therapies as prescribed. Let us know more about your situation and why a 2 week stay has been chosen.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Aug 6, 2015 9:32:31 GMT -7
Hi Kellie, I'm sorry to hear Maggie needed surgery for IVDD. Our Buster was also 7 when he went down. That was nearly 4 years ago. I still remember how stressful those first few days were. Having bladder control and tail wagging are very good signs.
Buster was in the hospital for a week. We were told that was longer than most IVDD dogs stay after surgery. Because he didn't have deep pain sensation or bladder/bowel control the neuro want to keep him a few days longer for observation.
I agree with Paula that dogs heal quicker when they are n familiar surroundings. But I'm sure your vets are hoping two weeks of hospital care will help Maggie come home in the best possible condition to continue her recovery.
Good luck to you both.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 6, 2015 10:15:44 GMT -7
We live about 35 min away. They just told us that she will stay there for 2 weeks. I guess that's their normal routine with this type of surgery. I am going and visiting every day. I agree. I feel she should be home too but they are doing therapy and rehab while she is there. That way her incision is healed and she is closely watched. It is at a 24 hour facility so there is always someone there.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 6, 2015 11:25:49 GMT -7
Very good, then, as long as it works for your family and for Maggie. Please do keep us updated as you learn more about Maggie's progress.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 6, 2015 17:53:03 GMT -7
Went and spent 3 hours with Maggie today. Much more alert than yesterday. Off the IV and is now taking an oral pain med (not sure what it is). I got her to eat and drink for me. At one time when I touched one of her back legs, her little toes moved a little. She was also moving her tail. Not wagging it but moving it to get comfortable.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 7, 2015 6:29:10 GMT -7
I'm glad you had a good visit with Maggie, Kellie. I'm sure that meant a lot to both of you.
Please ask the hospital what pain med is being given and the dosage. Did she seem to have any pain at all? Any shivering, trembling, tight tense belly? Sometimes an anti-inflammatory is given after surgery and if they're giving Maggie an anti-inflammatory, please be sure they're also giving her a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC to protect against the side effects. It's always good to check.
Hugs to you both.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 7, 2015 9:26:39 GMT -7
Awww Kellie that's great news! Glad you got to see her, it must be hard being away from her. As glad as I am to have Bailey home, it makes me a nervous wreck. I think I would of liked a little more recovery at the hospital, just not to worry. Look at it like that, it's not easy having her home, and worrying if I'm doing everything right. By the time you get her, she'll be well on her way. Best of luck with everything. ( forgot to tell you, my Daughters doxies named Maggie) what would we do without our furry friend right?
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 8, 2015 14:24:53 GMT -7
Maggie seemed very comfortable. Her shaking was from excitement from seeing me and calmed down after I was there for a bit. No tense belly. I asked over the phone what she was on. I have to get the spellings of the meds. I will ask for them to write it down when I go visit her tomorrow. I know she is on a pain killer, anti-diarrhea, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. I asked if they give her Pepcid. They said they have her on a probiatic. When I get the actual run down I will post that. She is doing great health-wise. She is eating more but still has to have bladder expressed (mostly due to stubbornness. She wagged her tail pretty well for me today and stood on those back legs when they set her on the table to greet me. She stayed on them for a few seconds. Debbi, Maggie is a great name for a Doxie . I don't know how I will go through life without my fur babies! I also have a chi-wienie who has had several issues including a bladder stone blockage and a ruptured anal gland within the last 3 years. We are now on preventatives for both of those and she just got a clean bill of health from our vet. So I am glad I have 1 healthy pup. Now we just have to get Maggie up and running again. I am a very impatient person and this is killing me . Maggie had water therapy twice today. She " walked" on an underwater treadmill. She moved her left leg a bit and her right a little. When they pinch her right foot, she moves it. She is wagging her tail well. I was told she was also trying to get her legs moving when she went outside. She had a really good normal bowel movement yesterday (first since surgery) and she did it on her own. They are still having to express her bladder (I still think it's due to being stubborn). She is eating pretty good now. She played with the toy I brought her today during our visit. She is acting more like herself with the exception of having to scoot herself around. She is off of the pain meds and is on an inflammatory and nerve medicine along with a med for diarrhea that is treating a condition before the back surgery. Today is the last dose of medicine for diarrhea unless needed. They are happy with her progress and seems to be moving in the right direction to recovery.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 10, 2015 21:06:33 GMT -7
Hi Kellie! Sounds like Maggie is making excellent progress. So glad you are having nice visits with her until she can come home. Glad you asked about Maggie's medications. Can you give us the details of mgs and how often you give each?Always a good thing to know and keep records of. I have kept all of Tyler's medical records since he was a puppy and I always know what is being given to him. If they don't volunteer the information, I always ask, for his sake. It's great they have her on a probiotic but make sure her stomach is being protected while on the anti inflammatory. Pepcid AC (Famotidine) protects from excess stomach acid that can cause bleeding ulcers, she doesn't need an ulcer on top of all she has been through. My Tyler had surgery also two years ago and his surgeon sent him home with Pepcid AC along with Metacam, Tramadol and Gabapentin, she told us that dogs with IVDD are prone to have acid problems because of the stress of their condition as well as the anti inflammatory. Know all about your pet's meds, reading IS important: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmwww.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.htmlThanks for keeping us updated. Very happy Maggie is doing so well!
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Post by Sarah & Daisy on Aug 11, 2015 14:07:58 GMT -7
Maggie sounds like she is making good progress. My 8 year old doxie had back surgery 2 years ago and neck surgery last week. It takes a while for them go bounce back. I know that hours can seem like days but hang in there. I think it's great that they keeping her at the vet for the therapy - I really takes a lot of patience at home. What is good about you having some time away from her is that you will really notice the improvements even if small between visits. My girl with neck surgery had no neurological deficits prior to surgery but we went through it as the pain was just too great for her and we could afford it. She actually stumbles after the surgery and I massage her legs and allow her to walk a bit on potty break assisted to stretch her a bit. I know this is not advisable for the back which takes even more patience. When my girl had back surgery I really didn't see improvement start until week 2 and it wasn't until week 3 I was hopeful for a full recovery. Every doxie is different. They do have the will and your vet gave you an excellent prognosis. Hang in there. Email me privately if you want to discuss further: [omited for security reasons as this is a public forum meaning anyone can read the postings.] I am sending my best wishes your way. Sarah
I meant to mention that after daisy's back surgery she did recover and could run again and sniff the flowers until her neck episode. She did and probably always walk drunk but dogs don't notice and I think she is beautiful the way she is and our love for one another is all we need Keep your faith.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 12, 2015 4:31:20 GMT -7
Sarah, we encourage you to post to Kellie and to other members publicly on the forum rather than through private emails. This Forum has been successful due to members sharing so that everyone has the opportunity to read and learn. Private communications leave members out of the loop and moderators can miss important clues to aid in helping a dog. So we hope you will feel at home to post here on the Forum.
Thank you for the support you're offering to other members. That's so encouraging and helpful to all.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 14, 2015 19:22:32 GMT -7
Maggie is wagging her tail and urinating on her own outside. Very little movement in her legs but there is some especially during water therapy. She is stronger in her right leg than her left. The surgeon said this is normal since the surgery was on her left side. She is able to hold her own weight for a few more seconds when placed on her back legs. Not able to put herself in the standing position yet. The PT and surgeon said they are just waiting for her to be standing to greet them in her crate any day. They said she has the capability to do so, she just doesn't know it yet. She comes home on Tuesday evening. We have everything the crate supplies page suggested Ex-pen for daytime, crate for nighttime, memory foam bed with waterproof cover, blankets, food bowls to attach to the pen, a camera to check in on her during the day when we are not here. I just want to make sure she is comfortable and I am at ease when I am not able to keep an eye on her. I will be so relieved when she is home. I just wish she was walking on her own. It's very disheartening to see her this way It breaks my heart. I just keep praying for healing and recovery. Thanks for checking in Debbi! Sounds like Bailey is starting to recover well! --- Aug 12: Sarah, Thank you so much for those thoughtful and encouraging words I am a very impatient person but I have been trying to see the little improvements as a huge success. I'm scared for when she comes home. This site has been great to help me know what to expect. Maggie's personality is back and that's the most important thing. It's going to be an adjustment since we have another dog who loves to play. It's going to be hard to keep her calm but we will do whatever it takes to help our sweet baby. It's great to have the support of others who have gone through this. Sending well wishes for Daisy's recovery as well.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 14, 2015 21:55:42 GMT -7
Hi Kellie!
Let us put your mind at ease, because your Maggie CAN have a great quality of life living with IVDD -- no matter whether she regains the ability to walk or not.
Quality of life is totally a matter of perspective. There is our human perspective; and then, there is the dog’s perspective – and they are as different as night and day. Our perspective is relatively complicated. By comparison, a dog’s perspective is surprisingly simple. A good quality of life for our dogs is:
Food and treats.
Safe, comfy place to sleep preferably with some blankets.
A family’s love.
It’s that simple. Believe it or not, how Maggie gets from point A to point B isn’t a big deal and doesn’t factor into what makes him or her happy. Wobbly walking is fine; scooting is good; wheels are great!
No matter what level of ability she achieves after recovery, your dog will be happy and loving life as long as those three basic, but very simple, requirements of food, a safe, comfy place to sleep with blankets, and a family’s love are met. The real goal is being pain free. As long as your dog is pain free, she will move forward confidently and courageously never looking back, never having regrets, never questioning “why.” Dogs live in the “now.” They don’t worry about what happened yesterday or what tomorrow may bring.
Dogs don’t know pity. They don’t know “can’t.” They don’t understand “may never.” They don’t give up. They don’t get discouraged. They epitomize “where there is a WILL, there is a WAY.” They will find a way! They don’t give up easily or quickly. They move forward in life in the best way they can. They don’t care if they can walk again. They care about your love most importantly. OK, food ranks right up near the top too! To them each new day brings the promise of another opportunity to get MORE - more food, more treats, and more love.
Our challenge is clear: not to allow our perspective on quality of life to influence our decisions or cloud how we judge our dog’s quality of life living with IVDD. Part of that challenge is to manage our fear and not look at the situation based on how WE would perceive things if it were to happen to us. We need to keep in mind what THEY value and help support them in their journey in life. Right now, your dog needs your support to help them become pain free and heal so they can resume their journey in life and the things they value in whatever way they can.
Soon she will be home, her love is boundless and so is her determination to recover. Keep hope in your heart as nerves heal slowly over time.. and there is no time limit for nerves to heal. I think Maggie will surprise you!
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 15, 2015 14:37:25 GMT -7
Paulina, Thank you! Your words put me more at ease with this process. She is not in pain. She gets around well with scooting herself to where she needs to be. I also saw her pull herself to her hind feet today! And take a step. The staff hasn't even seen that yet. She was up only for a few seconds but it was glorious! Love my sweet baby.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 17, 2015 19:01:49 GMT -7
Maggie comes home tomorrow! 4 weeks strict crate rest only outside to potty. We have her crate all ready to go for daytime and nighttime. She has stopped all medicines. She did amazing in her water therapy today. What a difference 2 days can make. She was dragging her feet on Friday and barely moving them. Today she was moving those legs and fixing her feet frequently. Video posted of today's therapy.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 17, 2015 20:06:56 GMT -7
Hi Kellie! Maggie is doing so very well, just look at her go! She is even correcting her back feet! Thanks for sharing the latest video. We will be looking forward to hearing all about her homecoming tomorrow.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 18, 2015 14:46:31 GMT -7
Maggie is home and resting comfortably . She is very sleepy. She urinated on her own when I walked her as soon as we got home. I need more practice with the sling but other than that we are so happy she is home. I think she is too. Her tail would not stop wagging the minute we got out of the car. And the reunion with our other pup was so sweet! Our other pup is keeping a close eye on her. I'm going to let her rest a bit then do some of the exercises before bed. She isn't on any meds and no sign of pain. My concern is how does she make progress walking if she is in the crate all day? I know the exercises we do help but we are only allowed to take her out for "walks" 3-4 times a day for 5 minutes.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 18, 2015 16:55:51 GMT -7
Yes!!!!!!! Maggie's home. Kellie, I'm so happy for you. You going to do a fine job with her. Your so lucky, no medicine. Bailey will be done Friday. Good luck with her, again I'm glad you got her home.
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Aug 18, 2015 17:54:51 GMT -7
Hi Kellie, great news that Maggie is home!! Regarding your concern "is how does she make progress walking if she is in the crate all day"
All patients with spinal cord injury whether they have had surgery or not, need to be on strict cage confinement. Rest allows for the healing of surgical incisions and will allow for scar tissue to form over the disrupted annulus.
Many clients are confused as to why exercise restriction is often necessary after spinal cord injury in veterinary patients. Vertebral column injury and surgery can disrupt the normal stabilizing structures of the spine such as muscles, bone, joint capsules, and the intervertebral disk. Excessive, unrestricted activity after surgery or certain injuries can lead to vertebral column destabilization and prolonged healing of the injury site. The intervetebral disk, in particular, is very slow to heal and healing may be incomplete; excessive vertebral column motion after disk surgery may therefore lead to recurrence of disk herniation. Additionally, animals that are weak or uncoordinated may accidentally traumatize themselves, leading to orthopedic and soft tissue injuries."
IVDD is a disease of patience. Try to take it one day at a time and live in the moment, as Maggie does. Dogs don't regret the past or worry about the future. They live in the now. So enjoy each moment with your girl right now.
You're doing a great job in caring for your girl!
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 18, 2015 20:39:00 GMT -7
I was told only outside 3-4 times a day for walks and potty. Technically, that is every 6-8 hours. She drank a ton of water when we got home. I had my instinct to take her out a couple hours later but remembered she is only allowed out so many times. Well she peed in her area about 10 minutes later. Should I go with instinct or will that hinder the healing process if she goes outside more than she is supposed to? I took her out before bed and she pooped so that was good. Hoping to get her back on a potty schedule. Normally we would take her out 4-5 times a day. Morning, next when we get home from work, then about 1-2 times after that, and finally at bed time. Is that too much? I don't want to do anything bad. Really worried and confused about the whole potty thing Other than that just trying to get the hang of the sling and picking her up and transporting outside with all we need (leash, dog, sling), gathering everything together and putting it all in place to walk her. She is moving her legs and trying to walk on her own. I'm trying to slow her down walking. She is in such a hurry to find that perfect spot. She squatted to poop and I tried to assist with holding her up off the ground a bit. Just want to make sure I'm doing everything ok.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 18, 2015 21:42:01 GMT -7
Hi Kellie, We were told the same thing by Tyler's surgeon, take him out 4 times a day but they didn't take into consideration that he normally goes pee every 4 hours and that would make him wait longer than he needs to. We were careful not to let him walk over the time limit. Instead we took him out every 4 hours and walked him for 3 minutes.. gradually increasing the minutes as the vet allowed over his 6 week recovery. Not to worry you will get used to Maggie's schedules. They always have to find that perfect spot. Oh how I know! It takes some time to get used to caring for her at home and being the nurse. You will be just fine! Oh and here is how to lift and carry Maggie!
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 21, 2015 19:52:19 GMT -7
We are finally getting into a routine . And Maggie is getting back on her schedule of potty breaks. No accidents since the last time I posted. She is eating and drinking more. So she is more like her usual self. We are doing her exercises and seeing a little more strength and movement in those back legs. Still need the sling to go outside. She is doing wonderful in the crate especially when we are not at home (we invested in a wifi cam to check in on her during the day). She just lays around and sleeps. Just glad to have my baby home. 2 weeks without her here was very tough but it was the best for her. In a week, we are going to bring her for water therapy again. It seems to help tremendously! And she loves her doggie PT
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Roy & Abbie
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Aug 21, 2015 20:43:21 GMT -7
Hi Kellie - so pleased for you and Maggie - keep up the good work
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 22, 2015 13:48:23 GMT -7
Hi Kellie, you are adorable. I'm so glad you've got your girl back, and she's doing well. I could never use that sling, Bailey hated it! Will Maggie let you use it? They taught me how to support her with her tail. Only down by the base, then those feet, and legs started going, and then she would go potty. ( it freaked me out though, I thought I would hurt her) I'm not even sure how safe it was. I was just having real problems with her going out to potty, so they showed me the tail thing. She walks on her own now, but still weak, so when she pees, she's kinda bounces, so I hold the tail to steady. They're very independent little dogs, and it was her way, or no way! Sounds like Maggie is doing awesome, that's great news! I'm very lucky to have you go through this with, thanks for that. I'm cheering for your little Maggie, for a fast recovery.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 22, 2015 14:41:51 GMT -7
I know. I was telling my husband about Bailey today and how it's nice to find someone to share these experiences with . Maggie allows me to use the sling. She kind of sits when she uses the bathroom so I have to try and keep her back end off the ground and steady as she goes.
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Post by Debbi & Bailey on Aug 24, 2015 19:18:58 GMT -7
Kellie, I love that she gets to do the hydrotherapy, I don't know if we have that here. I'll ask on Monday. I'm so glad she's doing well. I'm not sure what we have in store with these two, in the up coming weeks. Please stay on, all through this, okay. I need you on here.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 29, 2015 7:25:54 GMT -7
Sorry for the details but a little concerned. So I took Maggie out to potty this morning. When she pooped, at first it started to be normal then the rest looked like it was wrapped in a sausage casing. She pooped a lot. Then about 2 1/2 hours later she was restless, whining and wanting out of her crate (which isn't normal she has been very comfortable in there). So I took her outside and she was rushing to find a spot and pooped again with the mucusy casing on it again. A little more came out when she was finishing that was softer than normal with no mucus. Is this something I should be concerned about? What can I do if it continues? She is resting comfortably now in her crate. --- Aug 25: I'm not going anywhere . I check this feed every day. It has helped me get through so much. We are in this together my friend.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 29, 2015 10:10:39 GMT -7
Some small amount of slime (mucous) is normal as it helps things move through the digestive tract. Change in diet, such as scoffing up something from outdoors, is an example of one of many causes of too much mucous. By Monday if all is not back to normal, might be good to bring in a sample for the vet to check out.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Aug 29, 2015 16:04:35 GMT -7
Just took her out to go and no more mucus. A little softer than normal but better than it was this morning. She was licking something Thursday night that I couldn't see so maybe that caused it. She goes for water therapy on Tuesday so if it comes back I will definitely bring a sample to get checked. Maggie has been whining in her crate. Sometimes she calms down if I just go over there and pet her. But I am also concerned with her potty issue this morning that she has to go out. I have taken her out 5 times already today because I am afraid she is whining to go. 3 out of the 5 times she pooped. The other time was just urinating. I am making sure she is out only for a very short time. Is this ok? I am hoping it is only an issue for today and she is better tomorrow. I will have to take her out one more time before bed. I am also hoping that the water therapy twice a week will tire her out so she isn't so anxious in the crate. She was doing so well the past 2 weeks at home just laying in there. But now she is starting to whine for us and like I said I don't know if it's for attention or if she needs to go out. A different problem each day that has me worried. I wanted to add that I had a small celebration today. For the first time since surgery, when I scratched Maggie in her "spot" she shook her leg . It's the small things that make a big difference.
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