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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Oct 30, 2015 17:04:30 GMT -7
Miniature dachshund age 6 years as of September 18th. My name is Nancy Henson and Misti is one of 5 dachshunds.
Noticed wobbly back legs late Wednesday (10/28/15) made call to Vets office and took her in. X-rays were taken and was given an
injection of Dexamethasone [10/28& 10/29] SP 4 mg/ml and two prescriptions of Gabapentin 100mg (3 times a day) and Methocarbamol Tablets 500mg (3 times a day). [Prednisone as of 10/30: 2.5mgs 2xday for 7 days]
On 10/29/15 we returned to our Vet and additional X-rays were taken and another injection of the Dexamethasone (same dosage) was given.
On 10/30/15 we returned to our Vet and received Prednisone 2.5mg Tablets (1 every 12 hours for first 7 days; 1 every 24 hours for next 7 days; 1 every other day for the final 7 days).
She has an appointment with a Vet on Monday the 1st of November at our Heart of Texas Veteranarian Hospital to consult on treatment options. Our vet Dr. Jill Urofsky advised that she thinks that Misti may be dealing with a compressed disc. The X-rays shown in office didn't show any abnormal spine issues, Misti is on rest - we are carrying her to potty and back in.
Misti is sleeping on the bed with us until we can get a crate set up. Haven't heard anything yet from the Radiologist and their findings.
She (Misti) is exhibiting wobbly back legs and a hunched back. She is potting but seems to have issues pooping standing up
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 30, 2015 19:02:27 GMT -7
Nancy, welcome.... I'm sorry to hear your Misti very likely is having a disc episode. Because you took prompt action to get to a vet, the symptoms are mild. Misti is a good candidate to heal under conservative treatment. The big IF on that is a commitment to 100% STRICT rest 24/7. This brief video clip explains how too much movement damages nerves.
Xrays are good for suspicioning a disc problem but not to prove one as they show bone and other hard tissue rather than soft tissue of spinal cord and discs. Xrays are most often used to rule out other disease such as tumor, broken bone, infection in bones. Often the diagnosis is made because the breed is prone to IVDD, the way they present at the vet visit and from a hands on neuro exam. Two things to address soonest possible.--- the GI tract is not being protected from the extra acids caused by Dex and Prednisone. Read to understand your dog does not have heart, liver or kidney issues at Marvista Vet website: www.marvistavet.com/html/famotidine.html Then I would start the famotidine right away and keep your vet in the loop in the morning. The usual dose during a disc episode is Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs 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. www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html -- Sleeping with you can contribute to more disc damage. Misti needs a level, never sloping surface to heal in. An expen, a wire crate, a pack n play where the area will only be enough to stand up, turn around and when lying down to fully stretch out the legs. Learning your dog has disc disease can be a scary thing. Our job on the Forum is to help you learn about IVDD. We want you to have the background to discuss things with your vet and more fully understand what he says and ask pertinent questions. 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? ☐ What was the date you saw the vet? ☐ Let us know you are on the same page as we are on 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. In other words doing all you can to limit the movement of the back. It is a moving vertebrae that presses on discs. A bad disc just can't take the pressure. Instead it tears. You see the damage to nerves as wobbliness. Excellent to hear you are carrying to and from the recovery suite to the potty place 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! ☐ Are you currently observing any pain? - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much 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. Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose if the meds are correct for Misti. Never have any patience with pain. Tramadol is yet another to make the common 3-way pain meds combo if you would be seeing any pain. ☐ How much does Misti weigh? Please let us know when you have the all important stomach protector Pepcid AC on board. We follow vets who are proactive against not eating, vomit, diarrhea, bleeding ulcers caused by steroids ☐ You will want to monitor for diminishing neuro functions. Do you find any leaks in bedding indicating loss of bladder control? As long as Misty can still specifically sniff and then release urine she still has bladder control. 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 heal under conservative treatment. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation. Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Would surgery be an option for your family at any point if it might be considered? ☐ 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 The reason to go for a consultation with a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) specialist is if your local DVM is not comfortable in using IVDD meds, can't get pain in control that a consult with a specialist can remedy. You will want to read about the other considerations for getting a referral to a specialist here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmIf it is a necessity to transport Misti, make sure the wire crate is padded out with a blanket or towel. That way when you brake or take a corner her body will not shift.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Oct 31, 2015 18:29:20 GMT -7
We saw the vet, Dr. Jill Urofsky with Animal Care Clinic in Round Rock Texas on Wednesday the 28th of October after noticing Misti having difficulty with keeping her left back leg under her.
Yes, both my husband and I are definitely on board with the conservative treatment plan (Crate Rest / Medication / hopefully Acupuncture) we will know more as to the full treatment plan after our Consultation with Dr. Sunil Vasanjee, BVSc, MS, ACVS, DACVS with the Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center in Round Rock, Texas – we started off not exactly on target with this but as of today (the 31st) after speaking with Christine McEntyre and Holly Hirshberg to gain some insight, we purchased a metal crate for her to be in with a orthopad and we will be setting up an X-pen for her as well in the backyard. I do have a question since we can’t do baths, is it okay to do wipes?
We’ve noticed a little yelping (but that was when I was picking her up and didn’t know what was up) but no yelping since Thursday the 29th) when picked up to go potty, etc., Misti is slow to move when she first gets up and does seem to have a tight tense tummy as well as arched back. Misti is just really quiet she’s usually our ball chaser. She’s been lying low and dozing and sleeping a lot although if the others get a little rowdy around her she’ll sit up and bark at them.
Misti weighs 15.5 pounds. We rescued her back in May of this year and she weighed in at 22.4 pounds. We will be getting Pepcid AC for her in the morning, Sunday, November 1st.
We’ve not noticed any leakage or loss of bladder control. Misti still has bladder control and is able to go poop but that part seems to cause her a little more distress because she seems to lose her balance. But I didn’t know about the sling to aid her.
Misti’s legs (back ones) are wobbly which I notice when she’s going to potty and especially when she’s trying to go poop.
I’m not sure what this “Paws knuckle” is, is this an issue of when she would be walking or laying, because when I notice her laying down, I see her with one of her front paws bent under … is this what you’re talking about?
Misti is eating and drinking normally – I spoke with Holly Hirshberg today with (DDRTX) and she suggested that we moisten her food and give her a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin to ease the strain of when she goes to poop. There is no abnormal color. She does tend to go long periods of time between going potty.
We will be asking Dr. Vasanjee about acupuncture treatments when we see him on Monday.
Thank you for this information – this will be something that we do when we transport her on Monday to the visit with Dr. Vasanjee.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 31, 2015 19:49:12 GMT -7
Nancy, thank you for all the details. Misti has relatively mild symptoms and can have a very good chance at healing the bad disc with the 8 weeks of limited movement. Nerve healing may or may not come during the 8 weeks as nerves can be the slowest part of the body to heal. Often we need to think in terms of months rather than days/weeks. HOWEVER, she is in pain (slow to move, arched back, tight tummy) due to being under medicated for a disc problem. Can you get to ER so she does not have to suffer two more days of pain unnecessarily? 15.5 lbs injection of Dexamethasone 10/28 & 10/29 SP 4 mg/ml Gabapentin 100mg (3 times a day) Methocarbamol Tablets 500mg (3 times a day). PLEASE double check the bottle to verify the dose. More typical is 125mgs or 1/4 of a 500mg tabletPrednisone as of 10/30: 2.5mgs 2xday for 7 days This is the lower end of the anti-inflammtory range, do discuss the possibility to move to the upper range in mgs. You will want background in discussing the predinisone treatment, how long? how do you know when it is no longer needed, why the taper is for, etc. This page will give you that understanding to be able to talk things over with Dr. Vasanjee www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmTramadol: Discuss getting this med on board 3x/day as it works synergistically with Gabapentin. Often a disc episode is treated with a 3 pain med combo to address each source of pain which then will likely provide full pain control dose to dose of the three pain meds. Glad you will have Pepcid AC on board Sunday Morning. Did you verify with your vet Misti has no health issue to keep her from this acid reducer? Most excellent you now have a metal crate. I saw you took our on-line course "Shortcut through IVDD" and asked about getting her in the crate more easily... a top opening crate may be the trick as you will just place her in....no more trying to get her to go in the door. Tips below are from our supplies list that you will want to look over for the many other great ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm TIP: __ Convert crate to top opening: Michelle' photos and instructions: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/cratetopconvert.pdfTIP: __ Clean up: Unscented baby wipes for quick clean up on skin & fur. Marjorie's tip: boil and cool green tea to dampen a washcloth, neutralizes urine on skin and fur to avoid rashes from urine scald + clean fragrance. Use white vinegar in a spray bottle to kill the bacteria and the odor they cause on floors, linens, carpets, etc. In the illustration in my last post "Signs of a disc episode", under the column "nerve damage" the last image is a green circle around a knuckling paw. The dog can't put his paw in a normal position when standing. Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber 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 are really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potatoe. So that you understand the power of pumpkin and liquids, I like to mention both how it is used for constipation and for diarrhea: -- To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day.-- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin 1x a day to kibble and no extra water. Do let us know what the vet you see does to help get that pain in control soonest as possible.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 1, 2015 14:37:56 GMT -7
Paula, the Methocarbamol Tablets show as 500 mg the directions are 1/2 table by mouth three times a day (every 8 hours) for 14 days. [15.5 lbs injection of Dexamethasone 10/28 & 10/29 SP 4 mg/ml Gabapentin 100mg 3x/day Methocarbamol 500mg tab: 250mgs 3x/day Prednisone as of 10/30: 2.5mgs 2xday for 7 days Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day]
The Pepcid AC comes in 10mg tablets ... I was not able to get a hold of my vet but I know that Misti hasn't any problems that would keep her from being able to take this medication. I am assuming that it's one pill for each dosage ... correct?
I have printed the material and will be taking it with us to our appointment with Dr. Vasanjee.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 1, 2015 15:59:30 GMT -7
Thank you for correcting the med list. Can we also verify that each dose of gabapentin is 100mgs and that dose is given 3x/day? Pepcid AC for a 15lb dog would be 5mg for each dose and given every 12 hours (2xday) Give the Prednisone with a meal as added protection. Do keep your vet in the loop that Pepcid AC is on board for his own clinic records. Reading reference: www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html Do you continue to see signs of pain? Pain signs 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. Not their normal perky selves. Let us know how the vet visit with Dr. V. goes on Monday.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 2, 2015 5:36:01 GMT -7
Paula, thanks for your response.
The dosage for the Gabapentin is 100mg (1 capsule by mouth every 8 hours (three times a day) for 14 days.
As for signs of pain the only things that we are noticing is that she's not moving very much and she still has the arched back and the tight tensed tummy and she's definitely not her perky self.
I will also be asking the vet about the Tramadol addition to the regimen.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 2, 2015 5:48:43 GMT -7
All those signs that you mentioned are definitely signs of pain so we do hope that the vet adds Tramadol to the pain med mix today. Advocate strongly for this adjustment to pain meds so Misti can rest comfortably in her crate for the remainder of the 8 weeks of crate rest. All those signs of pain should be gone within one hour after giving pain meds and pain should remain under control from one dose of pain meds to the next.
Is the vet visit first thing this morning? If not, I would call and see if they could move the appointment up. It's emergent that Misti's pain be brought under control ASAP.
Please do let us know what the vet says after speaking with them.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 2, 2015 17:49:37 GMT -7
Took Misti to see Dr. Vasanjee with Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center in Round Rock today for consultation - Dr. Vasanjee will be performing a CT scan tomorrow and if there is a ruptured disc, Dr. Vasanjee will perform a "Laminectomy, Hemi".
If surgery is done it will be tomorrow after the CT Scan.
We did talk to him about the pain medications and he said that adding the Tramadol with the other would be a good idea but if surgery is involved, to stop the Prednisone since it is a band-aid and not the fix for the Ruptured Disc - it stops the inflamation but does nothing for the Rupture
So ... we will definitely know more after the CT Scan is done.
Praying all will go well.
Oh and while we were at Dr. Vasanjee's Misti was able to poop quite a bit (so I think the Pumpkin and moistened Kibble finally "came through") and she pee'd quite a bit ... since she is crate trained but not potty pad trained ... she will hold it for a long time. Dr. Vasanjee mentioned that with the holding of the urine ... that her brain wasn't telling her as often as it needed to ... but he said that since she had movement in her back legs and that she could pee on her own that there was no paralysis ... the condition was in the 2nd stage (and I cannot remember the name that he called it) ...
Marjorie, when Dr. Vasanjee was examining Misti he was definitely able to pin-point the area on her spine that was causing the problems
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 2, 2015 20:19:48 GMT -7
Nancy, as Paula mentioned previously, since Misti is still able to walk and can urinate on her own and as Dr. Vasanjee has said, there is no paralysis, she is still a very good candidate for conservative care. A CT scan is usually only done once surgery has been decided upon so the surgeon knows where to operate. With conservative care, there is no need for a CT scan as there is no need to know which disc is damaged as the treatment is the same.
Dr. Isaacs, DVM, ACVIM (Neurology) talks about making decisions about surgery. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee with any surgery. Therefore, I will recommend surgery only if the risk associated with surgery is less than the risk of continuing with medical management. There is always a small risk the dog may not make it through anesthesia/surgery, is permanently worse, or never improves. Because of this, an owner should never be told they have to do surgery. It is important to not be rushed into making the decision and have the opportunity to ask as many questions as needed. Surgery needs to be a decision an owner enters into recognizing the risk, but also recognizes the benefit. This way if something unforeseen occurs an owner can be comforted and at peace with the fact that surgery was the right decision and they did all they could for their dog. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm
When surgery is a consideration
• If your dog can't walk OR with STRICT crate rest, neurological functions worsen and are lost (legs and bladder control) • STRICT crate rest is employed and after several attempts to go off of the anti-inflammatory, the pain returns • If 100% STRICT crate rest has been employed and pain medications have been adjusted (dose, frequency, and mix of pain relievers) yet the pain can’t be brought under control • if a dog is experiencing similar signs of neck or back pain, or mild neurological deficits for the 3rd or 4th time, meaning it may be the same disc is involved.
Please read these two pages on our site so you have a good knowledge of when surgery should be a consideration and the options of surgery and conservative care: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm
At this point the main goal is to get Misti's pain under control. Once her pain is under control, she can rest comfortably in her crate for the full 8 weeks that it takes for a damaged disc to heal. The purpose of the Prednisone is not to heal the disc but rather to get the swelling down. That swelling is pressing on the nerves of the spine causing the pain and possible nerve damage. It's the limitation of the movement of the spine with strict crate rest that will allow the damaged disc to heal and form scar tissue. It will be necessary to continue with the Prednisone, pain meds and Pepcid AC should you decide to continue with conservative care.
Don't let anyone rush you into anything. Check with the hospital to be sure that the Tramadol has brought Misti's pain completely under control. Then read up on your options, ask questions and make sure you're comfortable in your decision. We'll support you in whatever decision you make.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 3, 2015 8:37:04 GMT -7
UPDATE as of 11-3-2015 CT was done and T11/12 Herniated Disc with extensive damage found ... Misti is in surgery as I am typing this. Prayers appreciated ... Marjorie, thank you for this additional information. Will be talking with my husband about it and we have also ordered the DVD as well (a copy for us and one for our vet). We aren't being rushed ... we do understand that there are lots of issues involved. Will keep you posted. Blessings, Nancy
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 3, 2015 9:12:41 GMT -7
Nancy, we will be sending our most positive thoughts for a successful surgery. As you know more please do keep us in the loop.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 3, 2015 10:18:05 GMT -7
MISTI UPDATE - Surgery over as of 11:10 AM. Dr. Vasanjee said that he was able to remove all of the "stuff" that had burst from the disc area. She did great and is on a Morphine drip. They will call us in the AM with an update - of course we can call anytime to check on her Thank you God!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 3, 2015 10:40:31 GMT -7
Nancy, thanks for that update...wonderful to hear Misti did well during the procedure and the surgeon felt he got all the disc material that had escaped from the disc. I can imagine your mind is exhausted from thinking about Misti til she got out of surgery. Also I bet you will have many questions to ask the surgeon on discharge day. Now is the time to jot those things down as they come to mind so all questions get an answer. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmThis page is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm#medsSee if there are any other things you can do to make post-op crate rest go smoother with these very useful tips and ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 4, 2015 4:59:46 GMT -7
Nancy, I'm glad to hear that the surgery went well. Be sure to take care of yourself and get some rest. My prayers are with you and little Misti.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 4, 2015 14:24:23 GMT -7
We saw Misti yesterday evening after the surgery to talk / encourage / stroke / kiss ... basically to let her know we were there and that she was OK.
Paula I do have questions and I will be jotting them down and reading up on the dodgerslist.com as well.
Marjorie ... I talked to the nurse earlier this afternoon and the Dr. was able to get Misti to take a couple of steps for him. She has been resting so well ... and is such a sweetie. They are keeping her for another night.
I will be glad when she's home ...
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Blessings, Nancy and James and Misti
Nov 5 morning update: Saw Misti last evening and the technician did tell us that Misti does have "deep pain"? I am waiting to hear from the doctor this morning as to how she did last night and is this morning, as to when they will release her.
Also ... Misti didn't have any draining tubes or anything in and they were treating with oral meds.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 5, 2015 8:37:42 GMT -7
Nancy, good to hear she is on oral meds. If they control pain, that is the criteria to be able to come home. Deep pain sensation (DPS) is the last neuro function to to go and the first to come back. Misti was already able to take a couple of steps yesterday afternoon showing she of course would necessarily have to have DPS. More detail on the order neuro functions typically return in: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmLet us know when Misti arrives home, meds sent home with. What the surgeon specifically directs for the number of weeks he wants Misti to be on crate rest. What he wants for at home PT during the crate rest period.
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Post by Teresa & Nellie on Nov 5, 2015 15:43:03 GMT -7
Hi there...I just want you to know that we were in the same place as you 5 weeks ago. I was a wreck and was so worried about our Nellie's future, I kept looking online for words of hope! I am here to tell you that there is hope! Nellie was completely paralyzed in her back end. She never lost bladder control, but her deep pain sensation was severely diminished. It was so so sad! We opted for surgery, with strict crate rest for 8 weeks post op.
5 weeks later, she is walking and is almost back to her old self! She is still in the crate at all times except for potty and physical therapy. We walk her on a leash for PT, and she indicates that she would love to run!
Nellie is a black and tan dachshund, about 12 pounds. She just turned 4 years old.
Good luck to you and your sweet Misti!
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 5, 2015 16:57:55 GMT -7
Teresa & Nellie ...
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. I have many doxie friends that have been encouraging as well ... and this Forum has been awesome.
So glad that your Nellie is healing up and rearing to go.
Blessings, Nancy, James and Misti
We got Misti home! Thank you Jesus!
They performed a right sided hemilaminectomy at the T11-12 and T12-13 disc spaces. They removed a large amount of extruded disc material from primarily the T12-13 site. Fenestrations were performed at the T12-13 and T-13-L1 disc spaces.
Medications to continue are: (for the nerve pain) Gabapentin 100mg Capsules 2 times daily (every 8 hours) (for pain) Tramadol 50mg Tablets 3 times a day (every 8 hours)
To Continue: Crate Rest for 6 weeks - only to go outside to potty
To Begin Physical Therapy Passive Range of Motion and Weight Shifting Passive range of motion - placing both hind limbs through a full range of motion (like they are walking) three times a day (20 times for each limb).
Weight shifting - Stand Misti on a non-slip surface and support her hind limbs by holding her at the hips. Then sway her hips from side to side (three times a day 20 reps each time). NOTE ... the Vet Nurse said that she hadn't been doing this as Misti is standing on her own and is trying to hold her self up the only time that she intervened was when Misti would lose her balance and sit down, she'd gently help her to stand back up. (They mentioned doing this for about 5 minutes or so while she's out peeing.
Bathroom: Misti is urinating and pooping on her own. They (The vet) said that if we go for a 12 hour period and she hasn't gone ... or we can't express her, then we need to contact them (the vet) or actually, get her to the Vet.
Incision: Keep bandage on and no bath/water ...
Recheck: 2 weeks out and then 6 weeks out afterwards. Since we didn't see the Doctor to ask about the laser/acupuncture therapy ... I will ask when we go in for the recheck.
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Post by Teresa & Nellie on Nov 5, 2015 18:07:42 GMT -7
Sounds like Misti is doing very well post op, yay! Glad she is home. We have done laser therapy and acupuncture with Nellie ever since she got home from surgery. The progress has been so exciting! Our vet has frozen baby food for her to lick on while she does the acupuncture. It's a splendid distraction! And the laser therapy must feel good because she gets very relaxed while they are doing it. Sending you and Misti our well wishes!
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 6, 2015 5:48:24 GMT -7
Teresa where are you located?
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Post by Teresa & Nellie on Nov 6, 2015 13:48:57 GMT -7
We live in Kearney, Nebraska. We do acupuncture and laser therapy with our local vet, but we took her to Kansas State in Manhattan for her surgery. No one in Kearney does that type of surgery.
How's Misti today?
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 7, 2015 8:43:35 GMT -7
I am extremely thankful for the rain that we've been getting lately; however, it is making it a tad difficult on both Misti and me in the going out part (sigh). She's crate trained and has never used potty pads and poor baby doesn't have hair (from where they shaved her) so she gets colder ... I know the sunshine is coming and for now we have warm towels for when she comes in.
She did play a little bit this morning with her little chew bone that is something she hadn't done since before the surgery.
She's still able to pee on her own and appetite is good
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 7, 2015 8:58:18 GMT -7
Nancy, good to hear all is going well post op and Misti is feeling good enough to have an interest in her chew toy.
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 9, 2015 6:14:40 GMT -7
Question ... when we do start Misti on water therapy ... what type of a water vest / harness do you recommend?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 9, 2015 6:23:14 GMT -7
You'll need to check with the surgeon about that, Nancy, as he would be the one who knows best but usually once stitches/staples are removed, a dog can start water therapy. Petmyweiner.com has a good vest and they give back 5% of proceeds to rescues. www.petmywiener.com/dachshund-wiener-dog-life-jacket-64p.aspx
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Nov 10, 2015 6:26:40 GMT -7
Thanks Marjorie ... POST MOVED to the Forum on behalf of Nancy: Paula, Hi, I'm Misti's mom. She is one week out from surgery I am in the process of doing PT with her as well. Do you have pictures of the PT that's done with dogs that are not paralyzed? Just wondering ... thanks
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 10, 2015 11:28:23 GMT -7
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Post by Nancy & Murphy on Feb 13, 2016 14:57:35 GMT -7
UPDATE for MISTI ... 2-13-2016 ... Misti had her Surgery and Post-Op Crate Rest in November/December, 2015. She is doing great! Her hair hasn't quite grown back all the way in the area that they shaved but it's getting there. She loves to chase her ball (within reason by Mom) and loves walking ... again within reason. If shes getting a little to excited about the walks ... we stop and wait and then she'll start walking instead of doing her bunnyhop run. If you didn't know better, you'd never know that she'd gone down. Even Dr. Elena Lee, the vet that did the Laser Therapy and Acupuncture is amazed with her ... we will only need a could of times a year to her to be seen ... but I still do the massages on her (pretty much all over) .... Thank you all for your help!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 14, 2016 12:09:28 GMT -7
Nancy most wonderful report on your Misti! We love it when members have a mind to pay forward and help another. So we invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team in any way that makes you happy. 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.
-- "Share" our FB/twitter/ posts to widen the reach of IVDD knowledge www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist twitter.com/DodgersList-- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you 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 our free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
-- Help another trying to make quick decisions about surgery or looking for a vet recommendation… We have a directory where you can share : dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-postingState: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: -- Don't forget to add a photo to the gallery and 1-2 sentences. Give inspiration to others just starting a scary IVDD journey. Directions to u/l here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendar
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