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Post by Cindy & Petey on Nov 15, 2019 20:05:06 GMT -7
New to forum 11/15/19 Hello, thanks for having me here. Petey a dachshund is our oldest dog in our home. Petey is 12 yo and has a history of back arthritis, but really never showed us any cause for alarm. On Saturday November 9th 2019, petey started to have his back legs go out from under him and knuckling some.Being we thought that to be unusual and scary, I called his vet on Monday and Petey was seen Tuesday.November 12th.Petey did not show any kind of pain and still hasn't today on the 15th of Nov. The vet observed him trying to walk, he took a few steps and his legs gave out into a splay position. The vet tested along his back for rippling and Petey had rippling through his back ending towards the front of his back thighs. Peteys back is not hunched at all. the vet also did the test where he picks up his paws to see if they go back to normal position. His front paws did, but not his back paws [knuckle]. He also took an xray and couldn't find anything except his arthritis. I was not told anything about crate rest until I asked and he said it might be a good idea. he also recommended for Petey to see a chiropractor, but didn't act like anything was urgent. I have tried to make an appt with a holistic vet, recommended by the general vet, looking more for acupuncture than chiro, the next appt available is not until the end of January. I am stressing about that because I don't know if it's important to get him in sooner. Petey was prescribed Loxicom, and told to give a dose for 50# the first day, then dose for 25# after that.The bottle is 10 ml and Petey gets appr .75ml which is the 25# dose. He is doing well with it so far on day 4. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 25lbs Loxicam (meloxicam) as of 11/12: 25#dose 1x/day for about 10 days?, then 11/21ish?? stop test milk thistle 175 mg 2x/day]Petey also has high liver enzymes(ALKP) so medication may be tricky. The vet said he was not a candidate for surgery. Petey also takes milk thistle 175 mg capsule twice a day with his bigger meals. He also takes Pro-pectalin and Cosequin DS plus MSM once per day with the AM meal. Petey has been on crate rest for 1 week. Petey , so far has no problem peeing or pooping. Is there anything more I should be doing? And how long is reasonable to wait for acupuncture or any other treatments that can help Petey and hopefully his recovery. I joined here to be able to learn more about IVDD and help Petey the best I can. edit on 11/25/19 petey is 12 yo, not 13
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 15, 2019 21:21:23 GMT -7
Welcome Cindy! You've written in the right place. It's a bit busy this evening. I will be reading and reply as soon as possible. Cindy, there are some dogs who do not show any signs of pain during a disc episode. So Petey may be one of those dogs. For how many days is he to take Loxicam/(meloxicam) -a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug? How much does Petey weigh? The concern with Loxicam is the extra stomach acids that NSAID will cause - well, any anti-inflammatory causes. With his liver issue discuss if perchance Pepcid AC or another acid suppressor would better serve him than milk thistle. Proactive vets don’t wait til there is lip licking of nausea, not eating, vomit, diarrhea leading to serious bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in stool due to the extra stomach acids anti-inflammatory drugs cause. Pepcid AC (famotidine) blocks the production of acid. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episode is 0.44mg mg per pound every 12 hours. Pepcid AC has a very limited potential for side effects. Ask if your dog 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).
HEALTH ISSUES: “Mar Vista Vet reports: Pepcid AC has a very limited potential for side effects, the reason of release to over-the-counter status. The dose of famotidine may require reduction in patients with liver or kidney disease as these diseases tend to prolong drug activities. There have been some reports of exacerbating heart rhythm problems in patients who already have heart rhythm problems so it may be prudent to choose another means of stomach acid control in heart patients.” marvistavet.com/famotidine.pml KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY TO IVDD Our goal is to help you maneuver things that can be overwhelming with an IVDD diagnosis in caring for your dog. Getting quickly up to speed on intervertebral DISC disease helps you in understanding the why of what your vet advises and the ability to bring things to the table in working together to help heal the disc. 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 single disease known to cats, dogs, birds, and many other species they treat.
Keep in mind the key word in the name of the disease is DISC. #1 Take a look so you can visualize just why the need to be strict about crate rest for the DISC is so important in preventing a surgery
#2 How/why meds are used while the DISC is healing. A good review of the many things your vet mentioned about his diagnosis, the Rx’d meds, crate rest, other stuff that you may not have fully processed during that short vet visit.
#3 The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to read and learn as quickly as you are able. Calm your mind by being “in the know” how long each the 4 phases of healing is expected to take. What treatments for which phase? At what point would a surgery be considered? This is the page to bookmark and return to in the next days to have a full understanding of the now and the future of living many happy years ahead with your IVDD dog. Here is the link to bookmark: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Nov 16, 2019 1:35:50 GMT -7
Ill try to answer your questions Petey is 25 pounds, the Loxicom he takes is the equivalent of Metacam. I am familiar with Famotidine and have it in our home for use on our diabetic cat once in a while. Petey is not showing any signs or bad symptoms with the Loxicom. Should I still start him on it anyways? At this point, only 1 week in, should I still pursue acupuncture or chiropractic therapy? Or is total rest more important? I did watch all 9 videos and found them informative. So about his Loxicom, it's hard for me to figure out because it's in weight, the first day he took a double dose, per vet,for 50 pounds,= 1.4 ml, then for 25 pounds every day after =.75ml.The bottle is 10 ml. So maybe 10 days? ONCE PER 24 hours. I'm having such a hard time with this as we lost our 16 yo Chihuahua to renal failure just 30 days ago. She only gave us 30 days from time of diagnosis. I surely didn't think I would have to learn a whole new disease in such a short time. I'm hoping that Petey can heal from this and see happier days. Thank you for your information you gave me
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 16, 2019 6:33:33 GMT -7
Hi, Cindy. When taking any anti-inflammatory such as Loxicam, a stomach protector is needed. We follow vets who are proactive and protect against the side effects of the Loxicam BEFORE they happen, rather than try to treat the problem after signs occur. And the side effects can worsen very quickly once they start. Do please check with the vet before starting Famotidine due to Petey's liver condition. If he can't take Famotidine, then hopefully the vet will be able to prescribe something else. Please check with the vet and let us know how many days the Loxicam was prescribed for. We need to know so we can give you further instructions once the meds have stopped. Please also check how many mgs are in 1 ml. Acupuncture can give the nerves a jump start in healing. However, do keep in mind that during conservative treatment, anytime out of the recovery suite is a dangerous time for the healing disc. Movement of the back can increase a disc tear and escape of disc material into the spinal cord. The risk of transporting to therapy has to be carefully weighed against what benefit is to be gained. It would be best if you can find an acupuncturist who can come to the home to administer treatment. www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/Why Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htmYou're already doing the most important part of conservative care - the 8 weeks of strict crate rest. The less movement of the spine, the better. STRICT 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. 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! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/slingwalk.jpg  Healing prayers for Petey. Please continue to keep us updated.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Nov 16, 2019 21:51:59 GMT -7
Thank you so much.
I was reading about the crate rest and how to set it up. Petey has an X-LARGE crate that he's used for the last 10 years, but it seems like he has to make a sharp turn if he wants to turn around.
I ordered him a playpen that I plan on setting up Monday to be 4x4. I'll put his large memory foam in there and take up the Xtra space with a good size waterer and his food dish. It also has a walk in door, so I plan on doing some petting in there also.
I'm afraid to incorporate his crate too because it's hard getting him out, I hope he takes to the new setup ok. He'll also be able to see more as his crate is covered. Is there anything you can think of I'm missing with the new setup?
I had it express shipped , so I'll set that up Monday. Lots to learn !!!
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 17, 2019 5:27:45 GMT -7
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Nov 18, 2019 1:15:03 GMT -7
Surprisingly I received the X-pen today, 11/17. So once I set it up it was too big. I had my husband take one panel off to fit better. Petey will not drink out of the cup that hangs on the cage, I gave him his regular waterer, and raised it on a homemade stand to be head level. He ate his dinner on his usual plate laying on his bed. I covered the top with fabric to make it cozier, that is what he's used to. I also rolled fleece throws around his bed. Petey is not an active dog at all, I don't see where he would try and stand up on his hind legs as they won't hold him up. I left enough room for our 2 feet to stand in the walk in gate to make it a lot easier for us to lift him out. We are getting up there in age and 25 pounds is not easy to lift or try to get out of a crate. We set the x-pen up near the door where he's taken to go potty. My set up is almost identical to the one that has the picture of the one with the pink blanket over it. He seems to like it and has been in it now for a few hours without a problem. What do you think?
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 18, 2019 12:39:15 GMT -7
I would suggest to NOT have an area in excess of only enough room for him to fully stretch out his legs. You are looking to have a suite where there is not opportunity to go up or over or down his mattress to a different level. Avoid steps/stairs. An ex-pen is an excellent choice. Keep all panels attached. Forget those too small built-in walk-in gate panel! Just use an entire panel to enter the suite where you can squat down if you need to. To tighten up space, merely accordion 1-2 panels back on themselves. Watch this video to see how to create a 2nd small suite when you need it while freshening up his main suite. Use a clip from a leash to securely close the panel door back up. You can also buy just the clips at your local hardware or farm supply store. This kind of clip is my FAV because it more easily opens up wide enough to grab two wire bars of overlapped panels
Maybe a plastic deli container with a hint of it's previous contents of chicken, etc. might encourage him. Use the deli container as is or add an insert for easier ability to take to the sink and washout.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Nov 19, 2019 1:25:24 GMT -7
Thank you I'll try to have my husband make it so it doesnt have the foot space. Our gate on this is a full panel 2 feet wide and no step over. that's why I chose it. I cannot fold any more panels as it will be smaller than the crate he's had for 10 years.. He needs more than 24 inches across to lie down. I just measured him laying across the pen , and nose to tail he is 27 inches.His all time crate was only 23 inches wide and he would curl up to be comfortable. It's no big deal for my husband to cut it to the size petey needs.Will zip tie the panels together to the right size. As far as the water bowl, I've tried both of those and he will not drink out of them I'll try and find one smaller similar to what he's use to and try that. Thank you again.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Nov 24, 2019 23:38:06 GMT -7
Just an update, Petey is doing well on his 13th day of ex-pen rest. Petey finished his Loxicom last night 11/24/19. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 25lbs Loxicam (meloxicam) as of 11/12: 25#dose 1x/day for 13 days, then 11/25 stop test for pain/neuro milk thistle 175 mg 2x/day]
He took it starting 11/12/19 and that day he got a double dose(50lbs) then the following days he got a 25 lbs dose. All once per day.That's 13 days on Loxicom. He did not get any stomach upset while taking his med. He is eating and drinking well, peeing and pooping on his own, no accidents or leaking.Standing steady when he goes to bathroom. Petey squats, so doesn't have to put as much effort as if he lifted So far so good . Will call vet in a couple of days to see if he still needs the Loxicom or something else. Staying optimistic, and that's hard. I think we've made progress in the last 13 days, but will remain on crate rest for a few more weeks.Thank you for the guidance.
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Post by Judy & Vesper on Nov 24, 2019 23:55:02 GMT -7
Hi there, yes it is hard, but it gets better with routine and of course when they start healing. One has to be optimistic and see the end goal.
Do not stop crate rest before the 8 weeks, as it really is needed to makes sure all is healed. When they start showing signs of getting better, its normal to think the danger is over and to let them out to early, but please don't, the full 8 weeks is needed.
Carry on with the good care you're giving. He is a lucky pup
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 25, 2019 6:00:04 GMT -7
Since Petey finished the Loxicom last night, you'll need to be on the close watch for any sign of pain returning or loss of neuro function for the next few days. Should you see any sign of pain or neuro loss, you'll need to immediately alert your vet so Petey can be returned to the Loxicom for a bit longer. Pain or loss of neuro function seen following stopping of the anti-inflammatory means there is still swelling pressing on the nerves of the spine and still a need for the anti-inflammatory. It can take 7-30 days for that swelling to resolve.
Should there be no sign of pain returning or worsening of neuro function in the next 2-3 days, then there would be no need for Loxicom or any other meds as you would have proof that swelling has resolved.
As Judy so wisely said, please do keep on with the very strict crate rest for the full 8 weeks. That's how long it takes for the damaged disc to heal and form secure scar tissue. Too much movement before the disc has healed can cause the disc to tear more and Petey would be back to square one or even worse. Should the increase in movement cause the not-yet-healed disc to rupture and severely damage the nerves, Petey could be paralyzed.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Nov 26, 2019 15:38:06 GMT -7
I just got off the phone with Peteys vet and was more or less given the same recommendations that you have given me. I don't plan on stopping the ex-pen rest anytime too soon. It's going quite well except for me feeling bad for him, but, I know in the long run we have to do this for him to feel better.
The vet seemed to think Petey didn't need the Loxicom for now unless we see any changes.
Thank you all so much for guidance. I appreciate it !!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 26, 2019 15:44:49 GMT -7
Hoping that the stop of the Loxicom will show that the swelling in the spinal cord is gone and all Petey will need is to rest in comfort for the remainder of the 8 weeks.
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Post by Judy & Vesper on Dec 2, 2019 0:50:22 GMT -7
Hi there, I am sure you will find Petey will be doing better. That said, just a few reminders on the crate rest and what to watch out for after stopping his meds. CRATE REST— why not to short cut the time Do not stop crate rest before the 8 weeks. When you observe your dog looking better from the outside, don’t forget what is happening on the inside. The purpose of the 8 weeks of crate rest is to get the disc to heal. Healing means forming strong secure scar tissue. Too much movement before the end of 8 weeks of rest can disrupt the still early healing, weak scar tissue. Your dog can then be back at square one with the 8 weeks of crate rest and might be worse with not only pain but some decline in neuro function. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES - NSAID, rule of thumb The stop of non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID), is “the” test to find out if all painful swollen tissue around the spinal cord is truly gone. If there would be any neuro diminshment, that also indicates more work for the NSAID to do— another course of it. Your job during the NSAID stop is to monitor for re-surfacing pain and immediate phone your vet. Rule of Thumb Pain= another anti-inflammatory course + all pain meds back on board + Pepcid AC. No Pain= no need of any meds...just finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal. The full details on how an anti-inflammatory works with a disc episode. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmPlease let us know how he is doing
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Dec 8, 2019 21:04:56 GMT -7
UPDATE: Petey is still on his crate rest and doing well. No sign of pain. So far so good. Thank you all for the help and encouragement.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Dec 23, 2019 23:11:34 GMT -7
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all, fur kids included!! UPDATE: Petey is doing extremely well on his crate rest. Not too much longer. My husband and I have managed to make him toe grips for his back feet. We made them from clear tubing I bought at the automotive store. Took some time, but, they came out super nice :)And at the same time of application he got his nails clipped. He has not chewed them off or bothered with them,and they work great for him as we tried them out on the hardwood floor, preparing him to take his short walks in about 10 days. I'm looking forward to giving him a bath as he needs one, but, I don't want to disturb anything. I'm thinking when the time comes, I'll lay a piece of memory foam in the tub and do a gentle bath and then blow dry him in his smaller crate to try and avoid too much movement. Ideas are welcome So far everything is going well and thank you for the encouragement to follow through with the pen rest!!
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 24, 2019 6:04:22 GMT -7
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too, Cindy. So glad to hear that Petey continues to do well. Please continue to keep his crate rest very strict, carried in and out to potty with just a few steps to do potty. If he continues to be wobbly, use a sling to stabilize him and prevent his hips from falling to the side. For future reference, while on strict crate rest, it would be best to avoid applying toe grips or clipping nails as that may cause too much movement of the spine. Petey may pull his leg back or you might cause a reflex to make his leg jerk back. Any movement of the legs causes movement of the spine. Too much movement of the spine could cause the damaged disc to tear more and you'd be back to square one or possibly worse. That being said, we would be grateful if you would share how you made the toe grips on this thread - dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/1564/footwear-harnesses-scooting-garments - thanks! You're absolutely correct about waiting until the full 8 weeks of strict crate rest are over to give Petey a bath. From now on when giving him a bath, place a non-slip bath mat in the tub to prevent Petey from slipping. I use a rubber mat with suction cups on the bottom that doesn't float around in the water and is specifically made to avoid slipping. I'm not sure how memory foam would work in the water. You can start getting your home back friendly in preparation for graduation day on 1/4 since Petey will never again be allowed to go up or down steps/stairs or jump up on furniture. Here are some tips: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmAlso, please be aware that once graduation day comes on 1/4, Petey will need to be very gradually reintroduced to movement again in order to slowly build up his stamina and muscle strength over a period of several weeks. Too much movement too soon and it would be difficult to determine if any pain was due to sore muscles or another disc problem. I found the schedule on this page to be very helpful when my Jeremy graduated: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmPlease do stop by again on graduation day so we can all celebrate with you and Petey!
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Dec 24, 2019 16:46:20 GMT -7
Thank you for the feedback. I do have one of those tub mats with the suction cups, but petey always tries to lay down, so I thought to try the memory foam. Will see how that goes As far as the toenails being clipped and the toe grips applied. Petey again lays down and does not move at all while this goes on. If he was a hyper or an excitable dog I would never attempt to do that. I don't want you to think I'm doing things that would cause him more injury. I think our biggest challenge will be to keep him from jumping up on things. Also I forgot to mention, but, when Petey is let out to potty, there is absolutely no wobble in his legs and the tail is wagging constantly After the holidays, I will try to make a short video of how we made Peteys toegrips, and his walking. The toegrips will not fit all dogs as the inside diameter of the tubing that I got, just so happened to fit peteys nails. He has larger nails. But, it is a great money saving thing and some may benefit from using that method if the tubing fits. The loss of the tubing if it didn't fit would be less than $4.00. So worth a try. I spoke a little too soon and he did loose the 2 outer ones , Of course the ones I was mainly interested in him keeping, so after the holiday I will show petey getting his nail grips replaced.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 24, 2019 17:19:35 GMT -7
Cindy, looking foward to your DIY toe grips movie. While you may not be able to provie 100% no jumping opportunties, you can really cut them down to almost none. You may want to get a head start on furniture blockers, learn how to train Petey to use a ramp both are covered here plus more!!: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Jan 5, 2020 22:57:17 GMT -7
8 week crate rest finished 1/4/20, 2 days ago UPDATE with Petey. Petey has graduated from his crate(pen) rest. He is doing well, coming out for short times, up to 30 minutes. He spends most of that time laying down on the floor next to my husband in the living room where there's carpet.He still spends a lot of time in his pen and doesn't mind it as it's placed where there's always someone around. A question I have is? is it ok for Petey to use his regular crate he had used for about 10 years which isn't as roomy as his pen or have him use the pen he's been using for his 8 week rest? The reason I ask is because his regular crate is about 3 inches short of him laying across it and that is usually the way he laid in it.It's plenty long enough for him to lay the long way,but, he never lays that way That's why I got the pen, for him to be able to lay any way he wanted. VIDEO? I'm in the process of getting ready to do a video of him getting his toe grips put on. I'm waiting until Tuesday January 7th as I will have 2 different kinds of tubing to experiment with. One I found at a 5$ and under store( silicone drinking straws) and one that I ordered that should be in by the 7th from online where all they sell is tubing of any kind. The reason I am going with the toe grips is because Petey will NOT walk with the boots or grippy booties, BUT, has no problem with the toe grips and I can't see paying for the toe grips that are sold online if they will need to be replaced when he loses them $$. That's how the DIY toe grips came about Can you direct me to where I would upload the video? And I will save the link so I'm prepared. Again, thank you for all the help and tips, hoping we won't have to do this again for some time. www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/Graduate.jpg
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Post by Judy & Vesper on Jan 5, 2020 23:10:18 GMT -7
Cindy, it is so nice to hear Petey is doing so well.
I would leave him where is most comfortable which seems to be the pen. It gives him more space for his feet and he can lie down properly, which is important.
With regards to the video, just insert the link in your post.
Really looking forward to seeing the video.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Jan 6, 2020 1:41:40 GMT -7
ok, thank you, I'm still trying to learn this youtube thing. working on it hopefully will have it down pat by Tuesday Just trying this out, this was Petey when he first displayed signs of his back legs not working. We didn't want to tape too long, so it may not look as bad as it was. He also was dragging his legs on the grass and carpet.I didn't know at the time I wasn't doing much good . So please forgive me. I've watched many videos that other people made doing the same thing When we don't know, we just don't.I'm just trying figure out to see if I have this youtube thing down. Next video will be MUCH better and so will Petey
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 6, 2020 5:24:14 GMT -7
Please don't feel badly, IVDD has a steep learning curve. We've all made mistakes. When you know better you do better!!
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 6, 2020 7:29:16 GMT -7
Congratulations on graduating from conservative care, Petey! Great job, Cindy! Please do take it very slowly. Petey's muscle strength and stamina will need to be very gradually increased. Too much movement too soon and it will be difficult to determine if there is any pain whether it's from muscle soreness or another disc problem. During the first week, we recommend only 1 min up and down a hallway and then back in the crate. I found the schedule on this link to be very helpful when my Jeremy graduated from conservative care (the page also includes a list of never-again activities): www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmHere's the link on how to make your home back friendly: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmWe love it when members have a mind to pay forward and help another. We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team in any way that makes you happy. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We wish we did not have to hear of another dog that was put to sleep because of disc disease nor one denied the correct principles of crate rest to help them heal.
--- You've been there, and are doing it....if you see another member on the Forum needing support or information share what you know to be true or point them to one of our many IVDD articles. The "search box" on each page makes quick work to find the right helpful link: www.dodgerslist.com/-- "Share" our FB/twitter/ posts to widen the reach of IVDD knowledge www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist twitter.com/DodgersList-- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
-- We have a store where you might find something you absolutely need! Our earnings go to paying for our webpage and literature to hand out. www.dodgerslist.com/store.htm-- Don't forget to add a photo to the gallery and 1-2 sentences. Give inspiration to others just starting a scary IVDD journey. Directions to u/l here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendarPrayers for many happy, healthy years ahead for you and Petey.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Jan 7, 2020 18:43:04 GMT -7
2 videos of Petey getting his toe grips put on and other of Petey walking with toe grips,uploaded to youtube,
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 8, 2020 9:53:59 GMT -7
Cindy, let us know which glue worked best and how long the grips ended up staying on with that glue.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Jan 8, 2020 17:19:42 GMT -7
I sure will. I can't wait to do another video, now that I've gotten some good tips. So far day 3. the homemade grips,using 2 different glues are all still on and secure. So not sure yet which glue will win In the video where he lost I believe the green one , it may not had enough glue or too much, OR not at all. This is all experimenting with what will work for Petey safely and for some peace of mind for us. I'm really mostly interested in the end toe grips staying on, as I feel that is where he needs the most traction. My main worry with him is the hardwood floors and linoleum in the kitchen, which I believe had a lot to do with his legs splaying. We moved from a home in March with mostly carpet, to our home now with mostly hardwood. I know that I could use mats or rugs to make a path, but, this is not doable in our home as our handicapped son would be tripping on them constantly causing more harm than what I feel comfortable with, so we improvise. Also Petey has shown arthritis in his back for some years,only through xrays and not symptoms, so I'm sure this didn't help matters. Petey hasnt shown any desire to get on furniture "YET" but he's watched like a hawk and when he cant' be he is in his pen (safe place) I'm happy I was directed to this group after the(new) vet diagnosed him with probable IVDD and we took quick action on his crate (pen) rest. Thank you all again at Dodgerslist for all your help and encouragement to keep vigilant on the conservative treatment.
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Post by Cindy & Petey on Jan 10, 2020 5:13:16 GMT -7
If anyone wants to try this and needs to get similar products that I used. You will need silicone straws that are .2 ID. I cannot get the ones I used as I bought them at a store that sells only 1-2 items of each and I bought the last one. That was at a Ross's store. What I'll put up is hours of searching on Amazon and this is the closest I could find ,making sure it's .2 ID. You may be able to find something I missed, but, it needs to be .2 or as in chart .20 to equal 3/16th.The colored ones I used are a brand named MANNA, I can't find the correct ID on Amazon. You may be able to, the below are the closest and cheapest I can find and would be my go to if I used the straws again.Table of conversion below to understand better.You will need the one with ** next to it. www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5P98VM?ref_=ams_ad_dp_asin_imgmm Inches Inches 1 0.04 1/32 inch 2 0.08 1/16 inch 3 0.12 3/32 inch 4 0.16 1/8 inch 5 0.20 3/16 inch ** 6 0.24 Just under 1/4 inch 7 0.28 Just over 1/4 inch Now the reason I put 3/16th is because the other product I ordered but didn't use this time around is a silicone tubing I ordered here by the foot and measures with the 3/16"ID X 5/16"th OD (99 cents per foot) coldandcolder.com/collections/featured-products/products/silicone?variant=31585760641121 remember you only need maybe a little over 1/4 inch for each toenail.I ordered 6 feet,and will try that next time they need applied. You can put them on the first time without the glue first to see if you like the fit. In order for them to stay on , they need to be a little snug, but not to the point where you have a really hard time putting them on to cause pain by shoving the nail too much. It came in about 5 days. And I think I may like that better than the straws as the OD seems thicker so maybe more grippy? I don't know yet, but will find out when I reapply Peteys toe grips. The glue I used on the green toenails in the video is grocery.walmart.com/ip/KISS-PowerFlex-Brush-On-Nail-Glue/45709503The glue I use on the yellow toenails in the video is www.walmart.com/ip/SUPERTite-0-105-Oz-Super-Glue-Gel/137925081 Hope that helps anyone that may want to try this. Petey had homemade toe grips applied a short time before and I believe they lasted about 1 week, so we're still in the learning stage. I don't mind replacing them as I feel I would most likely have to replace the ones sold online, at a much higher cost. If anyone has used those, I would really love your feedback on them. How long did they last? Did they fit properly and do they help grip?
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Post by Judy & Vesper on Jan 12, 2020 23:15:58 GMT -7
Cindy, thank you so many much for sharing this. In the video Petey seems very comfortable with it and there are so many who hates the booties.
I look forward to seeing more.
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