PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 30, 2018 8:01:20 GMT -7
One of the side effects of tramadol is constipation. So if the poop is a bit hard it may make it more difficult to push out and he needs help with hydration.
Plain pureed canned pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. NOTE: alternatives are really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potatoe. --To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. -- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble.
Give a teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight.
Let us know what the vet thinks about the sedative and details if prescribed.
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Aug 30, 2018 14:49:15 GMT -7
The vet gave me 7 pills of ✚trazodone and told me to give half as needed. Wish she provided more. She said it would be a trial period. Also gave me ✚Lactulose 10g/15ml and advised to give 1 ml by mouth every 12 hours as needed for constipation. She was still telling me not to keep him on 100 percent strict crate rest and that it would be okay to give him activity. Said that the weakness in his rear leg is a part of the process and that theres not much that can be done. I am pleading to this forum, does anyone know how I can find a better more knowledgable vet that doesnt cost a fortune in my zipcode of 19020?!
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 8.2 lbs/3.72 kg no crate rest prescribed 7/19? Meloxicam as of 7/19 for 7 days then 7/26 stop to test for √pain/neuro loss as of 8/28: 1x/day for ? days, then STOP to test for pain/neuro loss not crating dog, on owner's bed at night! Pain and neuro diminishment observed 8/28 gabapentin 250mg/5ml.: 50mgs (1mL) 3x/day tramadol only as of 8/28: 12.5mgs mgs 3x/day Prilosec 5mgs 1x/day ✚Trazadone as needed ✚Lactulose]
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 30, 2018 15:35:09 GMT -7
It is difficult when the vet is not familiar with IVDD but you are an educated pet parent and you know your vet is not giving you good advice when he says not to keep Sonny on strict crate rest. There are a couple of vet recommendations in PA. One in Norristown is not far from your zip code. "Metropolitan Veterinary Associates". The recommendation is for a neurologist on staff that worked with a conservatively treated dog, Dr Logan. There may be other knowledgeable vets in the practice. The entire list of vet recommendations is here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgerycosts.htmWe also have some information on what to look for in a IVDD vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 1, 2018 5:17:24 GMT -7
Thank you for your help! I am going to look around for someone closer or maybe they can recommend someone to me. I have another question - how much longer is it safe for sonny to be on the anti-inflammatory if he's been taking it for about a month...
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 1, 2018 6:41:29 GMT -7
That's something for your vet to determine based on Sonny's health status, Jacquelyn. Was blood work done at the start when the vet prescribed the Meloxicam?
Has the Trazadone helped calm Sonny in the crate? I do hope that he's resting easier now.
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 1, 2018 6:51:39 GMT -7
Yes, his blood work came back fine. I am just asking for a general idea of how long does one usually keep their dog on the anti-inflammatory. I just started the trazadone today as it was prescribed to me just as an as-needed basis. I am waiting for it to kick in. Generally, how long does it take to kick in?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 1, 2018 9:45:48 GMT -7
Jacquelyn, having good blood work is excellent. Still, the fact is...no one SHOULD want a dog on any anti-inflammatory one bit past the point where the benefit has been received. With a disc episode, the benefit is that all painful swelling in the spinal cord is gone.
No one can tell you when that benefit will happen. There IS NO general idea to give you other than it can take 7-30 days. A vet is making a guess by the length of the course he prescribes for meloxicam. If he has not made a guess, then the vet SHOULD make a guess! You should pin down that guess. At the end of the guessed course of Meloxicam THEN you and the vet find out if the guess was right. Stopping pain meds or backing off of them AT THE SAME time as the stop of Meloxicam will allow you to BEST assess for pain and or neuro issues and do it quickly. Pain or more neuro dimishment would indicate another course of meloxicam is needed.... ANOTHER GUESS by the vet as to how long that course should be. Most vets generally take a guess in the neighborhood of 7 or 14-day courses because they do not want the dog on meloxicam any longer than gaining the benefit. OVERALL a dog might be on meloxicam for up to 30 days before all the painful swelling is gone. Those 30 days may be comprised of several courses, some might be 5-day, some 7-day or even some at a 14-day course.
Not crating the dog with 100% STRICT rest 24/7, no owner's beds, couches, etc., only out for a very, very few footsteps at potty time can negate the benefit of previous courses of meloxicam. In other words you could well be starting from square one in counting meloxicam days form the date of Aug 28. IT is very confusing why the pain/neuro diminishment on 7/26.... was it the test for pain stop of meds or was it lack of true conservative crate rest??
Trazadone can take 1-2 hours to be effective in calming. Good that you are there monitoring to know how long it will take for Sonny.
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 1, 2018 18:43:27 GMT -7
Paula, the vet never told me when to stop meloxicam. She just gave me a bottle. That is why I need to find a new vet, among other reasons. In the mean time, should I ask her anyway? I believe the pain on 7/26 was due to lack of true conservative crate rest as well as his current issues as of the past week with his weakness in the rear legs. So, I am confused as to whether I should look even stop the meloxicam if hes doing worse now...
Also, he is peeing on his pee pads a lot! Is that normal? I had to go through about 6-7 pads today.
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 1, 2018 21:35:39 GMT -7
Jacquelyn, there should be information on the Meloxicam bottle.. such as how many days to give.. Tyler's bottle always gave the amount of days before the stop, as well as the dosage and how often to give it.. His medications shouldn't be stopped if he is doing worse.. Discuss this with your vet and get further instructions.. If they don't come right out with it, press them for more information.. Do you have pee pads set up in his recovery suite or near it? Or are the pee pads part of his bedding? Or does he get taken outside every 3 or 4 hours? An overflowing bladder due to reflexes is a bad thing and invites a urinary tract infection. The overflowing bladder can release quite a bit of urine, but not all of it. Very quickly the remaining urine becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Can he be taken outside for a sniff and pee test to make sure he can pee on his own? IF he is not able to wait til he is in an appropriate place (proper odor in the grass of old urine) then you may need to have your Vet tech teach you how to express his bladder if he has lost bladder control. More info here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 2, 2018 8:26:13 GMT -7
Jacquelyn, as Pauli asked in the above post, have you given the sniff and pee test? Tell us more about finding urine in his bed and what the reason could be (lost bladder control, has a urinary tract infection (UTI), not taking him every 3-4 hours, drinking more water than usual?? From this side of the computer, we find it difficult to comment without your specific details, and exact dates. I really, really, believe you need a vet today to assess Sonny properly (for pain/med adjustment AND for worsening nerve function) and identity what is going on. Can you see one of the vets at Penn State, an ER vet? Waiting til Tues for regular vet to open is a LONG TIME if, IF there is a deterioration of nerves and now a loss of bladder control. What about pain... is that in control fully?Could you help us? What date this past week (was it 8/28?) did you observe weakness in the the back legs? What specifically did you see that had you concluding the legs were weakER? Has bladder control now been lost? --- paws knuckle under? --- legs cross? --- can't or harder to raise up into a stand position with back legs? --- has lost bladder control--- leaks on you when lifted, urine in bedding. Can no longer sniff outside and then choose to release urine on the old pee spot? Instead reflexes allow some urine to escape (overflowing) when the bladder is very full. The part that doesn't get released quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Observing for loss of neuro functions is an important at-home job for YOU so that the vet can be alerted in a timely manner (hours matter) if you would see nerve deterioration. 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 under 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. Leaks on you when lifted. Can no longer sniff and then pee on that old urine spot outdoors. 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost when you specifically do some happy talk to Sonny 9. Deep pain sensation, is the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation. Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Precious hours can be lost with a vet that gets DPS wrong. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about DPS. If you could clarify in your own mind some things, that will help you to ask good questions and to best understand what the vet is implying or saying and to report your observations clearly to the vet. 1. --- How an anti-inflammatory drug is used during a disc episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm2. --- Details on both surgery and conservative treatment. I recommend to read because of the good information on understanding more about conservative treatment www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmA stop of meloxicam is to test for pain or with meloxicam stop a decline in nerve function. If there is current pain going on, there would NO need to do the test---- no need to stop meloxicam to test for pain. During the stop of meloxicam and pain meds pain might surface, neuro function might get a bit worse. That is the result of the test you and your vet want to be notified of immediately so that another course of meloxicam can be brought back on board. On the stop of meloxicam if no pain surfaces and there is no NEW or increased neuro diminishment, then there is no more work for meloxicam to do. Continued use of meloxicam when there is no job to work on would only be subjecting Sonny to all of the adverse side effects. Once nerve damage has happened (dragging legs, knuckling under paws, loss of bladder control, etc.) it will take time for the body to self repair nerve damage. There are NO medication to heal nerve damage. Time is the healer of nerve damage. More often it will take months rather than days/weeks for nerves to self repair.
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 2, 2018 13:24:27 GMT -7
Paula and Paulina,
I just checked the bottle of Meloxicam and it does not say anything other then to give it every 24 hours. The pee pads are set up in the recovery suite. I was not taking him out the last few days because I was afraid he would get worse ever since his leg function declined. But today. I started taking him out again and he is able to pee and still sniffs, but he is releasing urine in a normal standing position so I don't notice it when he is doing it but I can tell because he is wet by his private area. Maybe he peed a lot yesterday because of the trazadone?
Paulina, on 8/28 I noticed the change in his leg. He is swaying to one side if walking, struggling to get up into standing position, and falls on butt.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 2, 2018 15:38:58 GMT -7
Jacqueliyn, thanks for confirming he still has bladder control. Excellent news.
In regard to Meloxicam that was restarted on Aug 28, ASK the vet if this is a 7-day course or a 14-day course. Tell the vet you are concerned about using Meloxicam if there is no painful swelling for it to work on and if there is no worsening of nerve function due to swelling and pressuring of the cord. ASK the vet on the phone what their best guess is as to how many days Sonny should be on meloxicam. Find out does your vet prefer a full stop of pain meds or backing them off so you at home can quickly and accurately assess for any pain surfacing or if there is new neuro diminishment when you call when they are open again on Tuesday.
Meloxicam as of 8/28: 1x/day for ? days, then STOP to test for pain/neuro loss
Let us know you were successful in pinning down a firm date for stopping of metacam to test.
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 12, 2018 19:11:22 GMT -7
Hi all- quick update. Sonny is NOT doing well. I now have to express him for pee and poop. No matter how often I express him (almost every 2 hours), he still wets the pads in between. I don't know why this is but my mom is advocating that he is suffering and we should put him down, that he is listless. He tries to get up when he is about to pee or scared and I dont know if he is hurting his spine in the process (when he is in that frog like position with rear legs in front).
Since he is peeing so much, its such a struggle to keep him clean and dry. He may develop a rash if he has not already. We have tried everything! I don't know what to do. I want to try to get him to see a new doctor as I really feel like I have been the doctor and womens humane has just prescribed me what I ask for but I need REAL guidance from a knowledgable vet! If I go back to UPenn, would asking for their BEST neurologist be my best bet? He has not yet been seen by any specialist. I already checked the list of doctors on your website, and the only vet listed in my area there is 40 minutes away and booked until October 2nd. I dont think Sonny can wait that long. Please help, the next doctors visit is probably my last hope.
I also discontinued the meloxicam 2 days ago because the vet was not guiding me on that and I wanted to test if their was still pain. I believe there still is.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 8.2 lbs/3.72 kg no crate rest prescribed 7/19? Meloxicam as of 7/19 for 7 days then 7/26 stop to test for √pain/neuro loss as of 8/28: 1x/day for 14 days, then 9/10 STOP to test for pain/neuro loss not crating dog, on owner's bed at night! Pain and neuro diminishment observed 8/28, again on 9/11ish? neuro & Pain gabapentin 250mg/5ml.: 50mgs (1mL) 3x/day STOPPED? tramadol only as of 8/28: 12.5mgs mgs 3x/day STOPPED? Prilosec 5mgs 1x/day STOPPED? Trazadone as needed Lactulose STOPPED?]
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Post by Merriem & Spike on Sept 12, 2018 20:12:31 GMT -7
Please do not give up. I am just another pet owner who is going through this...however have patience as hard as it is.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 13, 2018 9:16:04 GMT -7
Jacquelyn, suggestions to kills Sonny come from a place of being uneducated about IVDD. The way to treat IVDD is to get up to speed on IVDD and hiring a vet who knows IVDD to give proper support in meds. Getting a consult with a specialist (if you are not able to find a different local DVM vet who knows IVDD) is not just for the reasons of a surgery. When local vet is not comfortable with their knowledge about IVDD, then a specialist - neurology (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) can help you with meds. If you are not yet quite up to speed with your readings, it can be difficult to figure which DVM vet to hire. Listening to what they say reveals quite a bit about their IVDD knowledge but only if you, yourself, understand some about the use of meds, crate rest, etc. Here is asummary page on the 4 phases of healing and what is required in each phase: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm It is more than likely that a specialist will already should well understand IVDD with 1000's of dogs he's treated--- certainly for surgery and with great hope he will also understand how to treat conservatively. Again it is a real plus for YOU to know IVDD, too, so you can ask good questions, and understand what the vet is telling you. The test stop of meloxicam is to see if there is still swelling pressing on the spinal cord to cause neuro diminishment and pain. If Sonny has diminished neuro function of now longer having bladder control (please use dates to help us understand things -what date did you observe the need to express?) since you stopped Meoxicam, he NEEDs to be on an anti-inflammatory PRONTO asap! Can Sonny no longer sniff the grass and then choose to release urin on an old pee spot in the grass. Frog like leg position shows he has nerve damage. Rambunctios behavior is not good for the healing disc. Frog like position will not cause further disc damage. IF pain has surfaced yet another sign for the test stopping of Meloxicam prooves there is still swelling. When there is neuro diminishment most vets will want to be using the strongest class of the anti-inflammatories---- the steroid prednisone rather than the non-steroid Meloxicam. It is normally deemed an emergency with nerve loss that the typical 5-7 days washout be dispensed with. For the double GI tract jeopardy of no washout TWO (2) GI protectors must be on board (Pepcid AC + Rx item SUCRALFATE) Answers here:
You will very, very likely need to get a hands-on-top-of-your-hands type of expressing lesson. re-read and view the video at this page to get more out of the lesson: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm It does not take very long for bacteria infections (UTIs) to happen when learning to become proficient in expressing. Urine left in the bladder (not expressed fully out each session) makes a good breeding ground for bacteria. Leaking urine can be a sign of a UTI. A urinalysis run in the clinic can prove if an anti-bioitic is needed. Please let us know as soon as you have gotten help what the details of the current med list is. Pain meds and which anti-inflammatory is on board AND the all important PEPCID AC (famoitdine)— or continued use of Prilosec— when using any anti-inflammatory drug.
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 13, 2018 14:13:19 GMT -7
Is a steroid safe given sonny has arthmyia? What about poop? He seems very uncomfortable and I don't want to hurt him trying to express for poop. I was able to get an appointment with a DVM vet who is apparently very knowledgable with IVDD tonight! I am praying she is the one who can help sonny.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 13, 2018 14:39:19 GMT -7
I am very glad that you were able to get an appointment with a knowledgable vet. It will make all the difference. I am not sure if you have had a chance to read this info on what to look for in an IVDD knowledgable vet. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmSteroids may have an effect on the heart but this is something that you should discuss with your vet. All anti-inflammatories, NSIAD's and steroids can effect the GI tract. This is why Dodgerslist supports the use of a stomach protector like Pepcid AC while taking any anti-inflammatory.
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Post by Michelle & Keira on Sept 13, 2018 16:04:11 GMT -7
Hi Jacquelyn,
I’m very sorry to hear of Sonny’s struggles. Good luck with the new vet, fingers crossed they get you on the right path for moving forward in Sonny’s recovery.
Will be thinking of you.
Take care, Michelle
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 13, 2018 20:18:37 GMT -7
Thank you all. Sonny is now on ✚Prednisone and ✚Methocarbamol. I liked my new vet and felt a lot more comfortable with her. She taught me how to properly express him. Hopefully the prednisone will kick the swelling in the butt once and for all!
[Moderator's note: please do not edit 8.2 lbs/3.72 kg no crate rest prescribed 7/19? Meloxicam as of 7/19 for 7 days then 7/26 stop to test for √pain/neuro loss as of 8/8: 1x/day for 36 days then stopped on 9/10 ✚Prednisone as of 9/13: ? mgs ?x/day for how many days, BEFORE test-for-pain tapering not crating dog, on bed at night Pain and neuro diminishment observed 8/28 gabapentin 250mg/5ml.: 50mgs (1mL) 3x/day STiLL ON? tramadol only as of 8/28: 12.5mgs mgs 3x/day STILL ON? ✚Methocarbamol ? mgs ?x/day Prilosec 5mgs 1x/day STILL ON?]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 14, 2018 7:34:51 GMT -7
EMERGENCY!!! Jacquelyn, PLEASE, let us know this vet added Sucralfate to the Prilosec. Sonny MUST have two stomach protectors on board with the switch to Prednisone without the safety of a 4-7 day washout. If there is no sucralfate, get on the phone asap this a.m. pronto and STRONGLY advocate for SUCRALFATE. In addition either Prilosec (or Pepcid AC, famotidine from the grocery store) needs to be on board. Signs of GI tract damage: nausea (lip licking), not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, black or red blood in diarrhea, deadly perforated stomach lining So we don't worry, when you get Sonny's GI tract protected fill us in on the details of his complete med list: SONNY'S MED LIST8.2 lbs/3.72 kg no crate rest prescribed 7/19? Meloxicam as of 7/19 for 7 days then 7/26 stop to test for √pain/neuro loss as of 8/8: 1x/day for 36 days then stopped on 9/10✚Prednisone as of 9/13: ? mgs ?x/day for how many days?, BEFORE test-for-pain tapering not crating dog, on bed at night Pain and neuro diminishment observed 8/28 gabapentin 250mg/5ml.: 50mgs (1mL) 3x/day STiLL ON?
tramadol only as of 8/28: 12.5mgs mgs 3x/day STILL ON?✚Methocarbamol ? mgs ?x/day Prilosec 5mgs 1x/day STILL ON?
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 21, 2018 12:30:07 GMT -7
Hi. Updating here. I forgot to mention that I took Sonny off the Meloxicam for 3 days before he was put on the prednisone. I took it off because I didn't think it was doing anything. It is a good thing I did that beforehand! I have not noticed any GI issues, I think he is okay. Nevertheless, he has been on the prednisone for a week now and the doctor saw him today. She said while she did not see the kind of improvement she hoped for, he is now able to stand when last week he could not. She stressed there are no guarentees he will continue to improve given the little amount of improvement that was seen but she will continue to work with me on medical management if I wish. My mom still thinks his quality of life is horrible and that he should be euthanized.
I am at a loss. I told the doctor I want to continue with the prednisone. I also got him a laser treatment today for the first time since we were already at the vet. Should I continue this?
He is now taking:
Prednisone: 5mg 2x/day as of 9/13. No taper test yet ✚Tramadol: Stopped for a week due to constipation and now added back in because there is still pain on an ass needed basis Methocarbamol: 1/8 of a 500mg pill every 8-9 hours Prilosec 5mg 1x a day Gabapetin 250mg/5ml: 1 ml every 8 hours Alternating between crating Sonny or laying flat on floor with pillows around section to confine (padded with pee pad on top)
Also purchased a stroller. Put him in it occasionally but he seems to have a hard time getting into a comfortable position inside of it...
[Moderator's note: please do not edit 8.2 lbs/3.72 kg no crate rest prescribed 7/19? Meloxicam as of 7/19 for 7 days then 7/26 stop to test for √pain/neuro loss as of 8/8: 1x/day for 36 days then stopped on 9/10 Prednisone as of 9/13: 5 mgs 2x/day for 9+ days, BEFORE test-for-pain tapering not crating dog, on bed at night Pain and neuro diminishment observed 8/28 gabapentin 250mg/5ml.: 50mgs (1mL) 3x/day ✚tramadol resumed: 12.5mgs mgs 3x?/day giving as needed Methocarbamol 62.5mgs 3x/day Prilosec 5mgs 1x/day]
Need hope.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 21, 2018 13:52:34 GMT -7
Has your Mom had a chance to look at our info on quality of life on the page below? www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmDogs do not see quality of life the way we do. A dog that cannot walk or scoots around at home does not think of what was lost. Dogs only think of what they have here and now. Maybe ask your Mom to watch this video. It is very short (less than a minute) and shows a moment in the life of a dog that did not fully recover walking but went on to live a full, happy life. Your Sonny should not be in pain. Tramadol is a med that should be given on a regular schedule. It is much easier to keep pain under control then to relieve pain once it is present. Giving the tramadol regularly 3x a day may also help him enjoy his stroller more. Tramadol can cause constipation, yes but we have ways to help with constipation. Have you had a chance to try the pumpkin Paula mentioned? This worked well for my Frankie. I didn't think he would like it but he loved it! Be super, super careful having Sonny confined with only pillows. Dogs do the unexpected in a heartbeat and he may hear or see something he thinks he needs to investigate and go scooting off. This puts the healing at risk and can result in more damage to the spinal cord. Even dogs that have paralyzed legs have done this. Thank goodness that it seems you and Sonny dodged a bullet as he has no sign of stomach damage after a switch between an NSAID and a steroid without a 5-7 day washout and without double stomach protection. Please continue the Prilosec as long as he is on the pred . It is very, very early in the healing process. There is absolutely no reason to give up hope. I know it must be extremely hard with your Mother urging you to euthanize him. I hope that you will be able to convince her that Sonny has so much to live for.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Sept 21, 2018 19:48:47 GMT -7
Dog's live in the moment and adapt more quickly than humans to change.
Many dogs live with disabilities and are very happy.
Don't give up!
Maybe try to educate your mom and if she still feels the same just ask her to agree to disagree and stop saying PTS.
There's absolutely no reason for it.
Hang in there.
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Post by Merriem & Spike on Sept 21, 2018 20:23:28 GMT -7
You have that right. Spike loves his cart and knows exactly when I am taking him for a walk. He comes in my closet and today was standing up. We all need to be more like dogs. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 22, 2018 13:14:37 GMT -7
Thank you. But my dog is not completely paralyzed yet for a wheelchair. I am asking if there is still hope that he can regain use of his legs?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 22, 2018 14:02:57 GMT -7
Yes, there is definitely still hope. Nerve healing is slow and there is a lot of healing that can still take place. Dogs have recovered function in many months and in a few cases even a year. You have every reason to be optimistic.
No matter how much function he recovers he will still be your sweet Sonny.
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Post by Merriem & Spike on Sept 22, 2018 20:16:37 GMT -7
I know how you feel...I am with you. As I said my dog will not need wheels...he does have them and we walk every morning. You know what, Spike loves those walks, and I actually see improvement..or more effort because he knows what it is like to be up and moving. Will my Spike recover completely? I don't know but he is enjoying life. today he got a card from a friend of mine, and I took this picture of him looking at it
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Post by Alix & Gretta on Sept 22, 2018 21:27:58 GMT -7
We didn’t really see significant mobility improvements until week 7 of strict crate rest. The two DVMs we saw around then were very negative about gretta’s prognosis for regaining walking, so we were looking at carts. A week later she was flop-walking/dragging. 10 days after that she was standing unassisted. We started walking her a little at a time with her sling harness. Yesterday (11 weeks, I think) and today we only needed a leash while she walked on her own. So, yep, it can be very slow.
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Post by Jacquelyn & Sonny on Sept 24, 2018 2:41:00 GMT -7
Thank you for your answers. So, my dog has been yelling a lot when he tries to adjust himself. It’s really worrying me. He tries to get into standing position and yelps in pain I guess as because he needs to shift into a new side. What should I do? This has been happening a lot and I’m afraid he’s going to injur himself more if he hasn’t already.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 24, 2018 5:29:02 GMT -7
Jacquelyn, you need to contact the vet ASAP this morning, advise of the pain that you're seeing and advocate strongly for the adjustment of pain meds. Are you giving Tramadol 3x/day (every 8 hours)? If not, please do give it 3x/day. If you have been giving Tramadol 3x/day, then speak to the vet this morning about adding Gabapentin to the mix. Gabapentin works well with Tramadol. It often takes all three pain meds - Tramadol, Methocarbamol and Gabapentin - to the get the pain of IVDD completely under control.
Do you now have Sonny on 24/7 100% strict crate rest and are no longer letting him lay on floor with pillows? Sonny should only be out of the crate to potty - carry in and out to potty with only a very few steps allowed to potty. Too much movement and the damaged disc will not heal, will keep re-tearing and the pain/swelling will not resolve.
Did you get a sedative on board so Sonny can rest easily in his crate? The crate should only be large enough for Sonny to stand up, turn around and lie down with his legs comfortably extended. Think of the crate as a cast for the spine.
Please let us know of what adjustments are made to the pain meds after speaking to your vet this morning.
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