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Post by Christine & Riley on Jun 22, 2016 17:02:49 GMT -7
Hello,
I have a 9 year old Daschund, Riley. He is in the midst of another disc episode. He has been sensitive since he was a puppy. He has a major one 2-3 year back, we did the crate rest thing and he regained everything after 6 weeks with meds. After that he has had a few little episodes about 3-4 with some limping, crate rest and meds. After his last haircut, he started to drag his feet a little and limp and we went into immediate crate rest and meds(Dexamethasone 1/2 25 mg 1x day and Temdarol 1/4-1/2 of 50 mg every 12 hrs). Yesterday, I went to the vet and the exam completely stress him out and he wiggled a bit. When he came home he was immediately worse, hunched and could not walk and was uncomfortable all night.
We decided to bring him to a neurologist today. He has pain sensation in both legs, can not move one leg, has not emptied his bladder on his own since yesterday- vet did it today and if he does not go on his own tonight I will try to expressing it. We will need bring him back if we cant.
They recommended surgery as a good option, but since we have done the conservative before we opted to take him home and try meds, while doing more research.
They recommended the following meds:
[20lbs??]
prednisone 5mg, 2x for 7 day, then taped as directed
Tramadol 50 mg every 8 hours. Does this seem like alot?
Pepcid AC, 10 mg day
Valium 1/2 to 1 of 10 mg 3x day. Is this really needed? Seems a little excessive to me?
Gabapentin 100mg 3x day- also seems like a little too much. thoughts?
So far today he is on all of the above and is loopy, but no longer in pain or hunched over like earlier. Maybe a little too energizer and not realizing that he should not move around in his crate. He is more settled now.
I guess my emergency question is when to decided yes to surgery vs conservative. The conservative worked last time, but I am not sure if I should consider surgery as the neuro recommended. My husband and I are torn and wanted to post.
Also, what about thoughts on not being able to pee on his own? This one is making us nervous.
This site has been a great resource and even the neurologist said she love it!
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 22, 2016 20:38:38 GMT -7
Welcome back to Dodgerslist, Christine.. First of all recheck the Tramadol bottle. Does it really say 1 50mg tablet every 3 hours?? Perhaps it says
3 times per day which would be every 8 hours!
Is Riley still 20 lbs? We have seen 100mg 3 times a day for Gabapentin. Is the Valium being used for anxiety or as a muscle relaxant? Looks to me like the Neurologist is working to get him out of pain and that is a great thing! She has all the sources of pain covered.. General pain, nerve pain and muscle spasms! Wonderful! What we see too much of are Vet's that don't give enough pain relief and the dog remains in needless pain. Did the Vet give you a hands on your hands expressing lesson? Here is our article and videos on expressing to help you get more out of the lesson. dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmHere is a great article about surgery and conservative treatment to help you decide what is best for Riley. dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmMy Tyler had surgery when he woke up unable to move his back legs and has also had several milder episodes handled with crate rest and meds.. Riley still has deep pain sensation and that's good, but if you decide in surgery don't wait too long. After a dog is paralyzed, the existence of deep pain sensation is an indicator that surgery could STILL be successful. That window of time is 12-24 hours from losing deep pain sensation (DPS). Even after that window of time, surgery is often successful. The spinal cord is very fragile, the more hours after the window, the less chance of a complete recovery. Whatever you decide we will be here for you in Riley's recovery.. |
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Post by Christine & Riley on Jun 24, 2016 18:10:36 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana, Thanks so much for the reply. you are right, it was typo and it [Tramadol 50 mg] was given every 8 hours. After reading your post and more research, we decided to get him surgery. Turns out he had 3 disc herniations. Yesterday before he went into the surgey, he could not pee on his own or use his legs. It was a difficult surgery as reported be the neurologist due to 2 old discs that already healed. to everyone's surprise, he woke up today with the ability to walk and urinate on his own, with back support. Now he is home resting and recovering. Now to do more research on the post surgery care and tips! Thank you for your continued support. Also, the neuro who did the surgery was amazing! She put us at ease, did not pressure us, was really knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend her. She as well as 3 other office staff there also have dachshunds. www.vcaspecialtyvets.com/westbury/departments-doctors/doctors/carrie-santare/44437Dr. Carrie Santare [DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)] |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,565
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 24, 2016 18:52:29 GMT -7
Christine, what good news on Riley's surgery and being able to walk What meds was Riley sent home on...mgs, frequency? Did the neuro tell you how many weeks she would like for crate rest? Often it can be 4 weeks, while other cases may be fore 6 or 8 weeks. Let us know what Dr. Santare wants. Is all pain fully in control with the meds he is on. No shivering, no yelping, back to his normal perky self whether that be nearing the next dose of meds or when moving to go potty. What directive was there for PT at home? Sometimes when a dog has the ability to walk, then a slow supervised, controled (leash/harness/sling if wobbly) to and from the potty place is the PT. Let us know what you are to do. When things settle down for you we would LOVE to have you put an entry in our Directory to help another making decisions about surgery at this link: 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: |
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Post by Christine & Riley on Jun 28, 2016 10:01:53 GMT -7
Hi!
I have great news, Riley is able to stand up and walk on his own with both legs. He is pooing and peeing regularly. I follow his every step to keep him supported while out to the bathroom, but today is the offical day he can now balance and walk on his own. I would have never imagined that would be possible with the state he was in right before the surgery, just 5 days ago.
He is currently on the same medication as posted before. This may be adjusted, as I emailed the doctor to discuss progress and next steps for medication. Dr. Santare has been wonderful and responsive to quick emails.
All pain has been under control, and to tell you the truth I have cut back on the Valium to 1/2 2x day and 1/4 mid day. Also, tramadol 2x full and 1/2 midday and he has been doing great with that for last 2 days.
The exact weeks of crating have not yet been said, but i am sure they will tell me after his 10-14 days check up.
As for PT, they did recommend massages, bicycling legs while laying and standing exercises from one side to the other. We mostly do PT now while he walks for potty, which has helped him come a long way!
I will post to the directory for Dr. Santare information.
Take care!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,565
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 28, 2016 10:12:12 GMT -7
Christine, what an most excellent direction of healing Riley is going in!!! You go boy!
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Post by Christine & Riley on Jun 28, 2016 10:15:56 GMT -7
Hi,
Dr. Santare just replied and said if he is comfortable, the tramadol can be stopped and the Valium too not that he is peeing on his own. I will cut it down today and then slowly take him off of it to see how he does. YEY!
[has since graduated]
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