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Post by Mahnoor on Feb 12, 2019 11:25:51 GMT -7
original subject line: My dog is not eating
My dachshund shadow started walking all wobbly on 4th feb 2019. Unfortunately, in my country [which country?], the doctors are not familiar with IVDD in dogs, it was through all my research that i diagnosed what the problem was. Hence, with the help of my doctor and based on my research she in on tramadol 50mg every 8 hours in combination with gabapentin 50 mg every 8 hours. Along with that she is given 10 mg omeperozole once a day and also serrapeptase 25 mg twice a day. Serrapeptase is not on the list of medicines but it helps her alot. [Moderator's note: please do not modify 12lbs n0 big gun anti-inflammatory drug as of Feb 4? tramadol 50mgs 3x/day gabapentin 50 mgs 3x/day omeprazole 10 mgs 1x/day]
She does not seem in pain, but she seems stressed and upset due to being in the crate. She has stopped eating, i give her water with very little amounts of sugar using syringe. She does not drink normal water. I am extremely worried about her not eating. What should i do? I am worried sick.
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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 12, 2019 11:31:28 GMT -7
Welcome, so sorry to hear your dog is suffering a disc episode. Number one thing is to get a BIG GUN anti-inflammatory on board. serrapeptase will NOT do the needed job. YOUR DOG IS IN PAIN! Meds need to be adjusted! What is your country? anti-inflammatory drug either from the steroid class or from the non-steroid class. Can you call your vet and get either a steroid or an NSAID (but not both together) on board today asap? Vets choose an anti-inflammatory during a disc episode to get painful swelling down in about 7-30 days. These powerhouse meds do wonders OR they can be dangerous. Vets who practice safe medicine and owners up to speed on medications make all the difference. Did you get all four questions right? Answers here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingswelingANSWERS.htm
It will help us work together with you and avoid offering ideas that could cause harm or lead the discussion in the wrong direction delaying help for your dog — please share a bit more detail with us:
❖1 Is there still currently pain beside not eating? Did the vet think the disc in the neck or the back? ❑ shivering, trembling ❑ Arched back ❑ yelping when picked up or moved ❑ can’t find a comfortable position ❑ tight tense tummy ❑ nose to the ground or head held high ❑ reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move ❑ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ❑ Not their normal perky interested in life selves? ❖2 How much does your dog weigh? … …B If on a steroid is prescribed….what is the start date & dose? Date of steroid taper?
If a NSAID will be presribed, for how many days is it for r?
❖3 GI Tract problems? —Eating and drinking OK? No nausea/not eating, no vomit? —Poops OK? Normal firmness & color -no dark black or bright red blood indicating bleeding ulcers? No diarrhea?
❖4 Let us know you are on the same page about the very STRICT rest needed to heal a disc. The hallmark component of conservative treatment is the very STRICT crate rest part (no PT, little movement). With little blood supply discs are much slower to form good scar tissue than it takes a blood rich broken bone to heal. Those weeks of a cast for a broken arm to heal is similar to the recovery suite being a kind of cast for the disc. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks provides limited movement to allow good strong scar tissue to form.
STRICT means: ◼︎no laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you ◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times. ◼︎no PT for conservative dogs during 8 weeks to heal disc ◼︎laser or acupuncture for severe neuro damage is best at home via a mobile vet. Transports are always a risk to the disc of too much movement. Vet visits must be weighed risk vs. benefit for dogs with little to mild neuro diminishment.
❖5 Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine which is bladder control – OR- do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted which are indication of an overflowing bladder and loss of bladder control?
DOGs with BLADDER CONTROL: Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog’s back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!
❖6 Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
❖7 What is your dog’s name? Your name, too?
Knowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!!
Getting an IVDD diagnosis is often very overwhelming leaving you feeling vulnerable and placing hope you have the right vet. Often an owner has not been able to research a professional's skills for this one disease. Dodgerslist's aim is to get you up to speed so you can be an active participant in helping your dog heal. No more blindly following instructions.
Knowledge is the power to commit to the right treatment and win this IVDD battle! You will be very amazed how quickly you can learn a lot about just one disease which a vet is not able to know in great detail for every disease known to cats and dog.
With knowledge you'll be able to dialog with your vet in a way that allows understanding a prescribed treatment (meds, rest, etc), and when you do not understand, the ability to ask good, pertinent questions on behalf of your furry loved one.
The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to read. Good place to get a speedy overview of conservative treatment, about surgery, too, if it would be consideration for your family should indications arise: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm Follow the rest of the colored buttons in the next days to become the IVDD savvy pet parent your dog will need at Dodgerslist IVDD 101 page. Don't forget to bookmark it: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 12, 2019 12:06:38 GMT -7
I live in Pakistan and vets here are not very keen on diseases that are not normal. I will talk to him tomorrow, as it is midnight here right now. If you can suggest any anti-inflammatory I can talk to him about the dose, for getting the current prescription I had to send him articles regarding IVDD based on which he gave me the prescription.
Ps. My doctor did not diagnose the problem, he doesn’t understand it, I did and based on what I have researched it is in the mid back area.
Answers to your questions:
1. Based on the symptoms you have written I think she is in pain, she shivers at times, her nose is to the ground and head is high and she does have an arched back.
2. She weighs 12 pounds.
3. She is not eating or drinking properly. She Is peeing properly but has not pooped for two days mainly because she is not eating.
4. She is in crate all day long only goes out once for potty break but she has to walk a little before expressing herself.
5. Yes she can, she squats and pees. She does not leak on the bed
6. She wags her tail when she sees me and yes she can walk a little, although the walk has slightly deteriorated over the past few days.
7. My dogs name is shadow and mine is mahnoor.
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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 12, 2019 12:31:21 GMT -7
Mahnoor, which legs are affected the back legs or front? Sounds as if the disc is in the neck with your reporting head held high or low. These are the extra things you can do at home to help. Also won't hurt if the disc is in the back. NECK Disc tips: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htmWhen there is neuro diminishment many vets will choose from the most powerful of the two classes —the steroid class of anti-inflammatory---- Prednisone is a steroid. So for a 12.lbs/dog 5.44 kg dog that would be rounded up to a 5mg tab every 12 hours. REFERENCE Anti-inflammatory doses range from 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound (0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg) up to twice daily. Dr. Dawn Ruben Prednisone / Prednisolone www.petplace.com/DrugLibrary/prednisone-prednisolone/page1.aspx last accessed 12/6/18 Encourage you to read how an anti-inflammatory works with a disc episode so you know what your roll is in monitoring and to discuss things with your vet he may not know about: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm
Neuro diminishment to monitor for and alert your vet about 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. Do let us know where the front and the back legs are in the list below: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 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. If surgery is not an option (for whatever reason) then the best option is conservative therapy. 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. So if surgery is an option for your family get to a neuro or ortho asap. A quick overview of conservative treatment vs. a surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm#surgeryVSconservative
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Post by Mahnoor1 on Feb 12, 2019 17:20:50 GMT -7
1. She had wobbly walking and her legs do cross. 2. Nails scuff on the floor and paws also knucle under 3. She can stand when she wants tk and also walks even though she fall. This was much better a few days ago. Her walk has deteriorated.
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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 12, 2019 17:27:30 GMT -7
Mahnoor, it is IMPERATIVE to get that anti-inflammatory on board...since there is a worsening of neuro functions most vets would pick a steroid like prednisone. Hope your vet opens up soon this morning by 8am or so and you can get the prednisone on board asap. Best would be IF you can phone him and he will prescribe without a risky to the early healing disc car ride to his clinic. If this is a neck disc they can be more painful and need the prednisone (the stronger of the two classes) to get the swelling down. Are you using a sling to keep the back aligned and butt from tipping over? An ace bandage, a long belt, a long scarf will work as a sling. Manhoor, would you be able to register and login. Much easier for you with additional features for you and for us to best tract Shadow. The guest board is a temporary Guest courtesy to get immediate help until you can register. I encourage you to register and login. That way all the features of the Forum are available to you, making it faster to reply and get an email alert about replies. It also makes is far easier for us to track your dog and give the best assistance. Illustrated what to expect during registration: www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/RegisterFORUM/register.htm
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 13, 2019 2:35:13 GMT -7
Her back legs are not working properly, so that means its the disk in the back? How can i know if it is the disk in the neck? Also what are the symptoms of GI track infection? I am starting her on prednisone today. Hopefully she will get better. She ate a little liver and beef today.
I use a sling for potty breaks not all the time and she doesnt poop with the sling on so i have to take it off at that time
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 13, 2019 5:47:56 GMT -7
Good to hear that Shadow ate something today, Mahnoor. And thank you for registering. Usually when a disc in the neck is involved, the front legs are affected before the back legs are. Holding head high or low can indicate a neck injury but my dog Jeremy held his head straight up in the air due to pain and he had a back injury. Since only Shadow's back legs are involved, it sounds as though it's a back injury. What is the dosage in mgs of Prednisone that has been prescribed, how many times a day is it being given and for how many days has it been prescribed for before tapering? We usually see vets prescribe an anti-inflammatory for 7-14 days. Prednisone cannot be stopped suddenly and needs to be tapered. GI tract symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, bloody stool, not wanting to eat. Steroids such as Prednisone can cause GI tract difficulties and they can worsen quickly. Whenever a dog is on a steroid, there should also be stomach protection given. Here in the US we recommend Pepcid AC (Famotidine). I believe Famotidine is called Optifam in Pakistan. It's very important to include stomach protection when given steroids. Doxie weight dogs: 5mg Pepcid AC (famotidine) every 12 hours. NOTE: Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound, 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours for as long as your dog is on the anti-inflammatory. www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 14, 2019 11:33:40 GMT -7
I am ecstatic today, shadow is back to eating properly, she is moving her neck and has started sniffing around. she is constantly trying to get out of her crate which means she is back to being herself. She is also trying to walk and i let her walk a few steps, she hardly wobbled. Thankyou so much. She is currently on ➕prednisone 5 mg twice a day, tramadol 50 mg thrice a day and gabapentin 50 mg thrice a day, omeperozole 10 mg twice a day before prednisone. I also give her complimentary food 1 ml twice a day and iberet 2 ml once a day.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 12lbs ➕prednisone as of 2/13: 5mgs 2x/day for 10 days; then 2/23 taper to test for pain/neuro issues taper schedule: 2.5 mg twice a day for 3 days then 1.25 mg twice a day for 3 days. tramadol 50mgs 3x/day gabapentin 50 mgs 3x/day omeprazole 10 mgs 1x/day]
She had two meals today only because she was begging for food. I usually feed her once a day. With crate restriction how many times and how much should i feed her?
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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 14, 2019 12:02:38 GMT -7
Manhoor,excellent advocation for med adjusting Good job!
For how many days is the 5 mg prednisones 2x/day?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 14, 2019 14:27:23 GMT -7
Very good news that Shadow is wanting to sniff around and is moving her neck. Now that she is feeling better she may want to move around more and it is important that her movements be kept to a minimum. Once they feel better, our dogs think they are just fine and ready to go, we pet parents know better.
In general, a dog on crate rest should be kept to the usual food and eating schedule. Their bodies have a lot of repairing to do and this will be easier if they keep to the same eating routine.
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 15, 2019 12:38:26 GMT -7
The doctor has prescribed prednisone for 10 days then we start tapering. Can you please tell me how should I go on with tapering. Just for my info. Also by same food routine do you mean same menu and timing or only same timing? Ps what should I feed her?
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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 15, 2019 14:05:11 GMT -7
Mahnoor, the day the taper begins Feb 23, begins a test to see if all pain is really gone and that no new near issues develop. So naturally, all pain-masking pain meds would not be on board as it would delay and hinger a good assessment. ASK your vet which he prefers about the pain meds: 1. backing off them OR... 2. a full stop at the same time the pred taper starts? Let us know which he wants you to do. Prednisone is a hormone. It is very similar to the one the body makes (cortisol) to regulate life giving body functions. The taper is #1 to tell the body to start making it's own cortisol. So the vet will be telling you exactly how too taper. The taper is also a perfect window into how well it has done the job of resolving all painful swelling OR if another course is needed to get it all. I encourage you to read about how pred works with a disc episode...you may need to go over it with your vet if he is not up to speed in IVDD. Here is the link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmIT is best to not change to a different food during the time on pred. If there is vomit, diarrhea then you are confused is it simple change in foods or serious GI tract damage. Keep the portions the same. You can soak the kibble in equal part of water if she is constipatied (stools too hard) Do you have the bowls attached inside her crate (water and food bowls) at head height? Lots more crate crate rest supplies tips here;
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 15, 2019 14:56:42 GMT -7
I have not attached bowls inside the crate because she is clumsy and keeps throwing things but when i feed her, i make sure the bowl is at head height. I will talk to the Vet tomorrow but i need to know which one is better? Cutting back on pain meds or completely stopping them?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 15, 2019 15:18:17 GMT -7
Different vets have different approaches to pain meds during a taper. Some prefer to stop them completely during a taper while others prefer cutting back. The benefit of stopping the pain meds completely is that it will very quickly become clear if the swelling in the spinal cord is gone and the taper should continue of if there is still swelling and the pred needs to go backup to the full dose along with the pain meds. If pain meds are cut back but not stopped completely during a taper it may take longer to recognize if the pain and therefore the swelling is really gone.
If your vet is open to it, completely stopping the pain meds when the taper starts will more quickly give a clear picture on the resolution of painful inflammation in the spinal cord.
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 16, 2019 9:13:42 GMT -7
Shadow is practically running now and hardly wobbling. I dont even let her walk but she has started whining alot because she wants to come out. She stretches alot and stands on her back legs in the cage. On her potty break she pulls alot and wants me to let her run. What should i do? Also she is not fond of toys at all. All she always liled was running here and there. So cant give her any toys that will make her happy. V
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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 16, 2019 11:28:19 GMT -7
Mahnoor, time to implement emergency crate training! CALMERS Hope in your country something similar at a store or on-line would be available to help Shadow be able to relax in her recovery suite. Look for a product with like ingredients as mentioned below. Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives (ACE or trazodone). Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Place a DAP pheromone diffusor at floor level where the recovery suite is: --DOG Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/Use diffusor with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com PET STROLLER -- Many members have found a pet stroller to solve the whining problem because the stroller can be wheeled from room to room as you go about your activities. Pet strollers, however, should only be used when you are directly supervising. More details on strollers: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htmYOUR GARMENT Put a garment you have been wearing and have not washed in the crate. TEACH TO BE CALM Teaching self-calming exercises can also help your dog to relax more. You can make something as simple as eye contact a very rewarding behavior that also acts as a way for your dog to “ask permission” when he wants something. When dogs have a focus and an understanding about how to behave to get what they want, they are much calmer overall. To do this, each time your dog looks at you, say, something like, “Yes!” or use a clicker to mark the second he looks at you, and then give your dog a high-value food reward. [NOTE: for crate resting dogs, shift your body a bit] .... wait for your dog to look up at you again, say, “Yes,” and reward again. Do this exercise 10 or so times and then say, “All done,” and put the treats away. Come back later and do it again until you can see that your dog is really starting to make automatic eye contact in hopes you will say, “Yes,” again and give him his reward. [NOTE: treats should be subtracted from the normal daily kibble ration so as not to gain weight during crate rest.] wholedogtraining.com/images/stories/Are_all_dogs_trainable.pdfCRATE LOCATIONS -- At night, try placing the crate on a sturdy bedside table to sleep next to you. -- During the day try the coffee table or the dinning room table so there will be a view out a window and a better perspective on what is going on in the house from a high. -- Make the crate or ex-pen more cozy by draping a blanket over part of the top. Drape blanket down to head height when Shadow sits on her butt. This way bad behavior of rising up on her two back legs will put her in the dark, not being able to see anything and should soon be extinguished! ---How to teach GREET with CALM when you approach the crate so she stops trying to jump up against side of crate to greet you, if that is what is happening. Of course all teaching will be with done inside the secure recovery suite and with little movement as possible. Only you will be doing the training, no need for a friend. Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior try speaking in your dog's language so she understands to calm down. Turn your body sideways, avoid eye contact until she calms and settles down. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward of a calm loving "good sit/lie." Soon your dog will see they get rewards by quietly sitting, etc.
-- "Dodgerslist Emergency Crate Training" information has even more details: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm POTTY TIME Set us a fenced area with an ex-pen or some of the that poke-in-the-ground wire type of garden edging fence. Make the diameter 6 feet (1.83 meters), small enough she gets the picture there will be no sniff testing, no running, no darting off. The physical and the visual of the fence will help her understand to make quick work of potty time with just a very, very few minimal footsteps. With the fence set up, you may just need a back leg sling if she is too wobbly. Wanna keep the butt from tipping over and twisting the back.
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 19, 2019 17:27:13 GMT -7
Thankyou. That was alot of help. She is doing much better. On the other hand. I think the steroids are making her hungry. Her appetite is twoce to thrice times now and she literally gobbles down the whole bowl and asks for more. What should i do? Also, during the taper, my vet wants to stop the pain meds, so gapapentin will also be stopped? Since his knowledge of the disease is limited i want to be sure no mistakes are made.
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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 19, 2019 17:33:26 GMT -7
Hi Mahnoor, yes, indeed prednisone increases appetite and also makes them more thirsty. Instead of more kibble, use lo-cal treats such as small pieces of apple, carrot. You can also freeze some no fat/no salt broth cubes with apple/carrot pieces in there. It will take longer to lick at the broth cube to keep her busy but not really getting added calories.
gabapentin is a pain med. Its job is to deal with nerve type pain. Tramadol is also a pain med. Its job is as an overall general anthesia.
Got our fingers crossed when the pain meds are stopped as pred begins to taper on Feb 23, you will not see any pain or new neuro issues surfacing.
The 23rd is on a Saturday, when you vet may not be open on the weekend. Do you have a Plan B worked out with your vet should you see pain, neuro issues. Could be an emergency RX script you could fill at local 24 hr pharmacy or some extra pred and pain pills at home til the vet opens again. An ER visit is very expensive, a "Plan B" is free!
New neuro/Pain= another course of prednisone 5mgs 2x/day + all pain meds, protectors back on board. No neuro/Pain= continue to the taper finish... finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal.
Keep us posted!
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 23, 2019 13:20:46 GMT -7
I have started the taper, she seems just a tad bit down but eating is fine. She is walking the way she used to on poty breaks. Just a few steps though. No signs of pain. She is also barking on the cats. So thats fine. How long after stopping the meds do pains usually resurface?
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Post by Pauliana on Feb 23, 2019 13:37:59 GMT -7
Hi Mahnoor,
It can take several days for pain to show up. It varies from dog to dog. Keep a close eye on her IF you see any of these signs of pain listed below, contact your Vet because it will be necessary to start another course of Prednisone and pain meds immediately.. Hope you have meds on hand as Paula mentioned a plan B can save a visit to an emergency Vet hospital if your vet is not open..If you see no signs of pain that means the swelling is gone and no further meds would be necessary. Just continue with the remainder of the 8 weeks of crate rest..
❑ shivering, trembling ❑ Arched back ❑ yelping when picked up or moved ❑ can’t find a comfortable position ❑ tight tense tummy ❑ nose to the ground or head held high ❑ reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move ❑ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ❑ Not their normal perky interested in life selves?
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 23, 2019 14:46:57 GMT -7
Yes i have the meds in handy and emergency plan. I have talked to the vet as well. Fingers crossed. Need prayers
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 23, 2019 14:54:04 GMT -7
Best wishes for a successful taper for Shadow.
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 28, 2019 0:41:01 GMT -7
Hello. The taper finished today and there is no sign of pain but her legs are wobbly again.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 28, 2019 5:23:14 GMT -7
Just to clarify, Mahnoor, have the pain meds been stopped during this taper of Prednisone?
This taper was just started on Feb. 23, correct? That's a very short period of tapering. Usually we see a taper schedule something similar to this: 5mg 1x/day for 5 days, then 1x/day every other day for 5 times. Doctors vary in their tapering schedules but it does need to be tapered slowly. What was your taper schedule?
Do you see any sign of knuckling or hind legs crossing? Wobbliness may be due to the crate rest and laying for long periods of times. Legs can get weak from inactivity. It's a good sign that no pain has returned.
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Feb 28, 2019 6:27:16 GMT -7
She was on 5 mg twice a day so it was 2.5 mg twice a day for 3 days then 1.25 mg twice a day for 3 days. Pain meds have stopped too and no I don’t see any paw knuckling or legs crossing. PS she is super active and tries to jump all the time. It’s hard to contain her.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 28, 2019 7:01:54 GMT -7
OK, then your vet decreased the dosage in mgs rather than in frequency given. It sounds as though she's doing very well.
If she's jumping up in the crate, try covering the crate with a towel. Let the towel hang down to a level that will prevent her from seeing anything if she jumps up. That may discourage her from jumping in the crate.
Or you can cut a piece of cardboard the size of the crate opening, punch holes in the corners and tie it down inside the crate so she can only sit up or stand in the crate and not jump.
If she's moving around too much in the crate, try some of the calming tips that Paula previously gave you. Or it may be necessary to have a mild sedative prescribed. The less movement of the spine the better in order for it to heal.
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Mar 15, 2019 0:44:59 GMT -7
Hey guys! Shadow is doing great and is in high spirits, her 8 week crate rest ends on 4th april, however, i saw her paw ✙knuckling today and her left ✙dragging slightly. I am super worried. What should i do.
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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 Mar 15, 2019 4:56:01 GMT -7
I'm sorry to hear that you're seeing a loss of neuro function, Mahnoor. Is she also showing signs of pain again? Which paws are knuckling and which dragging, front or back paws? It sounds as though she's had a relapse. Has she been more active and may have moved more than she should have? You should let the vet know ASAP. With a loss of neuro function, there must be swelling again pressing on the nerves of the spine so all meds would need to be restarted, ASAP, the sooner the better, and unfortunately the 8 weeks of crate rest would also need to be restarted.
I see in your past posts that Shadow was trying to jump all the time and that you were having difficulty keeping her quiet and resting. Did you try any of the calmers that Paula suggested? If none of those natural calmers worked, then it would be best to have the vet prescribe a mild sedative. Movement of the spine must be kept very strict in order for conservative care to work and for the damaged disc to heal. Too much movement and the damaged disc can tear more and you're back to square one with pain/neuro loss.
Sometimes a relapse can happen with an active dog. It's an unfortunate setback but do know that Shadow can still heal. It's just going to take a longer time.
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Post by Mahnoor & Shadow on Mar 15, 2019 8:22:25 GMT -7
Hey. So i saw knuckling and dragging in the rear left leg, this was in the morning. She is not in pain.
I had to take her for pee again and she took 4 5 steps. No dragging no knuckling. What could this mean?
My vet is not at all experienced in ivdd, i can only refer to him for medicine dosage, the rest he cant tell me anything. I did take the precautions paula explained.
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