|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Oct 21, 2019 15:44:40 GMT -7
Thank you to this wonderful website and forum. I've spent the last week gaining valuable insight on my dog's condition. I haven't found any information about a dog who suffers IVDD and also has diabetes. Any dog owners with experience? My Luna was a rescue. She had PRA (progress retinal atrophy) and with excellent medical care kept her sight until 7. Then she had several bouts of pancreatitis and liver disease. Two years ago she was diagnosed with diabetes and has done well with insulin treatment. She is 11 years old.
Last week she seemed weak and seemed to lose strength in her hind legs overnight. The doctor believed she had thrown her back and was prescribed Gabapentin and sent home. The doctor told me to call right away if she got worse and could no longer walk. This happened last night. Her potty breaks resulted in nothing more than her lying in the grass. She wouldn't stand. She lost bladder/bowel control.
I called my doctor in the morning and she gave me the number of the nearest University neurology hospital. I was lucky to speak with the director and while understandably not wanting to diagnosis on the phone, she did mention that Luna may not even be a candidate for an MRI since she can not be under anesthesia. This also means she is not a good surgical candidate.
Diabetes also makes it hard to heal. I want to give my girl the best shot to beat this, but I'm not getting much support from my doctor. We don't want to bring Luna in unnecessarily, but how can we know she has enough pain meds, etc. I requested a call, but so far nothing.
Really hoping to hear from anyone with experience with diabetes and IVDD. Thanks again!
★1 19lbs, Gabapentin 100mg every 12 hours.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 19 lbs not crated with 10/16 vet visit! no anti-inflammatory drug possibly due to several diseases?? gabapentin 100mgs 2x/day]
★2 Chihuahua mix, Luna, Lisa ★3 Did you specifically get a diagnosis? bulging disc -- Is the vet a general DVM? DVM
★4 What was the date you saw the vet for conservative treatment? 10/16 ★5 Is there still currently pain - Reluctant to move, will not stand
★6 Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK All good there. ★7 Wiggles tail when talked to. No walking. ★8 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 control? Lost bladder control last night
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Oct 21, 2019 17:08:31 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Lisa! We are so glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you! Luna should be on an anti inflammatory to work on the inflammation that is pressuring the nerves of the spine.. That is what is causing the paralysis.. Nerves can and do heal but it takes time but in the meantime the inflammation needs to be eliminated.. That is why an anti inflammatory needs to be started immediately.. The Vet needs to determine what would be safe with her diabetes.. This isn't something that should wait. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmMost important is a vet that will work with you in helping to heal Luna... She needs another pain med on top of Gabapentin and also a muscle relaxant along with the anti inflammatory mentioned above... She needs to be pain free from dose to dose in order to heal.. Pain slows down healing. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmMany dogs recover from IVDD with Conservative treatment. Surgery is not the only option for treating IVDD. 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. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT means: ◼︎no laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you ◼︎no chiro therapy whys: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm ◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times. ◼︎no PT for conservative dogs during 8 weeks to heal disc ◼︎At home laser or acupuncture for severe neuro damage is best. 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. Things will get better. There is no reason for your Luna to be in pain. Vets have many ways of addressing pain. Please get the tramadol as soon as you can. Tramadol is a good general pain reliever. It often takes more than one pain med to eliminate the pain of IVDD. If the tramadol does not relieve her pain, let the vet know. There are other meds that can be added. Pain will only slow the healing process. All anti-inflammatories can csuse excess stomach acid which can cause serious stomach damage. Pepcid AC can be used to prevent this damage. Ask the vet if Bailey has any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC (famotidine)? (doesn’t need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question!) If you get a “no health” issues answer, then go to the grocery store to purchase over the counter Pepcid AC containing one single active ingredient (famotidine). The usual dose of 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.htmlOverflowing bladders need to be expressed to avoid UTIs. Review video then get a hands-on-top-of-your-hands expressing lesson. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmKnowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!! The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD soonest possible. Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works. Your dog will be depending on your ability to learn - excellent video series here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/theater.htmPRINT OUT this link and tape to your fridge: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm--use the printout as your roadmap to avoid dangerous detours in your dog’s care --make notes/highlight to keep yourself on track --follow all the links in the next days to become the IVDD savvy pet parent your dog needs. --Use the “search box” to easily locate topics over at our Main www.Dodgerslist.com website: Healing thoughts for Luna
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Oct 21, 2019 20:39:54 GMT -7
Thanks for the wonderful reply, Paulina. I have an appointment in the morning to address medication. Luna’s other conditions make it tough for anti inflammatory meds, but I’m hopeful that we can get an alternative.
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Oct 22, 2019 5:33:33 GMT -7
Which doctor is the appointment with this morning, Lisa? Rather than bring Luna in to the DVM again this morning, see if you can get an emergency appointment this morning with one of the Board-certified neurologists at the hospital. From what you wrote in your first post, it sounds as though it was the hospital who suggested this may be IVDD and also it sounds as though the original vet did not recommend strict crate rest when she first saw Luna and that may well be why her condition has worsened since that appointment. Not all DVMs see enough cases of IVDD to fully understand how to treat it. Since you do need to bring Luna in to get a hands-on-your-hands demonstration on how to express the bladder today, it would be best to get a knowledgeable vet on board as well. Transport involves the risk of too much movement of the spine so you need to keep visits to a very minimum. Please confirm that the vitally important strict crate rest has now been started and the date it was started.If Luna has indeed lost bladder control, you'll need a hands-on-your-hands demonstration today on how to express the bladder. It's very important that you start to express Luna's bladder. Overflowing of the bladder does not completely empty the bladder and urine lying for too long in the bladder can lead to a urinary tract infection. Also, overflowing can stretch the bladder out of shape. Here's the link again to the information on expressing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmThe only way to tell whether a dog has bladder control or not is a sniff and pee test. Carry Luna to a spot outside where she or another dog has peed, support her hind end, let her sniff and see if she can release urine on her own. If not, then her bladder needs to be manually expressed. Overflowing of the bladder (finding wet bedding, she leaks when picked up) does not completely empty the bladder. Urine lying for too long in the bladder can lead to a urinary tract infection. Also overflowing of the bladder can stretch the bladder out of shape. Be sure to pad Luna's crate well with rolled up blankets/towels during transport to prevent her from jostling around too much.IF the vet cannot recommend an anti-inflammatory due to Luna's health problems, see if they can recommend an acupuncturist who can come to your home to give treatments. Acupuncture can be helpful in reducing inflammation and it can give the nerves a jump start in healing. There are also natural anti-inflammatories such as turmeric (turmeric can be helpful in controlling diabetes but might not be advisable for the liver problem). They may have someone in the hospital who is familiar with natural anti-inflammatories if a steroid or NSAID is not advisable. If a steroid or NSAID is prescribed, please remember to speak to them about adding a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. We'll be anxiously awaiting an update. Healing prayers for Luna.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Oct 28, 2019 15:02:43 GMT -7
Update: we are on crate rest for the last 6 days. Now on ▲Gabapetin 100 every 8 hours and half of a ✙Methocarbamol 500mg every 12. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 19 lbs not crated with 10/16 vet visit! no anti-inflammatory drug possibly due to several diseases?? gabapentin 100mgs ▲3x/day ✙methocarbamol 250mgs 2x/day]
She can move all legs and can hold up her neck for short periods of time. No walking, etc. All good signs, but anxious about her healing capabilities. We live in the middle of nowhere. University visits for acupuncturist would be a three hour drive one way.
Thanks to this wonderful resource.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 28, 2019 16:53:26 GMT -7
Lisa, can you give us an update on pain and on neuro status? Is all pain full in control dose to dose of gabapentin plus the adding of mehtocarbamol? No pain near next dose of meds. No pain when having to be moved? Does she have bladder control (that is she is able to hold her urine til you place her on a pee pad adjacent to her crate or place her on an old pee spot in the grass? Or are you expressing her bladder to prevent a urianary tract infection? HOW TO EXPRESS if you need a review in video and tips: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm NOTE: at the link you will also find how to express for poop. NERVE HEALING IF she can move her legs, that bodes well for more nerve healing to take place ...nerve heaing is slow business so be prepared to have patience.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Oct 29, 2019 13:28:14 GMT -7
As far as pain goes, she still has episodes of shivering and whimpering. She goes potty on her potty pad next to the crate, no problem. Eating and drinking well. Blood sugar stable. Feeling and movement in all legs, neck, and tail. Can not sit or stand.
I try to limit movement, but I have been turning her since she seems to favor one side. I don't want her to end up with bedsores or pressure hot spots. She seems so weak. I know I am expecting too much from her so soon.
I feel that I'm not getting much support from my local vet and the specialist couldn't help because of her liver disease and diabetes. I want to feel confident in her treatment and I'm a nervous wreck right now thinking I'm torturing her for selfish reasons.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 29, 2019 14:16:00 GMT -7
Lisa, can you speak with your vet to alert him to the fact that pain is not yet fully controlled? Luna if at all possible in light of her other diseases ought to be able to heal in comfort with the right med combo, right frequency and right dose in mgs -- what about gabapentin three times a day as all the pain meds last a short time in the body? Two times a day often just does not do the job! -- Same with methocarbamol... see about it moving to 3x/day (every 8 hrs.) -- Tramadol is for general analgesic.... also 3x/day.
Know that not every general DVM vet can be well versed in every single disease known to all the species that vet might treat. But you can bring yourself up to speed. Then you be in position to bring to the table ideas to discuss, advocate for Luna better. Most DVMs in a general practice see many different species- hampsters, cats, all breeds of dogs, reptiles, birds, maybe even farm animals. They practice many specialties in the course of a day: pediatrics, dentistry, surgery, internal medicine. Is it surprising, that keeping current and indepth knowledge of each and every disease for every species is probably not likely? However, if your vet is open to learning, then you two can make a good team for Luna. Otherwise you would need to find another vet. Even a consult with a neuro specialist while not for surgery, it would be for using medications your local DVM vet is not comfortable in using. So that's something to think about too.
Good job in making sure she is not staying on one side too long and carefully repositioning her. Do you have a memory foam mattress for her That's what they use in hospitals to ward of pressure sores. Try an upholstery shop, fabric stores like JoAnn's. You just need a small piece to fit her recovery suite.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Oct 29, 2019 18:10:13 GMT -7
Another call into the vet unanswered. I insisted with speaking with the doctor on call. They upped the frequency of her dose of both ▲Gabapetin and ▲Methocarbamol to every 8 hours. They would not prescribe anything else and said they would leave a note for the doctor in the morning. This is the same note since last Friday. I'm going to have to stop being such a push over and stand my ground as Luna's advocate. Thanks so much!
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 19 lbs not crated with 10/16 vet visit! no anti-inflammatory drug possibly due to several diseases?? gabapentin 100mgs ▲3x/day methocarbamol 250mgs ▲3x/day]
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Oct 30, 2019 4:49:45 GMT -7
Great job on advocating for Luna, Lisa! Hopefully, now that both pain meds are being given 3x/day, Luna's pain will be completely under control. Luna's pain should be completely under control within one hour of giving the new course of meds and remain completely under control from one dose of pain meds to the next. If not, you'll need to speak to a vet at the office once again to advocate for an adjustment of pain meds. Is Luna's pain now completely under control?
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Oct 30, 2019 16:41:50 GMT -7
The shivering and whimpering continues. I was told that my message would reach the doctor and she would call me in the morning. I have my home number turned off during the day as I work from home. Every communication I have stressed to call my cell, but a message was left a few minutes ago. No real assistance, just if she continued to have pain, call. That's what I've been doing! I called the vet back and was told she was already gone for the day, but they would leave a note for her partner in the morning. The vet is open for another 3 hours. I just don't get it.
I want to help her, but I'm afraid to take her to the vet or emergency hospital. Could the shivering be a side effect of the drug? It seems to be worse today rather than better going from 2 times a day to 3.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 30, 2019 18:59:09 GMT -7
Lisa, sounds like time to hire a vet who is more comfortable in knowledge of IVDD. If you feel you are not getting support from your vet then you that is a valid feeling to take action on. Luna needs a vet even if it means getting copies of her files from old vet and hiring a new vet. Getting a consult with a neuro specialist means he knows about meds used with IVDD and may be the faster way to get help for Luna. What's your city/state? Have you check the member recommendation directory?http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgerycosts.htm and this page for tips in finding a new vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmShivering? The pharmacist gave you a med info sheet for methocarbamol and for gabapentin? IF not then you can google each med to learn what the side effects are. I bookmark the Mar Vists Vet webpage for that: gabapentin and methocarbamol. With going to 3x/day on these two meds do you observe some sedation? --- anxiety? Does the shivering continue when you are by her side, petting her otherwise giving her comfort with your presense? -- cold? Does a warm towel fresh from the dryer help to resolve shivering? -- pain? two or more signs of pain helps to pin point the observation are pain. Tight tense tummy muscles? Whimper (?) do you feel this is a different kind of vocalization she does when she has to move and it is painful. Do the shivering/whimper coincide with nearing the next dose of meds? When she has to move? Is she on any other meds relating to her other disease issue that have not been listed?
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Oct 31, 2019 11:26:32 GMT -7
The issues really come up when we have to move her to her potty pad or adjust her into a new position. I can tell she knows it is going to hurt and we have to muzzle her. I think you are right about the anxiety. I haven't really left her side since this happened. My husband was home and I volunteered to get take out. I returned to find her barking and crying like crazy. As soon as I started speaking she calmed down. Husband mentioned she started as soon as I left. I haven't heard her bark in over a week. Boy, did I feel guilty!
The only medications she takes is insulin injections twice daily and Denamarin which is a liver supplement.
She seems much better today, but I'm still concerned about the dosage of methocaramol. Is 250 mg three times a day too much for a almost 20lb dog?
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 31, 2019 14:12:19 GMT -7
If the shivering is related to her moving than it seems as if her pain meds are not yet right. If your current vet is not working with you then consider hiring another vet you feel more confident with.
There are different ways to address anxiety. A vet can prescribe sedatives like Trazadone or Acepromazine. There are also some natural methods you can try. Try using an oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser. 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 such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. with. Of course ALWAYS keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price. Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider: --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser www.adaptil.com/us/Adaptil/Adaptil-DiffuserUse a diffuser with one oral calmer from below: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed us.virbac.com/product/behavior/anxitane-chewable-tablets2) 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.php3) Bach's Rescue Remedy Pets is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation. Contains 5X herbs: Rock Rose (Cistus),Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem (Ornitholagum umbellatum), Cherry Plum. www.bachrescueremedypet.com/about/what-is-rescue-pet/ I used Rescue Remedy to help calm my dog Frankie during his IVDD episode. The dose of Methocarbamol at 250mg every 8 hours is higher than what we usually see prescribed. The typical dose we see is125mgs every 8 hrs. We are not vets and do not know the specifics of each dog's health. We are making this suggestion based on what we've seen qualified vets prescribe in the past and only as a basis for discussion with your vet.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Nov 5, 2019 9:50:21 GMT -7
Update: pain is now controlled. Reduced ▼methocarbamol to 125 three times a day.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 19 lbs not crated with 10/16 vet visit! no anti-inflammatory drug possibly due to several diseases?? gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day methocarbamol ▼125mgs 3x/day]
Now she seems more frustrated by her lack of mobility. Created both a recovery suite upstairs and down. She can now sit on her belly unassisted and can put weight on her legs (assisted) when she goes to the potty. Glad to say we are making steady progress. I see the challenge of keeping her rested ahead.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Nov 5, 2019 9:56:21 GMT -7
Lisa, good news that she can unassisted re-position her body. If you can, take a picture of that sitting on her belly thing to post in your next update.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Nov 8, 2019 16:01:37 GMT -7
I can’t figure out how to post photos. Luna is occasionally taking some steps, but continues with hind leg weakness. I wonder if we need to start reducing her meds. She is in much better spirits. Still eating and peeing/pooping well. Doesn’t seem to be in pain at all.
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 8, 2019 16:10:02 GMT -7
Speak to your vet about cutting back on her meds. She may no longer need them.
When you are editing or composing a post, there is a button on the top right side that says add image to post. From there you will have the option to browse your computer for the photo or drag and drop.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Nov 8, 2019 16:49:14 GMT -7
How to insert a JPGs in a post for computers, iPads, but not all mobile devices
The trick of inserting a JPG in your post: Instead of writing in the "Quick Reply" space at the bottom of the page, look to the right of that space for a "REPLY" button. That will take you to composing with all the enhancement features available including a button to "ADD IMAGE to POST" button.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Nov 12, 2019 18:10:54 GMT -7
Today hasn't been a good one. She only wants to be on her side, by my side. I've been going on very little sleep for weeks now. It is tough keeping her quiet and content. Worried we are taking a step backwards. She seemed to be improving so well. We are on three weeks now. Am I asking too much of her?
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Nov 12, 2019 21:51:12 GMT -7
Lisa, could you update us on what meds she is currently taking, the dose in mgs and how often?
Previous med list to update 19 lbs not crated with 10/16 vet visit! no anti-inflammatory drug possibly due to several diseases?? gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs 3x/day
Is Luna inside of some sort of recovery suite. One with sides so that the area is limted to only enough room to fully stretch out the legs when she is lying down? Some of the pictures you posted show she has too much room where ever she is.
Can you update us on what you see her back legs doing at the times she is allow a very few limited footsteps to do her business outdoors? --- can she move up into a stand position? --- can she take some wobbly footsteps with aid of a sling? --- can she place her paws correctly on the ground? That is she does not knuckle under her back paws. --- Does she shiver or whimper or any other signs of pain? --- What is keeping you up at night. How well does Luna sleep through the night. If not sleeping what does she do?
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Nov 13, 2019 7:31:57 GMT -7
Previous med list to update: Gabapetin 100 3 times a day. ▼Methacarbamol 125 2 times daily
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 19 lbs not crated with 10/16 vet visit! no anti-inflammatory drug possibly due to several diseases?? gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs ▼2x/day [date of reduction?]\ signs of pain surfacing 11/13 neuro diminishment observed 11/10ish?]
She is placed there in our family room as I cook dinner. She is at no risk since she does not attempt to stand or walk in the last couple of days.
We position her to go to the bathroom with the sling. She can not support her weight. --- can she move up into a stand position? no --- can she take some wobbly footsteps with aid of a sling?very few in the last couple of days --- can she place her paws correctly on the ground? no --- Does she shiver or whimper or any other signs of pain? This morning she is whimpering. --- What is keeping you up at night. Since Luna is blind she often gets her days and nights mixed up. We have tried to keep her more active during the day, but we haven't slept through the night since her injury.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Nov 13, 2019 9:56:08 GMT -7
Lisa, what did your vet say when you alerted him to signs that should always be reported immediately:--- going backward in neuro functions of not able to move up into a stand and when in a sling taking far few footsteps in the last couple of days? Not able to correctly place her paw on the ground? --- pain surfacing as indicated by this morning's whimperng. Nov 5 methocarbamol was lowered to down to 125mgs and given every 8 hrs. Did you observe any changes in Luna's behavior?What date was methocarbamol further lowered to 125mgs every 12 hr? Did the behaviors you reported yesterday coincide with the date methocarmabmol went to every 12 hrs... or maybe a few days later? See how we are wanting you to be able to relate changes in meds with changes in Luna's behavior? Also if negative changes to immedately report them to the vet. Please let us know what your vet said or give him a call this am and let us know what he says, does to adjust meds.
MED CHART Very handy to see relationship of med chagnes to changes in neuro function and pain. D/l and print from here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/crateRRP/medchart.pdf
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Nov 13, 2019 10:22:44 GMT -7
She started to go down three days after the methocarbmol was reduced. At first we believed her behavior was due to frustration since her mobility was impaired. She has been barking a lot and it is difficult to calm her down at times.
I have a call into the vet, but frankly it could be days before I hear back from them. Options are few around here and they are one of a few good places and are typically swamped.
I'll keep trying. Thanks for everything, Paula.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Nov 13, 2019 10:36:56 GMT -7
Lisa, we need your help in always providing actual dates. What date was methocarbamol further lowered to 125mgs every 12 hr?
Can you go back up to the previous Rx of methocarbamol every 8 hrs, if you can't get in contact with your vet in a reasonable number of hours today? The receptionist SHOULD be able to relay your questions/obserervation and then deliver a response back to you (if the vet himself is not able to get to a phone). If you do up metho....observe if upping methocarbamol helps Luna in whimpering. Methocarbamol, a pain med, can't of course help nerve diminishment.
Nerve diminishment has to do with the spinal cord receiving pressure. Nerves do not like being pressed on. They can die if too much pressure.
Are you able to ensure that Luna is doing all she can to ONLY be taking a very few limited footsteps at potty time? Are you able to ensure that Lunda is limiting the movement of her back at all other times. That is what the recovery suite does... the suite is like a cast where Luna just will not have any opportunity to move more than changing sides, turning around in the suite. Movement of the back is a danger to a healing disc.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Nov 16, 2019 11:37:41 GMT -7
Thursday things turned to the worse. She seemed to have no feeling below the neck. Emergency vet believed it may be a tumor or leaking of spinal fluid. Our kids rushed home to say their goodbyes and Luna was peacefully euthanized yesterday morning.
This was our first experience of this. Luna was our first and only dog and we all were worried about the process. Would she be in distress or pain? I'm comforted to know how peaceful it was and I know she knew we were there loving her to the very end.
It was difficult not to hop out of bed this morning to prepare her breakfast and insulin. She was the perfect family dog. I hope she is in a better place with her sight restored, chasing bunnies like she did in her youth. Happy and pain free.
I want to thank everyone here, especially Paula for all of your caring and support. We are making a donation in Luna's name to this wonderful forum. Your support meant everything to us, through the sleepless nights and worry.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,538
|
Post by PaulaM on Nov 16, 2019 12:49:24 GMT -7
Oh, dear Lisa! I'm so saddened to hear the news. With loss of feeling moving upwards towards the head, this may have been myelomalacia ("M"). So that you have additonal closure that may be something to speak with your vet about. I'm heartened to hear she could feel your warmth as she was helped to journey to the other side— to the rainbow bridge. That was one of the most difficult but the most kindest of gifts to give with "M" With "M", what happens basically is that the spinal cord starts to die from the point of the spinal cord trauma moving forward toward the head. It can happen fast, within hours. It is a very painful ending.. making a dog unable to breathe. There is no cure for "M" and it is fatal. Should a dog be developing it, before there is difficulty breathing, it is important to help a dog to cross to the rainbow bridge to spare a very painful death — just as you did. Known there is nothing you nor the vet did to cause this not well known disease. Symptoms of Myelomalacia: * about 3-4 days into recovery, they become painful. Within the first week, they are in a LOT of pain. * acute disc extrusion with no deep pain sensation * development of excruciating pain (more than just pain from the original disc herniation) • hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body) • even the strongest pain meds do not help * loss of anal tone, the anus hangs open, (anal flaccidity) and areflexia (below normal or no reflexes) * neurologic deficits that localize to more than one neuroanatomical section of spinal cord (e.g. T3-L3 myelopathy and an L4-S3 myelopathy) * loss of cutaneous trunci reflex at a level more cranial to a previous evaluation over a period of hours to days with or w/o surgery * development of fever (normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit) * sudden twitching or jerking of the neck and/or head * loss of voice, horse bark * Front legs can't hold body up, can't hold head up * increased respiration/ labored breathing as the nerves to the lungs begin to shutdown
More on Myelomalacia: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdf
It is good to know one is not alone in our feelings at this painful time. Barabara Techel's insightful words about healing after loss of her Gidget may help you along your path of grieving. www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218645646585562&set=a.1110337151858&type=3&theaterLuna was blessed to have such a wonderful family who truly loved her. Please find strength and warm thoughts from us all. Warmest of ((hugs)) to you and your family. Thank you for your kindness at this time to think of us with a gift. Take care.
|
|
|
Post by Lisa & Luna on Nov 16, 2019 13:21:58 GMT -7
Thanks, Paula. With the knowledge I gained here I too believe it might be the M word. She so wanted to get better, but we are glad we were able to give her peace before it because worse.
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 16, 2019 14:01:17 GMT -7
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of sweet Luna. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
|
|
|
Post by Julie & Perry on Nov 16, 2019 15:33:48 GMT -7
Am so very sad that you had to let your Luna go.
I could tell how very much you loved her.
May God bless you and bring you healing and many lovely memories of your baby.
|
|