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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 5, 2017 18:06:51 GMT -7
My 10yr old male dachshund (approx. 15lbs) ruptured 2 discs in his spine on 6/28. He was rushed to Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services of Rochester, NY. He spent the night in the hospital and was operated on the next day, Thursday, 6/30. He spent 6 long days in the hospital and was released 7/4. We're trying to figure out what is "normal" and how best to make him comfortable now that he's home... He's always loved his freedom but so far he's been a very good boy in his recovery pen. We have two beds in it, one firm and one soft. He was given a "Help em Up Harness" which makes lifting him out of the pen and supporting him to try and walk very easy. Eating and drinking are both good. He's able to pee on his own (about every 3 hrs)..it's not his usual strong stream but he squats long enough (with support) to get a pretty good amount out. No accidents in the pen yet. Pooping seems to bother him and he cries a bit when he has to [poop] go. He's pooped twice since he's been home, both times seemed to make him uncomfortable but he felt much better after. The poop was normal looking. We've added pumpkin into his diet, and it's what we hide his meds in. Hoping this helps him go with less discomfort. He has deep pain in his back legs and can wag his tail when he's happy, but can't move his legs very much at all yet. They both move a little when we take him outside to potty though he still drags them a bit too. These are the meds his is on: 1. Rimadyl 25mg (1/2 tab by mouth every 12 hrs) 2. Tramadol 50mg (1/2 tab by mouth every 8 hrs) 3. Gabapentin 250mg/5ml (1.3ml by mouth every 8 hrs for 3 wks) 4. Amantadine 10mg/ml (2.5ml by mouth every 24hrs) 5. Prazosin .5mg (1 capsule by mouth every 8 hrs) 6. Trazodone 50mg (1/4-1/2 tablet by mouth every 12 hrs AS NEEDED-- Have not given him this yet [Moderator's note: please do not modify
15 lbs
Rimady 12.5mgs 2x/day
Tramadol 25mgs 3xday
Gabapentin 65mgs 3x/day
Amantadine 25mgs 1x/day
Prazosin 3x/day
Trazadone not yet given] We are also doing some passive range of motion exercises on his back legs 2-3x per day Sometimes he whines after we give him the gab... I think it makes him woozy feeling but usually he rests very comfortably after getting his meds. He does start to get uncomfortable and have trouble settling when it is getting close his next meds dose. Also- we got a pet stroller (jogger) with enclosed canopy to wheel him to other places in the house if/when he gets restless. This all happened so out of the blue, and I'm just scared we're going to do something wrong, or he's going to hurt himself as he tries to settle himself in his crate.  He likes to circle, nuzzle under blankets, and wiggle to get comfy. ![]() Any advice or support during this long process would be greatly appreciated. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 5, 2017 18:45:33 GMT -7
Ashley, welcome to Dodgerslist, we are glad you've joined us all! Sounds like you need to get a phone call into the the hospital tonight to let them know you are seeing pain surface nearing the next dose of pain meds. It may take 2 weeks for the surgery caused swelling to subside...so adjusting of pain meds are needed to provide full comfort from pain. Let us know if you've been adding extra water to the diet with use of pumpkin to soften stools. Plain pureed canned pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. NOTE: alternatives are really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potatoe. --To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. -- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble and no extra soaking water to the kibble. For how many days is the Rimadyl Rx'd? NSAIDs work to relieve inflammation but often come with some serious side effects for the GI tract. Pepcid AC (famotidine) blocks the production of acid that Rimadyl causes. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) 5mgs 2x/day (0.44mg mg per pound every 12 hours.) Pepcid AC has a very limited potential for side effects. Get at the grocery store but FIRST do ask your vet in this particular way: Is there a medical/health reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC (famotidine)? Know all about your pet's meds, reading IS important: www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html and marvistavet.com/famotidine.pml Other than to get his pain meds tweaked, sounds like Jackson is doing well at home with bladder control, your using a sling to walk some at potty time. Some surgeons want 4 weeks of crate rest while other dogs may need 6+ weeks. What does your surgeon want for Jackson? You might find some useful tips over on our suppply list to help the crate rest time go smoother. Here is that link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmLet us know what changes the vet makes to the med list. |
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 6, 2017 4:22:56 GMT -7
He was perscribed 7 tablets of Rimadyl. They started giving it to him when he was still in the hospital so we only have a few doses left (1/2 tab per dose). So far, no signs of GI distress but I'll ask the vet about Pepcid and keep some on hand.
They didn't tell us how many weeks it crate rest will be needed. I'm preparing myself for 8 weeks. I'm going to ask them when we go in for his 2 week follow up appointment next week to get his staples out.
He slept great last night with no signs of discomfort. I think it helped that he pooped 3 times when we took him out for his last potty! Maybe that what was causing the discomfort.
Are there and good YouTube tutorials on passive range of motion and towel roll PT? I'm concern d we're not doing it right.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 6, 2017 8:22:14 GMT -7
Ashley, glad to hear Jackson slept in comfort last night!
Do you add extra water when using pumpkin?
Check out this post op video below as a refresher demonstration for the particular ones your surgeon wants you doing for Jackson. I'm not familiar with towel roll PT. Can you describe it?
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 6, 2017 15:35:37 GMT -7
Towel Roll PT: 'm not quite sure how to post photos. I hope the above one worked. They told us to roll up a towel and place him over it so his belly is supported but all for legs are on the ground. Since his back legs can't support weight yet, we hold his rear up with the harness. I guess it's supposed to be good for his back muscles. General Update: One week post-op today!!! He hasn't whined or expressed discomfort lately (knock on wood) and he seems to be a bit more perked today. He let out his first bark since he's been home (saw a neighbor while peeing). His back legs move a bit when we hold him in his harness and when we're supporting him to pee, but it's not consistent and they don't support weight yet. He's also had some doggy dreams and kicked his legs in his sleep  He wags his tail like crazy when he sees us walk in the room. He's been stretching in his crate when he wakes up from a long nap and seems to be able to maneuver with his back legs a bit more while doing so. My Fears/Concerns: - So far he's been good in the recovery pen but I am just terrified that he will try to jump or climb when he starts feeling better. He was not a fan of crates or pens pre-surgery. So far, my husband and I have been trading on and off sitting with him at all times to supervise. My husband is going away for a night this weekend so I'll have him all by myself for the night (along with our other elderly dachshund who often needs to be carried). I plan on putting him in the stroller (PetGear jogger with the non-zip locking canopy) when I need to be up and around the house so can keep an eye at all times. We haven't put him in a closed top crate yet because this tends to make him more panicky. So far he's been okay in the stroller, I think because he's up higher.
- When we take him outside to go potty, he needs to circle or pace for a bit before he'll attempt a squat. I know we're supposed to limit this. Today I tried letting him sit in the grass near his usual spot, and sniff the air for a few minutes, then lifting him to go. It seemed to limit his steps a bit b/c he felt "Ready". Any other tips?
- He's been eating and taking his meds like a champ. He's a VERY food motivated dog, which I know is good for training, but it also gets him VERY excited. When he hears the kibble being poured we have to hold him down. I want to try and train better sitting/calm behavior, but don't want to incite excitement with food...if that makes sense.
All I do is worry and think about ways to make this process smoother and more likely to be successful. I'm grateful for this website and the time you all take to respond. Thank you in advance! I'll upload some photos of Jackson if I can figure out how!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 6, 2017 15:52:16 GMT -7
Ashey, first upload your photos to our Photo Gallery, then just copy/paste the JPG's addreess in to your next post. PHOTO GALLERY:
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.comLooks good for Jackson with the leg movements you report to be able to self repair even more. As graduation day approaches, when you find out how many weeks of crate rest your surgeon wants, we can give you some great tips to make your home back friendly for Jackson. The rolled up towel is being used to provide support while all four legs can do some weight bearing standing. Weight bearing is good for keeping bones strong and may also work his muscle some as his body adjusts abit while standing. Check with your vet/surgeon. Often when a dog can move their legs some, a sling walk of a few steps to begin with IS part of the PT.--- doing this several times a day at potty times. The benefit of surgery is that supervised slow and gentle supported taking steps can be started sooner than the very strictness that conservative treatment demands. Let us know what your vet says. Your attention to detail and wanting to make sure Jackson is getting good nursing care is very beneficial. Keep up the good work! |
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 7, 2017 5:41:10 GMT -7
When the vet called to check in yesterday I mentioned that he was walking around prior to going potty and they did not seem concerned about it, so I won't worry too much. His urine stream seems to be stronger...it is coming out in longer/stronger spurts. We're taking him out every 2-4 hours and he's been sleeping through the night (11pm-6:30am). Pooping is ok-- not his normal morning-afternoon-night...instead he does three at one time, once per day.
*Yesterday he stretched out and rolled onto his back... I cringed because I don't want him to agitate his incision or his spine. Also, he's been sitting up more in his pen to watch the goings on in the house.
* Now that he's a bit perkier, I've needed to give him a frozen kong (filled w/ either peanut butter or applesauce and boiled chicken) to occupy him. This okay? He is a slim dog. Weight is not an issue. He loves his chew bones (Nylabone) but we haven't let him chew yet. I'm going to wait until he's a full 2 weeks to ask the vet about letting him chew.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 7, 2017 7:17:59 GMT -7
Ashley, glad to hear Jackson is feeling more his usual self, taking an interest in what's going on in his home!
How about soaking one of his kibble meals in some low fat/low salt broth to slightly soften it. Then stuff it in the kong and freeze. That way Jackson will have a job, working for his his dinner. Licking out his dinner will take him time to accomplish and keep him occupied. This way he gets no extra calories.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 7, 2017 7:59:30 GMT -7
Hmm. We just took him out to go potty. He was squatting to go but just little drips were coming out. He tried 3x but the same thing happened every time: drips and then a brief squirt at the very end. Strange because he peed pretty normally this morning. Still seems pain free and alert (when not napping). Trying not to worry too much. Will call the vet if he does it again the next time we take him out in a few hours. Any thoughts?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 7, 2017 8:10:31 GMT -7
Ashley, do let us know what the vet thinks. Hopefully your observation on the next potty break he will have a fuller bladder and release urine normally as he has been doing.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 7, 2017 9:44:27 GMT -7
He started whining in his pen so we decided to take him out again. This time he did a good full pee (in spurts, but the total was good) I guess maybe he bladder wasn't full enough before for him to be able to express the urine? Going to continue to keep a watchful eye.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 7, 2017 13:01:48 GMT -7
Good news about Jackson's peeing. Maybe his bladder wasn't full enough before.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 9, 2017 16:08:37 GMT -7
Jackson seems to be comfortable and doing pretty well. When he is en route to his potty spot, He's able to wobbly walk a little on pavement (with guidance of Help Em Up Harness) but not yet on grass. Hes able to (sometimes) position his legs to his normal squat stance when going potty.
He's definitely bored. I've made broth popcicles, put his meals in kongs....what are your thought on letting him chew his Nylabone in his pen? It used to be part of his nighttime ritual and I think he's missing is. But I don't want him chewing if he's not supposed to yet.
Sending healing vibes to everyone else going through this right now.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 9, 2017 18:45:54 GMT -7
Ashley, continued good news of being comfortable and nice strides of doing some wobbly footsteps and showing bladder control!
Some dogs are too rambunctious in their chewing. If Jackson is a calm gnawer of his nylabone, then that would be ok. I would let him have it when you can be there to monitor.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 11, 2017 6:09:18 GMT -7
Jackson has his last doses of Amantadine and Tramadol today and after that will just taking 1.3ml of Gabapentin every 8hrs. He does not seem to be in any pain so I'm hoping he will handle this adjustment well.
He kept us up most of last night because he finally seems to be feeling better enough to realize he's not sleeping in the bed like he usually does. It was a low grumble bark/whine that he does when he doesn't get what he wants. I took him out to go potty in the middle of the night just to be sure. No signs of pain or discomfort. Usually he gives up after a point but last night he was persistent...I was in a sleeping bag next to the crate (giving my husband a turn sleeping in bed) and he made it very clear he wanted EVERYONE to be on the floor. If he can't sleep on the bed, none of us shall!
We have our 2 week follow up with the surgeon tomorrow to get the staples out and evaluate progress. I will discuss benadryl or other sleep aids with her.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 11, 2017 9:57:00 GMT -7
When my dog started having trouble sleeping I got the OK from my vet to give her melatonin. It worked like a charm. When my dog had an IVDD episode as long as I slept on the couch near her she was happy. But not the bed! If she didn't get it neither did I! LOL!! They have us wrapped around their paws.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 11, 2017 11:05:03 GMT -7
Thank you Julie! What dosage of melatonin did you give her? Jackson is approx. 15 lbs. I'll ask the vet about it tomorrow.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 11, 2017 20:25:14 GMT -7
My Nala is 13 lbs and takes a 3mg tablet every night at bedtime. I get the melatonin at the drug store. Hope it helps.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 12, 2017 8:52:58 GMT -7
Over the last day or so, Jackson has been more unsettled and whimpery in his pen. He'll just sit up and begin whimpering, or do so while laying down, even when we are right next to him.
There is NO indication of pain when we lift him out, take him to go potty, or do PT. His leg movements only seem to be improving. I've taken him out to go potty more than usual just to make sure it's not that. He's peeing and pooping normally and with better leg positioning. Poop looks normal. Appetite has not changed.
Starting last night, he's now only on 1.3ml of Gab every 8 hrs, but I'd say this unsettled behavior started a day or so ago, before he was off of the Amantidine and Tramadol.
Going for his 2 week checkup later today so I will be sure to mention this. So hard to figure out if this is caused by pain, restlessness, or something totally new. I think it might be pain though because I just heard him cry a bit when he was adjusting himself.
Will update after vet appointment.
Back from his 2 week post-op appointment. He started crying SO LOUD and trembling as soon as we were in the parking lot but it was definitely out of fear of the vet office. He cried the whole time until they brought him back from examining him. Then he was content to sit next to us in the dog stroller while we talked to the vet. The surgeon said he looks to be healing very well. She was very surprised by the amount of leg movement he regained in two weeks. She said "just keep doing what you're doing" for another two weeks. At that point (4 weeks post op) she wants us to bring him back in for another exam and determine if we can introduce short leash walks at 4wks (that makes me nervous).
I mentioned his bouts of restlessness/whimpering/crying these last few days. She didn't seem to think it was pain related and said this is about the time dogs start to get a bit stir crazy. She said we should use the Trazadone he was prescribed and keep giving the gabapentin 3x day (no mention of tapering to stop). I mentioned melatonin and benadryl but she said Trazadone was the safer option so we will stick to that. I'd like to only have to give it to him at night, but with the way he has been acting lately, it looks like we will have to do 1/4 of a tablet in the morning and in the evening. They said we could give up to 1/2 a tablet every 12 hrs so at least it's not the full dosage.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 12, 2017 12:17:58 GMT -7
Let us know how the Trazadone works, it may take trying different doses to find which best works to relieve anxiety.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 12, 2017 16:40:00 GMT -7
We actually gave him his first dose of Trazadone last night. He was quiet and calm in his pen all night. Don't know if he was asleep because it was dark in the room. We gave him a second dose before the vet this afternoon in anticipation of his vet anxiety. Aside from his outburst at the vet office (crying, whimpering, trembling, barking) he has been calm and peaceful since we got back around 2pm today. It does seem to be working well for him. I guess medicating for a few weeks isn't the end of the world. Ugh! So ever since we picked him up from the vet hospital last week he has had AWFUL breath. His teeth looked to have a little more plaque on them than usual. I attributed it to the fact that he was probably being fed different food and not being able to chew his bone daily. The vet OKed supervised bone chewing so I just gave him it to try. Not one minute later I look over and it has blood on it.  he doesn't seem phased at all but since that never usually happens, I took it away. Maybe his gums are tender from not chewing for a few weeks? Sigh, the one thing that was occupying him! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 12, 2017 18:25:33 GMT -7
Early gingivitis. Back to brushing! it will likely get the bacteria at the gum line under control. Is he relaxed and not rambunctious when you brush his teeth?
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 12, 2017 18:41:33 GMT -7
We tried brushing a few years ago but he didn't like it. He chews a soft nylabone usually 10-20 minutes a day and the vet always says his teeth look great at checkups.
I'll have to get tooth brush and toothpaste. Any suggestions? Anything I should be on the look out for in terms of the gingivitis worsening?
Really so thankful for all of you.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 13, 2017 8:13:38 GMT -7
Oh, I mis understood that you had more recently been brushing. If brushing causes him to move his back because he doesn't like the brush, then do not brush. Protecting the disc and spinal cord is the focus right now. Hopefully then allowing some time with the nylabone will help.
IF he is ok with brushing, it matters not very much which doggie toothpaste. It is the act of brushing away the slimmy plaque stuff before it hardens to concrete like tartar especially at the gumline. Plaque turns to tartar in 36 hours and then can no longer be brushed off.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 13, 2017 19:33:14 GMT -7
I was just carrying jackson outside for his night time potty and he slipped out of his harness!!! It all happened so fast. I caught him in an awkward way so I don't think there was a hard impact but his body twisted no signs of pain or discomfort but I'm panicked that I did something to impair his progress and healing. I feel awful. |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 13, 2017 21:24:13 GMT -7
Try not to feel guilty. Accidents happen. Keep a close eye on Jackson for any signs of pain. Healing thoughts and prayers for him.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 14, 2017 9:33:46 GMT -7
He still seems to be doing okay today. No signs of discomfort. Just hoping that I didn't do any damage to his healing. The trazadone is doing it's job and keeping him calm and relaxed. We've been giving him 1/4 of a pill every 12 hours. Though I worry if he is in pain, we can't tell because he's sedated.... So many things to worry about!  His legs seem very stiff. We introduced the "sit to stand" PT and he can get himself up to a stand, but his legs stiffen and he doesn't have good balance. He just kind of locks up and would tip over if we didn't hold him. It's like he'd rather walk fast than just stand. Anything else we should be doing to help the stiffness, besides the passive range of motion (bicycle movement) and massaging his leg muscles? |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 14, 2017 9:49:27 GMT -7
Ashley, appears no harm was done with the accident, then. Is he actually sedated with t he Trazadone or still awake and interested in things going on just that he is anxiety free?
Good news on being able to move up into a stand all by himself. The standing range of motion (bicycles) would be excellent for stimulating his paws plus flexing those joints. An example is shown in the video below.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 14, 2017 10:09:09 GMT -7
He's definitely sleepier on the trazadone. Seems to be restful sleep (fluttering eyelids, occasional leg kick). There are times when he is awake though and just lays there watching us walk around the house. If my husband walks in the room he still wags his tail like crazy.
Thank you for that video. We will keep up the PT.
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Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 17, 2017 5:47:05 GMT -7
Good morning all,
Jackson continues to make small improvements. He can sit to stand pretty well (more like “leap to run” but we hold him back). What’s hardest for him is just balancing in a standing position. And being still in general. The trazadone does not sedate him much anymore, just keeps him more calm.
I have a few questions:
(1) The vet wasn’t totally clear on how long he should be on gabapentin. One time when I called, they said I could just let the bottle run out and not refill (it will last until about the 3 wk post-op mark). Another time I asked and they said I could refill and keep him on it for 4 weeks. What is normal?
(2) From what I’ve been reading, it seems like most people do some sort of professional PT or laser or acupuncture. Is this primarily to help the dogs walk again, or to help strengthen their backs to prevent future injury? If it’s just for walking, I don’t think we’ll do it because he is making slow and steady progress and we have the below things to consider.
Other considerations:
- Stress – Jackson doesn’t like other dogs and will bark his head off if he’s too close. Also, used to be fine at the vet but after this ordeal, he is pretty terrified of any new office/vet type setting and pretty suspicious of strangers. Lastly, he likes swimming in streams and lakes, but hates baths. Not sure if he’d enjoy water therapy or be able to calmly sit still for laser or acupuncture.
- Cost
If any of these treatments are to help their backs heal or be strengthened, then I think we will definitely consider them. However, if it is primarily to help with walking, I think we may forego to avoid undue stress/panic.
(3) Does anyone have a good dachshund harness recommendation? He used to wear a harness only on long walks because he has a tendency to wiggle out of them and/or chew them off because they irritate under his arms. He would wear a collar around the house. Now it seems like keeping a harness on him at all times is going to be necessary. Hoping I can find one that is comfortable and soft.
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[Post by Ashley & Jackson on Jul 14, 2017 at 11:09am]
He's definitely sleepier on the trazadone. Seems to be restful sleep (fluttering eyelids, occasional leg kick). There are times when he is awake though and just lays there watching us walk around the house. If my husband walks in the room he still wags his tail like crazy.
Thank you for that video. We will keep up the PT.
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He likes to circle, nuzzle under blankets, and wiggle to get comfy. 
He wags his tail like crazy when he sees us walk in the room. He's been stretching in his crate when he wakes up from a long nap and seems to be able to maneuver with his back legs a bit more while doing so.
he doesn't seem phased at all but since that never usually happens, I took it away. Maybe his gums are tender from not chewing for a few weeks? Sigh, the one thing that was occupying him!
