|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 31, 2018 23:05:35 GMT -7
I will try more of those tips. I think the problem is that he knows that he has the ability to be mobile now with wobbly walking and wants to move. Potty time is getting tricky because he wants to walk and sniff. Im thrilled that he is feeling up to this but also terrified that he will push too hard. We will get through this. Must stay positive and not get discouraged. Almost 2 weeks complete!
-Laser treatment in the morning.
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Feb 1, 2018 5:05:22 GMT -7
Not sure if you're already doing this but if not, use a 6' leash with harness and stand in one spot to limit his steps at potty time. Use an ex-pen or plastic push-in-the-ground fencing to make a 6' potty area outside which will help to limit his steps. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/slingwalk.jpgYes, when they start to feel better, it can make crate rest more of a challenge. But it's great to hear that he's feeling better!
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 2, 2018 17:48:51 GMT -7
I will do that for potty time. Currently I just give the sit command when he’s done too much and pick him up correctly.
We we put up an expen in the living room. He’s enjoying that more than the crate.
Expen has been a lifesaver. He is soooo much happier.
-Noticed that as he goes out to pee, his steps are a bit exaggerated as he’s trying to get his foot pads down, rather than let the foot crumple. I think that’s a good sign? -Vet wants to keep him on 1/2 prednisone tablet for the time being.
[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 STOPPED Pepcid AC 5mgs now 2?x/day Trazadone 50mg tablet size: take as need 1/4 to a whole tablet]
She believes it’s working just as it should, he doesn’t need any pain meds now and is able to relax and rest. -Next vet and laser therapy treatment is Thursday afternoon.
2 weeks complete, 6 to go!! 👍🏼😊
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 3, 2018 0:07:30 GMT -7
If Obi is becoming aware of where his feet are that's a very good sign.
Vets call it proprioception. It's basically knowing where your feet are and being able to place them correctly.
That means that messages from his spinal cord are starting to get through to his brain.
Hooray!! Keep up the great job.
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 3, 2018 7:33:18 GMT -7
Wow that is exciting to hear!!
He is in such good spirits. He’s been enjoying his rest in his expen, relaxing, smiling, happy. 😊👍🏼
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
|
Post by PaulaM on Feb 3, 2018 7:46:08 GMT -7
Rachel, prednisone's purpose for a disc episode is to resolve the inflammation going on in the painfully swollen spinal cord. Once it is prooved all pain is gone by stopping all pain meds during the pred taper, the taper just goes to conclusion. The final taper is an every other day dose and then stop.
Prednsone will not heal nerve damage (wobbly walking, failure to place paws correctly) Nerve damage is something the body self repairs on its own without the aid of any medication. Obi's body is self repairing in that he is now able to sense when his paws knuckle under and he tries to correct his paws!!!
In the taper prednisone is not working on swelling, it is at a less than anti-inflammatory dose. The reason for the taper of the synthetic steroid hormone is twofold: --- It is a handy window for a vet and us to know if all painful swelling is gone. You have reported pain is gone and not on any pain meds. -- It is a health issue that a taper MUST be done. The pred taper works to signal the body's adrenal glands to resume making its own life regulating steroid hormone. The last several days of the taper process ends in an every other day dose and then a stop.
What does it’s {prednisone] working just as it should mean? What did your vet explain is being worked on with a taper dose?
What is your understanding of keeping Obi on a taper dose Pred 2.5mgs (is that once or twice a day) for the time being? What date will the final part of the taper process to to and every other day dose?
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 3, 2018 11:29:01 GMT -7
I’m not positive but I can call and ask. I was assuming he’s to stay on the same dose until his appointment on Thursday and then start cutting back more.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
|
Post by PaulaM on Feb 4, 2018 9:38:03 GMT -7
Any time out of the crate is a dangerous time for a dog going through an IVDD disc episode. Transport to a vet is risky as there is a chance of too much movement. Most vets who understand how strict the crate rest must be will understand that it's too much of a risk to bring the dog in to the office for a follow-up exam. You can call the vet to give her status updates on pain and neuro function. Nerves can take months to self heal. Prednisone does not heal discs nor heal nerves. Prednisone's job is to reduce swelling in 7-30 days excluding any test for pain taper days. So please do speak to the vet to clarify why she feels it's urgent that you transport your dog for an appt on Thurs vs reporting any signs of pain or new neuro issues. The full proof if all swelling is gone will be achieved when the final taper stage of every other day dose and then stop has been completed. Right now you and your vet are still in the dark if all the swelling is actually gone. Vet visits during a disc episode should be kept to the only urgently needed ones. With urgent vet visits, secure the crate in your vehicle. Transport carefully using a crate padded out with rolled up towels on either side of the dog to prevent movement or jarring the spine when braking or turning corners.
MONITOR & report PAIN ◻︎ 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. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎ not their normal perky selves MONITOR and report NEURO FUNCTION diminishment As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails/toes scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle 5. Weak/little leg movement, can't move up into a stand 6. Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) 7. Bladder control is lost 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost 9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment.
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 4, 2018 11:43:35 GMT -7
His vet check will occur prior to his scheduled laser therapy treatment, in an effort to reduce time out of recovery suite.
We do absolutely secure him in the car very well for his travels to treatments, I am being extremely cautious. We secure his carrier with movers straps fastened to the seat with him bolstered in with blankets. Poor bud is like transporting a cracked egg. Very careful. But the benefits of his laser treatments have been absolutely evident, so we make the precautions to get him there safely.
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 5, 2018 22:15:06 GMT -7
A video of Obi walking tonight. I allowed him to walk a bit for the sake of knowing his progress and to share here. 17 days ago he couldn’t control his bladder and I was expressing him. Today, he’s walking with good steps. Crate rest and laser therapy is an amazing treatment program and it works!
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Feb 5, 2018 22:52:16 GMT -7
How wonderful to see Obi walking! Make sure he doesn't overdo things now that he is feeling better..Thanks for sharing that video. When they start feeling better they become more of a challenge.. My Tyler wanted to get up and go too at that stage..
Obi is getting great care from you.. Very happy for you and Obi!
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 6, 2018 6:49:53 GMT -7
Woohoo!! I'm doing my Snoopy happy dance for you both.😀
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 6, 2018 7:35:32 GMT -7
Yes, keeping him happy in his expen all day is tricky but we endure for his sake. Potty breaks are starting to require a short leash (as suggested) since he wants to go and explore and we won’t allow it. Especially since we have some ice on the ground here. I keep thinking, almost at 3 weeks, 5 left to go. 👍🏼
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 7, 2018 13:43:46 GMT -7
The whining To get out of the expen is driving me nuts.
Please remind me that this is only for a few more weeks before I lose my sanity.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
|
Post by PaulaM on Feb 7, 2018 14:01:13 GMT -7
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 7, 2018 20:32:19 GMT -7
This may be a stupid question, but once Obi is graduated from crate rest, will he regain muscle tone in his back legs? He has a great deal of muscle atrophy and I wasn’t sure if there was anything I could do to help this. Light massage of the leg muscles?
-Vet check and laser therapy tomorrow.
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Feb 8, 2018 5:44:58 GMT -7
Muscle tone comes back quickly once the 8 weeks of crate rest are over and movement is very gradually reintroduced again. So need to worry about that. He's able to move around in his crate so that's all that's needed at this time. No massage should be done during conservative care for Obi since he's able to walk and readjust himself in the crate.
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 8, 2018 14:52:02 GMT -7
Today’s Vet visit summary:
-On Monday 2/12 we continue to further taper prednisone to 1/2 5mg tablet Once daily for one or two weeks. (Will do a phone check to decide if the extra week is needed) No pain medication has been needed, he is not experiencing any noticeable pain, per her examination. Is very happy, in good spirits, back to normal as far as behavior goes.
[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 taper to test for pain/neuro loss Pepcid AC 5mgs now 2?x/day Trazadone 50mg tablet size: take as need 1/4 to a whole tablet]
-Had laser treatment today, Next laser therapy appt on Thursday 2/15
- Vet is thrilled by Obi’s progress. She watched his walking and was amazed. During the exam she had him “right his paws”, he is ‘righting’ his back paws, but is a little “sluggish” about it. She said it’s pretty much better than to be expected at this point and may continue to improve with time.
- Wants us to continue the crate rest and once a week laser therapy through the completion of our 8 week conservative plan.
- Physical Therapy consult is scheduled for the end of week 5 (around 2/23) . This will be to see what level of PT he will need after conservative rest is complete and when to begin it.
Overall, things are going so amazingly well. Never give up hope! 🙂
3 weeks down, 5 to go!👍🏼
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
|
Post by PaulaM on Feb 8, 2018 15:28:53 GMT -7
The time to do a PT consult, which would mean right now a risky to the disc transport, is at graduation day. Mar 13 when the disc has healed. By Mar 13 there can be a true assessment if Obi needs PT or maybe nothing at all, after all he is a walking dog right now!
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Feb 21, 2018 21:31:54 GMT -7
Nothing much new to report other than Obi is off of prednisone now. So, currently, no medications.
Still doing well, pain free, walking with slight wobble at potty time. (Once he’s graduated and eased back into moving more, I know regaining those lost muscles will help him walk even better 😊)
Laser treatment next week.
Almost 5 weeks down! 3 to go!
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Feb 22, 2018 9:57:19 GMT -7
Wonderful to hear that Obi has been able to get off of all meds, Rachel!
Since Obi is now off of all meds with no pain so you have proof that the swelling is gone and his only symptom is a slight wobble at potty time, you should consider stopping the laser treatments to avoid the risk of too much movement of the spine during transport to the vet. We'd hate to see Obi have a relapse due to too much movement at this point and need to start crate rest over from the beginning. What benefit does the vet feel the laser treatments are giving that would outweigh the risk of transport? The slight wobble will improve once movement is gradually reintroduced after the 8 weeks of crate rest with the slow rebuilding of muscle strength and stamina.
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 8, 2018 23:22:56 GMT -7
ONE WEEK LEFT!!!!! 😁 Obi’s doing awesome! No pain meds, no more laser needed, returned neuro function...one happy boy.
The vet has assembled a home physical therapy routine to help him regain balance and strength slowly, with time and gentleness. After graduation from restriction, we will start [PT routine] this as well as little walks around the house and such. Slow and steady, no rushing.
7 weeks down, ONE TO GO!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
|
Post by PaulaM on Mar 9, 2018 9:10:39 GMT -7
Rachel, how far Obi has come in such a short time, regained bladder control and walking! Your attention to strict rest has made this possible. Good job! You may want a little peek ahead on how to handle a variety of things once Obi graduates next Friday 3/16. As you mention it will be a slow and steady introduction back to normal family activity for Obi. You may want to see what things you can do to make your home back friendly with gates, furniture blockers, etc. Check out the many ideas for after graduation: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 16, 2018 20:12:54 GMT -7
GRADUATION DAY!!! I thought I would share a video with everyone here. I hope it gives everyone hope for their fur babies suffering IVDD issues. Here’s to a healthy future, and if the worst comes about again, we are so glad that we have the support and experience of Dodgerslist behind us! www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/Graduate.jpg
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Mar 16, 2018 20:19:09 GMT -7
Such a sweet video of Obi on his crate rest graduation day! A happy day, indeed! You took such good care of him to get to this day... --- You've been there, and are doing it....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. The "search box" on each page makes quick work to find the right helpful link: www.dodgerslist.com/-- "Share" our FB/twitter/ posts to widen the reach of IVDD knowledge www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist twitter.com/DodgersList -- Hand carry our literature. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm-- We have a store where you might find something you absolutely need! Our earnings go to paying for our webpage and literature to hand out. www.dodgerslist.com/store.htm-- Don't forget to add a photo to the gallery and 1-2 sentences. Give inspiration to others just starting a scary IVDD journey. Directions to u/l here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendar Most of all enjoy your new normal with Obi!
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 16, 2018 21:48:45 GMT -7
Woohoo!!! Congratulations Rachel and Obi!! You made it to graduation day. I'm so happy for you.😀
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 16, 2018 21:58:46 GMT -7
Thanks! It’s been amazing to see how much healing can happen with time and proper care. My Obi is his happy normal self and we just can’t help but be amazed in his recovery!!
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 19, 2018 16:09:13 GMT -7
Obi’s been doing so great, but today I noticed some more than normal wobbling. My question is, can wobbling and such be part of a normal transition back? Maybe he over did things a bit? He is in zero pain, acting normal, walking and even sorta running at times. I just noticed a bit more of a wobble or weird step in his walk today. (He went for his second outdoor walk yesterday. A short walk (a few yards) followed by being carried, then a short walk again, etc) Am I being overly fearful? I feel like I am, but it’s just so scary to even think of going backwards. He’s in his expen currently to rest. Should I keep him restricted or keep doing his pt and stuff? I hope I’m not being too paranoid.
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 19, 2018 16:17:56 GMT -7
Rachel, I say go with your gut instinct.
Maybe Obi just overdid it but until you're sure crating is a great idea.
|
|
|
Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 20, 2018 10:59:20 GMT -7
He’s doing much better today. I’m keeping him quiet and just light indoor roaming though until I’m sure.
|
|