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Post by Lynne & Petey on Oct 28, 2015 10:29:23 GMT -7
My name is Lynne and I am already feeling that there may be hope for Petey my little mini longhaired rescue doxie - I have had him for about 7 years and he is a rescue - was an hour away from being put down - for what reason - I have no idea - he is the sweetest gentlest baby. He came to me with some paperwork that indicated he had had some issue in the back end but no one could tell me what. He has only once before hurt his back 3 or so years ago and I put him on rest and he came back just fine. I have ramps from my deck to the ground, I have all low lying items for the dogs to sit on and dog beds all over the house. I am careful when I lift him.On Sunday Oct 25/15 he was acting a little strange - sitting in a corner and just not himself. I take him for a ride every sunday to get the paper at the corner store and drive back along the beach so he can hang his head out the window to watch the dogs on the beach. Part way through the drive he acted like something was bothering his back end. I got him home and one leg was not working. I immediately called my vet who is a general vet not a specialist. She said keep him calm and as still as you can - keep an eye on him. Well within an hour his other leg quit working. I called my vet back (she is closed on Sundays but she lives where she works and I have her private number - I have gone to her for over 30 years). She said this is now an emergency - you need to call a specialist - which I tried they weren t open and said call emergency. I did not go down the road of the emergency clinic in my area as all they do is keep them overnight and have you then transport them back to your vet. So I called my vet back and told her what I had encountered and asked if I could have him come stay with her - she said yes and I took him in and left him with her. She checked him out and she said he had warmth in his rear legs, he also was and is still wagging his tail, she said she could feel him tensing his muscles in those back legs and felt this was a good sign. I left him overnight and called the next day to see how he was doing - no change in the legs but he was pooping and peeing. And wagging his tail. She felt he would do better at home with rest. She said she could only do so much as she is a small town vet and doesn t have all the state of the art equipment that a big hospital would have. She said that an exray only shows very little that an MRI would be the way to go - I can t afford 2,000 for an MRI so
that was out of the question. I asked her if an exray may show something and she said we could try so I took him back in yesterday and she did three exrays - one showed he had a little arthritis on the spine and she took two more that said (I m not sure what she meant) his spine was in alignment it was not showing two different levels. She also has had him on non steroid anti inflamatories. He is not on any pain medication as he does not seem to be in any pain. I have him in a pen - tried a crate but he hated it - so I got a pen and a therapeutic pad and am trying to keep him in there - he seems a bit calmer in the pen but he stills wants to be where I am - I am now trying to ignore him as I saw how important the 6 weeks or 8 weeks of crate rest is. I have not given him anything to keep him calm - asked the vet but she didn t want to do that. She suggested to me yesterday that if he didn t show signs of improvement in the next few days he will probably not walk again and that he will need a wheelchair. This breaks my heart as he loves to play in our yard - he has four Irish Setter bros and sisters and another little rescue doxie from a puppymill. The specialist finally called me yesterday - I missed the call and asked that he call back - I did mention I would not be able to afford and MRI or surgery 12,000 and maybe when he read that he didn t want us as a patient. I m lost on what to do I do not live in a large city - I m 2 hours north of Seattle WA. Any help would be appreciated. I am doxie savvy - I grew up with doxies and have always been very aware of their backs - I m shocked that Petey is the one with the back issue - he is tiny and not at all overweight - his sister Sophie is heavier and loves food - I think because of being a mill dog - she thinks all food is hers I still try to limit her but for now Petey is my issue - any help please guide me.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,564
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 28, 2015 11:32:02 GMT -7
Lynne, welcome to Dodgerslist. There is good hope for Petey to get back to enjoying many happy years ahead. Right now if you have the ability you need to get to a vet who know IVDD to get the right meds on board. Can you get to Washington State University vet hospital in Pulman 509-335-0711. Not because you are wanting surgery, but because you are not able to find a local vet who knows IVDD and is comfortable in using meds? Found in our Vet Recommendation directory www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgerycosts.htm:Jean Dieden DVM 114 2nd Street, Langley, WA ph: 360-331-8090 Member comment: IVDD knowledgeable in conservative treatment Dr. Winger, DVM 360-387-2682. Member comment: She treated Donte after he was Diagnosed with IVDD. We did Conservative Treatment an she was Awesome. I would Highly recommend her. When there is neuro loss, the lessor of the anti-inflammatories the NSAID are not normally continued with. The most powerful of the anti-inflammatories the steroid class is considered. With emergency of loss of legs, then the usual 4-7 day washout is dispensed with in order to save permanent nerves damage. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: not only would Pecpid AC (famotidine) be on board as it would with any NSAID or steroid but also sucralfate as double protection from the double jeopardy of no washout.
You may find this little card to carry with you at vet visits and phone call helps to keep all the meds straight as you discuss things with the vet. D/l here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/MedCard.pdf
 No state of the art equipment is needed. But you do need a vet with IVDD knowledge who feels comfortable in using the right anti-inflammatory, enough combo of (methocarbamol, tramadol and even gabapentin) pain meds so there is absolutely no suffering with pain and adequate GI tract protection of Pepcid AC famotidine today, now. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,564
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 28, 2015 11:37:43 GMT -7
As soon as things settle we can better provide support with all the details: There is really no better education on each part of conservative treatment including the 4 phases of healing than this page. You will find a quick overall summary + links to give you the in-depth knowledge that an IVDD savvy pet parent demands. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmIn order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? ☐ Let us know you are on the same page about the single most important part of conservative treatment--- 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks & only out at potty times. STRICT means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times. Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place if there is bladder control and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/slingwalk.jpg☐ Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy, not their normal perky selves? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. If there is pain, your vet needs to know asap to adjust meds ☐ How much does your dog weigh? Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given? What was the start dose if a steroid, date of taper? NSAID ?mg ?x/day Pepcid AC 5mg 2x/day... do you have it on board pain med exact name ?mgs ?x/day Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. 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 doxie weight dogs 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory. ☐ Currently can your dog move the legs at all such as when repositioning in the crate? or wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk? ☐ Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? ☐ Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood? ☐ If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/Why chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm |
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Post by Lynne & Petey on Oct 29, 2015 7:42:32 GMT -7
Today is Thursday the 29th and I was able to use a suppository and he pooped. He has a voracious appetite but am limiting what I give him. He does fuss and then usually it is because he has peed - not sure if he knows he peed or if he is just letting it go.
trying to remember all questions asked - I am doing the total crate rest. I am not carrying him out to potty as he can t stand on his legs at all - he does wag his tail profusely.
He is eating well. He seems to be a day day and a half between poops. I am using a suppository baby size.
He is on 20 on the pounds he is (it shows by pounds) and my vet told me to give him no more than the 20 on the syringe - it does not give any other measurement - my Petey is about 14 pounds if that.
I have not let him pull himself after readin gthe conservative board - the first two days I d let him onto the
floor to potty where I could watch but not anymore - I listen and if he fusses I know he has to go - he was going when I lifted him - so I m not sure if he has lost control - or if he is peeing where he is because I m not sure when he needs to go. I m going to pursue the laser treatments - just hard to find who does them - I will talk to my vet again as she was willing - she said she is not a strong believer in them.
hopefully I have answered some more questions - I m going to go to work for awhile today as I need to earn money to help with his care. My husband is home with him and I ve given him instructions and asked thathenot lift him at all - he s worried o how to do it so I said just keep an eye on him and if he is fussing and has peed - clean him up as best as you can - get fresh pads, blankets but put them in so he can slide to them - don t lift him - Petey seems to ease around gently and I figured that is safest.
Thanks you again for being here for us - I will check in during the day - I m going to do less hours a day just so I can care for him - probably better I m not here he won t be fussing so much as to where I am in the house.
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10/28 post:
Hopefully I am responding to all the questions - I m not very good on the computer.
Petey is a mini long haired doxie - he is a rescue who I have had for 7 years - he had some type of issue with his back before I got him and no one knew what is was - they told me they did REiki on him and he was just fine. As long as I have had him he is touchy about anyone touching his back end. It didn t seem to hurt him but he seems to know that is an area that is off limits to everyone except me.
I live up north of Bellingham WA and have taken him to my General vet - there is a specialist but he doesn't seem to want to help when I told him I couldn t afford two thousand for an mri and ten thousand for surgery - I m lost as to what to do -
ON Sunday the 25th of OCtober I noticed he wasn t him self - Then I noticed only one rear leg was working - I then called my vet - she was closed but she lives where she works - she said keep him calm and keep an eye on him - then within the hour his second leg was not working - I called her back and she told me to call the specialist who when I called was not open - so I called my vet back and asked if I could bring him in to stay with her so she could monitor what was going on - she said yes and off we went - she did a check on him while I was there - she found that he had warm legs and she could feel him tensing his muscles in the back legs, he also was and still is wagging his tail. He is peeing but not so sure he has control - he gets agigated and then I go over and he has peed in the pen. He poops but it s usually two day between poops - he is eating but he is now finicky about what I feed him. My vet told me to get baby suppositories and use them - I did last evening and as fast as I putthe suppository in - he popped a very healthy looking poop out - now today he has not pooped at all.
The only thing my vet has given him is an
[14 lbs]
non steroid anti inflammatory that I give him once a day.
I don t think he is in pain nor was he when this first occurred. He acted a little uncomfortable but that s all I can tell you -
I brought him a stuffy that squeaks when I went out to get the pen for him and when I brought it in - his tail was wagging profusely - he loves teddy bears and squeaky ones in particular.
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MOved to the Forum 10/29 on behalf of Lynne:
I m having issues finding my way around I so want to see what anyone can suggest - I did read some on first page and I m thinking that laser therapy and the bedrest(which I am trying to do now) may help - I m having issues with him not pooping much - he seems to pee a little which he always just did little pees.
I m way too far away from Pullman - it is clear on the other side of the state. I m up above Bellingham Wa.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 29, 2015 8:29:58 GMT -7
Hi Lynne The fact that Petey is leaking on you when lifted shows that he does not have bladder control. The leaking is when the bladder, which can no longer empty itself, simply overflows. This is not healthy for the bladder and can result in urinary tract infections as well as overstretching of the bladder which causes problems when control returns. When a dog has no bladder control he will need to be expressed to empty the bladder. Your vet should be able to give you a hands on lesson as to how to do this. We have some information about this and a video here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm#bladderexpress If you watch the video prior to the hands on lesson you will get more out of it. Don't be surprised if it takes more than one lesson. It took several hands on lessons for me to get the hang of it. . Expressing is a skill that must be learned and practice. Once you learn it taking care of Petey will be easier. It is a real good sign that Petey is wagging his tail in response to something happy. The next step after this is usually the return of bladder control. To determine if bladder control has returned, we use the "sniff and pee" test . Periodically take Petey out to an old pee spot, carry him to and from the potty area supporting both ends with each arm. Use a six-foot leash attached to a harness and a sling to stabilize the rear. You stand in one spot to minimize the number of footsteps your dog may take. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine. If he can sniff and then decide to release urine, bladder control is returning. It is good that he has an appetite, but it is not a good idea to change his diet at this time. His body has a lot of healing too do. Just limit the amount of treats. Treats if any should be low calorie like carrots, small cubes of apple, green beans or some frozen broth ice cubes to lick. If Petey is having problems moving his bowels you may want to try pumpkin. Pumpkin can loosen the stool to help with constipation. My Frankie actually loved it, which I never expected. Note alternatives to pumpkin : really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato. The amount of water in the diet is what allows pumpkin to work for constipation. --To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. Lynn, please tell us the exact name of the anti-inflammatory given 1x/day. Please let us know when you have 5mgs of Pepcid AC 2x/day on board. Petey does not need any other problems of damage to his stomach to deal with on top of this disc episode. Healing thoughts for Petey. |
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 29, 2015 9:23:53 GMT -7
Hi, Lynne, I'm so sorry to learn Petey is having IVDD issues. I live in Mount Vernon, WA. When our Buster was 7 years old he went down with IVDD. Our emergency vet referred us to the VCA Veterinary Specialty Center in Lynnwood. It was determined that his T9-T12 discs were herniated and he had emergency surgery at that time.
I know it is a bit of a drive for you, but they have veterinary neurologists on duty 24/7. Even one appointment to have Petey evaluated could be worthwhile since your vet isn't very familiar with IVDD treatment.
Hopefully Petey will recover with conservative treatment. But I know we were comforted to know about the VCA hospital.
Best wishes to Petey for a full recovery. It is admirable that you took him in as a rescue and he is lucky to have you to love him!
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Post by Laura & Charlie on Oct 29, 2015 9:49:47 GMT -7
Hi Lynne,
Your initial consult at the VCA will run at least a couple hundred dollars, I wish money did not have to be an issue but I know first hand that is it for many of us. Dr Partnow at the VCA is treating my dog right now and was very understanding about the fact that I did not immediately have the money for an MRI (3k+ at VCA), she was willing to do conservative management but my dog also had not lost mobility. Her advice will likely run exactly along the lines of the advice you are getting here. If you can make it down to the VCA for a consult that would be great, you will need a referral and they are not always the most accessible but likely will help you work with you own vet in B-town. If that isn't possible hopefully your vet or another vet up there will be willing to do all they can to get your pup back to good health! The people on this board are testimonial that it can be done!
Our initial mistakes included a vet that prescribed an NSAID without a buffer right out of the gate and then even when we got the buffer on board it was not the right dose so now having to do all this treatment with stomach issues which makes it so much more challenging, get the Pepcid right away!!! NSAIDs were also not strong enough for my dog who never even lost mobility, after spending a couple weeks not improving on them and then a rough wash out period we went to the steriods which I really wish we had done first.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 29, 2015 10:22:45 GMT -7
It's been 4 years for us, but we did not have an accessibility issue with the VCA. Dr. Partnow was available to us even by email on weekends and the PT were always ready to help. Hopefully the level of care has not diminished since our experience there.
I'm glad Laura posted the info about working out a payment/treatment plan at VCA. As we all know, veterinary care is very expensive and not everyone can afford all the procedures that might be prescribed for their dogs. |
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Post by Laura & Charlie on Oct 29, 2015 14:21:09 GMT -7
The level of care is not an issue, Dr Partnow is awesome but very busy, and they heavily screen all calls coming into the VCA. My emails do eventually get answered but does take a lot of time. And Dr Partnow has called here to check on my dog, just is always at night when she is trying to catch up.
Regarding a payment plan I never got that, just wasn't judged for not having the money for the MRI and the Dr. was willing to move forward as best as possible without one. Lynne had felt like the neurologist up north was unwilling to help without an MRI, I have been in that position before and it is no fun.
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Post by Lynne & Petey on Oct 30, 2015 20:41:59 GMT -7
T morrow my vet is going to try laser therapy. Petey has a lot of energy - for the most part when I get home from being out - he barks like he used to. I have copied a lot of the information on here to give to my vet. How do you diagnose whether or not it is indeed IVDD?
I can t tell for sure but Petey fusses and I leave him and try to ignore but I ve noticed now that it is usually because he does have to urinate - I don t take him outside anymore because he wants to pull around - only first day as I did not know better - I do lift him carefully supporting his back to a pee pad - then he will pee - he is not peeing willy nilly like he was a few days ago - Maybe I am wishful thinking but I see a pattern where when he starts fussing he doesn t want to pee in the pen. I tried leaving a pee pad in there but he s not liking the closeness of that pee pad. Does this give anyone info that might be helpful - I know this is a big question - but from what I m telling you is going on - do you still feel hopeful for him to walk - he definitely has a big wag every morning when I wake up - I am trying to keep everything as normal as possible - I take his pen in the bathroom when I am getting dressed as he is used to sticking with me - I will haul the pen to where I am sitting and in the evening when watching tv - I have him in the pen next to me - he sleeps pretty well through the night - he still is not pooping regularly but eating regularly - I only had some little treats which I will not give him now after reading above but I do have baby carrots he can eat. I have been cooking ground round and giving him that. He didn t seem to be interested in his regular dog food anymore - which is a high end canned food.He still drinks lots of water. I sit down next to his pen and talk to him and lean into the pen to give him daily kisses - I know he doesn t understand why I m not hugging him and not taking him to bed but I want him to heal - it s probably harder on me than on him - I know he s fine when he knows I m right there. I just hope that there is still a chance he will regain use of his legs - I have one question which I m sure my vet will talk to me tomorrow - How often and for how long should he have the laser therapy - I have a friend whose doxie - was completely paralyzed when she got home from being out. She was told her doxie had only a 15% chance of ever walking again - this was in the summer - he had three months of laser therapy and he is now happily walking again. He was totally paralyzed when my friend found him at home. I m not so sure she was as careful as I try to be with having him not jump on or off furniture - I am anal about that and have ramps outside for when they need to go down one level. I m still lost as to what happened. Possibly one of my Irish Setters ran over him - they all get along but they do get rambunctious and Petey knows to get out of the way. Tommorrow will be our first session with the laser. A little nervous as I don t know much about laser therapy my vet also will sit and talk with me - she is doing this after hours - I so appreciate her trying to help us. She is a graduate from Texas and she has been practicing for at least 30 years. I am going to bring up the antiinflamatory situation as I did read and I don t want more issues with Petey. Thank you everyone for all the help so far.
Where is the VCA you are talking about?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,564
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 31, 2015 9:18:17 GMT -7
Lynne, we are really at a disadvantage to make comments without knowing the extact details of Petey's meds. Please fill us in: 14 lbs Pepcid AC to protect against the NSAID: 5mg 2x/day on board yet?NSAID (exact name please) as of 10/27: 20lb mark on the syringe 1x/day Dr Partnow, ACVIM (Neurology)
VCA Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle
Phone: 425-697-6106
Toll Free: 866-872-5800
20115 44th Avenue West
Lynnwood, WA 98036
www.vcaspecialtyvets.com/veterinary-specialty-center-seattle/departments-doctors/doctors/alix-partnow/11098
The reason you would seek out another vet in your town or go to a specialist is because your vet will not prescribe pain meds IF, IF Petey is in pain. Please let us know which you observe IF you are seeing any of these signs of 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. Not their normal perky selves. Another reason to seek a 2nd opinion vet, other than your vet told you you she is not comfortable with IVDD and that is why she herself recommended seeing a specialist is: Petey's neuro functions are getting worse. Diminishing neuro functions call for a vet's prompt action (hours matter) to stop permanent damage to the spinal cord. As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions.
1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord
2. Wobbly walking, legs cross
3. Nails scuffing floor
4. Paws knuckle
5. Legs do not work (paralysis, dog is down)
6. Bladder control is lost
7. Tail wagging with joy is lost
8. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for successful surgery as it is for nerves to self heal again under conservative treatment.
Please tell us exactly where Petey's leg function is.... Do you see any movement at all in his back legs? Such as when he repositions himself in his recovery suite? Can he move up into a standing position?
Confirm if Petey has bladder control. Do you find he leaks on you when lifted? Urine leaks in bedding? OR does he have bladder control prooved by the sniff and pee test: can he specifically sniff an old pee spot in the grass and then choose to mark/release urine? If he does not have bladder control, at this point in time he likely already has a urinary tract infection (UTI) because of not being expressed.
Today's agenda is to protect Petey's stomach
--- NSAIDs cause extra stomach acids. Pepcid AC stops extra acids to prevent nausea, not eating, diarrhea moving to deadly bleeding ulcers.
---Read to understand your dog does not have heart, liver or kidney issues at Marvista Vet website: www.marvistavet.com/html/famotidine.html Start the famotidine right away as as soon as you can contact your vet let him know of the not eating canned food and that you have famotidine on board.
--- Give NSAID with a meal
--- Give Pepcid AC (famotidine) 5mg 2x/day... keep your vet in the loop!
I would also advocate for a prescription for sucralfate as added protection to the Pepcid AC. 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 procss. In order to be most effective, this med should be given:
1. 30 minutes prior to Pepcid AC
2. Give on an empty stomach at least one hour before feeding.
Read to know which meds do NOT work well with sucralfate and to be fully knowledgable on why you are advocating for a prescription for sucralfate: www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.html
Today's agenda then would be if there is no bladder control:
--- review how to express the bladder: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm and go get a hands on top of your hand expressing lesson
--- have the vet take a urine sample to run a urinalyis. The Urinalysis will let the vet know if antibiotics need to be on board to fight infection.
If there is is pain, today's agenda is to find a vet, any vet, ER vet who will help by getting pain meds on board:
-- Tramadol as the general pain reliever
-- methocarbamol to deal with pain from muscle contractions
How to handle potty time outdoors IF Petey has bladder control.
Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep Petey's back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash will control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on, no pulling the leash!
Ground round is not a nutritious diet, it does not provide all the nutrients a healing body needs to make repairs. Please transition him back to the normal canned food. Getting Pepcid AC on board soonest today should help Petey feel less nauseous and wanting to eat his food again.
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Post by Lynne & Petey on Oct 31, 2015 10:19:02 GMT -7
The only thing I am giving Petey is
[14 lbs]
Meloxidyl (meloxicam)once a day. I give him up to the 20
which I believe means 20 pound dog - that is what my vet instructed. I don t see signs of pain in Petey - he is in the ex pen all the time other than if he knocks over the little water bowl he has with him then I get him out for a minute while I dry him up and the pen - I have pee pads in there - also when he needs to go to the bathroom - he fusses and I see a pattern that he wants out to potty - when I lift him out to a potty pad - he pees. Last evening I gave him a teaspoon of pure pumpkin and this morning he was fussing and he had just peed about 20 mins before so I was trying to ignore him (to keep him calm) and I finally went over and he had a soft stool - not dark or blood in it. I had to lift him out and clean the pen - he is a really clean little guy - has always been goot with potty habits so I don t want him sitting in a mess - I am not taking him outside as he will want to pull himself around.He likes privacy when he poops and will try to get further away so I figure if I put him on a pee pad in a room that is quiet that he may go there. He is definitely perky but does sleep nicely and comfortable during the day and through the night. I will change from the ground round to back to his canned food. He is not throwing up at all. He s just finicky with what he will eat - I did give him some baby carrots for treats instead of the regular treats.
I will get some Pepcid ac today. His legs are still not holding him but he sits up with his legs tucked under him (Back legs) He is not peeing on me when I lift him - he did at first - the first couple of days but not now. I am seeing my vet today - she is open till noon and she has made time afternoon to do laser therapy and I will be sure to share this info with her. Wanting to know if I could bring him to you to see maybe this week and how much it would cost - and do you take payments if the cost is a bit much for me? I appreciate all your help. Petey is resting nicely - he stretches out from head to toe and his two back legs are not crossed when sleeping but when he is sitting upright bum on pen floor and two front legs in upright position the back legs are crossed. Hope I am answering all that you need.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,564
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 31, 2015 11:30:01 GMT -7
Lynne, our only presence is electronically on this Forum. None of us are vets, we are just owners whose dogs have had IVDD. We read a lot, we consult with neuro professionals and others to learn the IVDD facts. All that cumulation of knowledge is shared on our main web page www.dodgerslist.com/ just for the cost to you for your personal time to read.... it is free! It is authoritative... see what the professionals say about us and give your vet a chance to learn about us too. About us: www.dodgerslist.com/index/education.htmA letter for your vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/who%20we%20are%20BW.pdfWe want all IVDD dog owners to be as informed as possible in order to protect, monitor and the ability to have a meaningful discussion and understanding of any treatment proposed. Glad to hear you will look into getting Pepcid AC on board and verify with your vet your dog has no health issue to keep him from using. So if pain is in control, he is not loosing leg function, is able to hold his pee until he gets to the pee pad and can still happily wag his tail, Petey IS a good candidate to heal his disc over the course of 8 weeks of limited movement. Nerve healing may or may not come in such a short time of 8 weeks. Think more in terms of months rather than days/weeks for this slowest part of of the body to heal. The next step for you is to have a background understanding of Meloxidyl and for how long it could be used with a disc episode, how to know when to stop, etc. Compare what you read with the vet's thinking...the one you select and hire to be on Petey's health care team. Here is where you get up to speed on anti-inflammatory drugs: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmAre Petey's legs straight out or to the side when he sits on his butt as in the photo of a paralyzed dog or are they really tucked in a normal way under his body?  bowl attaching instructions so there will be no more spilled water:  |
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Post by Lynne & Petey on Nov 1, 2015 16:47:57 GMT -7
Petey s legs are to the side not like the picture above. December 24 update. Post moved to the Forum on behalf of Lynne:I just want to give a little update on Petey - he is still continuing the laser therapy and for the most part is still on crate rest - it is about 9 weeks since this happened. I don t want to undo the good that has happened. He is putting weight on his right leg and trying really hard to get the left leg to work - it is half working but getting stronger all the time. He is not at all on any meds. I was devastated when this happened and a friend directed me to this group - I just want to thank you all for your support and for those that have just started to look for direction - this is a great forum with wonderful information - crate rest is so important - I was missing having a cuddle with my little Petey but I kept telling myself if you don t do this - you may never see him walk again - but I m seeing a little wobbly walker who wants to run but for now we re taking it easy and will continue the laser treatments - he gets them once a week and boy is he relaxed and it is doing wonders for him - if you can afford at least once a week - and you persevere - it will eventually help - we were on twice a week and now down to once a week. We are going to have a break because my vet is on holidays over Christmas so being extra diligent about allowing him to move around much - I don't want to undo what good has been done. Just don t give up hope and listen to the direction all these wonderful people send you on.We re at 9 weeks and so much good has happened. UPDATE AUG 2016: Lynne's Little Petey Punkin finished 8 weeks of conservative treatment to let his disc heal. AND now after four months of being paralyzed - Petey is able to walk and run again. Thanks to Dodgerslist and our wonderful vet, Petey is celebrating Life! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,564
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 25, 2015 8:45:50 GMT -7
Lynne, so very happy to hear from you. When you work with a dog you always wonder what happened. Once off of meds then even during the crate rest period of 8 weeks IF the legs are still paralyzed, a program of very, very light PT should be started. Just so you know should another disc episode occur in the future: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmNow that he is off of crate rest and has graduated more active PT can be used as you slowly introduce him back into physical activity. It is important that he start to strengthen his core muscles which support the spine. You could use a sling if he is quite wobbly to gradually work in sling walking. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. Here is a schedule to give you some idea: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmWhen you are at home to supervise he can be out of his crate. Of course when you leave home, the safest place for him is to be crated. And now is the perfect time if you haven't already to make those home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on the spine in the future. No more stairs, ramps up to furniture, or blocking furniture all together. All those ideas and more are in this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmIf it is in the budget and available in your area, underwater treadmill therapy can amazingly expedite those legs in re-learning how to walk. This video clip explain why that is so. You can also use the principals mention to do something like that at home with water therapy: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmIt would be WONDERFUL inspiration to those just starting a scary IVDD journey with their dogs to have hope. Would you consider sharing a photo and 1-2 sentences for our 2016 Photo Gallery? Directions here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendar |
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