PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 20, 2018 11:18:36 GMT -7
Good idea to take his PT quite slowly so you can observe for pain, etc.. If he is better today with leg function, then suspicion is that he may have overdone things with his not yet so strong legs. Short PT session then back in his crate. He's been non-active for many weeks, so it should take several weeks of slow go to get his legs strong again.
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 21, 2018 7:58:32 GMT -7
Paula, thank you, I feel much better about this now. I have a question regarding dental cleanings and ivdd dogs. Obi is due for a good cleaning and I think I remember reading here or somewhere about risks with ivdd dogs and anesthesia. Can you point me in the right direction?
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Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 21, 2018 8:48:42 GMT -7
Hi Rachel, I know that Paula will get back to you.
Just wanted to contribute my two cents. LOL.
Any time an IVDD dog is under anesthesia their core muscles that support the spinal column are not working.
If they are moved incorrectly or not properly supported it can cause damage.
Everyone handling your dog needs to be aware of the IVDD and how Obi needs to be handled.
I'd go so far as making sure it's on the dental chart and on his recovery crate.
It's doable but very carefully.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 21, 2018 9:05:07 GMT -7
Julie is correct. There will need to be turning the dog during xrays and repositioning his body during the dental. The turning needs to keep the body aligned (no twisting the body) and both ends supported. It likely will take two people in attendence for Obi to ensure the safety of his spine. All things to discuss with your vet so you have peace of mind. Mark Bush MA VetMB CertSAS MRCVS advises when under sedation " great care must be taken to ensure the patient’s spine is kept in neutral alignment throughout the procedure, and any movements are controlled and kept to a minimum." More on precautions with IVDD dogs: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/precautions.html
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 21, 2018 10:18:16 GMT -7
Fabulous. I appreciate the information so much. Luckily our vet has been amazing with Obi. I feel confident that with our communication in regards to the need for spine support that they will go above and beyond. Will keep this handy for when we go in.
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Post by Cheryl & Tyson on Mar 21, 2018 21:44:54 GMT -7
I just wanted to stop in for a moment and share my experience with Tyson's dental cleaning. Tyson had his teeth cleaned just after a neck episode last year and it didn't go well afterward. He had a relapse and we had to start over. Granted, Tyson had not completed 8 weeks of crate rest either as I didn't even know he should be crated 24/7 for 8 weeks. This was before I found Dodger's list. I did tell the receptionist to remind the vet to be careful of his back. I was afraid the vet techs would take him out to potty before they released him for the day and he would be going up and down steps out their back door.That's not to say Obi will have the same experience but if it must be done this close to completion of crate rest, please make sure the entire office is aware of the precautions during surgery and after that should be taken!
I'm sort of a woos, though because Tyson's nails need trimming badly now but I'm afraid to have them done just yet! He hates his nails trimmed and I'm afraid he'll fight them and jerk and aggravate his disk. In my mind, it's week 9 and we're just getting our footing planted firmly again.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 22, 2018 5:58:09 GMT -7
Just wanted to share my experience on this. My Jeremy's teeth had a lot of tarter and plaque on them at one point and I'm sure a vet would have told me he needed a cleaning. I started using a product called Petzlife Oral Care Gel. I brushed his teeth with it after each meal. It did a great job of removing the tarter and plaque and luckily I was able to avoid a cleaning. After the tarter and plaque were removed, I switched to a less expensive toothpaste that I use each day and his teeth remain clean. Petzlife comes in a spray, too and you don't actually need to brush their teeth with either the spray or the gel, it works just applied to the teeth/gums. Here's the toothpaste that removed the plaque and tarter if you'd like to try it: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009T6KT20/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
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Post by Mary & Mila on Mar 22, 2018 11:39:23 GMT -7
Marjorie, Thanks for sharing that info on the plaque cleaning gel/spray. I know Mila my dachshund needs a dental cleaning, but because of her neck disc issue in Aug 2017 I was really in two minds about it. I had a look at the excellent reviews on that product and I've now ordered the gel on Amazon. Great info, thanks for sharing! Mary
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 23, 2018 10:04:32 GMT -7
I've used the Petzlife gel too, my dog liked the Salmon best. I do know how often you brush makes a huge difference in deterring the tartar from forming. The slimy plaque forms on clean teeth within hours. The plaque turns to hard tartar in 36 hours. So if you can get in the habit to brush once a day, you likley will have good control over tartar forming. If there is a day when there just is not time for brushing then, a piece of gauze soaked in dental rinse is a quickie to wipe down teeth to slow the bacteria. I get VetOne ChloraZinc Rinse from my vet but I see you can also order on-line at many places.
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Mar 28, 2018 13:48:11 GMT -7
Update Final Vet check: all clear! His balance is returning, muscle tone improving, all neuro function is great. Im happy to report that the vet agrees with everyone here and wants to put off the dental cleaning they initially wanted prior to his episode. They absolutely agree that when he is ready, much later down the line, that he will need 2 techs to keep his spine in correct placement and use extra care. They are very much in agreement. I got a plaque treatment for the food that was recommended to help keep it in check in the meantime. Our friend created a great ramp for Obi and his little brother Oden. So now I can train both to properly use it. Im just so happy with how Obi is doing. The entire team at the vet was so thrilled by his recovery and will share our outcome with others that may go through similar at their practice. Rejoicing and Happiness 💗
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 28, 2018 18:59:54 GMT -7
Very good news. Say how about helping your vet educate about crate rest. With short visits and first overwhelming diagnosis of IVDD, most members do not "get" how very vital STRICT rest is. Having a brochure to reinforce what the vet said in their hand at home is very helpful. And for yourself, don't leave home without some cards in your purse. You never know when standing in line if you meet an owner of one of the breeds prone to IVDD. We'd like all members to tell their vet about Dodgerslist.com and share how Dodgerslist has helped you care for your dog. Just ask Linda for our free literature here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Apr 4, 2018 19:57:22 GMT -7
Happy to report that Obi can now go for walks around our block!
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Post by Michelle & Keira on Apr 5, 2018 3:29:57 GMT -7
That is so great Rachel, you must be on cloud nine when you take him for that walk around the block. I still smile every day when I take my Keira for a walk, it never gets old!
Take care,
Michelle and Keira
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Post by Rachel & Obi on Jan 1, 2019 17:43:52 GMT -7
It’s been almost a year since Obi had his first disc episode and I wanted to update everyone here, and let you know that he is still doing wonderfully. several times a week he goes for nice walks around the neighborhood, he plays in the yard, he uses his ramp like a good boy and never jumps. He is happy and healthy. We owe so much to the wonderful people here at Dodgerslist for the incredible support and info you provide. Truly life saving work to these furry family members. Currently we are in talks with the vet about a possible dental cleaning in his future. They are determined to provide him with great care and support to his back and neck during the treatment to prevent any harm to his spine. I’m fortunate that they understand IVDD and that Obi has helped them gain more insight into IVDD care. I’m attaching a picture of Obi and his brother Oden this Christmas, Obi is on the right. Again, thank you. I’m hoping to not have to be back here for a recurring disk episode but should it occur, I know we are in fabulous hands here! For those reading this, who are currently enduring the heartbreak of an IVDD episode, please do not give up hope!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 1, 2019 23:59:31 GMT -7
Rachel, thanks for the update a year out! Wonderful to hear how well Obi continues to do...he is real inspration to those just starting the IVDD journey. Thank you for taking time to update us all. You may wish to read over and refresh on anesthesia for dentals, etc.: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/precautions.htmlBehind the scenes, teeth cleaning:
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