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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 20, 2018 18:32:40 GMT -7
[original subject line: Obi Wan Kenobi dachshund new IVDD patient ]
Obi Wan Kenobi mini dachshund male 7 years old
prednisone tablet 5mg 1 tablet twice a day for 3 days, then 1/2 twice daily for 7 days, then 1/2 daily.
methocarbamol 500mg 1/2 tablet up to 3 Times a day. So far only 1 or 2 given
pepcid ac 5mg
Started limping on 1/19, saw vet, given deramaxx and methocarbamol
Went down in evening of 1/19 both legs
Saw vet today 1/20 started prednisone and revived first laser treatment
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
15 lbs
Deramaxx as of 1/19
Prednisone as of 1/20: 5 mgs 2x/day for 3 days, then Tues 1/23 a test-for-pain Prednisone taper
Methocarbamol 250 mgs 1x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day]
Having trouble learning to express his urine.
Eating well.
tail wagging and seems happy aside from all of it.
(Mommy is a basket case though)
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2018 19:18:45 GMT -7
Rachel, there is an emergency to deal with possibly with ER since your regular vet will not be open til Monday? There needs to be a 5-7 days washout from NSAID Deramaxx and the steroid prednisone. Pepcid AC is likely to not be enough protection from the double jeopardy. Be on the watch for GI tract damage: nausea progressing to not eating, loose stool, vomit, bleeding ulcer, blood in stool, deadly perforated stomach lining. SUCRALFATE is the 2nd GI protector to be on board when the 5-7 days washout can't be done due to emergency of neuro diminishment. Read up on Sucralfate here so you know why you are advocating for it and what the timing is with food, with Pepcid AC: marvistavet.com/sucralfate.pml |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2018 19:34:27 GMT -7
When you've taken care of getting sucralfate on board, would you please fill us in on this information: It will help us work together for Obi and avoid offering ideas that could cause harm or lead the discussion in the wrong direction — please share a bit more detail with us: ★1 How much does your dog weigh? Methocarbamol 250 mgs are you actually giving 3x/day promptly on time?? Pepcid AC 5mgs ?x/day ★3 -- Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist surgeon (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)? ★4 Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more! —> www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no dragging during the expressing session ★5 Is there still currently pain - 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. Not their normal perky selves? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. If not in control your vet needs to know asap to adjust meds. There is pently of pain control options not yet used: Tramadol (general analgesic), gabapentin (nerve pain) ★6 Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood? ★7 Currently can your dog wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk? ★8 You can express for poop as well as for urine. Don't hesitate to express in the clinic and have the vet tech check your work. Excellent review tips, videos: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm So glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD to share with you! Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works as your dog will be depending on your skills to learn. Zero in on the 4 phases of healing, print this page, make notes, keep yourself on track, follow all the links in the next days: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmWe look forward to your next post to learn his tummy is being fully protected with Sucralfate and the answers to the questions above. |
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 20, 2018 20:56:42 GMT -7
Ok, doing my best here:
Obi is 16 pounds.
-only one half pill of deramaxx was given. Now I’m panicking, but he seems ok at this point.
-Wasn't sure how often to give Pepcid ac, his appetite seems great however.
-was told to give the muscle relaxer at first once a day then increase, is this wrong?
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 21, 2018 10:25:05 GMT -7
Exciting news! Obi peed outside today twice on his own (no expression) but with supported legs.
-Our vet is a general DVM but has staff on board trained in laser therapy, pt and more for ivdd
- He has deep pain response movement and can wag tail when happy. Can sit upright for short bits but I’m not encouraging it.
- I’ve had him completely lying down while home on the floor. He hasn’t been into moving or scooting. Just relaxing. I have his crate ready for sleep and when he starts wanting to move more.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2018 10:48:49 GMT -7
Rachel, with the back legs being supported, was the sling removed from the tummy area so as not to kinda apply pressure like expressing would? If no sling was touching the tummy, that is indeed proof of bladder control! Let us know. Dogs always do the unexpected. We have to be one step ahead of these little creatures to protect that disc and avoid relapse to t he early healing disc. Please do ensure Obi is getting the care he needs for his disc: 100% STRICT rest 24/7 for the full 8 weeks, only out for a very, very few footsteps at potty time. Even one dose of Deramaxx means it stays in the body for 5-7 days where it now is in the body along with prednisone now. Monitor closely for emerging signs of GI tract damage: nausea progressing to not eating, loose stool, vomit, bleeding ulcer, blood in stool, deadly perforated stomach lining. Hopefully, Obi may just be one heck of a lucky dog and have dodged the bullet on no washout and no double stomach protection (Pepcid AC + Sucralfate). PEPCID AC is 5mgs twice a day Methocarbamol, for pain of muscle contraction. A dog who does not move all day from a lying position, sounds like your dog may be in pain: reluctant to move, doesn't change positions on the floor, moves slowly/gingerly. Everything can just hurt more, pain is heighten when experienced under conditions of stress or anxiety. Our dogs are stressed with the physical pain of a disc episode. All of their routines have been changed with crate rest..that is a stressful thing. So knowing a disc episode is a painful thing, it is prudent to act like it is painful and use an aggressive pain med approach. The time to reduce pain med or stop them will be on Tues 1/23 when the test for pain and neuro loss starts with the Prednisone taper. All pain meds would then be stopped so you have a chance to quickly identify for pain or neuro loss and alert the vet for another course of Pred. In preparation for the pred taper on tues 1/23, it would be good to have this information under your belt, to best be able to discuss things with your vet and ask good guestions: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm |
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 21, 2018 11:18:24 GMT -7
I’m definitely going to request the additional stomach protection. I so wish I’d known that yesterday while at the vet  I feel awful that I didn’t know that. He’s eating some today so far. Waiting on a poop to see how it is. I only supported his legs with my hands while outside for potty time. Both times. He managed to pee on his own to my surprise. No belly pressure, just him. The second time he gave us some cues he wanted to go out. I think it seems like a small victory! (Also, I’m being very diligent on restricting his movement. Only allowing just a few tiny steps, that’s it) I am giving him his ▲ muscle relaxers every 12 hours. [Moderator's note: please do not modify
15 lbs
Deramaxx as of 1/19
Prednisone as of 1/20: 5 mgs 2x/day for 3 days, then Tues 1/23 a test-for-pain Prednisone taper
Methocarbamol 250 mgs ▲2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs now 2?x/day
Anxiety medication name?] He is sitting upright in his crate on occasion (comfirtably- not panting or showing signs of added pain) and readjusting himself to be comfortable (lying on one side to the other, etc) . Definitely wants to move more so I’m making sure it’s crate confined. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2018 11:34:35 GMT -7
Rachel, good job on crating him. Wonderful to hear he is changing positions to indicate he is not in pain. So Methocarbamol at 2x/day sounds like that right for Obi. Yea! he does have proof of bladder control then!! You may be able to recognize some ability to use his back legs when repositioning in the crate. The short 8 weeks it takes to heal a disc may or may not show full self repair of the slow growing nerves. Having bladder control come back bodes very well for more nerve repair! Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. √Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. √Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. √ Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4. ? Leg Movement, and then ability to ? move up into a stand position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmWith every day that passes there is less and less Deramaxx in his body. Keep monitoring for GI tract damage, he may not at this point need sucralfate, because he has Lady Luck on his side. Sucralfate works to gel coat wherever there is damage to the GI tract (stomach lining, intestines) like a bandaid. Pepcid AC every 12 hours is working to suppress stomach acid production to avoid damage to the stomach's lining. |
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 21, 2018 12:08:18 GMT -7
Only a tiny poop so far. Looks normal, but small. He totally sat up and did that on his own too. (In his crate) muscle relaxers are kicking in so I suspect an afternoon of sleep for him. Lol, his personality is coming back a good deal. Wanting to bark at every little sound outside  lol |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2018 12:46:39 GMT -7
Rachel, wonderful to hear pain is finally in control at last with Methocarbamol 250 mgs 2x/day! Expect that same relief from pain to continue from dose to dose of the single pain med he has. Never have any patience with pain, when there is plenty more options your vet has.
--If methocarbamol not fully round the clock covering pain, then move methocarbamol to 3x/day so there will be full coverage for muscle spasm pain round the clock. AND ask the vet if the mgs can be lowered to 125mgs 3x/day. that is the usual for a 15 lbs dog.
--Phone the vet for the other 1-2 pain meds that cover the other sources of pain:
Tramadol as the general analgesic every 8 hours
Gabapentin for nerve pain every 8 hours.
Let us know if you are now giving Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 21, 2018 14:18:33 GMT -7
Yes on 2x a day Pepcid about 30 minutes prior to prednisone.
We just had an awesome pee outside. Nice and strong stream, lots of it too. Just me holding up his butt with his legs in place, no additional pressure from me. So happy about that. But it’s quite medicinal smelling. Is that normal? I’d imagine so, but wasn’t sure.
I’m headed to the grocery store soon and will pick up some canned pumpkin and baby food sweet potato’s to mix into his food.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2018 14:26:12 GMT -7
Rachel, it very often happens when a dog needs to be expressed and an owner doesn't yet have fully devoped expressing skills, the part of the urine that remains in the bladder will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria (Urinary tract infection -UTI) Most UTI's will have some signs while other won't give you any foul smell, darker color, blood in urine, etc. So if you are noticing the urine is different and if Obi licks his penis. Dog's have incredible sense of smell to notice when something is off and needs to be licked away. I would not take any chance. I would get a sample into the vet (ask the vet how he wants it done) for a urinalysis to rule out infection or if infection to get an antibiotic on board asap.
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 21, 2018 19:07:47 GMT -7
Ok, I’ll inquire tomorrow when we do a vet check call and then laser treatment.
He was catheterized yesterday morning to completely empty his bladder though. If that helps.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 22, 2018 10:21:43 GMT -7
Rachel, tomorrow Tues 1/23, the pred taper test for pain or increased neuro dimimishment starts. It may not be realistic to think all the painfully swollen cord is now resolved if you had seen pain a day or more ago. It is not clear if you had seen pain, but you did say you increased the pain med methocarbamol to 2x/day and then you saw his personality come back indicating pain then in control.
A 3-day course of Pred is rather short. Often the courses will be 5-7 day or in some cases a 14-day pred course. Then a test for pain taper begins. To allow you to see quickly and with accuracy about pain, naturally pain-masking pain meds are stopped. What did your vet say about the pred taper to being on 1/23?
It can take 7 or even up to 30 days to resolve swelling. No one knows how long. It is simply a matter of the vet taking a guess by issuing a course of pred and you monitor the taper. Taper days are no longer working on swelling and are not in the 7-30 day count. If pain resurfaces another course of pred. If no pain on the taper, it goes to completion and no meds at all are needed for the balance of the 8 weeks of crate rest time to heal the disc.
Yea! Bladder control has been proved! Might just continue with a quick express check until you are satisfied each time he fully voids his bladder.
What did the urinalysis reveal...UTI or not?
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 23, 2018 0:09:19 GMT -7
Spoke with vet about increasing prednisone to a 5 or 7 day then taper, waiting on response. UTI test wasn’t ordered yet, we go back on Wednesday. May be checked then possibly, but since he is peeing well, she isn’t overly worried about some slight odor at this point. There is no pink/blood and he isn’t licking. Laser treatment #2 given today (1/22) went very well. Relaxed him a good bit, was a happy boy. ✚Anxiety medication prescribed to be used as needed for crate rest emotional upset or for car rides to laser treatments and follow up. (To ease any body strain from anxiety) Was greeted tonight after being away to a very happy Obi wagging his tail vigorously to see me and shortly after a very anxious “I need to go out to pee” whining. He had a super great pee, only legs needed positioned, nice full and strong stream. He even looked impressed haha. I think today had some great signs of healing occurring. i hope things keep keep going as well.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
15 lbs
Deramaxx as of 1/19
Prednisone as of 1/20: 5 mgs 2x/day for 3 days, then Tues 1/23 a test-for-pain Prednisone taper
Methocarbamol 250 mgs ▲2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs now 2?x/day
✚Trazadone 50mg tablet size: take as need 1/4 to a whole tablet]
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 23, 2018 5:48:40 GMT -7
So wonderful to hear of the healing that has been happening for Obi, Rachel. What is the name of the anxiety medication prescribed? You're doing a great job with Obi and it shows! |
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 23, 2018 16:55:12 GMT -7
Today was more of the same good stuff. He alerted me for a great big pee and poo outside. The poo was a strain for him initially but then he was fine. Pumpkin should help.Pee was much much less scented and a nice stream. I'm still holding his back and legs when he goes out but he wants to take steps and sniff the ground. I only allowed a very modest few with me supporting his back and legs. I do not want to cause any issue to set him back. His anxiety medication is: Trazadone 50mg tablet size And I can use it as needed.I can cut the pill in quarter, half or whole depending on his need. I wish I could upload the video, but cannot. Tonight, I lightly tickled Obi’s back paws (or even just lightly brushed the tufts of fur growing between toes) and got a tickled toe reaction. Moving feet and jerking movements. Like he was saying “knock it off, that tickles!” (He’s always had ticklish feet, lol) I don’t know if it’s a sign of improvement but I will take it ps. Ordered DodgersList Digest. Can’t wait for it to show up in my email 👍🏼
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 24, 2018 9:35:32 GMT -7
Rachel, are you using a sling at potty time as leg support or your hands? A sling will save you from back ache! This figure 8 sling is more preferable to males. So you ARE feeling his back legs trying to do some walking motion? First you would upload the video to Your Tube: www.youtube.comdirections to up load a video and then post to the Forum: support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=enThe tickle reaction is a reflex. Best save for as after graduation PT as you do not want feet jerking causing movement to the back while doing conservative treatment. Some of those reflex reactions can be quite powerful! Thank you for supporting us with the Digest subscription. We are all volunteers here and the Digest is one of our avenues to earn some money to pay for this ad-free Forum, the Dodgerslist website where our treasure trove of IVDD information resides and provide FREE materials to educate about IVDD. THANK YOU and enjoy the Dodger's Digest. |
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 24, 2018 13:50:02 GMT -7
We are working on one of those contraptions because my back is getting sore from all of the supporting him and not myself.
-I don’t think the walking motion is coming much from his back legs yet. It’s all [walking is] in the front leg at this point. And truly, I only allow enough of them to sniff a spot to encourage his pee.
- I will save the tickles for later 👍🏼
- I suppose I might have done a bad thing here, but I tested his back leg strength at potty time. I put his legs in position and let go to see if he could balance or hold himself up and he did so for about 8-10 seconds. I was excited to see this but only in the sense that he can hold weight. Not that he is “self supporting” or any pipe dreams here, rather just happy to see some strength in tact for now. I won’t do this anymore if it could be detrimental to his recovery. He did seem perfectly fine and not in pain or tensing as he held himself up.
-We see the vet soon, and will have more laser therapy.
- pees, poops all great. Still letting us know when he has to go. Diet is good. Eating pumpkin and glucosamine treats.
-Went to vet visit this afternoon.
She was pleasantly surprised by Obi’s progress. She is pleased with the strength returning to his legs, his increasing deep pain sensations, his control of bladder functions and improvements. She is hopeful that his improvement will continue and is hoping to see him able to wobble walk eventually (after a few months).
-Vet agreed to increasing his steroid dosage since Obi is seeing great benefit. He will now be on a 7 day [pred] dosage of 2 tablets a day I believe this includes what was already given, then to taper off to 1 tablet a day to 1/2 tablet a day.
It was 2 Times a day of 5mg Pred for 3 days.
So now I’m to give him the same [pred] dosage for a few more days.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
15 lbs
Deramaxx as of 1/19
Prednisone as of 1/20: 5 mgs 2x/day for 3 days
as of 1/24: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days, then Wed 1/31 a then taper to test for pain/neuro loss
Methocarbamol 250 mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs now 2?x/day
Trazadone 50mg tablet size: take as need 1/4 to a whole tablet]
-Laser treatment today.
-Laser appointments coming are on Friday, Monday and Thursday of next week.
-phone call vet follow up on Monday and a follow up check in 2 weeks approx.
Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 26, 2018 at 8:30pm
-Another Laser Treatment today.
- Phone Vet check on Monday
-2 Laser treatments scheduled next week.
-Obi, this evening, while out to pee, took a few humble and wobbly steps with his back legs. He was sitting up to rest and just sorta has this burst of determination and got his legs under him and wobbled a few steps. I, of course did not let this go on very much at all, it came out of no where, so I stopped him. But, it was encouragingly see. I don’t know if it was a fluke or what but I was surprised by it.
-Still healthy poops and pees, normal appetite and thirst.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 27, 2018 7:32:30 GMT -7
Rachel, what a wonderful sign of nerve healing! That's excellent news. Yes, even though it's great that he's able to do that, do only allow a very few steps at potty time and carry right back to the crate. Just a few days ago, the vet said she was hoping to see him wobbly walk in a few months. Well, it looks like he decided to do it in just a few days!
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 27, 2018 8:23:36 GMT -7
While it was absolutely thrilling to see, I in no way, want to inhibit anymore progress.
Conservative treatment with accompanying laser therapy is doing wanders for our little guy and it’s just so great to have hope.
Last week at this time, I thought we were going to have to euthanize our sweet boy because he had no ability to urinate on his own. Prognosis seemed so scary. Tears were nonstop.
Today, not only does he let us know when, but he’s able to stand unsupported a few moments to pee and wants to and has taken those first humble and awkward and wobbly steps.
I am so thankful to have DodgersList on our side. Having this support and information is amazing and so reassuring amidst a disease that is so utterly crushing.
1 week down, 7 to go! 😊👍🏼
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 27, 2018 10:27:48 GMT -7
Rachel you and Obi are a Poster for conservative treatment! Your committment to follow through on 100% STRICT rest 24/7 for the full 8 weeks, only out for a very, very few footsteps at potty time has been instrumental in Obi's ability to so soon regain beginnings of nerve function in his back legs. We wish EVERY vet, every owner had the insight you have now gained. --- Disc disease is not a death sentence --- Conservative treatment DOES work to heal the disc and then the body over time has the potential to self repair nerves. May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? There are only less than a handful who volunteer and dedicate many hours a week to helping dogs and their owners. We could really use a helping hand from other forum members in educating.-- Upload a photo of Obi with a caption to our photo gallery as inspiration to those just starting the IVDD journey. In the Fall the photos will become a calendar where some will end up in vet offices. Remember, too, to get your camera out for a graduation picture and a few sentences for the 2018 Dodgerslist Photo Gallery: Gallery LOGIN www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=5username: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14 OR you can email (owner's name, email addy, dog's name + photo caption) to : photogallery@dodgerslist.com -- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
--- Become a "Helpful Member" see more about that here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/3277/helpful-memberYou ARE doing conservative treatment correctly ....if you see another member on the Forum needing support or information share what you know to be true or point them to one of our many IVDD articles over on the MAIN website. The "search box" on each website page makes quick work to find the right helpful link: www.dodgerslist.com/-- Help us multiply our reach even more about "Disk Disease is NOT a death sentence" to save even more dog's lives. Could you send the Jan 28 free weekly "Modern Dog" newsletter to all you know? This issue (Jan 28) has Dodgerslist AND a a very excellent article on scent games with your dog. Here is the link to the FREE weekly Modern Dog issue to share with everyone: mailchi.mp/moderndogmagazine/winter-activities-673073?e=cd6194c4e7 |
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 28, 2018 11:50:02 GMT -7
Sometimes that dachshund stubbornness and mischievousness shows itself! 😁
Today, while changing blankets around in the crate, Obi who was sitting on the floor, decided to get up and wobble walk across the floor while I wasn’t looking. My husband caught him as he was getting cheese out of the fridge (Obi’s fave snack).
I guess when properly motivated by cheese, those stinkers will do anything. Naughty boy. My husband was like “Oh my gosh, he just got up and walked!” But in a panic, because we are forever reminding Obi that he needs to just stay chill. I don’t think any damage was done, he seems ok but let me tell you, the PANIC was REAL!!!!
pretty soon my living room is going to look like a penitentiary because he can’t be trusted 😇
Post by Rachel & Obi on 23 hours ago
Sure! As I get my spare moments of time in, I will absolutely try to help! 👍🏼😊
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 28, 2018 11:59:12 GMT -7
When doing maintenace on his bedding, you can harness him and attach leash to leg of sturdy furniture. If you have an expen, it can quickly be transformed into a temporary holding place for Obi. Hopefully, your monitoring closely for pain today will show none and that he has dodged a bullet! Keep us posted, our fingers are crossed.
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 28, 2018 17:31:29 GMT -7
Happy to report no pain. All is well.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 28, 2018 19:44:53 GMT -7
They can sure surprise you.
My Nala is 13, has been fighting IVDD for 10 years.
Yesterday I came home to her being stuck in the spare room. She had climbed a baby gate!!
Nobody told her she's elderly and has a bad back!
I'm glad Obi is OK. 😀
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 30, 2018 9:03:46 GMT -7
-Obi has his 5th laser therapy treatment.
-While on the mat, under supervision of the provider, and while I was getting my coat on, Obi took complete steps. An entire series of them. She got my attention and said, “look at him walking!!” We both were elated to see this.
There is so much hope. Strict Crate rest and laser therapy has been showing us miraculous recovery in Obi.
-methacarbonal is on an as needed basis. 1/4 to 1/2 tablet twice daily as needed.
-still on prednisone taper
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
15 lbs
Deramaxx as of 1/19
Prednisone as of 1/20: 5 mgs 2x/day for 3 days
as of 1/24: 5mgs 2x/day for 4 days, then Wed 1/28 a then taper to test for pain/neuro loss
Methocarbamol 125-250 mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs now 2?x/day
Trazadone 50mg tablet size: take as need 1/4 to a whole tablet]
-no signs of pain, no new issues of concern
-Obi can completely stand to pee on his own, unsupported now.
-going poo still needs a bit of support
Things are looking so positive and hopeful
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 30, 2018 9:35:04 GMT -7
When did you start the pred taper, we understood the taper was to begin on this Wednesday Jan 31? -- Let us know the date you actually began giving less than Prednisone 5mgs 2x/day At the start of the taper methocarbamol would also be stopped so that you have an accurate observation about pain. Let us know when you you will be stopping methocarbamol to coincide with the taper. Pepcid AC 5mgs should continue at every 12 hours until prednisone has come to conclusion On the pred taper is the time to watch for pain surfacing and if any step back in neuro function. -- excellent you ARE seeing improvment in neuro function!! -- will look for an accurate report about pain when pain-masking methocarbamol is stopped Pain= another course of Prednisone + all pain meds back on board. No Pain= go to conclusion of pred taper... finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal. The full details on how Prednisone, an anti-inflammatory works with a disc episode. Good reading to be able to ask the right questions and discuss treatments with your vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm |
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 30, 2018 10:01:23 GMT -7
We are on the 3rd day of the taper. He is now taking 1/2 tablet twice daily. Tablet is 5mg. Started 1/2 tablet twice daily on 1/28.
(he was taking 5mg twice for 7 days starting 1/20)
I can refrain from giving methacarbonal to see where he is pain wise.
Crating is getting very difficult for Obi. I’m gonna have to get an expen, he knows he can move now and is getting upset with me. It must be so frustrating to be him but I cannot risk his improvements.
sigh. The struggle of crate rest is real, but we will get through it.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 31, 2018 13:25:11 GMT -7
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I feel awful that I didn’t know that.
lol
