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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 16, 2016 22:08:00 GMT -7
7 yr old Tucker is in trouble. Left rear leg isn't responding to pinch test. Right rear is still functioning. Arrived at ER vet within 45 minutes after event. Waiting 2 hours so far to be seen. Doesn't appear to be in pain. Have had two other dachshunds with Ivdd before. This case seems different and less severe. Anxious for vet to evaluate.
Ivdd without pain? Is that possible?
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 17, 2016 0:14:15 GMT -7
Tucker is my 7 yr old miniature dachshund. He had a sudden onset of IVDD last evening around 9pm. He yelped once and then lost use of his left rear leg. We picked him up and went immediately to North Houston Vet Specialist for assessment. (This is one of the vet clinics Dachshund Rescue of Houston uses) Tucker's vital were normal and he didn't appear to be in much pain. His assessment showed that he could still bear weight and take a few wobbly steps, but not easily correct knuckled under paws. Plan is to have a CT scan shortly and then proceed with surgery as needed. Prognosis is very good since his surgery will occur in less that 12 hours from onset.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 17, 2016 4:58:06 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Phyllis. Prayers that all goes well with Tucker should surgery be decided upon.
Please do keep us updated on how Tucker is doing.
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Post by Brigette & Brandy on Apr 17, 2016 5:51:22 GMT -7
My Brandy had surgery 3 was ago today at that location by Dr Perry. We were very pleased with him and the staff. Good luck.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 17, 2016 6:47:29 GMT -7
Headed to surgery after CT scan showed an issue two spaces behind last rib. Very good prognosis according to surgeon, Dr. Perry.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Apr 17, 2016 8:11:30 GMT -7
Sending positive thoughts for Tucker's successful recovery. I'm glad the prognosis is good and expect he will be back to doing all the things he loves soon!
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 24, 2016 4:27:17 GMT -7
Tucker was discharged on Friday from North Houston Vet Specialists. He has DPS in both rear legs, but can't bear much weight. He still knuckles under both paws. He does not appear to be in pain, though he is very stoic. Bladder just began functioning today! Tail wags occasionally. Pretty picky eater, but drinks a lot. Discharged with Rimadyl and Tramadol, Rimadyl will end tomorrow. Taper off Tramadol later this week, if he tolerates. Staples out Friday. Does all this sound like a normal progression. Our last Ivdd surgery dog never got pain under control so this experience is different.
One other concern, Tucker could still walk 'drunkenly' prior to surgery, now, not even a chance Tucker weighs
12 lbs and is on Rimadyl 25mg, 1/2 pill twice daily [stopping 4/25] Tramadol 50mg 1/2 pill 8-12 hours [tapering approx. 428].
Dr. Perry DVM, DACVS-SA
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 24, 2016 6:00:36 GMT -7
Often times there will be a worsening of condition seen right after surgery due to the swelling from the surgical procedure. That swelling can take a couple of weeks to go down and until then you might not see any improvement. He's probably weak from the surgery, too. Hopefully you'll see some improvement soon.
Dodgerslist recommends the taking of Pepcid AC while on the Rimadyl to prevent the side effects to the GI tract. Can you check with his vet today to see whether there are any health issues such as heart or liver that would prevent him from taking Pepcid AC (5 mg 30 min before the Rimadyl and then every 12 hours thereafter) for the rest of today? I realize he's stopping the Rimadyl tomorrow but I'm concerned that his being picky eating could be the beginning of GI distress. Is he usually a picky eater?
If he's stoic about pain, it may be difficult to determine whether there's pain or not. You know your dog best. Is he his usual perky self? If he's not usually a picky eater, he may not want to eat due to pain. Other signs of pain are shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, nose held to the ground, head held up high, tight hard tummy, arched back. Tramadol usually works most efficiently when given every 8 hours (3x/day) so be sure to give that every 8 hours and not 12 hours. If you feel he's showing any sign of pain, don't hesitate to let the surgeon know so he can adjust the meds.
Continued healing prayers for Tucker. Please keep us updated.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Apr 24, 2016 9:36:03 GMT -7
Thinking positive thoughts for Tucker to have a successful recovery!
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 24, 2016 11:22:43 GMT -7
Tucker is pretty stoic about pain, but he's not showing any of those usual symptoms of pain. He's very compliant with crating and while he's being finicky about eating, he's happy to eat other foods besides his regular kibble. Not thinking the Rimadyl is the issue, cause he will eat, but only what he wants Will Tramadol or Rimadyl make him thirsty? Seems to be drinking more than usual. He's enjoying a few new toys today and a Greenie. Taking him out every 3-4 hours for potty breaks. BMs still appears to be involuntary, pee'ing is voluntary. Can hold a standing position about 95% on his own if I assist him to the standing position.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 24, 2016 12:20:53 GMT -7
Phyllis, changes in drinking habits is a side effect that could indicate that Tucker is having a problem taking Rimadyl. You should contact the vet ASAP as Rimadyl can cause kidney problems. I would not give him any more Rimadyl (he's supposed to stop it tomorrow anyway). Let the vet know ASAP.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 25, 2016 17:46:58 GMT -7
Tucker continues to do well today. Bladder control continues. Talked to vet today about starting some laser treatments this week prior to staple removal. Eating better and still on Tramadol, but no physical symptoms of pain.
[12 lbs Tramadol 50mg 1/2 pill 8-12 hours tapering approx. 4/28].
Barks at strange noises from crate and while out for potty breaks. Range of motion exercises continue. Right rear leg is a bit stronger each day, left leg lags way behind. All in all I'm pleased with his progress in 8 days.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 26, 2016 19:30:51 GMT -7
Tucker is off Rimadyl as of yesterday and so far today has only pee'd twice. I've tried expressing and there wasn't hardly anything there and I could feel him resist. Concerning or expected after Rimadyl ended?Tucker isn't usually a very frequent pee'r on a regular day. His water intake has been normal.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 26, 2016 20:29:59 GMT -7
Hi Phyllis!
Dogs that have bladder control will resist expressing. How many times a day did Tucker pee on a normal day before he had this disc episode and surgery? Twice a day isn't enough.. Urine that sits in the bladder too long can cause bacteria to build up which in turn can cause a urinary tract infection.. Not wanting to pee can sometimes be because it burns to pee because of the infection.. I would discuss with his Vet and have a urinalysis done to determine if he is having an UTI or not. UTI's are very common in IVDD dogs..
Healing thoughts and prayers!
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 26, 2016 21:36:46 GMT -7
Tucker usually pees 3-4 times a day prior to Ivdd. We always joked that he was 'all bladder' cause he can hold it all day! He pee'd 4 times yesterday. We go to surgeon Friday for staple removal. I'll make a decision on an additional vet visit tomorrow, if he is still not pee'ng more often.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 27, 2016 11:02:04 GMT -7
Phyllis, let us know what the surgeon says and how the visit goes. Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions… We have a directory where you can share surgical costs, etc: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting State: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: ------ Owners are often trying to locate a general DVM vet who knows how to do conservative treatment. IF you believe your general vet is IVDD knowledgable: vet recommendations: Name of Vet Name of Clinic Street Address City: State or country: Type of vet (general/board certified surgeon, acupuncture, etc.) Comments:
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 27, 2016 20:32:33 GMT -7
Day 10 and Tucker's acting like his old self. He would love to run and greet his dad when he gets home, but not yet able. 4 voluntary pees and 1 voluntary poop! He's getting stronger by the day! Tomorrow is his last day of pain medication, hoping that he will not have an pain once those meds are finished.
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Post by Brigette & Brandy on Apr 28, 2016 3:01:05 GMT -7
Are you going to therapy in The Woodlands? They are wonderful. Glad to hear Tucker is gaining his strength.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 28, 2016 9:32:26 GMT -7
Tucker's regular vet offers laser treatments. We are starting with that as his first extra treatment.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 29, 2016 15:10:37 GMT -7
Tucker had his staples removed today and during his exam the surgeon had hoped to see more progress in his recovery at 12 days. They gave some new exercises to try at home and encouraged me to move forward with rehabilitation therapy. Tucker had his first laser therapy session later on this afternoon at his primary vets office. I'm very hopeful that he will continue his progress and will monitor his daily progress before I move him to additional therapies. Tucker is no longer on any medications. He is tailwagging, bladder and bowel controlling, and able to hold a standing position with minimal assistance by me. He is eating and drinking normally and bright eyed and alerts and wanting to be actively engaged in the family's activities. The pet stroller has become his favorite spot so that he can move about the house with the family members.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 29, 2016 15:29:02 GMT -7
Tucker is doing very well in such a short time after surgery; tail wagging bowel and bladder control and standing is great progress . What helped my Frankie get back on his feet after surgery was aqua therapy where he walked on an underwater treadmill. He started this after his post-surgery crate rest period was over. He would not have recovered nearly as quickly without it. Here is a link to how it works:
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 30, 2016 10:27:12 GMT -7
Phyllis, for how many weeks did the surgeon want for crate rest + his directed PT? Some say 4 weeks while other surgical situations a surgeon may direct 6+ weeks.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 30, 2016 13:16:07 GMT -7
The directions from the surgeon were not clear as to a specific number of weeks but more so based on Tucker's individual recovery. They want to see a steady progression of regained function. As he is able to return to mobility they wanted to move forward with PT. Currently we are just using range of motion exercises 2 to 3 times a day and adhering to strict crate rest for the remainder of the time with the exception of potty breaks. Tucker has three laser treatments per week at his primary vet. As his incision site heals completely, we can move forward with water therapy in our pool or at the local facility that offers underwater treadmills. Personally, I'm pretty confident that Tucker's recovery is going on the right direction. In less than two weeks he's made great progress and each day I see just a little more strength.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 30, 2016 13:21:45 GMT -7
Tucker is making good progress and is definitely heading in the right direction. I used laser treatments with my Frankie in the post surgery period also. Those can jump start the healing process until water therapy can begin. You may want to start thinking about home modifications to reduce the stress on his 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.htm
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on Apr 30, 2016 14:04:18 GMT -7
Our home is already pretty 'back safe'. I'll review the link sent, though.
We have doggie stairs for furniture and our staircase is always baby gated. Our dogs are crated/area confined to avoid access to furniture when they are not supervised. We only use vest type harnesses and standard 6' leashes when we go for walks. Their collars are strictly to hold ID tags. We are very weight conscious, Tucker is 12 lbs.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 30, 2016 18:57:23 GMT -7
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 2, 2016 14:51:23 GMT -7
Tucker had his second laser therapy today. He's now able to lower to a squat and stand back up. Today was 12 seconds holding standing position during potty time! Little tiny advances every day. Starting to voice his displeasure with crating when we're home. Guess he's feeling better.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 5, 2016 18:44:32 GMT -7
4th laser treatments and today he held a standing position for 20 seconds at potty time!!! Progress!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 6, 2016 13:11:01 GMT -7
That is excellent news about Tucker. He is definitely making progress.
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Post by Phyllis & Copper on May 7, 2016 10:59:11 GMT -7
Starting to feel Tucker push with his back legs as I pick him up for potty time. Stood for 30 seconds yesterday. Little steps of progress!
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