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Post by Diana & Buddy on Oct 22, 2015 9:39:50 GMT -7
My dog is a beagle , his name is Buddy. My name is Diana. We got a diagnosis of IVDD on 10/12/2015
From the University of Minnesota vet hospital neurologist DR.McVey who is a specialist surgeon ACVIM.
Buddy started showing signs that something was not right on 10/04/2015 and on 10/05/2015 he was in terrible pain, I took him in to his regular DVM and he started him on Prendisolone 5mg 2X per day for 5 days and then 1X per day for 10 days also 50mg Tramadol every 8-12 hours for pain and strict crate rest. This seemed to help after the first 5 days of meds and the vet thought it was SRMA when we went in on Thursday 10/08/2015 for a recheck.
I called the vet on saturday 10/10/2015 to tell him Buddy seemed more painful and uncoordinated in his rear legs, he could still pee and potty on his own. On Monday 10/12/2015 he was in extreme pain , he could still stand and walk a few steps but was becoming more uncoordinated. I rushed him to the University vet med center emergency. They examined him and kept him for an MRI the next day. I got the call the next morning telling me he had IVDD and had a ruptured disc T11-T12 area that was compressing his spinal cord and surgery need to be preformed . He had surgery on 10/14/2015 I was told all went well. I was allowed to visit him on 10/15/2015 in the evening for about 45 minutes, On 10/16/2015 I got a call from the surgeon telling me Buddy was not progressing but was going backwards, they did another MRI and had to go back in and remove more disk material that had escaped and re-compressed his spinal cord that afternoon. He came thru that surgery and was in ICU overnight. He was released to come home on 10/18/2015 he had not gone pee after his 2nd surgery before he was released and had not ate since being hospitalized on the 12th they catheterized him to empty his bladder. I stayed home from work with him on 10/19 & 10/20 Still he did not pee on his own took him to vet and they had to cath him both days as they could not express him.
meds he is on are :Tramadol 50mg every 8 hrs, Rimadyl 25mg every 12hrs . he weighs 25 pounds
He stayed at our vets yesterday while I was at work and did pee a little on his own but did not empty his bladder completely. I picked him up yesterday afternoon and the vet gave him 2 more meds : Prazosin .5mg every 12hrs & Bethanechol .2 mg every 12 hrs. He can wobbly walk and wags his tail. He does not sniff and squat yet, but has no leaking. no pooping yet either. I am concerned about the potty issues we are having.
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Oct 22, 2015 13:04:49 GMT -7
My dog is a beagle , his name is Buddy. My name is Diana. We got a diagnosis of IVDD on 10/12/2015
From the University of Minnesota vet hospital neurologist DR.McVey who is a specialist surgeon ACVIM.
Buddy started showing signs that something was not right on 10/04/2015 and on 10/05/2015 he was in terrible pain, I took him in to his regular DVM and he started him on Prendisolone 5mg 2X per day for 5 days and then 1X per day for 10 days also 50mg Tramadol every 8-12 hours for pain and strict crate rest. This seemed to help after the first 5 days of meds and the vet thought it was SRMA when we went in on Thursday 10/08/2015 for a recheck.
I called the vet on saturday 10/10/2015 to tell him Buddy seemed more painful and uncoordinated in his rear legs, he could still pee and potty on his own. On Monday 10/12/2015 he was in extreme pain , he could still stand and walk a few steps but was becoming more uncoordinated. I rushed him to the University vet med center emergency. They examined him and kept him for an MRI the next day. I got the call the next morning telling me he had IVDD and had a ruptured disc T11-T12 area that was compressing his spinal cord and surgery need to be preformed . He had surgery on 10/14/2015 I was told all went well. I was allowed to visit him on 10/15/2015 in the evening for about 45 minutes, On 10/16/2015 I got a call from the surgeon telling me Buddy was not progressing but was going backwards, they did another MRI and had to go back in and remove more disk material that had escaped and re-compressed his spinal cord that afternoon. He came thru that surgery and was in ICU overnight. He was released to come home on 10/18/2015 he had not gone pee after his [10/16] 2nd surgery before he was released and had not ate since being hospitalized on the 12th they catheterized him to empty his bladder. I stayed home from work with him on 10/19 & 10/20 Still he did not pee on his own took him to vet and they had to cath him both days as they could not express him.
meds he is on are :
[Prazosin .5mg every 12hrs &
Bethanechol .2 mg every 12 hrs.]
Tramadol 50mg every 8 hrs,
Rimadyl 25mg every 12hrs .
he weighs 25 pounds
He stayed at our vets yesterday while I was at work and did pee a little on his own but did not empty his bladder completely. I picked him up yesterday afternoon and the vet gave him 2 more meds : Prazosin .5mg every 12hrs & Bethanechol .2 mg every 12 hrs. He can wobbly walk and wags his tail. He does not sniff and squat yet, but has no leaking. no pooping yet either. I am concerned about the potty issues we are having.
has anyone else had the same problem and what can be done ? He seems to be improving in other areas
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 22, 2015 13:38:45 GMT -7
Hi Diana and welcome to Dodgerslist. I am sorry that Buddy had a disk episode and had to have surgery twice.
Is Buddy still not eating? This is a red flag for stomach damage caused by the NSAID. Please ask the vet about giving Buddy a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC.
Some dogs on this list have gotten very sick when the stomach was not protected during the time they were taking an anti-inflammatory.
Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive against not eating, vomit, diarrhea, bleeding ulcers by giving Pepcid AC.
The usual dose during a disc episode is 0.44mg per pound 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. Give the anti-inflammatory with a meal as added protection.
If Buddy is still not eating you could ask the vet about another medicine for stomach protection called Sucralfate. Sucralfate not only “bandages” the ulcer but accumulates healing tissue factors in its bandage; it not only protects the ulcer but actively assists in the healing process. If Buddy has not eaten for this long getting the stomach protection right away is absolutely essential.
Problems emptying the bladder are very common with an IVDD dog. Your vet has prescribed two medicines; Prazosin and Bethanechol to make the expressing easier. Have you tried to express him since he has been taking those meds?
I am going to ask some additional questions to make sure sure we understand Buddy's situation.
Are you now doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty and the surgeon directed PT? …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No chiro (aka VOM). What did your surgeon direct for PT and for post-op crate rest?
Is Buddy currently in any pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, can't find a comfortable position. Arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves. Pain means your vet needs to know asap so that pain meds can be adjusted.
Please let us know that you have spoken to the vet about the stomach protection.
Healing thoughts for Buddy.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 22, 2015 15:34:32 GMT -7
Hi Diana, Welcome to Dodgerslist.
I'm sorry to hear your Buddy is suffering from IVDD and that it required two surgeries to repair the damage to his spine.
First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your dog to get back to enjoying life whether immediately walking or waiting on more nerve repair - IVDD is not a death sentence. Find out why that is true: www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm
The first thing you should discuss with your vet is protecting his stomach from the medication he is taking. All anti-inflammatories can damage the stomach. Proactive vets don't wait until there is nausea, vomit, diarrhea leading to serious bleeding ulcers from the extra stomach acids steroids create. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episodes 5mgs 2x/day (0.44mg mg per pound every 12 hours.) Get at the grocery store but FIRST do ask your vet in this particular way: Is there any health reason (heart, liver, or kidney) Buddy may not take Pepcid AC? Know all about your pet's meds, reading IS important: www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html
Is Buddy's pain under control now? Signs of pain are shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, can't find a comfortable position. Arched back. Holding leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves.
Is Buddy on strict crate rest now? It is imperative to keep him quiet 24/7 during the recovery period of 6 weeks post surgery (crate rest and medical management). One benefit of surgery is physical therapy can start soon after. If not, you should prepare a recover suite for him and let him out only to potty. Here is the link about how to prepare confined area of Buddy — look for the yellow button on our IVDD 101 page: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm
Catheterizing a dog will increase the risk of urinary tract infections, so the sooner the pee issue is resolved the better. Has your vet expressed Buddy or shown you how? Here is a link for expressing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Expressing takes time, practice and patience to learn. Hopefully someone at your vet's office and help you perfect expressing.
Poop will eventually come out, but if Buddy is constipated it may be painful for him. Pumpkin may help him become more regular. This magical fruit - is high in fiber and can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potoato.
---To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day.
---To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day.
Buddy has been through a lot and it will take time for him to heal. The tail wagging and wobbly walking are both good signs.
I will keep positive thoughts for you and Buddy.
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Oct 23, 2015 5:39:28 GMT -7
Hi Romy & Frankie, & Ann,
Thank you for all the reassurance and advice. It has been a rough and emotional road for Buddy and I since the onset of his IVDD diagnosis.
Buddy has been eating, not as much as he did before the surgery, but since he has come home he has had a small appetite. He has had no vomiting. I will definetly ask the vet about pepcid AC.
My Vet tech from the vet office I take Buddy to has been coming over to my house to try to express Buddy and to teach me how to do the expressing, but she has had no luck yet. I have taken him to the vet office every evening this week and they cannot express either. Took him last night and he had to be cathed again. The vet also told me this is a common problem for IVDD dogs after surgery and reassured me that once the new meds kick in it will become easier to express or for Buddy to go on his own.
He is on 24/7 crate rest only out to try to potty. surgeon directed 4-6 weeks crate rest no PT instructions were given.
His pain is pretty well managed with the Tramadol if he has it every 6-8 hours.
But if he goes beyond that with out his pain med he trembles and you can tell the pain is returning his tummy seems tense almost all the time ( this is tough because I am gone 10 hours at work during the week ) the vet tech I mentioned above stops by my house to give Buddy his meds when she can during the day but she goes to school to become a vet, works at the vets office also.
Any and all advice or experiences is very much appreciated.
Thank you for the well wishes.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 23, 2015 8:57:41 GMT -7
The first few days are always stressful. It is a big adjustment to take care of an IVDD dog especially when you have a grueling work schedule. It's good you have someone to help you out with Buddy.
Our Buster had disc surgery four years ago. After the operation we had the same issues with expressing as you are having now. We had to use a catheter for a couple of weeks, but continued to try to express him when we thought his bladder was getting full.
My opinion is that expressing doesn't feel natural for the dog and they resist it At least, I believe that is what Buster did. Plus we were very anxious at first. He probably picked up on that and also got nervous when we tried to express him. When we realized we might be transferring our fears to him, we took a breath and tried to approach him in a normal calm manner.
Eventually we got the hang of expressing him and he seemed to relax when we did it. One trick I learned was to massage his belly for a minute or so first, then express, wait two or three minutes and try again. Usually on the second round, he had a stronger stream and I felt like he was getting empty.
A couple of weeks after surgery we tried the "sniff and pee" test and were thrilled that Buster peed when he sniffed in an area where a lot of dogs walk by our house. Today he is able to go out and empty his bladder on his own. I still express him occasionally to make sure his urine isn't cloudy which is a sign of urinary tract infection. He had one UTI while he was being catheterized, but antibiotics were prescribed and he hasn't had one since.
Buster could not wag his tail or stand at all after surgery so it sounds like Buddy is way ahead of where our boy was at this point.
It's hard to be patient, but hang in there. It will get easier. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 23, 2015 10:00:48 GMT -7
Diana, can you contact the surgeon and let him know of your working hours and not consistent help the vet tech can do by stopping by sometimes for mid day pain meds. Ask if the extended release version of tramadol might be a consideration for the long hours you are away. Your vet/surgeon may also have other ideas to help get that pain in full control.
Because you indicate that Buddy is not leaking at all in his crate, that may mean he has some control to hold the urine in until he is in an appropriate spot. Have you specifically taken him out to an old pee spot to let him sniff when you know he should need to potty. See if his makes the decision after sniffing to then mark or release urine on the spot. That is the gold standard to tell if a dog has bladder control.
I agree with Ann that there possibly could be a UTI going on due to that being a hazard of cathing. Can you have the vet run a urinalysis. UTIs can happen quickly, they can be painful...a burning sensation making a dog not want to release urine.
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Oct 23, 2015 12:49:25 GMT -7
Ann and Paula,
Thank you both for the encouragement and letting me know I am not alone in this journey.
I am glad to hear that others have had the same issues and they have come thru them well.
I did take Buddy in to my vet to be watched and medicated today. They have been wonderful and very patient with me thru this also. I got a call about an hour ago and Buddy has gone pee on his own 3 times today outside where they walk the other dogs.
I am so happy!!!!
I will talk to my vet when I pick up Buddy about the pepcid AC and the time released Tramadol .
You have all been so very helpful!
I will take all the advise and Knowledge I can get from those who have been thru or going thru this journey.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 23, 2015 17:27:21 GMT -7
Buddy is doing great.... bladder control prooved!
Let us know what your vet gave as medication for the pain while they were watching him and what adjustment to home pain meds they make.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 25, 2015 9:04:52 GMT -7
Peeing on his own is a very big deal for Buddy! A positive sign that he has bladder control and will continue to get better.
You're taking the right steps and being pro-active with his care. Working with your vet to provide the best possible treatment plan is the key to helping Buddy get back to his normal life.
Good job!  |
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Oct 26, 2015 6:03:27 GMT -7
Paula & Ann,
Buddy has been getting better all weekend! He has been peeing and pooping on his own.
The Tramadol 50mg is down to every 12 hours and seems to be controlling the pain for him.
The vet said it was fine to give him the Pepcid for his tummy 1/2 tablet every 12 hours.
I hope he gets off the Rimadyl soon. His appetite is increasing and he is eating now twice a day.
Thanks for all of the tips and questions to ask the vet.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 26, 2015 7:43:31 GMT -7
Buddy is making excellent progress! |
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Oct 26, 2015 12:49:49 GMT -7
Yes he is I am amazed at the change in just 1 week.
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Oct 28, 2015 12:50:46 GMT -7
Buddy continues to improve, he gets stitches removed on Friday ! Still doing crate rest
[25 lbs]
Tramadol 2X a day and
Carprofen (rimadyl) 2X a Day plus the
pepcid 1/2 tab 2X a day.
He wants to be so much more active than I will allow him.
I am taking him out for potty breaks on a leash and harness now (no sling ) Just for a few steps in the back yard. You all have been so much help and so encouraging.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 28, 2015 13:33:07 GMT -7
So happy to hear Buddy is still improving. Keeping a dog calm when he wants to be active can be a challenge. But you'll be rewarded for your patience when Buddy has recovered!
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Nov 5, 2015 10:41:00 GMT -7
Buddy is still making improvements. Walking more steadily and back on a pretty regular potty schedule.
He has been taken off of the Tramadol for the past 3 days and does not show any signs of pain.
He is down to 12.5 mg Carprofen every 12hours.Still doing crate rest and only short walks for potty breaks. I am working hard to teach him to keep all 4 paws on the floor as he gets so excited when I get home he wants to stand up on his back legs in the crate. We will see the vet early next week to see about tapering the carprofen off more. All of you here have been so helpful and informative, I truely appreciate it !
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Post by Ann Brittain on Nov 5, 2015 12:10:51 GMT -7
Two big thumbs up for Buddy! You've done a great job helping him get back to his wonderful life.
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Nov 23, 2015 12:42:38 GMT -7
Update on Buddy, Sunday marked his 6 week post surgery date. He is doing very well and wants to act his normal self again. He is a little less coordinated than he was before his surgeries but his regular vet says that is normal. I still have him in a small pen in the house when I am at work. We take a few walks everyday just around the back fenced yard so he can potty and get some exercise , I always keep him on a short leash when outside. You all have been so helpful and encouraging !!!
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 23, 2015 16:23:27 GMT -7
I'm so glad to hear how well Buddy is doing, Diana. Take it slow with those walks and gradually build up Buddy's strength and stamina. Here is our page on after crate rest care, which also contains a list of IVDD friendly and never again activities: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmAnd here are tips on how to make your home back friendly: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmBlessings and wishes for many healthy years ahead for your Buddy with no further IVDD problems. |
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Nov 24, 2015 12:05:53 GMT -7
Thank you for all the great information. I have set up a ramp for Buddy to get down the 3 steps that lead into the back yard, he is reluctant to use it but I will keep working with him. And the pointers in your information links will be very helpful in getting him trained to use the ramp. I have also blocked off the furniture and he continues to sleep in his crate at night. Thank you to all on here for the well wishes and the support that you have supplied Buddy and I with. It has been so helpful
in getting thru this .
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Dec 31, 2015 13:41:43 GMT -7
Hi to all on Dodgers list ,
Update on Buddy , he continues to do well and has become a pro at using his ramps.
Thanks to all here on dodgers for the support, knowledge, and encouragement thru this.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 2, 2016 9:51:28 GMT -7
Diana, sounds like you did a very good job in training Buddy to use ramps! I'm very glad to hear you found good support during Buddy's recovery period.... makes our hearts sing! We are all volunteers here, just a handful of us actually. Wondering if you would jump on our educational bandwagon to help spread the word further? Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We wish we did not have to hear of another dog that was put to sleep because of disc disease nor one denied the correct principles of crate rest to help them heal. We would love all of our members to pay forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate!
Here are some ways to help... -- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- Hand carry our literature to you vets. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you a free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
-- Buddy is wonderful inspiration and hope in many ways. Won't you share with those just starting the scary IVDD journey by uploading a photo and a couple of sentences to our photo Gallery? Directions here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendar-- and finally during the dark hours when a member in panic is having to decide about a surgery, you comments could be very, very helpful. We have a directory where you can share surgical costs: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting State: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: Do stop by now and then to keep us updated on how Buddy continues to do. |
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Post by Diana & Buddy on Apr 11, 2016 13:17:31 GMT -7
Hi to all ,
Buddy continues to do well, he walks a little funny and the vet says he probably always will.
he came thru his last check up very good. I also gave my vet the literature I order thru dodgers list and there were very happy to take it and share it with others who may have to go thru a pet with IVDD.
You all are great here with support and information ! Buddy and I are so grateful .
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 11, 2016 14:08:51 GMT -7
Diana, we love to get periodic reports! Thank you for sharing how well Buddy continues to do. We depend on members helping to educate...thanks for taking time to get our care literature to your vet and that it was well received.
Don't be a stranger, we look forward to the next update.
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