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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 20, 2016 19:11:07 GMT -7
Hi Everyone,
I am new to this whole thing, so I am hoping this community can help me with providing the best care I can for my little Zoey when she comes home to recover from her surgery. I want to do anything I can to prevent this from happening again in the future.
This is a little bit about her and what has been going on.
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☀︎1-- Dachshund mix What is your dog's name? Zoey <3 Your name too? Jennie Worcester, MA USA
☀︎2-- How much does your dog weigh? 18 pounds
☀︎3-- We went through Tufts in Grafton, MA. We have heard great things about their neurology department.
☀︎4-- What was the date of the surgery? Today. July 20, 2016
Are you now doing 100% STRICT crate rest? We were prior to the need to do surgery and plan on doing this when she is ready to come home.
☀︎5-- What did your surgeon direct for PT Prior to surgery, they recommended strict crate rest for 6 weeks. Doctor said strict crate rest for 1 month once she is brought home from her surgery.
☀︎8-- Please list the exact names of meds currently given. I am not sure what she is on at the moment at the vet. Prior to this she was on Gabapenton, Tramadol, and a muscle relaxant at the very end.
☀︎9-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? Zoey began to show signs about a week and a half ago. Some pay, not putting weight on her right leg. After conservative treatment she progressively got worse over the last 3 days. She had a a lot of trouble walking, was stumbling, dink toed, and began dragging tip of foot on the 3rd day. We brought her to vet right away when she started to do this. Still able to walk though and had pain sensation they recommended surgery. MRI confirmed large herniated/ruptured disc.
☀︎10-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?In the last 3 days, she had a couple accidents.
☀︎11-- Eating and drinking OK? Stopped eating the last 3 days. Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? Seemed difficult to poop and pooping a little less at end but also wasn't eating.
Any help or advice would be appreciated. This was an unforeseen and costly experience. I have felt terrible for her and want to do what I can to help.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 20, 2016 20:29:27 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Jennie! I'm sorry to hear your Zoey has disc disease. The good news is you acted with speed to get help. Having deep pain sensation come already is a good indicator that more nerve healing will occur with time. Gosh I know how sudden this all happened and how your mind must be overwhelmed with a flurry of concerns. IVDD is one disease where self education can play a really significant roll in helping your mind cope and in actual nursing care for your little post op patient. Now is the time to jot your questions down. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns to ask your surgeon: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm That way with the excitement of discharge day all your questions will be sure to get an answer. This 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/CrateRRP.htm and www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmI recommend taking our 10 minute on-line course to get up to speed on disc disease...lots of excellent information to help you now and the many happy years ahead with Rudy. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/As you get more information on Zoey, do keep us posted and when the expected discharge date is. Healing thoughts and prayers! |
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 21, 2016 15:42:08 GMT -7
Hi Paulina,
Thank you so much. The links you shared are very helpful.
Surgery was yesterday and I have been getting nothing but good news from the vet! She has been taken out to go pee, and is going on her one. They said she is walking better than when she first came in. She ate today and they have started oral med's this afternoon. They will begin to slowly ween her off her IV. She is wagging her tail and will continue resting this evening. They didn't have a discharge date yet but said they would see how she is tomorrow.
Zoey has always had a lot of energy. My concern is that as she starts to feel better once she comes home, she will not want to rest quietly. I will ask the vet about this but do you have any thoughts? I saw a little something in one of the links about this.
Does PT have to be done?
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 21, 2016 21:20:13 GMT -7
Hi Jennie, Wonderful news that Zoey is recovering so quickly! Hope she is home with you soon! The Surgeon will let you know what kind of PT he wants you to do at home for Zoey. Sometimes just a walk at potty time is all they suggest and other times if a dog can't walk they suggest passive exercises. These are some ideas for calming Zoey.. Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working -- it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Place a DAP pheromone diffusor at floor level where the recovery suite is: --Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/Use a diffusor with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php 3) Bach's Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation bachflowerpets.com/rescue-remedy-pets/If these don't work then discuss sedatives with your Vet.. It is a challenge once they start to feel better. I went through that with Tyler but we solved the problem by having a recovery suite in each room we spent time in.. He was happy as long as he was included in family life, from his crate. |
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 23, 2016 14:15:48 GMT -7
Hi Paulina,
Zoey came home yesterday evening around 7PM. She came home with a couple medicines and the vet provided an anti-anxiety just in case she needs it to stay calm in her crate. I am going to check out some of your suggestions because I know we will need it. She was having a little trouble today when we headed outside to do some housework. She has been resting comfortably for the most part though.
Though I am sure she isn't feeling great with staples in her back, she is so much better than before she went into the vet for surgery.
I have her in her crate with a blanket covering 3 sides, and have only let her out to go potty. I brought her out a couple times today but she didn't go for me. Not sure if maybe that is from the medicine. She doesn't always go when I bring her out though.
She is eating but didn't eat all her dinner and breakfast as she normally would.
I have another dog and have been keeping them separate.
I hope I am doing everything right. Vet provided a lot of great information and said they didn't think she would need PT with how well she is doing. I do get nervous when I pick her up to bring her outside. I worry I will hurt her. I try support her front and back legs when I pick her up.
Jennie
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 23, 2016 14:40:38 GMT -7
Excellent that Zoey is now home. Dogs do so much better at home.
What meds was she sent home with?
I think we were all afraid that we would hurt them in the beginning, but we don't. Here is a link to a video on how to correctly lift and carry. It sounds like you are doing it right.
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 23, 2016 17:51:24 GMT -7
The video helps, thanks for sharing. Makes me feel a little better.
Zoe was sent home with an
[18 lbs]
clavanox,
Gabapentin,
tramadol,
melexixam. Also
Trazodone for aniexty (as needed).
Doctor said her incision was a little redder than what he usually sees and she had a slight fever so as a precaution he started her on an antibiotic.
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 25, 2016 16:45:56 GMT -7
What can I expect in terms of recovery with her walking normally again? Does spending so much time in her crate make her legs weak?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 25, 2016 18:13:51 GMT -7
Jennie, each time Zoey is out to potty every 4-6 hours and IS walking that will be sufficient exercise for the joints and the muscles. Did the surgeon say she is allowed walk to and from the potty place or are you to carry her there and back to the suite? Right now Zoey is healing from a very major surgery and needs to take it easy with slow walking.
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 26, 2016 16:48:45 GMT -7
Doctor said to carry so that is what I have been doing.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 27, 2016 9:37:09 GMT -7
The few footsteps to get business taken care of at potty time then will be the exercise til the surgeon directs otherwise. Perhaps when the staples are taken out and the surgeon assesses things, he will indicate if there should be a change in PT. Let us know what your surgeon says.... is the next appt about Aug 3rd or so?
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 27, 2016 15:45:05 GMT -7
We have an appointment the 2nd to get her staples out. Her incision seems to be healing well.
Zoe seems to be getting a little antsy in her crate from time to time. Trying to keep her calm and not let her get excited when its time to go out. She has been pretty good overall with staying relaxed in the crate.
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Sept 3, 2016 17:38:13 GMT -7
Hi there, Been a little while since I last wrote. Two weeks ago this coming Tuesday I had our 1 month follow up appointment. Doctor said Zoey was looking great and suggested I begin to slowly build back up her activity level. Been trying to do this. She has a lot of energy so been trying to help her take it easy but get some activity. By the end of week two doctor said she should be back to her normal activity level. I am worried about her hurting herself again so maybe being a little over protective. Looking for suggestions on what I can do to help to prevent another episode but not hold her back from letting her be herself. She is a pretty energetic pup, loves to play with my other dog, etc. Thanks, Jennie  |
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 3, 2016 21:31:39 GMT -7
Hi Jennie, Happy crate rest graduation to Zoey! We all had these over protective feelings and the fear when our dogs graduated crate rest. This article really does put in in perspective! dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/410/living-fear-ivddIt is best to crate Zoey when you aren't home to supervise her with your other dog after crate rest is over. Pack dynamics change with IVDD. Sometimes the weaker member of the pack can be attacked by the stronger member.. Or as with my Tyler because he feels vulnerable and afraid, he acts aggressive by growling at other dogs. If your two dogs get along fine even now that is great but it is best to be aware and supervise until you know for sure nothing has changed in their relationship. They shouldn't play too rough either. I do hope all will be well with them both! How to ease back into life after crate rest: dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmHere is how to create a back friendly home: dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm |
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Jul 10, 2017 18:48:49 GMT -7
![]() ![Post Surgery]() Hello friends! It's been almost a year since Zoey had her surgery and she is doing very well! We have made some modifications to our routine such as keeping stairs and furniture blocked off - ALWAYS! and I carry her up and down stairs at bedtime and when we go outside. I still am always worrying about her. Zoey is a very playful girl with lots and lots of energy. I love staying in touch with this community and enjoy reading others stories. I would love to hear more about what others have done to revise their routines to care for their dogs with IVDD who have gone through surgery successfully. Especially from those who have puts with lots of energy like my Zoe. She would totally walk on her back legs and jump up and down on furniture if she had the chance. Yikes! Jennie & Zoe |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 11, 2017 9:43:18 GMT -7
Jennie, wonderful to hear from you. We really love the periodic updates to see how things are going a year out . Thank you! Standing up on the back legs is a behavior issue you can modify with some consistent training. Is she jumping up when trying to greet you? Have you taught her to use a ramp? Have you uploaded a picture and a caption for our 2017 PHoto Gallery. Zoey is great inspiration to show life can resume after a disc episode. LOGIN LOGIN www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4 : username: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14 Or you can email (owner's name, email addy, dog's name + photo caption) to : photogallery@dodgerslist.com |
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Post by Jennie & Zoey on Sept 24, 2017 15:26:46 GMT -7
Thank you! Yes, we need to work on this. Thank you for the information.
We don't have any ramps in the house and the only one outside goes to the shed. She has learned herself to go up and down it. We hope to install a second one outside.
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