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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 8, 2018 13:25:22 GMT -7
Barb's Peanut 7/8 surgery My Peanut had surgery this past Friday, same doctors!!! Hoping to puck him up Tuesday. Thanks for the info in this thread. Barb
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 8, 2018 19:55:54 GMT -7
Barb, after you wrote on May 2018 we lost contact. 1) Did 8 weeks of conservative treatment work for that neck disc episode in resolving all pain and getting the disc to heal? 2) Was the disc in the neck or the back with surgery this past Friday? I bet your mind is flooded right now with lots of things. Now is the time to jot them down. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns to ask your surgeon: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmThis page is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmSee if there are any other things you can do to improve on your recovery suite to make crate rest go smoother with these very useful tips and ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmWhen you get updates from the surgeon, do share how Peanut is doing. The Forum is best viewed if you are on a mobile phone via the "desk top view" As shown in picture below, you would scroll down to the bottom of the screen to click on "Desktop" from any browser (Chrome, FireFox, Safari, etc.click image below to view full graphic of where "desktop" button is locatedI recommend you reply to a post by going to the "Quick Reply" typing area and NOT clicking the "Reply" link.Quick reply allows you to scroll up and down to a previous post and then back down to the "Quick Reply" typing area to continue your own post.A laptop, a tablet are, of course, much easier to deal with typing etc. if you have access to one.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 9, 2018 12:01:05 GMT -7
Peanut seemed to start feeling better on the 2 10mg prednisone for week 1, then tapered to 1 10mg day. However after the steroids were stopped, he seemed better for app 2-3 weeks. I had already made an appointment at Dogwood, however before that appointment he had another episode & I knew he was in pain. So our local Vet prescribed prednisone 1 10mg tab a day until our appointment.
Once at Dogwood they recommended an MRI that day. While still sedated they called and said the disc between his L3 & L4 was ruptured and recommended surgery same day. He had surgery Friday night. He is up & walking. The PT doctor was suppose to see him today then they’ll call with a discharge day.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 9, 2018 12:24:37 GMT -7
Barb, boy is that wonderful news already up and walking!!
Sounds like it was another disc episode, this time in the back, if off all meds for 2-3 weeks with no disc issues/pain. Dr. Isaacs, neurololgy (ACVIM) at Dogwood has been exceptionally helpful in articles to help our IVDD community better understand their dog's disease. Which surgeon at Dogwood did Peanut's procedure?
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 9, 2018 14:36:06 GMT -7
Dr. Matt Holahan & a female resident (I don’t remember her name). Dr. Isaacs was my other dachshunds neurologist for seizures. He’s a great guy! I’m very impressed with the office staff as well.
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Post by Reuben & Luna on Jul 9, 2018 15:42:58 GMT -7
Hi Barb,
I'm betting it was Dr. Mossine. Dr. Mossine did Luna's C2/C3 ventral slot herniated disc surgery on 6/25. Dr. Isaacs looked over her, she's a resident for only a bit longer. She seems to care very much and is happy/gives hope. We also had surgery done right after MRI (so only one sedation).
I called the office staff at least once per day, and also email and they respond. Dr. Donaldson has been communicating with us when Dr. Mossine was away, he also called me back at 9:30 PM. Well, there is no better facility in the midwest it seems!
I thought we were at the wrong place when I was greeted with Wild Turkey at entrance.
Luna is still in crate time on day 9, and gets staples out this week, her personality is a little off (she usually gets angry at things easily, lol) but her energy has come back. She's been on a cocktail of medication post surgery which you'll probably also be on, but crossed fingers no diarrhea or vomiting.
Well, I don't know about you, but I was crying for a couple days before surgery and post surgery, and once after bringing Luna home. I'm not crying anymore, she seems like she's on the road to recovery.
Reuben
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 10, 2018 7:17:06 GMT -7
Thank you Rueben!! Yes it is emotional. Dr. Isaacs called me this morning & Peanut can come home tomorrow.
I need to find a professional to help me with a diet for him. He was 6#’s over weight yo begin with & was on a diet per our Vet before the last 2 episodes & being on steroids for so long. He probably gained a few. Now it’s time to get serious!!!
Barb
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Post by Reuben & Luna on Jul 10, 2018 9:09:39 GMT -7
Luna is a little overweight too! Well, I would say also 6-8 lbs. For a beagle, 34 is kind of high. Our last beagle died at 14 at 43 lbs (yikes). She doesn't get table scraps. I told my mom if we can get her into the 20s it will be a great help in the future (even if it's 29).
My parents have been in a little shock of it all but they've slowly started to help and agree to the changes necessary (blocking couches, removing couches, building ramps, etc).
Because the nephew and niece (4/2) visit their house sometimes, we already have almost everything pet/baby gated off, so at least they're used to that - lol.
Yes, steroids diet is hilarious. Luna will have a snack and act like she wasn't even given it, ask for it again (peanut butter kongs). We've since replaced peanut butter kongs with carrots as treats, it's working, lol! Silly dog.
She also started to bite our fingers when giving her treats, lol - she's never done that before. Give me that, I'm hungry as sin!
Our steroids are now tapering at every other day and it seems to be "working", diet is slowly getting under control. She's not drinking like nuts anymore too, but she's still wanting to pee every 2.5 hours on the dot.
Good job, Peanut!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 10, 2018 18:40:13 GMT -7
Barb, when Dr. Isaacs, says her post-op crate rest period is over then that would be the time to begin a diet as she is also allowed to be more active in her PT activities. Now is not the time to start a diet. The reason is nutrition is never more important than during healing. The body actually needs additional protein and nutrients because the body is calling upon its reserves to fuel all the many repair jobs that have to be performed so that healing can take place. Now is no time to be restricting and denying the body that badly needed nutrition by reducing portions just because because of inactivity. Cut out commercial hi-cal treats and sub for low cal small pieces of apple, carrot or frozen green beans, frozen broth cube to lick on. Upon graduation, then consider how you will approach a diet. This article may have some useful ideas in planning the diet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutrition/Overweight.pdfYou may also wish to evaluate the kibble you feed to see you have the best that fits your pocketbook. Find links to rated dog food Brands, how to read a dog food labels: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htmLet us know what Dr. I wants for number of weeks of post-op crate rest. What at home PT he directs. Meds he sends Peanut home on. I bet Peanut will be as happy as you are to be back in her home with you!!
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 11, 2018 18:27:37 GMT -7
Peanut weighs 29 pounds
Gabapentin 100mg every 8 hours til gone Prednisone 2.5 mg every 12 hrs for 4 days Tramadol 50mg 1/2 tab every 8 hrs til gone
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 29 pounds prednisone as of 7/11: 2.5mgs 2x/day for 4 days tramadol 25mgs 3x/day gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day]
Playpen crate rest until the 20th.
PT: Massages, range of motion exercises, sensory exercises, assisted sitting, assisted standing from seated position, standing for 30 sec intervals, floor to floor rubs & sphynx lie, 3 times a day. This is Phase 1 PT, Phase 2 after his staples come out on the 20th.
Wish I could figure out how to upload a photo. I’ll try to edit my orofile. He’s walking very very well.
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Post by Reuben & Luna on Jul 11, 2018 20:10:22 GMT -7
That's good to hear! Luna is walking OK, she wasn't paralyzed before surgery, but she's walking slowly. I can't tell if it's because she knows I have her on a harness/leash or not, lol. We're on day 12 of crate rest and 16 days after surgery.
Each dog is different I suppose, they didn't really say anything for PT for Luna - they verbally said no more than 5 minutes when going to potty, but the paper they gave us didn't list that (it said 3-4 times to potty and she could be carried there, although I let her slowly walk there). I did inquire about PT and they said not necessary.
Luna is starting to show sadness that she can't sleep in her normal spot (step down living room), lol. I guess that's a good sign.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 12, 2018 9:04:43 GMT -7
Barb, easier for a photo, would be updating your Forum Profile called "Avatar" since you are on a mobile (are you a phone or a tablet such as an iPad?) YOu can also upload a picture and a few sentences for the 2018 Dodgerslist Photo 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
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 13, 2018 11:23:59 GMT -7
Peanut started panting this morning. At first I thought he was tired of being couped up in the playpen. But now I’m thinking it’s pain related. Have message into the Vet to see if they’re willing to tweak his meds.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 13, 2018 12:49:33 GMT -7
Barb panting can be a sign of pain. It is also an anxiety sign. Both prednisone and Tramadol can cause panting. Let us know what your vet thinks it may be after speaking more with you. If panting is prednisone related: -- Try a fan near crate but not pointed at the dog to help circulate air some. -- Try a frozen broth ice cube to lick on. Dr. Isaacs, DVM, ACVIM (neurology) discusses this issue on the Dodgerslist Neuro Corner: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/panting.htm
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Post by Reuben & Luna on Jul 13, 2018 14:30:31 GMT -7
Barb,
Luna was panting quite a lot in her cage, and it always seemed to be around tramadol/gabapentin time.
She still panted even when just on Prednisone.
Half the time the panting would stop when we took her out of the cage, so it seemed like there was some anxiety related to it (if Peanut is not used to being crated?). Luna is not used to it.
It seems like Luna definitely has the side effect of panting from Tramadol and Prednisone, though.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 14, 2018 8:49:02 GMT -7
I’m not sure which is causing the panting, or all 3; anxiety, pain or meds but since being on ✚xanax (3rd dose just given), the panting has lessened, but breathing still more rapid and shallow than normal. Our dogs are use to being crated, just not continually while we are home. He settles down more when I sit in the playpen with him & his sister. We have a fan going & our AC on. He only got up once in the night for water & potty time.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 29 pounds prednisone as of 7/11: 2.5mgs 2x/day for 4 days then taper tramadol 25mgs 3x/day gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day ✚xanax ]
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 14, 2018 13:21:53 GMT -7
If Peanut breathes more normally when you are there with him it does sound anxiety related. Especially since the panting is now less intense and changed to rapid, shallow breathing with the Xanax.
Am I right that you are are starting the pred taper tomorrow? Are the pain meds being stopped also?
Once the pred taper starts if Peanut's breathing is also pred related you may find the breathing becoming more normal.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 17, 2018 8:43:53 GMT -7
Started Prednisone tapering to 1/day, started that 2 days ago. The tramadol ended a few days ago. Just Gabepetin every 8 hours along with Xanax, then the 1 prednisone a day until Friday, when his staples come out at his recheck. Then prednisone every other day. He’s doing well. He has been slighly waging his tail. No pain visible. Staples look great. No issues walking. I’m very, very pleased!!!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 17, 2018 8:57:25 GMT -7
Barb, that is a very excellent report, you should be very pleased!
Just wondering when graduation day will be. For how many weeks did your surgeon want for crate rest which would include any exercises he directed? Some want 4 weeks other s 6 weeks.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 18, 2018 11:53:15 GMT -7
Staples out this Friday, 7/20/18. The Physical Therapist & Vet had him doing multiple exercises & stretches immediately upon getting home, 6 days after surgery. I’ll know more after Friday! Today he rolled onto his back to scratch. He’s doing very, very well!
Crate rest was from day of discharge through his appointment on Friday, except for potty breaks & his twice daily PT sessions.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 19, 2018 7:25:00 GMT -7
Barb, Peanut is definately feeling good if he is comfortable is rolling on his back. I'm sure he will like having the staples out tomorrow.
How much longer is Peanut to continue on with post op crate rest? That is he is only out of the recovery suite for potty times and to do all the PT the surgeon has directed.
Upon graduation from crate rest, then he would gradually be allowed time out of the suite when you are at home to get back to normal family activities. We'll have some good ideas for you! Let us know what our surgeon assesses with Friday's appt.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 21, 2018 7:33:15 GMT -7
The Vet & PT Doctor were both thrilled at Peanut’s progress!!! Staples are out, crate rest lifted. A few new PT exercises for strength building, and we can start walking him for 5 minutes starting today. He’ll forever be banned from furniture & steps & no more bed sharing. All meds have ceased (except 2 more doses of prednisone on the taper). Our next big hurdle is his diet. I have to do some research there & get started asap. He currently weighs 28#’s, they’d like to see him closer to 20. We don’t have to go back to Dogwood unless something else happens. I would highly recommend them!!!! Love this site & all the information & support! 💗💗💗 I was following Luna’s progress on this site but now can’t find the thread.... Did it get moved? Thanks
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 21, 2018 9:07:21 GMT -7
Now is a good time to be determining how you are going to ease back into more normal famiily activity at graduation along with starting PT of leash walking directed by your sugeon. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. Also check out how to teach four paws on the floor! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmNow is the perfect time if you haven't already to make those home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on the spine in the future. No more stairs, ramps up to furniture, or blocking furniture all together. All those ideas and more are in this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/aftercraterest/furniture-blocker300.jpgLuna was moved to the graduate board here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/6201/reubens-luna-surgery-2wks-beagle?page=3Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions… We have a directory where you can share surgical info. Here is where you can share your dog's info: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-postingState: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: Here is some information to choosing a nutrional food that fits your pocketbook and loosing weight: DIET program After crate rest is over, then with more activity and a 10% reduction of food, the dog can begin to loose that extra weight. Weigh at least monthly to determine if the amount fed is appropriate. You will also be observing appearance to judge when she is at an ideal weight. It takes 3-4 months to safely drop excess weight by cutting food intake slowly and adding exercise that will be permissible after crate rest. A 10-15% reduction of food is not very much. For example, if you feed a dog 1/3 of a cup = 5 tablespoons =15 teaspoons, then you should only reduce each meal at a max of 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons. You could then add some lo-cal raw carrot, apple or frozen green beans, or a frozen broth cube to lick on to help with hunger at meal times or as a snack. Optimal weight?
• You should be able to feel ribs but not see them when pet is standing.
• Pet should have an hourglass figure when viewed from top. • Your veterinarian can also help you determine when your pet has reached an optimal weight More .detail on loosing weight and choosing foods: www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-lose-weight/
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 21, 2018 10:15:12 GMT -7
Barb, I noticed you said no more bed sharing with Peanut.
I love snuggling with my two IVDD dog's. But since jumping in and out of bed is not safe, what to do?
My solution was to put my bed against the wall, other two sides are blocked off by a headboard and footboard, and for last open side I had a long ramp built that runs the length of the bed.
I have it blocked off so no jumping is possible.
With IVDD we have to get creative.
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Post by Reuben & Luna on Jul 24, 2018 4:55:17 GMT -7
I have also read of people putting a memory foam mattress on the floor. But if our dogs aren't supposed to take steps, should they be stepping up and down from a mattress on the floor?
Barb, was Dogwood clear with you when they said 5 minute walks? They were not fully clear with me if it was 5 minutes per day, or 5 minutes "at a time".
For Luna, one doctor said 5 minutes per day/per week, then 10 minutes per day/per week, etc. The surgeon recommended 5 minutes per walk, multiple times per day - which was slightly different. I think the advice here is to ease into it regardless.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Jul 27, 2018 12:54:39 GMT -7
5 minutes a day for the first week, then add additional minutes depending on what Peanut could handle. But this week I’m going to do 2 5 minute walks/day. He’s doing great.
I stopped bed sharing & no more sitting in the chair with me, with his first bad episode this spring. I don’t want to have him hurt himself again. I sit on the floor with him.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 27, 2018 13:37:48 GMT -7
Julie had a good ideas with using ramps to get to the bed. Another thing people do is get a soft sided crate and put the dog in the crate in the bed against the headboard or wall. That was Peanut would be safe in his crate but could still feel part of his family.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Aug 11, 2018 13:39:15 GMT -7
Post op 4 weeks, still doing well. Walks up to 10-15 minutes at a time. The only issue I’ve noticed is Peanut has been peeing in the house, often, almost like he can’t control it. Is this a surgery after effect? He has been drinking an extra amount of water too. He’s off all meds & has been for weeks. Thank you.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 11, 2018 13:52:03 GMT -7
It is great that Peanut is walking 10-15 minutes at a time.
It is possible that Peanut has a UTI. This will often cause cause frequent peeing and accidents in the house. A dog can have a UTI without dark or fold smelling urine. You could bring a sample of is urine in to the vet's office for a urinalysis. If the urinalysis is negative discuss this with the vet as there are other conditions that could result in drinking and peeing a lot.
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Post by Barb & Peanut on Aug 11, 2018 14:30:53 GMT -7
Going to pick up some diapers tomorrow & taking a urine sample in Monday morning. My google search revealed UTI’s very common after back surgery. He had one prior UTI but acted completely different than he is now. Thank you for your response. Barb
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