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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Feb 25, 2019 17:50:19 GMT -7
I cannot believe I am here again. Rowdy had surgery 2 years ago and has done so well. But last Wednesday something happened. He was in his crate...two grandsons came...my husband was home but outside and I was at work. When I got home I could tell immediately something was wrong. His back was arched and he was trembling. I immediately gave him a Vetprofen and it helped. Had those on hand from my other boy Wally’s episode. Today, Feb.25 spoke with my vet. We have him on Vetprofen 25 mg twice a day and Prilosec 1/4 tab daily.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit weight? Vetprofen as of 2/20: 25mgs 2x/day for ? days, then a stop to test for pain/neuro issues Prilosec ?mgs 1x/day]
He is of course on strict crate rest and support when out for bathroom break. I donot want him to have another surgery if we can avoid it. My vet said as long as he can still stand and control his bladder...rest, rest, rest. I am so worried about him because he seems a little worse today. He he such a baby. My vet didn’t have me bring him in because he is so,nervous in car. Do you all think conservative treatment will work for him? My other boy recovered, but he was not quite as bad.
Thanks,
Roxanne
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Post by Pauliana on Feb 25, 2019 19:10:14 GMT -7
Oh no, Roxie! I am so sorry to hear Rowdy is having an episode. He should also be on a pain relievers such as Tramadol, Gabapentin and Methocarbamol so please let your vet know!! Vetprofen is an anti inflammatory to get the swelling down. It is not a pain reliever.. A surgeon won't operate if a dog can still walk.. They will suggest surgery if pain can't be brought under control with pain meds..after multiple adjustments..
Conservative treatment works! Strict crate rest and medications is a tried and true treatment for a disc episode.. Please do keep us posted and let us know what your Vet prescribes for Rowdy!
Healing thoughts and prayers..
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 25, 2019 20:05:08 GMT -7
Roxie, sorry to hear another episode. Can you be specific on what "worse today" means. Are you talking worse pain, worse neuro diminishement, ? For how many days is the Vetprofen Rx'd for? No pain meds (methocarbamol, tramadol and gabapentin) where prescribed. Do you see any of these signs of pain? —Methocarbamol works on the pain of muscle spasms. — Tramadol is the general pain reliever. — Gabapentin works on nerve pain. There should be no sign of pain from one dose of meds to the next. Have no patience with pain as it does hinder healing. Look for your dog to be acting their normal, perky self when pain is fully under control round the clock. SIGNS OF PAIN: ◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy ◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎ not their normal perky selves Prilosec may take 3-5 days to reach peak efficiency. If it is has now been 3-5 day, then by now it is working. If not, then Pepcid AC is the better choice to use right now as it reaches 100% efficiency in 30 mins. How much does Rowdy weigh? The usual dose during a disc episode is Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. Give the anti-inflammatory with a meal as added protection. www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Feb 26, 2019 14:18:56 GMT -7
It is Tuesday afternoon the 26th and our Rowdy is in surgery right now. He began dragging his legs last night so talked to vet first thing this morning. He sent us to Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center for evaluation. Obviously the scan showed he needed surgical intervention. I will let you know what happened.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 26, 2019 14:20:22 GMT -7
We will be anxious to hear news when you are updated by the surgeon. Sending the most positive of thoughts for a good surgical outcome.
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Chad & Winston & Angus
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M-dox Angus 2/20 surgery................ M-dox Winston 3/14 surgery
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Post by Chad & Winston & Angus on Feb 26, 2019 17:26:22 GMT -7
I just picked my dog up yesterday from DVSC. So far, I can't say enough great things about them. Sorry you're having this issue again. Did they talk to you about laser ablation? If so, what are your thoughts?
Chad
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Feb 27, 2019 10:18:57 GMT -7
Rowdy had a good night. Is on in fluids and pain medication. He is able to urinate. Cannot stand yet, which is normal, but is moving his legs slightly. He wouldn’t eat for them this morning, but they said that is normal. His prognosis is good.
Post by Roxie & Rowdy on 14 hours ago Rowdy came through his surgery ok. He had another ruptured disk. She said she removed a lot of material. They will call in the morning to give an update. Chad you are right, they are so nice and caring. I don’t live in Dallas and it took me an hour and fifteen minutes to get there. My husband had an obligation he could not cancel. Thank goodness for gps! And they are going to talk to us about the ablation when he is ready to come home. I am anxious to learn about it and we would consider doing it. Rowdy is still fairly young...I don’t want to go through this again with him. He is so shy and such a baby. He cried all the way there....was even howling at one point. Guess that is our fault for not getting him out more. I am anxious to hear from them in the morning.
What do you all think about ablation?
Thank you for your concern and prayers for Rowdy. Much appreciated.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 27, 2019 10:41:05 GMT -7
Roxie, thank you for the update. Really sounds like Rowdy will have a very good recovery of nerve function with him already moving those legs some!!
Laser disc ablation (LDA) We had written Dr. Dugat about her published study on LDA that may be of interest to you as a jumping off place for further research and further questions you may want answers to.
Dr. Dugat wrote us back:
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Chad & Winston & Angus
New Member
M-dox Angus 2/20 surgery................ M-dox Winston 3/14 surgery
Posts: 24
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Post by Chad & Winston & Angus on Feb 27, 2019 19:51:14 GMT -7
Thank you Paula. I haven’t had the me to do a lot of research on it yet. I appreciate the info.
Roxie, keep us posted on Rowdy. If you need anything, I’m in Dallas.
Chad
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 1, 2019 18:29:57 GMT -7
Rowdy came home today! He is doing very well. He has control of his bladder and is walking with support. He is on Gabapentin 100 mg 1 capsule every 8 to 12 hours for pain and Carprofen 25 mg 1/2 tab every 12 hours. He was so happy to be home, he grabbed his nylabone and started chewing. He is on crate rest for at least 6 weeks with exercises daily. We feel so fortunate he is doing so well. Rowdy does well in his crate. Ever since his first surgery, he loves to be in it. We got some literature on the disc ablation and are seriously thinking it over. Thank all you for your concern and support.
Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Feb 27, 2019 at 8:04pm Oh thank you for the information. I cannot stand the thought of Rowdy having to do this another time! He is such a sweet and loving boy. He has rested today and they said he is doing well. I can’t ask for any more! And Chad I hope your Angus is doing well post surgery. Appreciate this site so much.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 1, 2019 18:55:09 GMT -7
Wonderful to know he is back home and doing so well neurilogically!!!
Any Pepcid AC with that carprofen or Prilosec continued?
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 1, 2019 20:08:51 GMT -7
Paula, they did not mention it, but I will start him on the ✙Pepcid. Good reminder!
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Chad & Winston & Angus
New Member
M-dox Angus 2/20 surgery................ M-dox Winston 3/14 surgery
Posts: 24
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Post by Chad & Winston & Angus on Mar 2, 2019 20:35:40 GMT -7
They told me Angus didn’t need the Pepcid but I gave it too him anyway.
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 3, 2019 18:16:30 GMT -7
They didn’t mention it to me either, but am giving.
Rowdy is doing very well. I am surprised at how well. We are following the exercises with walking, etc. He has been so good. I love him so much and he is a good boy about being crated.
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Post by Pauliana on Mar 3, 2019 19:15:05 GMT -7
Hi Roxie!
So happy to hear that Rowdy is home and is doing so well and being a great patient!
Thanks for keeping us updated!
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 5, 2019 18:26:52 GMT -7
Rowdy is still doing well. He is walking with support so good. His tail is wagging. He cannot use his hind legs to scratch an ear yet, so enjoys it when I scratch his ears! You all may have heard of this before...when we left the vet hospital Friday, while giving us instructions, they wanted us to use a “walkabout back end harness”. They were out of Rowdy’s size, but she printed off a page from Amazon on where to order one. We did and it is a neat contraption. You put their hind legs in it and it Velcro’s over the top of their hips. It does not block them from using the restroom. It has straps on it to hold them up. It works really well while doing the walking exercises. I use the scarf strap in mornings because we are usually in a hurry to get outside, but this is great for walking around. It cost $23.00 and is a size small. He is still on Rimadyl and Pepcid. We have the gabapentine down to once a 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 Mar 5, 2019 18:34:58 GMT -7
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Chad & Winston & Angus
New Member
M-dox Angus 2/20 surgery................ M-dox Winston 3/14 surgery
Posts: 24
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Post by Chad & Winston & Angus on Mar 5, 2019 19:08:24 GMT -7
Roxie, It is interesting to hear your experience. Other than having similar outcomes, our experiences are somewhat different for using the same vet clinic. Dr. Barillo made me a figure 8 sling from two leashes and vet wrap, I wasn’t given any exercises to do and we were sent home on different meds. Not saying one is better than the other, just differences. Who did Rowdy’s surgery? Dr. Lange did or consultation, Dr. Radasch did the surgery and Dr. Barillo was our associate vet.
Chad
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 6, 2019 6:19:10 GMT -7
Chad, I noticed the differences also. Rowdy had no removable sutures and does not have to go back. This is different from his first surgery. I will say he was in worse shape when this happened 2 years ago. Dr. D’Amico did the consultation when I arrived at the clinic and she did the surgery. I never could understand the doctor’s name that called every morning to give an update. He was very informative and answered any questions I had. Heather who I believe is not a vet when over the discharge instructions. I have to get ready for work but I will send you Rowdy’s exercises. Why don’t you give them a call?
Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 10, 2019 at 7:48pm Today, Sunday, March 10 Rowdy took his last Rimadyl. He has not had a pain pill in several days. He is doing so well! We have been doing our walking exercises and he is doing great. He was able to scratch one of his ears briefly this morning. We are so lucky because he doesn’t mind being in his crate. We are very thankful.
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Post by Pauliana on Mar 10, 2019 18:58:33 GMT -7
Get news, Roxie! I am sure Rowdy was happy to be able to scratch his ear! Wonderful sign of nerve healing!
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Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 10, 2019 19:47:46 GMT -7
Isn't it exciting when you see those firsts coming back? First ear scratch, standing, tail wag?
Woohoo go Rowdy!!!
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 11, 2019 7:47:02 GMT -7
Thank you all so much. Rowdy says hi!
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Chad & Winston & Angus
New Member
M-dox Angus 2/20 surgery................ M-dox Winston 3/14 surgery
Posts: 24
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Post by Chad & Winston & Angus on Mar 11, 2019 18:40:27 GMT -7
Awesome news!
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 20, 2019 11:26:42 GMT -7
Rowdy is still doing well. Walking so good and standing, etc. He is being such a good boy about his crate! The only thing I have noticed is that he will chew/lick on his back legs until he makes a sore. I am wondering if he is having some tingling in his legs. I am going to ask vet about it. I was glad to see the post about the disc ablation. We are really thinking about it.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 20, 2019 19:50:07 GMT -7
Let us know what the vet things the chewing is...not good if he is breaking the skin.
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Mar 30, 2019 18:48:56 GMT -7
Rowdy is doing so good. The little rascal wants to go! He has quit chewing on his legs so I haven’t had a chance to ask about it. It seems like when it rains, it pours. One of our other doxies, Lexie, has kidney disease. This happened before Rowdy’s back went haywire. Her BUN was extremely high. Vet had us do fluid under skin twice a day for two weeks. Fast forward to now, her kidney numbers are now high normal and we only do fluid under skin every other day and she is on a kidney diet. She is 14 and feels so much better! Sorry I know this is not back related. So the clinic didn’t set up a return appointment for Rowdy, so I am going to call and see if they need to see him. I just want to wrap him in bubble wrap! We have so many critters and I am off on Mondays, it is hard to squeeze every thing in. Lexie had to go every week for about 5 weeks to check her levels. I know others have the same problem. Not complaining, just trying to take care of everyone!
PS..Lexie isn’t eating Hills food, it is Purina kidney food.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 31, 2019 6:07:00 GMT -7
So glad to hear that Rowdy is doing good, Roxie. And good that he's stopped that chewing. Great update for Rowdy.
Glad, too, to hear that Lexie is feeling much better. You certainly have your hands full. You're doing a great job caring for all of your loved ones. They're so lucky to have you, Roxie! Keep up the good work with them all.
Blessings to you and your pets.
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Apr 20, 2019 20:06:43 GMT -7
Just wanted to report that Rowdy is still doing well. He is 8 weeks out from surgery. He still spends quite a bit of time in his crate. We are being very cautious with him. I got him a really neat harness and we have been going for a walk outside the fenced yard every evening. He is enjoying that so much. He is walking so good. He has gained his strength back quite well. We are considering the laser disc ablation. When he was hurt, we were ready to do it. It’s harder now that he is doing good to have him put to sleep for another procedure. Will keep you updated.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 21, 2019 5:53:48 GMT -7
Very glad to hear that Rowdy is still doing well, Roxie. And I'm sure he's enjoying his walks very much. Exercise will help build up the muscles that support the spine and that's all good.
Please do keep us updated.
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Post by Roxie & Rowdy on Apr 23, 2019 10:54:44 GMT -7
I will.
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