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Post by Jess & Butch on Oct 27, 2016 10:59:35 GMT -7
Hello
I am sitting here, away from work, waiting for a call from the vet and thought I would just start a post. Sundance (male- 20 lb. terrier/Shih-Tzu mix? Unsure as he is a rescue but he has pretty short legs and a somewhat long body, smooshed face and definitely chondrodystrophic features- but not dachshund) started having some random pain on the 2nd of October. He had been to the groomer that day and after speaking with her, we thought maybe he had tweaked a muscle. For about a week, he had very random moments of crying out in pain. Unfortunately we had no idea about IVDD at the time. I would say he was just giving a pretty quick yelp, maybe once or twice a day- but nothing that seemed too serious. Like I said... We thought a tweaked muscle. On Sunday, the 9th, things took a turn. We were walking the dogs and Sundance got excited when he saw another dog. We use harnesses on our boys, but he jerked on his leash and then started crying. We got him home, he was walking pretty slow and seemed painful. We gave him a dose of Tramadol we had left over from an ear infection. Monday morning he was in bad shape and we had planned to take him to the vet that day anyway. Our regular vet wasn't calling my husband back quickly so he got him into another vet in town. X-Ray showed what they believed to be a calcified cervical disk. The vet did not indicate crate rest. We were told no running, no jumping, only harness walking. The next day the radiologist reviewed the X-Ray and we got a call to tell us that Sundance most likely has IVDD. Even at that time, we were not told strict crate rest. No jumping up or down from furniture was our instructions. I kept Sundance in a small crate and followed some advice online to keep him still- I took him to work because his crate was too small to put water in. Wednesday morning (the 12th) I bought an X-pen. We had him on his prescribed medication and started tapering the pred after the 6th day. Taking him for e-stim and laser, as well as 2 acupuncture sessions. He seemed to go downhill once I tapered off. Not to mention that I was having difficulty with my husband keeping him in the X-pen because we did not have good instructions from the vet. He built some ramps down the 2 steps to the backyard, but I could not get him to keep the dog on the leash for pottie breaks, etc. From the 19th to the 21st he seemed to go downhill. We got another appointment for Friday afternoon (21st) and I requested more explicit instructions for resting him. The vet recommended full dose of prednisone for 3 days and added a muscle relaxer. She did tell us to crate rest, and said X-pen is ok if he is not jumping up. She told us, even after I questioned many times, that it was ok for him to sleep with us as long as he doesn't jump off the bed. The difficulty is that convincing my husband to do anything stricter than the vet recommends has been impossible. I think after the Friday episode of pain, my husband finally gets it. He seemed to do well over the weekend. I tapered off again on Tuesday per instructions and he had pain. Took him in on Tuesday for his laser and e-stim, on the way he is crying and in pain. But Vet told us to continue tapering. So against my better judgment, I only gave him a prednisone dose in the morning yesterday. Last night was awful- he was in terrible pain. I gave him a prednisone dose at 2am and then his other meds at the normal 6am time. He seemed comfortable until about 15 minutes ago, when he cried out. I am home from work. I have called the vet twice and they haven't called back. This is supposed to be the best vet in town and they are the only ones with laser and e-stem, and I feel incredibly disappointed in the response to pain management. I finally realized after a lot of reading on this site that he shouldn't be tapered if he is still having pain and I am incredibly frustrated and so angry that I feel like I have to fight all of these forces to do the right thing for my dog. My husband is on board from what I can tell. But the problem is what he does when I am not around. If Sundance whines to be out of the pen, I am afraid my husband will give in. FYI- I realize that the X-pen is not ideal. However, the amount of water he is drinking is causing him to urinate frequently. I am only able to come home from work at noon to take him out, but he has been using the pottie papers in the X-pen otherwise. Our crate is too small for a bed and pottie paper and I don't want him to end up peeing in his bed, or holding it for so long that he is uncomfortable. I wish I could be home more often to let him out. We can put him in the training crate when we are not at work, since we are home to let him out.
Sundance does not have any major neurological issues, he is able to walk. He is not knuckling. He is still lifting a leg to pee and kicking grass after he goes. Both of these things are definitely with much less enthusiasm than what I am used to though. He does seem to lag a tiny bit on his rear left leg but that appears to be the only neuro thing going on.
We have not had an MRI. This is something we are definitely considering. They don't believe his disk has ruptured, just that it is calcified. I would like to know for sure. We will have to go to another town for an MRI.
His meds:
Originally 7.5 prednisone 2xper day. Supposed to be tapered to 1x per day.
Methocarbamol 500 mg 2xper day since Oct. 21
Gabapentin 100 mg 2xper day since Oct. 10
[20 lbs
10/19-20 pain, not crate rested
Prednisone as of 10/21: 7.5mgs 2x/day for 3 days,
as of 10/27: anti-inflammatory dose: 5mgs 2x/day for 6 days)
Methocarbamol 125mgs ▲3x/day
Gabapentin 100mgs ▲3x/day]
I intend to tell the vet to prescribe Tramadol. Since he is having pain between doses, something is not right, as I have seen on this website. I will also be telling them that he is not ready to taper off the pred. And add something for his tummy too. (He does not have any tummy symptoms, he is eating well and pooping- no diarrhea but after reading on this site I am going to be safe). If they are not willing, I will be looking for another vet.
I feel like I am pretty clear about what we need to be doing. Once he is off the steroids, I will also be keeping him in the training crate instead of the X-pen.
Also- should mention after re-reading, when I say "letting him out", I mean taking him out to go pottie. We are carrying him to a spot in the yard, and carrying him back in. My husband now realizes he cannot sleep in bed with us. The only thing I feel we are doing that is not preferred is the X-pen when we are not home.
1 more clarification- Methocarbamol is 1/4 tab 2 X per day. So 125 mg 2xper day. We also have an appointment with a neuro surgeon next week. I spoke with her and she cannot see him until Wednesday. She told me it would be OK to up the gabapentin and Methocarbamol to 3 X per day and do 5 mg pred 2 X per day since I cannot get ahold of my regular vet. I really don't believe he is a candidate for surgery and after looking further into MRI, it may not be the thing to do right now either. But I will feel better after he sees someone with more experience with IVDD. It is breaking my heart that he is in pain.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 27, 2016 13:14:19 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. Everyone here has a dog with IVDD. We know what you are going through because we have been there. What is your name? I am Romy. Sundance is an excellent candidate for the Conservative treatment because he has minimal neuro deficits. There are three parts to the Conservative treatment; Strict crate rest which will immobilize the healing disk in the same way a cast immobilizes a broken bone; Ant-inflammatories to heal the painful inflammation that is pressing on the nerves. Pain medication to relieve the pain caused by the inflammation. It is also very important for the dog to take a stomach protector like Pepcid AC to protect from the excess acid caused by anti-inflammatories. Let us know you are on the same page about crate rest. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks provides limited movement to allow good strong scar tissue to form. Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm STRICT means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times. Carry Sundance to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. It is fine to use an ex-pen as a recovery suite, as long as it is configured so that there is only room for the dog to stretch out turn around and when lying down to fully stretch out legs. Pad out extra room with a rolled up blanket or towel. It is not okay for Sundance to sleep with you. This can put his recovery at risk. Can you put his crate on a table near your bed so he can see and hear you? They have to pee a lot when they are on steroids and if you can not find someone to come in to potty him when you are at work then putting a small pee pad in his crate seems like the best alternative. If you plan to treat Sundance conservatively, there is no need for an MRI or other imaging. An MRI is usually only done right before surgery so a surgeon knows where to operate. If surgery is not being considered, then there is no need for an MRI because all disks are treated with the Conservative method. MRIs require anesthesia and that can be dangerous for an IVDD dog as all core muscles of the spine would be relaxed and they can be injured if moved wrong or not handled carefully. This goes for any thing requiring anesthesia. Sundance should not be in pain. Please call the vet right away and strongly advocate for the addition of tramadol. Pain will only slow the healing process. Tramadol works very well with Gabapentin and Methocarbamol as these three medications can work on three sources of pain. As I mentioned a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC is very important. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive against not eating, vomit, diarrhea, bleeding ulcers by giving dogs Pepcid (famotidine) before the anti-inflammatory. 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 hour. Give the anti-inflammatory with a meal for extra protection. When our dogs are diagnosed with iVDD it is very scary. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. . An excellent page to start with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm Can your husband join us on the forum or you can share the information on disk disease from the link above with him so he will understand the basics of the disease that Sundance was born with. Healing thoughts for Sundance. |
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Post by Jess & Butch on Oct 27, 2016 16:43:48 GMT -7
Thank you for your response. I am absolutely on the same page about crate rest, and I think my husband was scared enough by the last 2 pain episodes that he is also on board. I have printed out a ton of reading material for him today from the website just to back everything up. I don't think I will have any issues in the future. Previously, he just saw that Sundance wasn't having pain when he was medicated and thought he was ok to walk around, and be on the couch as long as he wasn't jumping, no thanks to the vets bad instructions. Yes, we have had him crated during the night also for the last 2 nights and that will continue. I put my foot down after Tuesday's incident, even though the vet said it was ok for him to sleep on the bed. The vet has been in appointments all day according to their reception, but his pain seems to be under control with adding a dose of gabapentin and getting the prednisone back to 2 times a day. I guess if they don't call me back by end of day, I will be taking him elsewhere tomorrow to work out the Tramadol and Pepcid. Thank you for the info about the MRI, I had actually read about that after my original post so I will keep praying we get the pain fully under control so that he can rest comfortably for the duration and not have to consider surgery. I am now even further irritated because my regular vet "absolutely advocated an MRI if we have the money to do it".
There has been a tremendous amount of helpful info on the site and I will continue to educate myself and my husband about everything.
On another note- I have seen the wiggleless braces. When he is done with crate rest, would this be helpful, even though his issue is currently cervical? I understand that we have a chance of future issues with other disks, and wondering if this is somewhat of a preventative type brace to protect them?
Another question I am wondering about is CBD oil/ hemp oil infused treats that don't have THC? I have read this to be helpful for pain and anxiety for a lot of dog owners, but apparently most vets haven't gotten on board with it because of the lack of research. I will keep searching the forum for further info about that too.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 27, 2016 21:05:53 GMT -7
Hi Jess!
Dodgerslist has consulted with several neuro and rehab specialists. The overriding concern is that owners may buy a brace on their own thinking it will be instead of strict crate rest or think it would prevent a future disc problem.
Orthotics such as a back brace should require an Rx from a board certified neurologist (ACVIM) who is well educated in disc disease. An ill fitting product that is not custom made can do more harm and the Rx would be for a specific reason.
During a disc episode these are the concerns:
- Getting them on without causing any more pain or damage to the spine is on top of the list. Too much movement to get the brace on is not good for a dog that you are trying to limit movement of the back.
- Additional muscle atrophy in the spine is another big concern as muscle strength is very important to maintaining spinal health.
- Unnecessary discomfort, pain and anxiety caused by having to wear this device tight enough to limit movement… adequate limited movement is supplied with owner commitment to safe and effective 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7.
- Braces would require monitoring for pressure (rub) sores. Also, if not properly fitted (not covering from thoracic down to tail) there is the potential to create a fulcrum. It is hard to immobilize the entire back and not end up creating a fulcrum that stresses out adjacent disks.
- A brace would not be a preventative measure. Disc disease is the cause of prematurely aging discs…a disc problem happens at the point the disc has hardened too much. Any activity such as turning to lick a paw or putting on and off a brace could be the last straw for a disc that is no longer flexible.
At this time there isn’t enough research on them for Dodgerslist to support their use with an IVDD dog. What we do know is that strict crate rest is what works to heal a disc – it’s proven and crate rest is safe.
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Post by Jess & Butch on Oct 28, 2016 20:06:54 GMT -7
We got the Tramadol last night as well as Pepcid. He seemed better today than he was yesterday, but still had some break through pain early this morning before his next dose was due.
We had a vet visit this evening for laser and E-stim therapy and got confirmation on the new med schedule. 5mg Prednisone 2 X per day (with food)
[20 lbs
10/19-20 pain, not crate rested
Prednisone as of 10/21: 7.5mgs 2x/day for 3 days,
as of 10/27: anti-inflammatory dose: 5mgs 2x/day for 6 days)]
5mg Pepcid 2 X per day (30 minutes before pred)
25 mg Tramadol 37.5 mgs 3- 4 X per day, with approval to go up to 37.5 mg if the lower dose doesn't cut it
100 mg Gabapentin 3 X per day
125 mg Methocarbamol 3 X per day
Adding 1 tsp of pumpkin and water to kibble. I also put a warm neck therapy pillow in with him and he seems to like it.
Laser therapy and E-stim seems to help quite a bit, but the car rides to the vet scare me. He is comfortable now, and I am really hoping to get through the night without a pain episode. Night time has been the worst I think. I would like to try the 37.5 on Tramadol before bed to see if we can get 8 hours between doses. 25 mg didn't cut it last night.
I would like to purchase the TENS machine the vet uses, and wondered if anyone saw any reason not to use this. It really seems to make a difference with his pain, and he is always more relaxed on the evenings we have done the laser and E-stim.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 28, 2016 22:21:07 GMT -7
While transporting my dog to laser therapy I have her in a small crate resting on a big pillow that fills the whole crate and cushioned on all sides with rolled up blankets. She is secure and seems comfortable.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 29, 2016 5:00:05 GMT -7
There should be no breakthrough pain at all so I do hope the new med schedule will keep Sundance's pain completely under control, with no pain arising from one dose to the next. While laser therapy can be helpful, pain needs to be controlled with the pain meds. Once the pain meds and dosages are correct, Sundance will be able to just rest comfortably in his crate to continue the 8 weeks of crate rest. So have no patience with pain and give the maximum dosages prescribed to get Sundance's pain completely under control.
When considering alternative treatment, you need to weigh the benefits of the treatment against the risk of transport. The single most important factor in getting the disc to heal is STRICT rest. As Julie mentioned, if you do need to transport Sundance, be sure the crate is padded well and also secure the crate in the car with a seat belt.
We have not seen much of TENS used here on the Forum but more of acupuncture and laser light therapy. You would definitely need the guidance of your vet or a licensed PT person in correctly using TENS for a dog.
Also please read this page for additional things that you should be doing to help Sundance's neck injury heal, such as raising water/food dishes, softening hard kibble, etc. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htm |
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Post by Jess & Butch on Oct 29, 2016 7:36:53 GMT -7
Thank you Marjorie. Unfortunately the new dosage schedule does not appear to be effective. I am unsure what to do.
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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 29, 2016 9:14:16 GMT -7
Phone in and strongly but politely advocate for using an aggressive dose of Tramadol. It is never a good idea to self prescribe meds. The information below is for you to advocate.
The usual in controlling pain is to Rx at the higher end of the mg range AND promptly every 8 hours.
Have you been giving tramadol 37.5 mgs promplty every 6 hrs (4x/day)?
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Post by Jess & Butch on Oct 29, 2016 9:46:05 GMT -7
For some reason it didn't post my response that I just wrote so if it ends up posting twice, I apologize. He has been getting 37.5 mg doses since last evening, so he is on his 3rd time at this dose. This morning it hit the same time as his gabapentin and Methocarbamol and he was crying in pain about 2.5 hours after I gave them all to him. He just had another 37.5 mg dose about 30 minutes ago.
It seems like he is breathing somewhat heavy/panting about 30 minutes after I give the Tramadol to him. It calms down after a bit, but it is a little disconcerting. Should I be worried about this?
Other than that he seems like he has been comfortable for a few hours.
The vet mentioned fentinal patch if we can't get the pain under control. Have you seen issues where they are still experiencing pain even with max doses? It all seems like it started going downhill when we tried to taper the prednisone, and now I can't seem to get it back under control.
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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 29, 2016 9:59:28 GMT -7
Jess, with the weekend here you don't want to be dealing with an undermedicated Tramadol RX at 37.5mgs 4x/day. Call the vet now while open and get the OK to use an aggressive Rx. You want that Rx now in case on Sunday or Sat night there is pain. ER visits nights and weekend are expensive. I would first try using the typical aggressive Tramadol Rx before moving to fentanyl. Tramadol is a synthetic narcotic. As always read up on every med you dog will take. This is my go to bookmark for that: www.marvistavet.com/pharmacy-center.pmlThe side effects of both tramadol and Prednisone can be panting. Panting can also be a sign of pain. So a detective hat is in order. Check for another confirming sign of pain when you see panting. If no other sign, then perhaps this can help. PANTING: -- Try a fan near crate but not pointed at the dog to help circulate air some. -- Try a frozen broth ice cube to lick on. Dr. Isaacs discusses panting issue: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/panting.htmIt would be a good idea to have a med chart to note cause and effect to refer to with vet discussions and to make sure all doses are given on time. D/l and print from here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/crateRRP/medchart.pdf Would surgery be an option at any point? One of the criteria to proceed with conservative treatment is that pain is fully managed. With neck discs known to be very painful, often more painful than back discs, beginning right away with an aggressive pain approach is very typical. Tapering of prednisone when there is pain showing indicates not the time to taper but add on another course of pred at the anti-inflammatory level in mgs. There is a taper scheduled for Wed. Nov 2. Is your vet on board with another course of pred IF, if pain should be showing? |
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Post by Jess & Butch on Oct 29, 2016 10:49:28 GMT -7
Thank you. I called them and they want me to stick with the current dose schedule until Monday since we just upped it yesterday and thought the laser may have caused some pain. I am not sure if I buy that... But he has been pretty comfortable for awhile and he is due for his next dose of gabapentin and Methocarbamol in 10 minutes.
They are open today until 5 and tomorrow until noon and I will make sure he gets all meds promptly and see how he does. If he has pain I will call again. I will get some broth cubes in the fridge and see what I can do about a fan- I don't think we have any but it has been pretty dang warm for October in Colorado.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 29, 2016 13:12:37 GMT -7
I am glad that Sundance is feeling comfortable right now. You have been doing a good job following up with the vet to get him the right medications. Sundance should not be having pain as it will only slow the healing process. If he shows signs of pain the meds are still not right and the vet should be made aware as soon as possible.
My Frankie found the laser treatment relaxing. I have not heard of it causing pain.
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Post by Jess & Butch on Oct 30, 2016 9:44:43 GMT -7
Romy, he does relax with the laser treatments. He also relaxes with the e-stim. But now I am becoming hesitant to do the travel if we don't need to. If it isn't recommended since he is not having neurological issues, there is a good chance I will discontinue for now. We have been closely monitoring him for signs of pain and seems to be getting under control. We will see- the ups and downs have been really tough.
We will do surgery if it comes down to being a necessity.
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Post by Jess & Butch on Nov 2, 2016 17:46:01 GMT -7
Update on Sundance- he is going for surgery in the morning. He has been in medical boarding since yesterday afternoon receiving injectable meds because his pain was not being controlled with pills. His MRI today showed a major cervical herniation.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Nov 2, 2016 18:28:08 GMT -7
Jess, so glad Sundance is getting pain control and you're able to do surgery. My Nala had surgery 9 years ago. Best wishes for healing.
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 2, 2016 21:22:06 GMT -7
Hi Jess, We will be thinking of you and Sundance while he is in surgery tomorrow. Please do let us know how he is getting along after surgery when you get a chance.. I bet your mind is still filled with concerns, questions. Now is the time to jot those things 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.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#medsWill go ahead and move your post to the surgery board.. Healing thoughts and prayers! |
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Post by Jess & Butch on Nov 5, 2016 9:11:42 GMT -7
Thanks Julie.
Sundance's surgery went great and he has been doing very well at the hospital. We are going to pick him up in about an hour!😄😄😄
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Post by Julie & Perry on Nov 5, 2016 9:23:16 GMT -7
So happy for you and Sundance!!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 5, 2016 12:50:26 GMT -7
Excellent news about Sundance coming home. Dogs always do better at home in their familiar surroundings.
Let us know what meds she comes home with and what the surgeon says about crate rest and PT when you can.
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Post by Jess & Butch on Nov 5, 2016 14:01:46 GMT -7
Thanks Romy. FYI- Sundance is a boy (like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), LOL. His brother is Butch Cassidy. He is more comfortable than I have seen in weeks, it is amazing.
6- 8 weeks of crate rest (probably 8). PT is some standing exercises and neck motion for now. Start 5 minute walks after 4 weeks. He also needs to have food cut by 25%, and needs to lose a couple of pounds. An awesome med chart was provided with discharge instructions! The discharge packet was very impressive. They included a taper schedule- and had already started the prednisone taper at the hospital. I am to call them right away if Any signs of pain and we will get adjusted. Meds are:
[20 lb]
Prednisone 7.5 mg 1 X per day -taper complete by 11-19
Omeprazole 20 mg 30 minute before prednisone as long as he is taking Prednisone
Gabapentin 100 mg 3 X per day - taper complete by 12-3
Tramadol 25 mg 3 X per day - taper complete by 11-13
Amantadin 25 mg 1 X per day until 11-19
Follow up and staples out on 11-17
Overall I am very pleased with this surgeon. Our bill was $6500 for MRI and surgery, which is less than what they quoted. We had to spend additional money for his stay in the hospital prior to surgery, which I am not counting in that amount since it wasn't attributed to the surgery but to pain management.
I will be talking to the surgeon on Monday... I need to somehow adjust the time schedule he is on because it has me giving meds at times that I am at work and middle of night. I need to adjust them by about 4 hours earlier than what they currently are. I also want to ask about taking him to the park in his stroller after a few days. The technician that checked us out and went over the discharge instructions didn't know if that would be ok. I want to discuss further laser and/or acupuncture.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 5, 2016 14:22:22 GMT -7
I am glad that he is doing so well. For post-op IVDD dogs on crate rest strollers should be used only indoors on smooth surfaces.
You may want to keep him on his regular diet for the crate rest period and then reduce his food intake afterwards. His body has a lot of healing to do now. It is good to watch his intake of calories such as avoiding treats outside of his normal meals. Treats if any should be low calorie like carrots, small cubes of apple, green beans or some frozen broth ice cubes to lick.
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Post by Jess & Butch on Nov 10, 2016 20:19:33 GMT -7
Just wanted to update that Sundance is doing great. We started the Tramadol taper yesterday to 2 X per day, and the prednisone taper today to 5 mg 1 X per day for 5 days. He adjusted to the Tramadol taper without any pain indication.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,562
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 11, 2016 10:48:26 GMT -7
Jess, that really sounds good that on the taper of pain meds and the prednisone you are not seeing any more post op swelling pain. I saw you mentioned about the surgery bill. Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions… We have a directory where you can share surgical info: 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 Jess & Butch on Nov 12, 2016 5:54:06 GMT -7
You bet- I created a thread with the requested information.
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Post by Jess & Butch on Nov 19, 2016 10:02:23 GMT -7
Sundance update: we had our 2 week post surgery check up on Thursday. Staples are out and the vet said Sundance is doing fantastic. His neck range of motion is great and we are to continue neck and standing exercises. No professional PT required. Today is the last dose of prednisone taper. Starting tomorrow we are at 100 mg Gabapentin 2X per day, and done with all other pills! Woohoo! In 2 weeks we get to start 5 minute controlled walks. 6 more weeks of crate rest to go... We are holding strong and my husband has been fantastic about following crate rest rules. (He has been told that he will be solely responsible for the entire surgery bill if he breaks the rules... So that might have something to do with it).
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 19, 2016 10:45:38 GMT -7
Jess, all around very good report. With everyone on board with rest and surgeon directed PT, sounds like Sundance is gonna have a terrific recovery by the end of 8 weeks. Keep up the good work!
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Post by Jess & Butch on Jan 8, 2017 11:55:10 GMT -7
We are all done with crate rest/restriction as of December 28 and Sundance is doing amazing. I am not sure how long a dog can be bothered by a disc issue, but he definitely seems way better than he did even before the first signs of his disc problem. After his first 4 weeks, we were able to start gradually upping his activity with walks increasing by 5 minute increments a week. He is now playing with toys, playing with his brother, loving his walks and doing amazing. I know we can't keep him in a bubble, but we do have ramps everywhere, furniture being blocked and baby gates at the stairs to hopefully minimize impact on potential future disc issues- which is great for his brother too. Thank you to all for your support during the hard and scary parts of our journey.  |
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Post by Ann Brittain on Jan 8, 2017 12:10:43 GMT -7
So glad to hear Sundance is doing so good! Healing after an episode of IVDD can take some time. Be sure to watch for any signs of pain or discomfort and get treatment immediately if you think there is a problem. Trust you instincts and you will be on the road to a long happy life with your sweet pup.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 8, 2017 16:03:28 GMT -7
Wonderful to hear of graduation and your careful attention to making your home back friendly. Our hope is that Sundance will be one of many who have only one disc episode their entire life. This disease is just an unpredictable one. Some dogs will have mulitple episodes...some episodes are the same disc and some are a different one. There are 27 discs that can prematurely age with this disease. So it is important what you are doing to provide a back friendly home. Vertebrae illustration The neck C1-7, Chest T1-13, the low back L1-7  You might like to read this very thoughtful essay on "Living with the Fear of IVDD" dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/410/living-fear-ivdd
We love it if members have a mind to pay forward and help another. 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
-- We have store where you might find something you absolutely need! Our earnings go to paying for our webpage and literature to hand out. www.dodgerslist.com/store.htm
-- 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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