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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 11, 2018 14:30:57 GMT -7
[Original Subject Maggie- Conservative crate rest 2-4 weeks then re-eval]
Maggie is a 16 lb, 9 year old mini dachshund. She had back surgery with 8 weeks strict crate rest back in August 2015. She recovered 97%. She regained all control of bladder functions, walking running with a little wobbliness in her right hind leg.
We have restricted her to jumping up and down off the couch, stairs, bed, etc. She is/was running and potting ok. She is in a crate when we are not home to reduce stress on the back.
Monday, she wanted to play so I threw her toy. She ran to get it, but turned around quickly and went straight for her dog bed. Then I knew something was up. No wobbling, trembling, just resistance to get up. After 10 minutes, she was up and all was ok.
Last night, my husband took her outside to potty. She ran out of her crate like normal and went to the door. He took her outside. She went to squat to poop and yelped. She ran toward him, pooped and yelped while she pooped. When she came inside that right hind leg was very wobbly. She had trouble gaining control of it.
She is eating, drinking, taking treats, potting fine. But that leg worried me so I took her to the vet today.
The vet did all sorts of neurological tests to check the function of her back end. She passed all tests along with a reflex test to her sciatic nerve. She quickly reacts to the pinch test and fixes her paws when put in the knuckle position. She is just wobbly on that back hind leg much more than normal. They did an x ray and saw slight bulging 2 discs above where she had the surgery 2 years ago for a ruptured disc. The vet feels that may be causing it.
She started meds and crate rest today 1/11/2018.
So she is on 5mg of prednisone every 12 hours for 5 days, 1/2 a one once a day for 5 days, then 1/2 a dose every other day for 5 doses. Taken with a meal.
She is also on methocarbamol 500mg 1/4 tablet every 12 hours.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
16 lbs
Prednisone 5mg tab as of 1/11: 2x/day for 5 days, then 1/16 test-for-pain Pred taper
Methocarbamol 125mg 2x/day ]
I am using the sling when taking her out just incase of falling over on the right hind leg. She reacts fine to it. She is used to it from 2 years ago.
After 2 weeks, she is going to get checked again to see if any improvement. Praying for improvement. I do not want my little one to go through that surgery again. It was rough.
Currently, She is in no signs of pain. She is eating, drinking and pottying normal. This forum kept me sane and I just wanted to give an update that episodes can happen more than once. At least this time, we knew what was going on and caught it early enough
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 11, 2018 15:06:38 GMT -7
Welcome back to Dodgerslist, Kellie, I am sorry that Maggie is having another disk episode. I am glad that you started the strict crate rest immediately. It is that best way to help her heal. No matter how careful we are with our IVDD dogs, another episode is always possible. This time her nero deficits are mild so she is a good candidate for the Conservative treatment. The crate rest during conservative treatment is stricter than after surgery. The reaon for this is that with surgery the offending disk material is removed while with conservative treatment the hope is that the disc can recede enough to no longer inflame and aggravate the nerves. Let us know you are on the same page about crate rest. 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 I am glad that Maggie is not showing any signs of pain. These are the signs to watch for. I am putting them here for your 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, restless, can't find a comfortable position. Ears pinned back, arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves. Since Maggie is on pred she will need a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. This is to protect her stomach from serious stomach damage that can be caused by any anti-inflammatory. 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 doxie weight dogs 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory. It is very scary when our dogs have IVDD. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. You can refresh your memory by starting with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 11, 2018 15:21:45 GMT -7
I called the vet. She said i could give her 5mg of ✚ pepcid once a day. Does that seem feasible? She said in the morning is best.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
16 lbs
Prednisone 5mg tab as of 1/11: 2x/day for 5 days, then 1/16 test-for-pain Pred taper
Methocarbamol 125mg 2x/day
✚ Pepcid AC 5mgs 1x/day]
Thank you for all of your info and advice. This has been the best place for me to connect with people who are dealing with them same thing. This time is not as scary as last time. But it and so overprotective with her. She wants to get up and move around so it's tougher this time to keep her still. After surgery she had no problem relaxing.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 11, 2018 15:28:24 GMT -7
We usually see the Pepcid AC given every 12 hours 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory should be given with a meal. That way the Pepcid will be working to protect the stomach when the pred is taken. You can ask your vet about this.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 11, 2018 15:36:08 GMT -7
She just ate well. I will call tomorrow and check. It was a little off a schedule that would work for me when I gave her her meds. Do you think it is ok to wait to give her the next dose [PEPCID AC??] tomorrow morning at 7am? The last time she had it was 12pm. I feel I would rather have a longer time span than give her another dose at 11pm then another at 7am. What are your thoughts?
I have also read that adding pumpkin helps too. Thoughts? Would really not like to give my pup more meds than needed.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 11, 2018 15:56:57 GMT -7
It is important to get them on a schedule convenient for us pet parents. Noon until 7am does seem like a long time between doses especially on the first day. Can you give it to her right before you go to bed and then maybe right before work?
When they are feeling well they do sometimes want to move too much. Here are some tips worth considering to keep Maggie entertained during crate rest.
Place the crate near a window with a view, on the coffee table in front of couch where you sit. Place the crate so the dog will be in the middle of family activities, near your bed at night. Play classical music or one of the wildlife TV shows. Secure crate to a flat moving dolly (or put casters on plywood) to easily move the crate room to room. Fill a kong with a slight slather of soft dog food and freeze. Put part of the dog's total daily dinner kibble in the kong to lengthen time to consume dinner. Good low cal snacks are carrots, apples, or frozen green beans, licking a frozen low sodium broth ice cube.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 11, 2018 16:07:41 GMT -7
So you think it would be ok to give meds at 11pm tonight and then 8 am tomorrow? Then she will get it at 6 pm tomorrow night and will then be on a schedule.
Great ideas! Thank you.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 11, 2018 20:33:04 GMT -7
Kellie, would you use exact name of a med when you post for clarity. I'm lost.
I would give Pepcid AC every 12 hours. If you are off a bit it will be ok to adjust Pepcid AC a few hrs earlier or late to eventually get it on the correct every 12 hours. The goal is to be giving Pepcid AC 30 mins before Prednisone.. It would NOT be a good idea to be adjusting prednisone by giving it sooner or later until you have spoken with your vet. Prednisone is not your ordinary medication, it is a hormone.
Pumpkin is used to constiption or loose stools. What problem is Maggie having?
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 12, 2018 22:05:06 GMT -7
I was just asking if giving pumpkin in her food would help coat her stomach, but now I remember giving it to her when she had loose stool. She does not have that right now. She is going potty ok on her own.
After speaking to the vet, she is taking these meds:
5mg of ▲Pepcid 2x/day before she takes the Prednisone. This will be reduced to the same frequency as the prednisone when the Prednisone is reduced.
5mg of Prednisone 2x/day until 1/15, then 2.5mg 1x/day until 1/20 then 2.5mg once every other day until 1/31
Methocarbamol 125mg 2x/day until 1/18
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
16 lbs
Prednisone 5mg tab as of 1/11: 2x/day for 5 days, then Tues 1/16 test-for-pain Pred taper
Methocarbamol 125mg 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs ▲2x/day]
We are now on a pretty good schedule with meds. Already seeing improvement in her stability when going outside to potty. Keeping on that strict crate rest. It is very difficult this time around (compared to when she had surgery) to keep her resting because she feels fine. We just lay with her and give her things to chew on to keep her busy.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 13, 2018 7:04:59 GMT -7
Hi, Kellie. It would be best to continue the Pepcid AC 5 mg 2x/day (every 12 hrs.) for as long as Maggie is on the Prednisone. Pepcid AC only is effective for about 12 hours so as long as Maggie has any Prednisone at all in her system, the Pepcid AC should be given every 12 hours.
When the Prednisone starts to reduce on 1/15, you'll need to be on the alert for the return of any sign of pain. Pain = swelling = more time on original dosages of all meds. If you do see any sign of pain during the taper, you'll need to immediately alert your vet so Maggie can be returned to the original dosage of the Pred for a while longer. She'll still be on Methocarbamol for a few days into the taper of the Pred so that will make it harder for you to see the pain that you need to see to determine if there is still swelling and still a need for the anti-inflammatory dosage of Pred. Methocarbamol really should also be stopped on 1/15 so a true test for pain can be made. It would be best if you spoke to the vet about also stopping the Methocarbamol on 1/18 so a quick determination can be made if there is still pain/swelling.
Prayers for a pain-free taper off of all meds.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 13, 2018 11:15:41 GMT -7
Thank you for all your advice!
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 15, 2018 6:42:58 GMT -7
I have a question. How can I tell if Maggie is having any pain if she is confined to her crate 24/7?
She is excited and wags her tail when she is coming out of the crate. She seems to rest comfortably in the crate. She is eating and drinking normal. She is chewing on her bones and stuffed toys as normal.
But last night when I took her out, she made a little sound when squatting to poop and she favors her right hind leg when peeing. This was right before her next dose of Prednisone and muscle relaxer. But I haven’t noticed it any other time other than that. No trembling and is ansi to get out of the crate when our other pup is wanting to play.
I just want to make sure she is comfortable. Today is the last day of 2 full doses of Prednisone and she starts 1/2 a dose once a day tomorrow. I will be talking with the vet tomorrow ( I missed the vet check in call on Saturday and she said she would be back in the office on Tuesday). Should I mention anything to her?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 15, 2018 7:01:13 GMT -7
It's always good to keep the vet advised of anything that you observe so yes, do mention this to the vet when you speak to her tomorrow. Is she holding her right hind leg up as if she doesn't want to put weight on it or does it just seem weaker? Is she limping? If she is holding her leg up, limping, not wanting to bear weight on it, that is a sign of pain and the taper of the Prednisone should wait for awhile longer. Could she be a little constipated that would cause her to make a little sound when trying to poop?
When you speak to the vet, if she wants to go ahead with the taper of the Prednisone, do ask her about also stopping the Methocarbamol tomorrow so a true test for pain can be made. Otherwise, keeping Methocarbamol on board for a few days into the taper of the Pred will make it difficult for you to determine if she still needs the original dosage of the Pred for awhile longer. Pain = swelling = more time on all original dosages of meds.
Signs of pain to be on the lookout for during the taper of the Prednisone:
◻︎ restless, pacing, can’t find a comfortable position
◻︎reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions
◻︎shivering-trembling ◻︎yelping when picked up or moved
◻︎slow to move ◻︎tight tense tummy
◻︎arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground.
◻︎looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily.
◻︎ not eating due to pain of moving jaw with a neck disc or pain of back disc
◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
◻︎not their normal perky selves
Please continue to keep us updated on this.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 15, 2018 8:13:50 GMT -7
This is the leg she has been favoring ever since her surgery 2 years ago. It just seems weaker. The vet said she can tell the other leg has more muscle than the one she is favoring. She has always leaned to one side when eliminating. She isn't limping or reluctant to bear weight on it. It has always had a slight turn in. Maybe I am just over analyzing the situation. She just seems to be moving on it a little differently. It's also very cold outside. She is standing on it. But she uses both legs when pooping. She isn't showing any signs of what you have mentioned. She is eager to get out of the crate. I have to slow her down. She gets up to drink and adjusts positions throughout the day.
Her anal glands on Thursday were very full when I brought her to the vet The vet said this could have caused the yelping when pooping. She expressed them for her. Could these still be sore?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 15, 2018 8:46:56 GMT -7
Yes, the anal glands could still be sore. I'm glad to hear that she isn't limping on that leg or reluctant to bear weight on it. Did you speak to the vet about stopping the Methocarbamol tomorrow so a true test for pain/swelling can be made?
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Jan 15, 2018 9:09:31 GMT -7
She won't be back in the office until tomorrow. Will speak to her then. She called Saturday after the office hours to check on her so when I tried to call back, the call went right to a messaging system.
Is there anything I can be doing? I shouldn't do any therapy or anything with her yet right? I was able to last time because she had surgery. Is it ok to put an ice pack on the area for a bit a couple times a day if she allows it?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 15, 2018 9:24:35 GMT -7
You're doing the most important part of conservative treatment - the strict 100% 24/7 crate rest. The less movement of the spine, the better. The crate rest with conservative care is much more strict than after surgery. Any therapy definitely needs to wait until after the 8 weeks of crate rest are finished and you've gradually reintroduced her to movement again. No ice pack. The Prednisone has been working on reducing the swelling and you'll know if you see pain return whether the swelling has resolved or not.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Feb 7, 2018 11:10:21 GMT -7
Just an update on Maggie:
Brought Maggie to see a DVM today [2/7 a neurological surgeon] regarding her condition. She had 2 episodes since her confinement on 1/11 of signs of pain, yelping, trembling, etc. She is still able to walk properly (no knuckling or wobbles) and able to potty and eat and drink normal. I was afraid she had done more damage.
Anyways, DVM [Neuro] said to continue strict crate rest for 6-8 more weeks. We are gradually weening her off of the prednisone since he is not a fan of steroids. Then waiting 3 days to start 1/2 a 25mg tablet of carprofen every 12 hours for 2 weeks. According to directions given, this will start on Feb 20. I am to continue giving the 1/2 a tablet of Pepcid as well. I can monitor and give the methocarbamol if needed. He said it is ok to continue but is not needed. Thoughts? I feel it helps keep her calm and resting. She is currently getting 1/4 of a 500mg tablet of methocarbamol every 12 hours.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
16 lbs
Prednisone 5mg tab as of 1/11: 2x/day for 5 days, then Tues 1/16 taper to test for pain/neuro loss
Pain surfaced on what date?
Switch to Carprofen on Feb 20: 3 day washout for 14 days
Methocarbamol 125mg 2x/day not needed
Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day]
Signs of pain showed on 1/31 and 2/5 (worse on this day).
We made her crate smaller. She only has room to stand to eat and drink and enough room to lie down.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 7, 2018 11:38:41 GMT -7
Kellie, I have lot's of questions to fully understand. Is today's vet a new vet? What happened to the vet who prescribed Prednisone? The Prednisone taper to test for pain/neuro loss was to have begun on Jan 16. What date did the pain you reported happen on?---if pain happened prior to the test for pain on 1/16, then the taper never should have begun! Pain means another course of pred was needed. A 5-day course of pred may or may not be enough time to resolve all swelling. --- if pain only surfaced with during the test for pain pred taper, then that is proof another course of pred was needed. --- Was prednisone extended with another course since that first 5-day course on Jan 11? How many day course was it?, how many mgs how many times per day? As you can see it appears that we are missing a lot of information to explain what is going on. OK, now with the appt today with the new (?) vet: -- has there been ongoing pain prior to today's appt. Was the minimal pain relief from one (methocarbamol) ever adjusted to 3x/day, adding in 1-2 more pain meds?-- if there has been NO pain on the taper of pred, then there is no need to be switching to another, lessor anti-inflammatory drug (carprofen). No pain means all swelling has been taken care of. -- All very confusing what you report as the (new?) vet is telling you your dog does not need the pain reliever for muscle contraction pain any more!! The usual in doing the test for pain prednisone taper is: -- on the begin of the pred taper ALL pain-masking pain meds are STOPPED. This is the only way you will be able to give an accurate and fast assessment about pain to the vet. Pain= another course of anti-inflammatory + all pain meds back on board. No Pain= take taper to conclusion...just finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal. You will want a full understanding of how pred OR carprofen (anti-inflammatorydrugs) work with a disc episode. Good reading to be able to ask the right questions and discuss future treatments: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm |
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Feb 7, 2018 12:42:43 GMT -7
The vet today is a neurological surgeon. Maggie was referred to this surgeon by our regular vet.
This happened because they felt there hasn't been much improvement since 1/11. The pain happened on 1/31 on the last day of the tapering of the prednisone. The tapering did begin on 1/16. On 1/31, another course of prednisone occurred. 1/2 of a 5mg tablet 1x a day every other day. Pain occurred again on 2/5. Prednisone upped to 5mg 2x a day along with methocarbamol 1/4 of a 500mg tablet 2x a day along with 1/2 a 10mg of pepcid tablet 2x a day.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
16.8 lbs
Prednisone as as of 1/11: 5mgs 2x/day for 5 days, then Tues 1/16 taper to test for pain/neuro loss
as of 1/31: taper dose in response to a relapsed disc: 2.5mgs every other day
as of 2/5: 5mgs 2x/day for 2 days, then 2/7 taper to test for pain/neuro loss
Relapsed disc on 1/30 due to DVM Rx of walking
8 wks crate rest Neuro surgeon Rx'd on 2/7
switch to Carprofen (6-day washout) on Feb 20: 12.5mgs 2x/day for 14 days
Methocarbamol 125mg 2x/day to end on 2/13
Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day]
No ongoing pain. Just 2 times I saw signs of pain.
There was still pain on the tapering of prednisone so anti-inflammatory is still needed.
So you are saying I should not give the methocarbamol if not needed. The surgeon said I can but he doesn't feel it is needed. The anti-inflammatory will take care of it.
Did I answer all you questions?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 7, 2018 13:11:53 GMT -7
What does this mean:
On 1/31, another course of prednisone occurred. 1/2 of a 5mg tablet 1x a day every other day.
---- on 1/31 one half pred tablet (2.5mgs) was given 1x/day every other day? That was the "other course"? That would not be a course...that is a taper dose.
1/2 of 5mg pred tablet is a taper dose. It is not counted in the days that pred is working on inflammation.
5mgs 2x/day is an anti-inflammatory dose.
So far Maggie has had
---one 5-day course (5mgs 2x/day) on 1/11
--- a taper dose 2.5mgs every other day on 1/31-- not counted
--- an unknown number of days course (5mgs 2x/day) on 2/5
It can take 7-30 days up at the anti-inflammatory level of prednisone to resolve all swelling. Maggie has had 5 days PLUS an unknown number of dates on the anti-inflammatory level. It appears your local DVM vet did not give Maggie time enough to get the swelling down.
If Maggie is currently still on an anti-inflammatory dose (5mgs 2x/day) then it is not time to stop pain meds. Stopping of pain meds starts at the same time a pred taper starts.
If Maggie is on a pred taper currently (less than 5mgs 2x/day) THEN all pain meds should be stopped. Otherwise how will you be able to give an accurate report about pain if pain-masking pain med are still on board? Does that make sense to you?
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Feb 8, 2018 6:43:12 GMT -7
Let me start from the beginning. I confused myself with my posts as well LOL
On Tues., 1/30, Maggie went in for a re-eval to see her progress. Vet [general DVM] said progress looked great so she added a 15 minute walk every day to her routine.
On Wed., 1/31, [relapsed disc] Maggie did her little hop before I could tell her no and she did something again in her back. She yelped in pain. I called the vet [general DVM]. This was supposed to be her last day on the tapering of the Prednisone but she extended it for another 5 days. Giving her 1/2 a 5mg tablet once every other day. (I agree I thought it should be the full dose again).
On Mon., 2/5, I came home to greet her and let her out to potty. She would not come to the front of the crate and when I went to pick her up, she urinated on her sheet and yelped in pain. I immediately took her back to the vet (all this time has been my normal vet).
The vet recommended another round of Prednisone 5mg 2x a day and 1/4 of a 500mg tablet of methocarbamol until I can see the neurological surgeon.
On 2/7, Maggie was referred to a neurological surgeon [DVM, ACVIM]. Since she has no neurologic deficits except mild pain on deep palpation of the cranial thoracic spine, 8 weeks of conservative crate rest was recommended.
This surgeon [DVM, ACVIM] is not a fan of steroids due to them causing some issues with the spinal cord. So we are on a schedule of [TAPER DOSE]: 5mg of prednisone once a day for 3 days, then 5 mg of prednisone every other day. Then a 3 day washout period. Then on 2/20 start 1/2 a 25mg of carprofen 2x a day for 14 days.
I am still giving her the 1/4 of 500mg of methocarbamol 2x a day for pain. The surgeon said it may not be needed but can still be given. I see she is still in some discomfort and it relaxes her. I am going to continue giving it to her until the tapering of the prednisone so we can see how she is at that point.
She is also getting 1/2 a 10mg of pepcid 2x a day.
She is eating great, drinking, walking with a sling (to slow her down and keep her steady. minimizes the activity level too), pottying, standing on her own, etc.
The surgeon said with her condition as long as she is inactive for those 8 weeks, he feels she is in that 70% who will recover with crate rest. He stressed that crate rest is the key. The meds keep her comfortable.
I am getting worried about Maggie's weight because Maggie has gained about a pound already since the first episode. She is at 16.8 lbs now. Is this something to be concerned about or something we can work on once crate rest is complete?
Also, like I mentioned, the rehabilitation specialist is looking into clinics near me for acupuncture and laser therapy to help with recovery. Once she is ready.
Here is my question: Do I still give her pepcid 2x a day even when she is taking prednisone once a day? And do I give her the pepcid on the days she will not be taking prednisone? She will still be getting the methocarbamol. She will have her last dose of methocarbamol the morning of 2/13.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 8, 2018 9:44:01 GMT -7
Kellie, thank you for all the full details! Oh my goodness, you have a gem of a neuro surgeon---dvm, Neurology (ACVIM)-- who completely understands how conservative treatment works! Please do share in our directory, many owners need to find someone when their local DVM vet is not comfortable in their IVDD knowledge to get meds right, to get the right info about crate rest. Would you consider helping another trying to find an IVDD knowledgeable vet by adding to our directory at this link: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting vet recommendation: Name of Vet Name of Clinic Street Address City: State or country: Type of vet (general/board certified surgeon, acupuncture, etc.) Comments: Understands conservative treatment "The surgeon said with her condition as long as she is inactive for those 8 weeks, he feels she is in that 70% who will recover with crate rest. He stressed that crate rest is the key. The meds keep her comfortable."Looks like with the every other day taper dose plus 3 days of no pred at all, that is approximately a 6-day washout...nice!! 5mgs of pred once a day IS a taper dose. With your stopping methocarbamol on Feb 13, there will be plenty of time to know if all pain is gone. There may be no need of carprofen if all pain is proved gone with the stop of methocarbamol. Do keep us posted. Our fingers are crossed for no pain surfacing on Feb 13 and no carprofen needed!
As long as Pred is on board, I would just stick to Pepcid AC 5mgs every 12 hours. |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 8, 2018 10:38:15 GMT -7
My Nala gained weight on crate rest also.
It's pretty common as they're completely inactive. We hope!
Maggie needs all of her regular dietary calories right now as her body is healing. That's a big job.
Cut back only on extra treats.
Once she's off crate rest and more active the weight should come off.
However, then would be to cut back on calories if needed
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Feb 8, 2018 12:37:01 GMT -7
I made an appointment on 2/22 for an acupuncture/ laser therapy consultation to see what would be best for her and start that. I have heard great things and many success stories with these treatments.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 8, 2018 13:51:54 GMT -7
During my Nala's last episode she was down in both rear legs.
After 9 sessions with cold laser therapy she was up again.
I recommend it.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 8, 2018 14:54:30 GMT -7
I agree with Julie that when a dog's hind legs are paralyzed, acupuncture and/or laser therapy are good ways to give the nerves a jump start in healing. However, since Maggie has no neurological deficits, there is no nerve damage to heal. She's receiving the proper anti-inflammatories to reduce the swelling pressing on the nerves of the spine, pain meds to mask the pain until the swelling resolves, a stomach protector to protect against the side effects of the anti-inflammatory and strict crate rest to help the damaged disc to heal.
Any time out of the crate is a dangerous time for an IVDD dog. When deciding on alternative treatments such as acupuncture and/or laser therapy, you must weigh the benefits against the risk of transport. Transport can be risky as it may cause too much movement of the spine. So at this point, I would think it would be advisable to continue the strict crate rest and the meds that have now been prescribed and hold off on any further treatment.
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Post by Kellie & Maggie on Feb 12, 2018 19:31:00 GMT -7
When I say she doesn't have any neurologic deficits, I mean she is still able to walk but still is wobbly and has some nerve damage from the previous injury. Her right hind leg never got back to 100% healed. It's been weak and with this injury it has gotten weaker. The rehabilitation specialist also has a dachshund that has gone through the same thing has Maggie and acupuncture worked wonders. She said she is a huge believer of acupuncture. That is why I am taking Maggie in 2 weeks.
Once (if) Maggie needs to start Carprofen, will I need to continue the Pepcid along with it?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 12, 2018 20:53:45 GMT -7
For us the priority is to protect the spinal cord. That is done via limited movement of the spine. Anytime out of the suite is a danger to the healing disc of too much movement of the back/spine. IF the healing disc has a relapse the cord could be permanently damaged. Is there a vet who will come to your house so that Maggie may avoid a risky transport into a vet?
Tomorrow 2/13 you will be stopping Methocarbamol to get proof if all swelling has now been taken care by Prednisone? Meaning if no pain then no need for any more pred, nor any carprofen.
Carprofen does the same as pred, causes extra stomach acids. Pepcid AC given every 12 hours keeps this acid suppressor working round the clock.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 13, 2018 18:31:16 GMT -7
Carprofen just like presndione is used for a specific purpose. After 8 weeks and graduation, Maggie would/should be off all meds and not showing any pain. So why would a vet the be presscibing carprofen? You would want to have an understanding why any med is prescribed, that's your part of the job... being knowledgeble, asking questions...you are Maggie's only advocate.
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