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Post by Missy & Zoey on Jan 9, 2020 17:31:28 GMT -7
My mini Dachshund Zoey woke us up whining on Christmas morning and we assumed it was her gastritis flaring because of her holiday prime rib. She was a bit lazy all day but seemed fine until
1/6 when she began yelling in pain and holding her right paw up. Immediately took her to the vet who diagnosed cervical IVDD based on symptoms. She is now currently medicated and seems to be out of pain. Right paw is no longer being held up but not bearing full weight. She is in the crate except for potty breaks which she is carried too. The vet only suggested 2 weeks of crate rest, however I am learning how important a full 8 weeks is. The vet did say she would refill meds if we wished to continue which I plan on doing. I did have to ask for a sedative yesterday because she is not in pain and really wants out. I do really feel guilty because I had no clue it was her back at 13 and her always being active thought we were out of the woods.
Is it a good sign that her nerve root signature seems to be better? I am hoping I can take this as a sign that she is on the mend.
Do current meds look to be okay to aid her in healing?
She doesn’t understand why she is in the crate and gets very anxious and will paw the cage trying to get out. Not sure if I should isolate her to help with that.
I was able to get a quote for surgery which included the CT for 5k to 6k but at her age I am not sure if I should even consider it.
Any other tips, success stories, or words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.
I have already learned so much from this site and I thank each and everyone of you.
QUESTIONS
☆ 1 currently pain? No but still moving slow but nerve root signature seems to be better.
☆ 2 10 pounds
A.. Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given.
Carprofen 12.5 mg 2x day
Gabapentin 50mg 2x day
Trazadone 25mg to 50mg 2x day
Pepcide AC 5mg 2x day
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
10 lbs
carprofen as of 1/6: 12.5 mgs 2x/day for 15 DAYS
gabapentin 50 mgs 2x/day
Trazadone 25-50 mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day]
B..date of NSAID stop? 15 days NSAID prescribed plan on asking for a refill before it runs out
C.. PEPCID AC:
No health issues currently taking Pepcid AC
☆ 3 -- 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 Mini long hair Dachshund What is your dog’s name? Zoey Your name, too? Missy
☆ 5 Yes cervical disc with pain and nerve root signature pain right front paw. No tests to confirm however all symptoms.
-- Is the vet a general DVM? DVM
☆ 6 What was the date you saw the vet for CONSERVATIVE treatment? 01/06/2020
☆ 7 bladder and bowelcontrol? Yes she can do both
☆ 8 Currently can your dog wobbly walk? Yes
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 9, 2020 20:39:07 GMT -7
Missy, welcome! Heads up...you ARE reporting pain! The pain meds do not stay in the body long. At the 8 hr mark they begin to diminish in effect. That is what for a disc episode pain meds are very typcally (especially) for a neck disc RX'd for promptly every 8 hrs. Often methocarbamol is needed iwth a neck disc also at every 8 hrs. Please call asap in the morning and report the signs of pain you are observing. If pain happens nearing the next dose of pain mes or when Zoey needs to move such as at potty time or when repositioning in her suite. —Methocarbamol works on the pain of muscle spasms especially with a neck disc — 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 ◻︎ 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 What dose of trazodone do you actually give? Pawing at crate just can't be allowed...too much movement of the neck. Have you reported to the vet that the dose/frequency you are administered is not keeping her calm? Maybe adjusting dose or trying a different sedative can be the right approach. Extras you can do at home to help with a neck disc: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htm |
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Jeannie and Charlie
Guest
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Post by Jeannie and Charlie on Jan 10, 2020 22:09:41 GMT -7
Jeanne & Charlie: dodgerslist.boards.net/user/7552Missy - one suggestion that seemed to help us (we just finished week 1 of 8 weeks and our dog was restless around day 5) is to put the dog's bed where they can see and don't feel like they are punished. My dog loves to sleep in her crate and be I there when we are not home, but cries when we are home and leave her in there. Plus she lives to watch TV. :-) so, we started using clear, high-sided, large Tote, [Moderator's CORRECTION!: DO NOT USE totes, laundry baskets, they can tip over easily, not safe at all] but others have mentioned a pack-play (something your pup can see out of and thay is more open feeling that still ensures they don't hop out or move around much). Charlie loves being in her tote now (our 12 month old can't get to her anymore and I sit next to her tote and pet her while we watch TV. Perhaps having something that isn't just her kennel for a little "change if scenery" and to make her feel involved with the rest of the family when your home may help calm her down? |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 11, 2020 8:56:10 GMT -7
Totes/ laundry baskets are definately not a safe recovery suite for a dog. Checkout options for safe suite here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm Jeannie's other ideas to keep your dog in the middle of familty activity and not isolated is a good idea! |
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