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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Oct 15, 2018 8:44:31 GMT -7
Snickers was brought in for a follow up update on Friday, October 12. The vet said he doesn't look like he is in pain and is progressing really well. He did mention continuing his strict crate rest for 6 to 8 weeks.
The vet also mentioned that they don't want to give him medicine than what as needed. I specifically asked about pain meds to which she responded - give him as needed. She also recommend to switch to Gabapentin instead of Tramadol because Gab works better for nerve pains.
Snickers is on the last third of his Prednisone taper. He gets 5mg every 48 hours for the next two weeks.
Per his doctor, he is on ✚Gabapentin 75mg every 8 hours.
He doesn't show any signs of pain. Walks fine.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
17lbs
prednisone as fo 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 9/12 taper to test for √pain/√neuro loss
as of 9/25: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 10/2 taper to test for pain/neuro
✚Gabapentin 75mg 3x/day
famotidine 5mgs 2x/day ]
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member 
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218 
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Post by Mary & Mila on Oct 15, 2018 11:22:49 GMT -7
Hi Ronnie,
It seems Snickers is doing well.
He doesn't seem to have pain.
You know the signs of pain and what to watch for. Just to recap.
Signs of 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?
No pain is great as it allows the healing process to continue and it's very important.
The vet is correct - Gabapentin works specifically on nerve pain.
Tramadol is a general pain reliever.
Just keep on with the 100% strict crate rest as you are doing.
You are doing a great job.
kind regards
Mary
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Oct 15, 2018 12:04:07 GMT -7
Hi Mary,
Yes, I am very familiar with signs of pain.
Ronnie
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 15, 2018 15:47:23 GMT -7
Ronnie, right now both you and your vet are in the dark about pain, about whether there is still swelling that Pred might need to get back on board to deal with. The pred taper is a test. A test to see IF there is actually painful swelilng still going on. As long as pain masking pain meds are on board, you may be fooled about the existence of pain or not realiise there is not pain...no need of any pain med at all. Delaying getting accurate information about the status of painful swelling means IF, if there would still be pain, there is not much pred on board to deal with it. You do not want to wait two weeks before stopping gabapentin to find out this information. This is how prednisone works with a disc episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm Good reading for sure to be up to speed in asking the right questions, and putting forth the reason to find out now, asap, now, with a true prednisone taper test for pain/ neuro issues that should have happened at the very start of the pred taper on Oct 2. |
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Oct 18, 2018 6:16:26 GMT -7
Snickers hasn't taken any pain med for almost 24 hours now.
No changes. Maybe a bit more vocal about being out of recovery suite.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 18, 2018 6:51:20 GMT -7
Ronnie, excellent there are no pain meds on board to hinder your assessments. Continue to monitor for pain and any lessening of neuro function as the taper continues to conclusion. So far so good!!!!
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Oct 25, 2018 10:21:53 GMT -7
Snickers prednisone taper will end this weekend.
No set back. I still carry him to and from crate and potty place.
On the subject of grooming, he really stinks now 😀 I am looking for grooming suggestions as I am not planning to bathe and groom him for another month.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 25, 2018 15:12:55 GMT -7
Hav you tried decaffeinated green tea and fragrance free baby wipes?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 26, 2018 11:34:19 GMT -7
Ronnie, very pleased that no pain meds are on board and the conclusion of the pred taper will happen this weekend. Kinda looking like all the painful swelling is really gone. Let us know what you observe this weekend. Agree with Julie to give some decaf green tea a try. This tip is from Marjorie: Brew and use cooled decaf green tea to dampen a washcloth. It is mild with acidifying, antibacterial properties to neutralize urine on skin and fur to avoid rashes from urine scald + leaves aclean earthy fragrance. **  |
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Nov 9, 2018 16:01:56 GMT -7
The decaf tea works really well. He was smelling fresh after I wiped him down. I brought Snickers to the new vet. She examined him thoroughly. She mentioned that she is very healthy for someone who just came out of an IVDD episode. They a round of acupuncture and laser therapy. It made Snickers sleepy and light headed, while making my wallet even lighter  . Overall, i'd say he is recovered and back to normal. I still limit his movements. He stays his playpen when I am not around. Once again, thanks everyone for all your support.  |
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 9, 2018 21:34:07 GMT -7
Happy belated crate rest graduation! I wish you many happy days ahead with Snickers. The link below takes you to our article on how to handle Snickers after graduation! Easing him GRADUALLY into his new normal. Lots of great ideas on how to get on with life carefully! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm |
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 17, 2019 10:01:21 GMT -7
2019 has been good to us. Snickers hasn't had any flare ups. He is happy and healthy again. My family and I wouldn't have know what to do if not for this site.
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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 17, 2019 19:22:06 GMT -7
Many continued happy, disc episode free years ahead for you guys!
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Feb 24, 2020 13:23:18 GMT -7
Just dropping by to say, Snickers is still doing great. There are times he will flamingo. However, he does this when he doesn't like what's being done to him e.g. bath, blow drying, etc
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 24, 2020 18:00:51 GMT -7
Ronnie, appreciate getting an another update at the almost 1.5 years after Snicker's disc episode back in 2018. Just loving to hear your Snickers is continuing doing fine and enjoying life. Well, except for bath times! LOL. Thanks so much for the update!
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