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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 24, 2015 18:49:06 GMT -7
I came home last Friday to my 15-year-old Chihuahua Jesse, looking very ill. Every time he barked, he whimpered. Within an hour, I noticed that he started wobbling, and could not stand up. I set him down to check him and when I touch his neck, he yelped. 30 mins later he had lost feeling in all four legs and was not able to balance himself up. Since it was late Friday, we decided to take him to the Vet Saturday morning. Saturday comes around and the vet states Jesse has a small gap in between his neck bone. He sends Jesse home with meds, orders strict cage rest, and a recheck on Monday in hopes that he’ll be walking again. Monday comes around although he seems to improve somewhat. (Jesse was able to urinate/defecate on his own. He still barks, growls at our other dog, whines for food) But we had no luck on with Jesse walking, so he refers us to NC State Veterinary Hospital.
(Before I tell you what happened when we arrived at NC State, I must note that Jesse has been diagnosed with Mitral Valve disease for 4 years now. It is at 4/6 murmur. I’ve been told because of his condition, anesthesia may be bad for him.
About 3 weeks ago, I went home to visit my parents. While he was at home with my mom, he somehow fell down a 6ft deep wall gap. After hours of manpower, we were about to pull Jesse out of the gap, but by his tail… This could have been the cause of his paralysis).
At NC State: After hours of waiting the technician confirms that the localization of the lesion was in his neck. There were 3 possible cases: a slipped disc, tumor, or fracture. The only way to confirm his condition was through a MRI. Most of you know in order to perform a MRI was under anesthesia. I asked the technician if he would recommend it for a 15-year-old dog. His answer was “I don’t know.” He gave us a rough estimate of $6000 for the MRI, Radiograph, blood work, and surgery. Not including rehabilitation. We ended up leaving to get a second opinion.
What would you do in this situation? I heard of other cases that cost below $5000 included rehabilitation. Can a tetraplegia dog live happily? Have there been any cases where a dog had ivdd, became fully paralyzed, and recovered? I don’t think Jesse has a tumor, my regular vet would have detected it right along with his heart murmur. If anesthesia is not an option, do you think Jesse will be able to recover with conservative treatment through cage rest and mediation? Are there other options?
I understand that Jesse is old and this will play a major factor in the decision making process. Other than not being able to walk he is still his little perky self. Euthanasia is not an option. I’ve had Jesse since I was 10 years old, now I’m 26; I’ll do anything for him.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 24, 2015 19:26:36 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Paula, what is yours? I'm so sorry to hear Jesse is suspicioned to have a disc episode. First know there is hope for Jesse and then we'll get started with learning all about Jessie and how we can specifically help Nerve healing may or may not come during the required 8 weeks of 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out for potty time for 8 weeks. Nerves damaged can take the body much longer to heal than any other part of the body. Expect nerve healing to take months rather than thinking days/weeks.
Know in your heart so you can project positivy of body language and voice to Jesse that things are going to be ok, because they will! Picture the future if perchance that after the 8 weeks Jessie may still need more time to heal his nerves. Remember dogs don't think the same way as people do about handicaps...dogs think handiCAPPABLE! www.dodgerslist.com/index/more.htm
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 pet savvy parent demands. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm
If you can fill us in with a bit more detail our comments can be more tailored to Jesse's needs. ☐ At NCU did you confer with other than a technician? A general DVM vet or neuro (ACVIM) specialist? A specialist is the only one qualified to tell you if surgery is an option for Jesse with his heart issues. ☐ Can Jesse specifically sniff then release urine outdoors showing he has bladder control? Or does he leak on you when lifted... finding wet bedding showing bladder control has been lost? Expressing the bladder would be necessary to keep infection away. ☐ Let us know have been doing 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 ☐ Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. ☐ How much does Jesse weigh? Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given? Please include the all important stomach protector when an anti-inflammatory med has been prescribed. We follow vets who are proactive against not eating, vomit, diarrhea, bleeding ulcers due to extra acids produced. With the heart issue your vet will need to offer something other than the usual Pepcid AC (famotidine) we see so often used. ☐ Currently can he move the front or back legs at all such as when repositioning in the crate? Can he wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk to him? ☐ 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 These are the extra things you can do at home to help with a neck disc: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htmWe look forward to hearing your answers. |
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 25, 2015 11:50:25 GMT -7
Hello Paula, thank you for your response.
☐ At NCU did you confer with other than a technician? The technician relayed the neuro specialist’s advice but we were not able to speak to one since they were tied up.
☐ Can Jesse specifically sniff then release urine? He lets us know when he has to go by whimpering and crying. We played the guessing game at first, majority of the time it was because he had to go. Every once in a while we would express his bladder.
☐ He has been on strict crate rest, but because he cant move he’s been placed on a bed on the ground rather than inside a crate. I flip him every two hours. There are moments where he cries where I may flip him over. Occasionally I will sit him and place a pillow next to him to prop him up. I understand I need to stop moving him too much but it worries me so much I can’t figure out what hes crying for.
☐ In the mornings, when we wake him up to pee, he yelps no matter what spot you touch him. But later on its ok to touch his body. Its his neck area that is in the most pain. Oddly enough he still turns his head to see what’s going on. He does shiver and tremble at night, but it stops when he falls asleep.
☐ He weighs
13lbs.
For his heart condition:
Lisinopril 2.5 mg 1 and ½ tablets daily
Vetmedin 2.5 mg 1 tablet in the morning and ½ in the evening
Lasiz 12.5 mg 1 tablet twice daily as needed for cough (this is rarely)
For his pain:
Tramadol 50 mg ¼ tablet 2x daily for 4 weeks
Diazepam 2mg 1 tablet 3x daily for 4 weeks
Rimadyl 25 mg [as of 11/19]:½ tablet 2x daily for 4 weeks
Cispride 2mg/ml 1ml 2x daily for 5 days
☐ He cannot move any of his legs, but there has been on occasions where I see him stretch his legs. He can’t balance himself up but he moves his head a lot. He wags his tail but it’s a low wag.
☐ He still has a huge appetite, he barks and whines for food. His poop seems normal but he doesn’t go as often.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. -My name is Vee by the way sorry I forgot to mention it.
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Peyton
New Member
Life is better with a dog.
Posts: 111 
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Post by Peyton on Nov 25, 2015 12:35:45 GMT -7
Hi Vee - I am so sorry to hear about Jesse's situation. You have come to the right place for information and support! Thank you for answering Paula's questions - it always helps if we have those details.
In reading over your post, I'm wondering exactly what you were told by the technician. If I were you, I would speak with the neurologist directly to get an assessment of Jesse's condition, and I would write down ALL my questions before speaking with him/her. Please let us know what you find out.
Congratulations on beginning crate rest - but it must be as described or it will not be effective: 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks and only out at potty times; no laps, no couches, no baths, no sleeping with you. Do not "sit him and prop him up"! The more you move Jesse, the greater chance for a reinjury. Those discs need to heal, and need to be still in order to do so. Am I correct that Jesse cannot move at all on his own, even to reposition from time to time?
I am not an expert on meds, but from the description you have given I would say that Jesse is experiencing pain. Pain MUST be controlled in order for healing to take place. Share your observations of Jesse's behavior with the neurologist when you speak with him/her so that meds may be adjusted if necessary.
One of the moderators will respond to you soon in more detail. Meanwhile, read the information in the links that Paula provided, and write down your questions for the vet.
I am keeping you and Jesse in my thoughts, and sending positive healing vibes.
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 25, 2015 13:12:44 GMT -7
I decided to go to another hospital, the cost was too high and the technician did not seem all too helpful. He stated that the location of the pain was in the neck area. And in order for them to figure out what was exactly wrong, Jesse was to get bloodwork done, get radiographs of his chest, MRI, and possible surgery. I stressed to them my concern of putting Jesse under anesthesia but he just said. "I understand he's old and he has a heart condition." I was a bit frustrated because I could not get any more help with the situation. I decided not to get any further information the costs were way too high at that location. They were asking for $6000 for blood work, MRI, radiographs, surgery. It did not include rehabilitation and in addition to that they charge by the hour for the stay. I'm currently seeking advice from Jesse's regular vet, and looking into a different location. It cost me $200 for the consultation.
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Peyton
New Member
Life is better with a dog.
Posts: 111
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Post by Peyton on Nov 25, 2015 13:14:42 GMT -7
$200 and you didn't even speak with the neurologist?? That's terrible. I think you're wise to go elsewhere. Keep us posted.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 25, 2015 13:31:31 GMT -7
Vee, Jesse's case is complicated with his heart condition. I'm not familiar with all the meds he is on so I googled and looked each one up. Have you done the same? It is clear that the pain meds are wearing off too soon by morning and possibly at night he is shivering til the night dose of pain med kicks in. If it would be a dog without heart conditions, my comment would be the pain meds (Tramadol and Diazepam) are not properly adjusted yet. Tramadol often needs to be Rx'd 3x/day to provide full relieve dose to dose. Gabapentin needs to be added for the more pain that neck discs causes. For some dogs Diazepam does not work as effectively as methocarbamol for muscle spasm pain. You really, really need the help of a specialist in using meds the safest way possible to control pain with Jesse heart issues. Can you get an appointment soonest possible with a cardio at NCU or get a consult with a neuro specialist at NCU? A consult with a neuro specialist is not necessarily for surgery, so let them know up front you are there for conservative treatment and their help in getting meds correct for Jesse's complicated health issue. It is only a neuro specialist (ACVIM) or orth (ACVS) who can tell you if surgery is a consideration with Jesse's health issues.... no general DVM has that expertise. What kind of vet Rx'd Cispride, your local general DVM, a specialist at NCU? Was this Rx'd at the time Rimadyl was Rx'd ...was that 11/19 or 11/21? Did you come across this information and have an understanding of this med and Mitral Valve disease when it was prescribed for Jesse? www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a694006.html and www.medicinenet.com/cisapride/article.htm Cispride would not reduce the extra acids Rimadyl causes. |
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 25, 2015 14:28:07 GMT -7
I'm in search for another neuro specialist at the moment, but if all else fails I may have to go back to NC State just to get the medicine rx'd. They did recommend gabapentin but because I decided to seek help else where I told them I would go through my vet.
I did do research on his meds but as you stated its complicated in this situation. The emergency vet was the one who prescribed cispride along with the rimadyl on 11/19. He stated it was for Jesse's constipation. It did help he goes now and is no longer bloated.
I tried to get in touch with Jesse's Vet for more medical advice earlier today but he was out of the office, now I have to wait till Monday.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 25, 2015 14:33:21 GMT -7
Monday is a long ways away when Jesse is in pain. Can you go back to the emergency vet until you can reach your own vet?
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 25, 2015 14:33:29 GMT -7
Paula- I didn't know about the side effects of cisapride. Thank you so much for warning me. I'm tossing it out. That might explain some of his uncomfortableness.
Romy-It is, so I'm contacting the emergency vet in hopes we can get a hold of some for Jesse.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 25, 2015 16:19:21 GMT -7
Tramadol can have the side effect of constipation. A far safer solution if that happens again would be plain canned pureed pumpkin... plain... no spices. 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. -- 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. Hoping to hear there are pain med adjustments that can get Jesse in full comfort dose to dose. Do advise us what changes are made to his meds: --- What could safely be used to protect against the extra acids Rimadyl causes (omeprazole, sucralfate, Tums (calcium carbonate)? Be sure to read before putting anything in Jesse's mouth. The last ER vet Rx'd Cisapride for constipation. Mar Vista Vet: www.marvistavet.com/html/cisapride.html13lbs. Lisinopril 2.5 mg 1 and ½ tablets daily Vetmedin 2.5 mg 1 tablet in the morning and ½ in the evening Lasiz 12.5 mg 1 tablet twice daily as needed for cough (this is rarely) Tramadol 50 mg tab: 12.5 mgs 2x/day Diazepam 2mg tab: 2mg 3x/day Rimadyl 25 mg [as of 11/19]: 12.5 mg 2x/day for 28 days (four weeks) Cisapride 2mg/ml 1ml 2x daily for 5 days STOPPED 11/25 You will want to discuss with the vet when he will make a guess as to when all the painful spinal cord swelling is gone. No one wants to be using any of the IVDD meds past the benefit period of getting the inflammation down because all carry adverse side effects. Most often we see vets prudently stopping Rimadyl at the 7 or 14 day point AND also the pain masking pain meds to have a quick pain assessment of whether to get back on all meds for bit longer and try another pain test later on. It will often take somewhere in the range of 7-30 days to get all the swelling down. FDA explains what owners need to monitor for while on any NSAID such as Rimadyl: www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm196295.htm |
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 25, 2015 17:50:09 GMT -7
Paula thanks again Jesse hasn't pooped yet today. So that will come in handy. I contacted ncsu vet and they were able to write up a prescription for gabapentin but only for 2 weeks.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 25, 2015 20:28:26 GMT -7
Very good do let us know the details of gabapentin. Liquid or capsule. ?mgs ?x/day
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 27, 2015 10:01:18 GMT -7
So after several pharmacies I was able to get a hold of gabapentin. The vet prescribed gabapentin 50 mg. 1 capsule for every 8 hrs for 14 days. Most pharmacies did not carry it or only had the 100mg or 300mg. Luckily, Walgreens was able to do a substitution of the liquid form 250mg. So instead I am to give Jesse 1ml every 8 hrs for 14 days.
[13lbs.
Lisinopril 2.5 mg 1 and ½ tablets daily
Vetmedin 2.5 mg 1 tablet in the morning and ½ in the evening
Lasiz 12.5 mg 1 tablet twice daily as needed for cough (this is rarely)
Tramadol 50 mg tab: 12.5 mgs 2x/day
Diazepam 2mg tab: 2mg 3x/day
Rimadyl 25 mg [as of 11/19]: 12.5 mg 2x/day for 28 days (four weeks)
Gabapentin 50mg 3x/day- giving 1ml every 8 hrs]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 27, 2015 10:58:25 GMT -7
Let us know how the addition of Gabapentin is doing to get full pain control. The only caveat I have about liquid gabapentin is if it has been prepared for humans at Walgreens it likely will contain the toxic to-pets-sweetner: xylitol. On the bottle it will not indicate the sweetner. You would have to call in and ask the pharmacist what specifically is the name of the sweetner used. You are right most all pharmacies carry a 100mg capsule (the smallest size it comes in). If you discover Walgreen's liquid gabapentin has xylitol in it this is an option for using the 100mg capsules. As an example if Rx'd approx 50mg of gabapentin per dose then, Divide the 100mg capsule powder into 2 equal parts by dumping into a creased pieced of paper and with a razor blade move the powder into 2 equal piles. Store the remainder of the powder piles in one of those 7 day pill boxes with a lid for each day. NOTE: both tramadol and gabapentin are very bitter tasting. Make sure you do not transfer any dust from your finger to the outside of the pill treat. I mash a piece of banana, form a ball, make an indentation. Spoon powder dose into well and close up. If necessary drape a piece of thin deli meat around ball for further tastiness!  |
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 27, 2015 14:31:09 GMT -7
How have has everyone balanced their day caring for dog during their crate rest? I find that on my days off he needs my constant attention at times, I may get lucky and he's sound asleep on another day. But as soon as I'm out the door or even just leave the room for a little bit he starts to cry and try to wiggle his way up. On Tuesday I came home during my break to check on him and his was hanging off the side of his bed crying. Its just me and my fiancé and we both try to drive home to check on him during our breaks. Although its only been about a week with Jesse's condition, I find that we are both extremely tired from caring for Jesse, work, and school. I plan on taking a leave of absence from work to just focus on Jesse and school. But I like to hear from everyone else, how they've been handling the situation.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 27, 2015 15:13:07 GMT -7
It is hardest in the beginning until everyone gets set into a routine. The way we did it was that my husband was able to work from home a few days a week. The other days we had a dog walker come in at first twice a day. There had to be someone there to check on him and express his bladder during the day. At first he did need all our attention and we were worried so we were always checking on him. I remember how exhausting it was. If you can take time off from work that would be great.
It will get easier as time goes by.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 28, 2015 11:21:50 GMT -7
Vee, can you fill us in on some question not yet answered: -- Can any stomach protector can be on board? -- Did the pharmacist, himself, confirm no Xylitol in the gabapentin? -- Jessie can wiggle himself around now. Can you tell us more about that. Do you see either front or back legs attempting any movement at all when wriggling? I agree the first of the recovery period is a challenge to everyone. Till you have established comfortable routines, having to think everything through is tiring. I'm just throwing out all kinds of ideas just in case you may spot something that may work for you guys. -- To give your mind some comfort, perhaps a camera monitor would let you know what Jesse is doing. _ Monitor your dog with IOS or Android device: www.presencepro.com-- Is the ex-pen/recovery suite wrapped around the mattress so that Jesse would not be able to move himself off of it and get stuck?  -- Would it be possible to leave him at the vet during the work day or part of the day? -- Is is possible for your fiancee and you to stagger your work day to provide more supervision time? -- Do you have a neighbor who could check on him.. pay or barter your service in return? -- Many members have found a pet stroller during the times they are at home has been wonderful to keep their dog at their side as they move about the house. More on what to look for in a stroller: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm |
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 28, 2015 18:05:58 GMT -7
I've been tied up all day and haven't be able to contact the pharmacist about the gabapentin. But I'll be on it first thing tomorrow. I'm still waiting to talk to Jesse's vet on Monday since I feel he knows what's best for him in regards to the stomach protector. The gabapentin seems to calm Jesse down and his shaking comes to a minimum. He has been wiggling a lot. He arches his front half up for a little to lick his back feet. This is an improvement because he can hardly balance himself up. I have also noticed that times he kicks/stretches hind legs but its very random. There is still no movement in his front legs. He licks his paws alot and I find him shaking his head once in a while. Does that mean anything?
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 28, 2015 21:32:49 GMT -7
Hi Vee, I know how busy you are and also caring for Jesse. It is not easy, I know having been through this with Tyler.. The Xylitol issue with the liquid Gabapentin from a human pharmacy is a BIG concern though. A Veterinary pharmacy knows not to put the toxic to dogs sweetner in the Gabapentin but Walgreens may not think of it or realize it is for a dog. Xylitol is poisonous to dogs and can cause liver failure. but is not toxic to humans. www.veterinaryplace.com/dog-medicine/gabapentin-for-dogs/So it is good you will talk to the pharmacist tomorrow. If it does have Xylitol your vet needs to be notified so Jesse can be treated before he ingests too much of it. Plus the Gabapentin would need to be compounded safely for a dog. or the 100mg capsules could be used as Paula described to you in her post. What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning? Symptoms of xylitol toxicity develop rapidly, usually within 15-30 minutes of consumption. Signs of hypoglycemia may include any or all of the following: Vomiting Weakness Incoordination or difficulty walking or standing (walking like drunk) Depression or lethargy TremorsSeizures Coma liver failure Shaking is a sign of pain.. Licking the paws can be a sign of nerve pain or neuropathy that can happen with a disc episode.. Gabapentin is the drug of choice for that.. Keep an eye on the licking though, it can turn into biting or chewing off the body parts. The burning pain is so bad they will do anything to get it to stop.. Discuss this with your Vet should this continue or get worse. Gabapentin should help with this though. Let us know what your Vet decides about a safe stomach protector for Jesse with his heart problem. Be sure to give Rimadyl with a meal for added protection to his stomach. |
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Nov 30, 2015 13:52:31 GMT -7
So it was confirmed that the gabapentin I purchased from Walgreens does contain xylitol. I contacted the vet hospital and asked them to re-prescribe the gabapentin capsule form from them instead. The vet there has been very difficult so hopefully we won't have any issues. (I could have gotten it from them in the first place, but because of the holidays I did not want to make Jesse wait any longer.)
I also talked to Jesse's vet today and after a lengthy conversation, we concluded that the best thing for Jesse is strict cage rest. Because of his heart condition, he did not recommend that he go through all the tests just to confirm that he has IVDD. But he does show signs of it, so strict cage rest should be beneficial to him. He also said that putting him on Pepid ac was ok for him too.
[13lbs.
Lisinopril 2.5 mg 1 and ½ tablets daily
Vetmedin 2.5 mg 1 tablet in the morning and ½ in the evening
Lasiz 12.5 mg 1 tablet twice daily as needed for cough (this is rarely)
Tramadol 50 mg tab: 12.5 mgs 2x/day
Gabapentin 50mg 3x/day- giving 1ml with xylitol every 8 hrs; seeking capsules
Diazepam 2mg tab: 2mg 3x/day
Rimadyl 25 mg [as of 11/19]: 12.5 mg 2x/day for 28 days
Pepcid AC ?mgs ?x/day]
Lastly, he has been shaking and wanting to lick his paws a lot. He also likes to move his head around a lot and I don't know how to stop him from further injuring his neck. Are there any recommendations?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 30, 2015 14:35:21 GMT -7
The Gabapentin, which works on nerve pain, should help with the licking of his paws. Everyone has experienced numbness or pins and needles tingling in your legs when sitting in a bad position for too long a time. Your dog can be feeling abnormal nerve sensations that are mild pins and needles to quite painful burning, on-fire feeling that makes them bite or lick to stop the pain. The shaking sounds like pain. If he is still shaking after he has gotten the gabapentin, let the vet know.
You can raise the crate by putting it on a sturdy table. That way there is no need for Jesse to to raise his head to look at you or watch the world from the crate
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Dec 2, 2015 12:44:48 GMT -7
Jesse is on a lot of meds. I was wondering, with all the medications that dogs with IVDD are on, do you normally give it to them all at once? Or do you separate them and give it to them at different times? Does it make a big difference?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 2, 2015 13:59:47 GMT -7
If you are giving tramadol and gabapentin each 3x a day, which is most common, you can give them at the same time as they work synergistically. If you are giving one only twice a day they can be staggered.
Pepcid should be given 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory.
Sucralfate, if prescribed, should be given 30 minutes prior to Pepcid AC on an empty stomach at least one hour before feeding.
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Dec 11, 2015 14:17:57 GMT -7
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to update you guys on Jesse's progress:
It is his third week on conservative treatment and Jesse seems to be improving. He has started moving his front and back legs a lot and occasionally I find him moving to sit up. He wags his tail a lot, but his paws still fold over. Although he can not sit up/walk, this is still good news because 3 weeks ago he was completely paralyzed. He rarely cries unless he has to go or eat. He refuses to go in the bathroom anymore and prefers the outside again. Where he sniffs and does it himself, without us having to express his bladder. His appetite has also increased, so its constant barking when he smells food. I keep him on a strict diet but give him veggies once in a while. His meds are running low and I will have to do a re-check with the vet soon.
He's feeling better and that's all I hope for, and if he continues he'll be able to enjoy Christmas with the family.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 11, 2015 14:32:34 GMT -7
That is good news about Jesse. He is making good progress. When you next contact the vet he may want to stop all the meds to see if the swelling and corresponding pain is gone. If so, you will only need to finish up on Jesse's 8 weeks of crate rest.
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Jan 11, 2016 13:21:29 GMT -7
I'm looking at purchasing a wheelchair for Jesse. Has anyone tried Pet Ability or Dogs to go?
-------
Looking to purchase a cart in the near future for Jesse. Would anyone recommend Pet ability or Dogs to go? The other carts are out of my price range and was wondering if anyone has any positive experiences with them?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 11, 2016 13:52:37 GMT -7
Hi Vee. I moved your post into Jesse's thread. That way all of Jesse's history is here so we can review before making a comment to avoid inappropriate comments or jumping the gun. Is he now off all the IVDD meds and no pain showing: Tramadol, Diazepam Rimadyl Gabapentin? Has he stopped obsessive licking his legs for which the gabapentin was Rx'd? I see that Jesse will be graduating on Jan 16. Can you tell us where he is in his leg movements currently? ---Can he move them in a walking motion at all ? ---Can he move himself up into a standing position? --- Does he knuckle his paws still? A wheelchair would be used for about 2 hours at a time when you could be there to supervise. All carts can have the possibility to tip over. There are all kinds of carts-- for quad paralyzed dogs, some can let the legs down so they could also be used as a PT device for supportive walking. It takes about two weeks for a cart to be hand-cut and assembled to fit Jesse's measurements. In that two week time you would after graduation on Jan 16 begin a slow incremental program of getting back into physical exercise. You might be doing supportive sling walking so some of his legs can try to move/walk. Underwater treadmill is an amazing kind of PT. Often dogs not able to walk on land can do so with support of buoyant a water and the stimulation of the floor moving underneath them. This video will explain just why underwater treadmill works so well if it is in your budget and in your area: I'm not familiar with Pet Ability. Do they have a webapge? The important thing is making sure any wheelchair has the features needed by an IVDD dog. You will see what the features are and a picture of the Dogs to Go and the Eddie's wheelchair demonstrating where the yoke should sit and keeping the back horizontal to the ground: www.dodgerslist.com/links/cart.htm
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Post by Vee & Jesse on Jan 12, 2016 10:00:58 GMT -7
Jesse was taken off his meds as of Dec 20. He has gained back feeling in all his legs with his back legs stronger than ever. His front paw does knuckle over but only because it was the last leg to recover. I often find him at the starting position with all four paws correctly placed but as he starts to walk, his front right leg begans to knuckle over, it is still very weak. Therefore physical therapy can be very beneficial. maybe a cart or sling? Pet ability is listed under your list of wheelchairs under www.smarterce.com/pet/. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 12, 2016 11:06:47 GMT -7
Vee, when a dog can walk but maybe not perfectly, they often do not like a wheel chair imposed on them. If your area has underwater treadmill and you can swing it, that would be the most beneficial therapy to strengthen muscles and stimulate more nerve healing for the knuckling. Jesse is really doing very well in such a short time with nerve healing! If water therapy is not in the cards, then use a front end sling if that is where you see he needs the most in back up support to avoid tipping over or falling. After graduation on Jan 16, then you would begin a slow incremental program to build up his muscles. Using the sling to keep his back aligned and from falling... walk on different textures. If you are not in snow country this can mean.... short grass, medium grass, sand along pond/beach. Walk up a gentle slope, across a gentle slope. Practicing walking slowly and deliberately using the correct form is how the body relearns the art of walking. Just like stroke victims have to practice how to walk again. Try scheduleling PT earlier in the day...mornings Jesse will be freshest. As the day goes on and he tires he likely will not have as much good control of his legs. Thanks for the heads up on where you saw Pet Abilities. Don't forget to add a photo to the photo gallery for his graduation to help another. Jesse and you are really very good inspiration and hope for new members just starting the scary IVDD journey. Directions are here to up load a JPG and a couple of sentences: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendar. Please stay in touch, we would love to be included as Jesse continues to improve! |
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