|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Jan 9, 2017 14:08:19 GMT -7
Duak is my spunky 12 year old mini doxie and my baby since I have no children. I am so thankful for this board. I ran across it when I began researching IVDD. Duak has been experiencing symptoms since 12/31/16 and unfortunately was originally told it was an arthritis flare from the quick drop in temp. He was and has been experiencing muscle spasms, hunched back, quivering, and whimpering. The symptoms did not improve and he was diagnosed on 1/6/17 with IVDD in his neck. He does not have paralysis or wobbling. He has remained happy wagging his tail as long as he is not in pain. My major problem right now is how difficult it is to make him rest. I'm tempted to add benadryl to his med list for some sedation. He starts to feel a bit better and then soothes his remaining aches by scratching and licking...which leads to secondary spasms and pain. It is a vicious cycle. ANY IDEAS WOULD BE HELPFUL.
He is a lot more comfortable when he is warm. I have him laying on a warmer and he loves to snuggle in his blanket any time (you know doxies)--but today when I came home from work, he was out of all his blanket, shivering, and in pain. I've tried putting a tent in his kennel, which he tore down and probably gave him more pain. I have a blanket over his kennel to hold in heat but he needs to snuggle;/ Not sure how to fix this one but any ideas would be helpful here too.
He also has a perineal hernia which was diagnosed a little over a year ago requiring the stool softener and some assist to straighten his colon as he goes but his bowel and bladder movements have been unchanged...Thank God! I was told then he would not be a good candidate for surgery and that remains so. Conservative therapy for IVDD is the only option.
I REALLY wanted am opinion on this...I am a home health nurse so I drive around all day and am in and out of my car with an hour drive before/after my day to/from home. Prior to this Duak always came with me and loves it. If I packed his kennel in my car, I could make sure he is behaving not itching too much or throwing his blanket around. Would it be bad if I moved his recovery suite to my car every day?
☆ 1 Which breed? What is your dog's name? Your name? Mini dachshund. Duak (pronounced Duke) ☆ 2 Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD ? IVDD -- Is the vet a general practice DVM ? General practice ☆ 3 What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks? 1/6 ☆ 4 Is there still currently pain? Occasional breakthrough pain after increased movement or cold.
☆ 5 How much does your dog weigh? 12 lbs
☆ 6 Please list the exact names of meds currently given, the start date, their doses in mgs and how often you give.
[12 lbs] Exact name of steroid injection on what date--- Jan 6th? Tramadol 12.5mg morning and night. 6.25mg in the afternoon Robaxin 125 mg twice daily Ducosate [laxative] 100mg nightly Pepcid 5mg 30 min prior to Robaxin twice daily
Glucosamine Chondroitin twice daily. He was not given a prescription for any steroid but was given an injection at the visit. I'm going to another vet within the next two days to discuss the possibility of adding one. ☆ 7 Still wags his tail all the time. No wobbly walk. Will occasionally lift a front paw when pain is setting in and he keeps his nose to the ground with whale eyes. ☆ 8 No change in bowel or bladder. Still tries to linger at potty time. ☆ 9 Drinks normal Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? Poop is normal.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 9, 2017 15:06:59 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerlist. First thing is to get the pain in control. He is being under medicated for a 16 lbs dog. Likely the steroid injection is no longer at an effective anti-inflammatory dose presently if it was given Jan 6. CAVEAT: It is important to do your own reading about meds so you can participate in discussions. The reason for you to not self prescribe is your vet has responsibility for the health of your dog in meds he prescribes based on his exam, the health history of your dog, how meds interact, not things we or you might know as we are not veterinarians. Vets should be open to treatment options because vet medicine is not a black and white science. If you are not satisfied with how your vet handles this disc episode, then there is a need to hire a different vet who is comfortable in treating a disc episode. A specialist (Neuro ACVIM or Ortho ACVS) consult may be in order as they use meds on a daily basis to control pain. See if you can call in this afternoon in order to avoid a risky to the disc transport: 1. Prednisone pills at the anti-inflammatory level we typically see vet who know IVDD are using. 2. Tramadol increased to an effective pain relief dose. Presently it is so low to almost be like not giving any tramadol. The usual in controlling pain is to Rx at the higher end of the mg range AND promptly every 8 hours. 3. Gabapentin readily available in 100mgs capsules which powder can be divided into prescribed dose. Compounding takes too long (days possibly) to obtain unless you are in a major city. 4. Robaxin (methocarbamol) is at a typical dose of 125 mgs but because it has a short half life is not effective unless Rx'd 3x/day 5. With disc episode Pepcid AC is used at the higher range of 5mgs 2x/day 6. These are the extra you can be doing at home to help with a neck disc. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htmLet us know your success in advocating for proper pain meds and an anti-inflammatory steroid to be back on board (typical is prednisone pills). Neck discs just are more painful and may be harder to recover from with the head having to move with most any other part of the body moves. You can learn more how anti-inflammatory drugs are used with a disc episode here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmHope to hear Duak will within a short 1-2 hours or less time it takes for you to obtain the meds be back in full dose to dose comfort. Once proper combo of meds are on board, pain would be in control in one hour.
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Jan 10, 2017 15:27:10 GMT -7
I was able to get an appointment early this morning at a different vet. So changes were made...
[16 lbs] Exact name of steroid injection on what date--- Jan 6th? Tramadol increased to 12.5 mg ▲three times per day-which I already increased to relieve more pain Carafate 500mg twice per day prior to Prednisone Prednisone as of 1/10: 5mg twice per day tapering down over three weeks Robaxin 125 mg twice daily Discontinue pepcid
She confirmed no neurological damage still.
This vet said three weeks of strict crate rest should be adequate but I'll probable go to four weeks just to be safe.
He is doing really well today. He even wanted to do his lap routine after his morning poop. I felt terrible preventing him... If he only knew it was for his own good.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 10, 2017 19:50:00 GMT -7
Victoria, got a few questions: -- Is pain now fully under control dose to dose and whenever having to move such as at potty time or when repositioning himselfin the crate? Tramadol is now the only pain med on board AND still is at such low dose that is almost the same as not giving it. Have no patience with pain, when there is so much more that could be done pain relief-wise if you are seeing any hint of discomfort. -- Why was the pain med that deals with muscle contraction pain stopped... Robaxin? -- Why was the one med that actually suppresses the production of acids that stress causes AND that prednisone causes... Pepcid AC? Unless Duak has some health issue to keep him from Pepcid AC it is not the best idea to be stoping it. With Carafate on board Pepcid AC has a special timing to it. Carafate 1 hour before a meal/food Pepcid AC 30 mins after Carafate Prednisone with a meal as added protection. -- Are you giving Carafate (sucralfate) one hour before any food? This med requires and empty stomach to form a gel coating whereever a damaged area of the stomach is. In other words this drug is after the fact type of bandaid to any damaged stomach lining area. Pepcid AC is to prevent the damage of ulcers by suppressing acids. -- Where you able to find out the exact name of steroid injection on Jan 6th? Not all vets can know every detail about every disease. Some vets are new to IVDD. But you can very quickly get up to speed on just one disease that is very significant to you and Duak. This page was especially designed for the quick intro necessary in the first days of learning conservative treatment. When pain and meds are right and Duak is in comfort inside his recovery suite with 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks, then do pursue the rest of your "IVDD 101 readings" to be the IVDD savvy pet parent your Duak will depend on during this disc episode and living with you for many happy years ahead. This is the page to bookmark and come back to, start with the gold button on "Conservative Treatment first: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm☐ Let us know you are on the same page about the importance of crate rest and how long it will take the disc to form secure scar tissue. The hallmark component of conservative treatment is the crate rest part. With little blood supply discs are much slower to form good scar tissue than it takes a blood rich broken bone to heal. That 6 weeks of a cast for a broken arm to heal is similar to the recovery suite being a kind of cast for the disc. 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.htmSTRICT means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times. Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Jan 11, 2017 20:23:10 GMT -7
Pain is fully under control. He IS still on the Robaxin. I just noted the CHANGES in the last post. If someone didn't know any better they wouldn't even know he is going through this he is doing so well. With pain well under control I don't see a need to increase tramadol any more. Additionally, the smallest effective dose is best due to conflict of constipation side effect and his perineal hernia.
Carafate does a very good job of protecting against the formation of ulcers caused by NSAIDs. But since I already have the pepcid, I've gone ahead and called the vet to let them know I've added the pepcid back in. I am administering at the correct times already.
I did not ask what exact steroid formulation it was that they used.
I've decided I will do the full eight weeks of crate rest recommended on this site as even though this seems to be a more mild flare up when compared to others, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
I'm still looking for ideas on how to limit his activity inside the crate and what kind if things I should stop him from doing that could damage or impede healing. He has a long time to go and with him feeling "better" he is already going back to doing things like pushing his bedding around with his head, digging, and trying to open the door with his paw. Do I need to tell him no or stop him? Will these activities slow healing?
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 11, 2017 21:12:14 GMT -7
Victoria, it would be best to not go back and change a post once we have boldfaced. We may miss any changes you make. Best is to update us in a new post. Is this now the current med list? Carafate can also very constipating. Can you verify the exact name of the steroid injection? With prednisone the vital information is how many days at the anti-inflammatory level. Taper days serve another purpose and do not work on the spinal cord swelling. We track the number of days up on the anti-inflammatory level. Rambunctious behavior that has the neck and back moving is not allowed. If it is necessary to take the edge off via a sedative then so be it. But often a calmer will work well to allow many dogs to be able to relax in their recovery suite. 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 such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price. Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider: --Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13043 --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/ Use a diffuser with one oral calmer from below: 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
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Jan 20, 2017 9:14:10 GMT -7
UPDATE
Duak is doing very well!
He is now on the weaning schedule of Prednisone. He was at therapeutic level for one week. He's down to one tab per day and will be starting one tab every other day in three days.
He is no longer taking robaxin and is taking tramadol at night only. He does not display any signs of pain.
[12 lbs Exact name of steroid injection on what date--- Jan 6th? Prednisone 5mg 2x/day, for 7 days then taper Tramadol 12.5 mg ▼1x/day Carafate 500mg 2x/day Robaxin 125 mg twice daily STOPPED Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day ducosate 50mg every other day]
He is now doing benadryl at noon and melatonin at night. This seems to be controlling his rambunctious actions. The benadryl is also helping any flea bite reactions as the vet recommended I hold off on his monthly treatment due to the effects on the liver while taking Prednisone. (also not being able to bath him)
I have also added an extra stool softener (ducosate 50mg) every other day as his stool started to harden.
I am doing light massage to his entire spine once per day for about five minutes to promote blood flow.
QUESTION The weather forecast is for storms this weekend and Duak usually wears his thundershirt for that. Would this be OK to use still? I'm afraid he may have high anxiety and get too worked up without it.
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 20, 2017 10:18:15 GMT -7
You know my dog has thunderstorm anxiety too and my vet said it was OK to wear. But that wasn't with a disc healing. I'd check with the vet.
Maybe another dose of benadryl also? Check with vet. Good luck.
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Jan 20, 2017 13:37:57 GMT -7
From what I understand of the thundershirt, it works due to whole body pressure. That would not be a good thing to use during an IVDD episode. Even the act of putting the shirt on Duak would be too much movement.
Perhaps some natural calming aids like Rescue Remedy, Dog Appeasing Pheromones or Composure Chewables will keep them calm. Most natural calming aids work better if they are given a couple of times a day and in advance (when the dog is still calm). Some dogs do better with stronger calming aids so you may want to talk to your vet about your options.
All meds have side effects, including Ducosate. A more natural approach to hard stool is pumpkin. Pumpkin can help firm up stools OR it can help to loosen stools. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool, add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives for constipation: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato.
Wonderful news that there's no sign of pain returning so far during the weaning of the Prednisone!
Any type of massage on a dog during conservative care, unless completely paralyzed, is not recommended. Duak can move around in his crate to reposition himself and can take a few steps at potty time so that helps to keep his joints and muscles toned and the blood flowing.
Is there a particular reason why Tramadol is being given at night? Is that to help him sleep? It doesn't sound as though he needs pain meds at this point since he's not showing signs of pain during the taper so it would be great if he could get off of that, too. Prayers that he'll be able to wean completely off of the Prednisone and the Tramadol without pain returning, which means all swelling has resolved.
Great to hear how well he's doing!
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Jan 26, 2017 14:43:28 GMT -7
Latest update. Duak got through the storm like a champ with benadryl and melatonin. I agree that the thundershirt would have not been good given the situation. He is still taking benadryl every day mostly to control itching related to flea bites as I obviously still cannot bath him and he cannot take his flea treatment until off the Prednisone. I'm only giving him melatonin when he seems wound up before bed. He is down to Prednisone every other day with two doses left. His poops are back to baseline. I didn't have anything recommended so I used mashed carrot which worked well to get him back on track. BUT... I'm nervous... Now maybe my nerves are rubbing off on him... But I'm so nervous that he is not going to be OK. Last night I noticed he was trembling but ONLY when I opened the crate. He did it again this morning and afternoon. I gave him a tramadol immediately this morning when I saw him do it again and it didn't seem to make any difference. He does have a history of anxiety and trembling like this even way before IVDD diagnosis. He stops the trembling when I talk to him or any other distraction. He did not appear to be in pain. He is so happy. Wagging his tail like crazy, wanting to rub his head up against me to cuddle, and trying to jump around after going potty. Suggestions?
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Jan 26, 2017 14:45:28 GMT -7
Latest update. Duak got through the storm like a champ with benadryl and melatonin. I agree that the thundershirt would have not been good given the situation. He is still taking benadryl every day mostly to control itching related to flea bites as I obviously still cannot bath him and he cannot take his flea treatment until off the Prednisone. I'm only giving him melatonin when he seems wound up before bed. He is down to Prednisone every other day with two doses left. His poops are back to baseline. I didn't have anything recommended so I used mashed carrot which worked well to get him back on track. BUT... I'm nervous... Now maybe my nerves are rubbing off on him... But I'm so nervous that he is not going to be OK. Last night I noticed he was trembling but ONLY when I opened the crate. He did it again this morning and afternoon. I gave him a tramadol immediately this morning when I saw him do it again and it didn't seem to make any difference. He does have a history of anxiety and trembling like this even way before IVDD diagnosis. He stops the trembling when I talk to him or any other distraction. He did not appear to be in pain. He is so happy. Wagging his tail like crazy, wanting to rub his head up against me to cuddle, and trying to jump around after going potty. Suggestions?
Also I stopped massage immediately. Thank you!
And in case it's relevant I had stopped the tramadol after the last post so last dose was six days ago before today's.
[12 lbs Exact name of steroid injection on what date--- Jan 6th? Prednisone as of 1/10: 5mg 2x/day, for 7 days then taper Tramadol 12.5 mg ▼1x/day STOPPED Carafate 500mg 2x/day Robaxin 125 mg twice daily STOPPED Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day ducosate 50mg every other day]
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 26, 2017 15:02:45 GMT -7
When a dog has a history of trembling for other reasons it can be difficult to tell if it is a sign of pain. When this is the case, we look for an additional sign of pain. Two or more and we can be quite sure it is pain and not nervousness or anxiety. I will list the signs of pain here just so you have them for easy reference; shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, can't find a comfortable position. Arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground.
From your description of him wanting to jump up, I don't think it is pain. As our dogs feel better they want to become more active. This can be dangerous to the healing disk.
One of the things that helped keep my Frankie from jumping up was covering the top of his crate with a blanket that dropped down. If he jumped up he couldn't see anything so it was not so reinforcing for him to jump.
There is also this calming music for dogs that may help.
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Feb 16, 2017 6:15:04 GMT -7
I'm pretty sure I know answers to the questions but I need someone to talk to. Duak is almost six weeks into crate rest now. He has done remarkable and was back to his normal self for quite some time. Then... RELAPSE 2/14 Two days ago when I went to pick him up to take him out he yelped. I thought it was his belly which it still may have been because of his hernia and lack of exercise I've been fighting constipation. He had two very large bowel movements and seemed normal. Last night he whined for a second when I reached down like he was scared. This morning he stumbled with his front right paw when I took him potty which is the paw that he has gaurded in the past and the one he didn't want to put pressure on with this disc episode. When he came back in I was getting him situated in his crate and he really yelped and started trembling... The vet has given me another full round of meds to use at my discretion. [16 lbs Exact name of steroid injection on 1/6 Prednisone as of 1/10: 5mg 2x/day for 7 days, taper concluded on 1/30 w/no pain meds no pain as of 2/16: taper dose 2.5mgs 2x/day for 5 days, then further tapering taper Tramadol 12.5mg 2x/day Robaxin 125 mg 2x/day Pepcid 5mg 2x/day]How could this happen?! Moreover, is it possible that he could not heal (not form the scar tissue needed) from this and continue to relapse? Conservative treatment is my only option. I've looked into laser therapy and it's too pricey. Duak has already been told he's a poor candidate for surgery so that is not an option in addition to the cost of it. Do I start the Prednisone today? I've already given him tramadol. I feel so angry and sad! Am I reading too much into this? Do I wait and monitor him? I can't stand seeing him uncomfortable...I don't know how I am going to get through this if it's going to continue on cycles...
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Feb 16, 2017 10:12:56 GMT -7
Victoria, do call your vet to advise.
The disc takes 8 weeks to heal, for whatever reason if he had been fully off pred, fully tapered off of pred and no signs of pain until Feb 14 (two days ago), he may have moved too much and the disc bulged more, had more cracks in the surface or may have a bit of tear. OR....If the pred taper was still going on, then anytime during a pred taper is the time to monitor for any pain, any neuro dimishement and what you observed two days ago was the signal to immediately get back on pred, back up at the original dose.
Please do let us know all the details and exact dates: What was the last taper dose date for 1/10 pred course? For how many days does your vet want this new course of Pred to be? What is the exact med list for today:
Is pain now fully in control with the lightweight use of pain meds (Ramadol and Robaxin)? If not press/advocate for Robaxin to be 3x/day and Tramadol also 3x/day AND moved up in mgs to a full 50 mgs tablet.
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Mar 7, 2017 15:28:10 GMT -7
Update I honestly don't know how to explain how Duak is doing... So I'll start with his meds
Last day of first Prednisone round was 1/30/17
As of 2/16/17 med list: Prednisone 2.5mg twice per day for five days then once per day for five days then every other day for the doses. Pepcid for every Prednisone dose Tramadol PRN 25mg only used about three times No muscle relaxant add the were no spasms and only mild intermittent pain.
[12 lbs Exact name of steroid injection on 1/6 Prednisone as of 1/10: 5mg 2x/day, for 7 days, taper concluded 1/30 w/no pain meds, no pain as of 2/16: taper dose 2.5mgs 2x/day, then further tapering taper Disc relapse 2/14 Tramadol ▲25mg 2x/day Pepcid AC 5mg 2x/day]
Vet thought unnecessary to restart 8 week crate rest. So extended until last dose of archive round of Prednisone on 3/5/17.
He has been doing well. He seems afraid of being in pain again though. Also through this whole ordeal, as he is sitting up more I've noticed that he does not like putting weight on his front right leg. In the past he has had problems with this leg. When he was a few years old he had his shoulder pulled out of socket. Now, in addition to not wanting to put weight on it he turns his paw outward. Why? Is this a residual deficit? It almost seems arthritic.
Again, is it possible a disc cannot heal? I see all these success stories and I want to know the facts... What is the failure rate?
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Mar 7, 2017 16:03:49 GMT -7
When you say he is afraid of pain, how does he show that? Sometimes dogs do have anticipatory pain. Does he show any other signs of pain besides not wanting to put weight on his leg?
The disk is usually healed by the 8 weeks of crate rest. But some dogs do relapse. Not wanting to put weight on the front leg is a common sign of pain in neck IVDD dogs. Because of this, I do not think it is arthritis.
In your case, if I am getting the dates right the last dose of tapering pred and the end of crate rest was two days ago (3/5) and now he is not wanting to put weight on his front right leg. This seems as if the disk was not fully healed from the problem on 2/16. It is more likely that his disk had not fully healed from the last time since he did not have the full 8 weeks of crate rest.
I think it best to put Duak immediately back on crate rest and speak to your vet about continuing the meds. .
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Mar 7, 2017 18:59:50 GMT -7
Victoria, any day on a taper dose/frequency is not working on spinal cord inflammation. The critical days to note are the days up on the level called the anti-inflammatory level which is given 2x/day. The reason for taper days are to signal the adrenals. It just happens to be a very perfect window for IVDD to verify if all spinal cord swelling is gone. What was the name of the steroid injection on 1/6? Why did oral pred not start til 4 days later on 1/10? Did pain surface, was there neuro diminishment on 1/10 to cause the Rx for pred? Since the Jan 10th 7-day pred course had its taper go to conclusion on 1/30 where you did not report any pain, that he was his normal self and that pain meds had been stopped on 1/24, the test was good. The test gave good proof that all spinal cord swelling was really gone with no pain surfacing on the taper. On Feb 14, you reported something NEW--- pain! That sounds like a relapse to the disc to me. Some how too much movement, cause another tear, more aggrevation to the spinal cord or more likely to the nerve root with your reporting doesn't want to bear weight on front leg. Here is more on root signature pain to the right front leg: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/rootsignature.htmCan you tell us more about "turns his paw outward" looks like? Is the front paw knuckling under? Knuckling would be a NEW neuro sign he did not have before. When there is new pain, new or increased neuro diminishment after a successful pred taper (off all pain meds and no pain surfaced), the new symptoms tell you and the vet there was a relapse during the healing period for this current disc episode. Crate rest does need to restart the count from the date of 2/14 to give the neck disc all possibility to heal.Prednisone should go back up to the anti-inflammatory level to work on the spinal cord swelling, not the taper level he is currently receiving. Taper doses/frequency do not work on spinal cord inflammation. Stumbling with right front paw can mean that leg is weaker (increased neuro ataxia of diminishment of voluntary coordination of muscle movement ) Dimishment of neuro function would call for getting back on the anti-inflammatory dose of Pred asap! Why the stinginess in Rxing pain meds when he IS clearly in pain by not wanting to bear weight on paw/leg? Tramadol @ 25mgs 2x/day for a 12 pound dog is like not using any tramadol ---Advocate for a full 50 mg tramadol tablet 3x/day ---Advocate for methocarbamol to be back on board. ---Advocate possibly for a third (gabapentin) if the above two are not providing full pain relief.
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Mar 9, 2017 6:11:44 GMT -7
How do I post a picture?
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Mar 9, 2017 8:08:45 GMT -7
Victoria, we'd love to have you put your picture on our Photo Gallery so that we can see his front paw turning outward. Then all you need do is copy/paste the JPGs address into your next post! Here is the Dodgerslist gallery: www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4 : LOGIN: username: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14 Or you can email (owner's name, email addy, dog's name + photo caption) to : photogallery@dodgerslist.com
|
|
|
Post by Victoria & Duak on Mar 9, 2017 14:37:07 GMT -7
Romy- He bit his daddy when he leaned down to pet him. No other signs of pain. Just not wanting to bear weight directly. Which he had done in the past. Looking back these were most likely undiagnosed IVDD episodes which his body recovered from on its own. He DOES put full weight on it when turned outward. The turning outward is new. Also as a reminder he is a skiddish dog and when jumpy he has lashed out and bit before so this was not entirely new either. Paula- Injection was given by a one time vet which I was not happy with. The second opinion started him on oral. Therefore I do not know the name of the injection and won't be calling. The prednisone WAS put back up to an antiinflammatory level. He has lost two pounds from not being able to exercise (loss of muscle mass) therefore the dosage according to his weight was decreased. I have not been holding back on the pain meds. Once he repositions his leg he shows no signs of pain. I see no sense in giving a medication unless necessary. With the lack of exercise and plethora of meds he's already been on, his hernia has worsened in a short period of time. Which is concerning. If it worsens more, he could risk bladder involvement leading to medical emergency. Pumpkin has not been doing enough. Vet increased stool softener to 100mg in am and 6.5mg laxative at night. The stumbling episode DID initiate another round of prednisone. [was 12 lbs now 10 lbs Disc relapse 2/14 Prednisone as of 2/16: 2.5mgs 2x/day for 5 days then taper 2.5mgs 1x/day for 5 days then 2.5mgs every other day. Tramadol 25mg 2x/day Pepcid AC 5mg 2x/day Ducosate laxative 100mg in am and ▲6.5mg pm ]
The paw does not knuckle. It's difficult to explain. If you can imagine looking straight at a dog with pass faced forward, then imagine if he takes his nails and rotates them clockwise 45 degrees. Here is the picture:
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Mar 9, 2017 15:26:12 GMT -7
I am sorry to hear that Duak's hernia has worsened.
You know Duak best and if you think the biting was being jumpy and not pain that probably is what it was.
The picture definitely does not show knuckling which is a sign of neuro diminishment we often see with IVDD. It may just be an attempt to get comfortable and then he is able to put full weight on the leg.
Have you had a chance to read the article on root signature pain?
|
|