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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 19, 2020 8:36:38 GMT -7
Well, I’m back. I was here a couple of years ago for one of my three dachshunds who came down with IVDD. Now it’s my eldest - Zeus. He’s 13 going on 14 and today I observed that he cannot walk with his hind legs not stand. My husband is on his way to the store to pick up the essentials, the vet is not open on Sundays so I will try to call tomorrow and see if they’re open even though it’s a holiday. Hopefully they can get us in.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit weight?]
Zeus’ appetite is fine, he ate all of it like normal this morning. My husband says he’s noticed Zeus limping for a couple of days but of course failed to point this out to me.
Zeus does not appear to be hurt on his foot. He’s also okay with me picking him up but does have a hunched back.
I’m concerned about crating him. He used to hurt himself trying to get out of crates so he’s been able to roam the house and sleep in the bed with us for years. He’s got separation anxiety and my husband and I can’t take off work - we are gone for about 7 hours out of the day. I don’t want him to further hurt himself trying to get out of the kennel while I’m gone.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2020 9:16:24 GMT -7
Emily, loss of nerve function demands prompt attention. Hours matter in the injury of nerves so that it does not become permanent damage. Getting an anti-inflammatory drug on board when a vet gives a diagnosis of a disc episode the soonest possible is tremendous help in prevent permanent nerve death. Can you get to ER now? All vets worth their salt recognize the emergency of legs being paralyzed and will get you in pronto, today. As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. √Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. √Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. √Nails/toes scuffing floor 4. √Paws knuckle under 5. √Weak/little leg movement, can't move up into a stand 6. √ Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) 7. Bladder control is lost. Leaks on you when lifted. Can no longer sniff and then pee on that old urine spot outdoors. 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost 9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. If surgery is not an option (for whatever reason) then the best option is conservative therapy. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation. Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Precious hours can be lost with a vet that gets DPS wrong. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about DPS. So if surgery is an option for your family get to a neuro or ortho asap. A quick overview of conservative treatment vs. a surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm#surgeryVSconservative
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 19, 2020 9:32:08 GMT -7
Our emergency vet in town requires a ton of money up front and they price gouge something severe. Surgery also would not be an option for us due to the amount of money it would cost and it would not necessarily fix this permanently not only that but Zeus is geriatric so he is at greater risk when being put under. We have Robaxun and Novox from when our other dog had her issue but I don’t know if I want to give them to him without consulting the vet first. We bought baby aspirin though and we still have acid reducer to give him to protect his stomach. He doesn’t appear to be in paid but I know that doesn’t mean much. He’s resting comfortably right now and we have him crated with his foam mattress. I’d like to add that Zeus has taken acid reduced before and it was suggested by the vet
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2020 9:46:09 GMT -7
Emily, with initial pain of hunched back only and now no pain, IF, if the vet would diagnose as a disc episode, Zeus would be a very good candidate to heal under conservative treatment! So until you get a diagnosis, act like this is a disc episode by crating and being strict about rest. --- Crate rest IS the single most important care you can give til Monday. It is a preventative for keeping a suspicion of a disc problem from worsening and then damaging the spinal cord. -- Since he is not in pain, do not give another dog's pain meds to him. -- Do not Give Roboxin (methocarbamol) as it was not prescribed for any needs Zeus might have in the proper dose and frequency. --- Do NOT give Novox, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) as it could tie the hands on what a vet would want to prescribe --- Do NOT give aspirin. Mark that bottle "NEVER for pets". Aspirin is a kind of NSAID and would tie the hands of a vet on what he wants to give. NEVER should two different NSAIDs be used in close proximity. Aspirin stays in the body for about 14 days causing the blood to be slower to clot. There are safer for canine forumulated NSAIDs available now (well, no NSAID is totally safe). What makes a NSAID safer is a vet who practices safe use of NSAIDs and owners who have looked up each med and understand what to monitor for. I just LOVE this vet's website for their Drug directory look up. Here's that link for you: www.marvistavet.com/pharmacy-center.pmlPepcid AC would be needed when/if an anti-inflammatory is Rx'd. Review info about anti-inflammatories with a disc episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmKeep us posted, hope all goes smoothy (no pain surfacing, no worsening of neuro function) til you get into see a vet on Monday morning.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,892
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2020 9:59:21 GMT -7
Zeus may find a child's pack N Play acceptable or even an ex-pen over a crate? You may even find a friend who has a Pack N Play stuck away in the garage they would loan you? Monitor when you are at home as the mesh panels could be ripped by scratching or biting.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Jan 19, 2020 10:11:30 GMT -7
When our dog, Chloe, was about Zeus's age she lost the use of her hind legs for a short time. She had never had an IVDD incident prior to this. At the time, our Buster had gone down from two herniated discs and had had surgery so we were used to dealing with an IVDD dog. Plus we had learned a lot about the condition thanks to Dodgerslist.
Due to her age, we, too, were reluctant to go the surgery route. We took her to the vet, got pain and anti-inflammatory meds. She was put on strict crate rest. Less than a week later she was walking normally and never experience another IVDD episode. She was 17 when she passed and had a very good life. I hope all goes well for Zeus, but remember crate rest is a very important part of his healing.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 19, 2020 19:22:07 GMT -7
Ann, thank you so much for the courage and support. Tears came to my eyes - of course I’m his age and this injury put together really hits a sore spot. I am hopeful he will have just as long of a life as your baby did.
We got Zeus his own smaller kennel and his foam mattress inside of a garbage bag with plenty of cushion, blankets, and bumpers. We also have water hooked up inside of his kennel (mind you, Jazzy still uses her set up each time we leave and at night so we didn’t take any of this from her - Zeus got his own). He has surprisingly been okay with the kennel all day - he’s been doing nothing but sleeping (he’s an old fart anyway but I’m impressed - I think he doesn’t want to move too much anyway because he’s feeling bad).
Bathroom trips have been good - we are using the sheet sling that’s in a figure 8 and he’s been pottying outside each time. No mess in the kennel...yet...he’s typically the one that always messes in our house so I’m worried we will have lots of messes in the kennel. We shall see. He’s completely dragging his feet behind him at this point and I still plan to call the vet as soon as they open in the morning but have a backup vet planned just in case.
I hate that I’m back here but I’m not as distraught as I was the first time I was here. More than anything, I’m sad I won’t have my nightly cuddle bug beside me each night for 8 weeks. Out of my three dachshunds, Zeus has always slept with me.
Oh, and he saw our neighbor earlier and Zeus was wagging his tail like a mad man! My mom came over to bring old sheets and we have his favorite frog inside of his kennel to which he grabbed with his mouth and pulled it towards him with so much sass. He’s still eating great (mixing green beans with his food because we know this crate rest will cause him to pack on the pounds). I’m as grateful for Dodgerslist now as I was a few years ago. I knew exactly where to come as soon as I saw the first signs. ❤️
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 20, 2020 6:09:13 GMT -7
So glad Zeus is doing well in the crate, Emily. That he's able to rest in his crate will be a huge help in his recovery if this is indeed an IVDD episode.
Be aware that not wanting to move too much could be from his age but it could also be a sign of pain. It may hurt when he moves. If IVDD is diagnosed and an anti-inflammatory and pain meds are prescribed, pain should be completely under control within one hour of giving the meds and should remain completely under control from one dose of pain meds to the next.
Be sure to discuss stomach protection with the vet if he prescribes an anti-inflammatory.
Healing prayers for Zeus.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 20, 2020 9:07:28 GMT -7
Okay so my vet got us in first thing! Zeus is 14lbs and has been prescribed the following: Robaxun - 1/4 tablet, 2x daily 500mg muscle relaxer Novox - 1/2 tablet, 1x daily 75mg anti-inflam Gabapentin - 1 cap, 2x daily 100mg pain [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 14lbs Novox as of 1/20: 37.5mgs 1x/day for 14 days, then 2/3 test stop to reveal any: _pain / _neuro gabapentin 100mgs 2x/day Robaxin 125mgs 2x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day]
The vet says there’s no issue with the acid reducer so we have Famotidine - 10mg and unsure if I should give him the entire tablet or not. Still has use of his bowels though he peed in his kennel last night I don’t want to give him a decaf green tea bath everyday because I know that can be hard on his recovery too so I wiped him down with unscented baby wipes and cleaned up his kennel. He has a puppy pad under the pillow case that’s wrapping the mattress (which is in a garbage bag). The vet felt his spine and Zeus jumped in pain at the hunch of his back - vet isn’t sure what kind of damage it is (i.e. disc slip or pulled muscle). Zeus does still have DPS and the vet thinks we caught it soon enough to not have any permanent damage. He also said that at his age, he could’ve slept funny and caused this injury so it’s impossible to know for sure what caused it. He’s never had this issue in 14 years! Zeus isn’t running a temperature either (they checked him just in case). The medicine is going to make him drowsy but he’s been sleeping really good anyway. Still has an appetite and drinking good. He’s also peeing and pooping outside and is in control.
Prayers that he continues to sleep while I’m at work and doesn’t fight the kennel. So far so good but I’ve been home with him. He hates expens even worse anything that confines him but like I’ve said - he doesn’t appear to feel well and therefore doesn’t appear to fight it.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 20, 2020 9:14:20 GMT -7
Zeus should take 5mg of famotidine/ pepcid ac 30 minutes before any nsaids or steroids 2x daily.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2020 14:34:25 GMT -7
Emily when there is neuro diminshment, not likely a pulled muscle. So very good you are acting as if this is disc episode by crating and the vet is acting as if a disc episode by using the meds typical to a disc episode.
For how many days is the Norvox prescribed for? How many mgs are in one whole Norvox tablet?
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 20, 2020 14:36:36 GMT -7
Zeus got his first dose of meds and passed out for several hours - sound asleep. I felt so much better that he was potentially feeling better. My husband got home and fed him and we noticed he was eating oddly and trembling. Zeus then began screeching and making sounds I have never heard him make before. All I could do was watch in terror. My husband picked him up after about 15 seconds of this and he whimpered a few more times before becoming quiet. He didn't appear to be in any more pain than he was in. I called my sister immediately (human Er nurse) and she thinks it might have been a muscle spasm that worked its way out when my husband picked him up. He also peed on himself during this incident.
He is resting again now. I called my vet before they closed and they said they've done all they can do and if he worsens, we will have to take him to a specialist for surgery - something I don't think he will successfully recover from at the age of 14 and in a weakened state. This never happened to Jazzy and I don't know what to do. If he spasms while I'm at work (IF that is what it was), he could move and damage his back even more so.
Has anyone ever had this happen with their dog? His screeching and crying has me beside myself.
18 [days? qty of pills?] Robaxun 14 Novox 14 Gabapentin Novox is 75mg
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2020 16:01:51 GMT -7
Emily, is the below med list now correct? 14lbs Novox as of 1/20: 37.5mgs 1x/day for 14 days, then 2/3 test stop to reveal any: _pain / _neuro gabapentin 100mgs 2x/day (can give 3x/day) Robaxin 125mgs 2x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day
Pain can very well be due to the fact that his meds are undermedicated for a disc episode.
Normally will take 3 pain meds. Each med to address a different kind of pain. Each med to be Rx'd at every 8 hours to maintain an even round the clock level that 2x/day simply does not. -- tramadol as the general analgesics 3x/day -- Robaxin (methocarbamol) for the pain stemming from muscle contractions 3x/day -- gabapentin for nerve pain 3x/day
If surgery is not an option (for whatever reason) then the best option is conservative therapy. Your vet is obviously not comfortable with his knowledge of IVDD to say he has done all he can. This means for you 1. Bone up on IVDD so you CAN bring things to the table and hope your advocacy is presented well enough this vet will be open to trying. 2. Find a new vet who is comfortable in using and aggressive dose of pain meds. This may mean to short cut fastest is to seek a consultation with a neuro (ACVIM) or or not for surgery but because your local DVM is reluctant to use meds appropriate to a disc episode. LINK: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 20, 2020 16:50:51 GMT -7
That list looks correct. The vet said I could give Gabapentin 3x a day if I needed to.
I’ve noticed his urine smells - and it’s been extra potent. He’s drinking water and this smell was there before antibiotics so I’m not sure what that’s about.
The vet also mentioned tramadol and said he has done research since Jazzy had her incident and apparently vets have found that Tramadol isn’t as effective as they thought - which is why he opted for Roboxun. I’m monitoring Zeus and if his pain seems to get worse or fails to get better within 24 hours, I’ll call again and see if I can’t get the vet to give him something stronger. I specifically told him I want to go at this aggressively and he seemed on board. He looked at what he did for Jazzy a few years ago and went from there but I understand the concern. I don’t want Zeus to be in pain.
How much of a dosage would you recommend? I can call and ask the vet tomorrow if they’d agree to it and then I could just pick up more when I need it. But it’s hard to push this kind of thing because 1) vets are afraid pain meds are being used by drug addict pet owners and not the pet so therefore they’re reluctant to give an aggressive dose and 2) it’s hard to tell a vet that you know more than he does. I love my vet. I’m just trying to do what I can for Zeus. But it’s difficult. I’ve been to other vets in our area and there’s no way they’d come close to being supportive - nor listen.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2020 17:04:30 GMT -7
Is he taking an antibiotic currently? Name ? mgs ?x/day If on one, why was it prescribed?
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 20, 2020 17:06:47 GMT -7
He’s just taking the meds he got today. No other current medications. The smelly urine could be due to not drinking as much as he was and it’s very concentrated. He doesn’t have any other signs that would point to a UTI
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2020 17:52:44 GMT -7
Emily, several studies have looked at tramadol after its absorption into the body, and it seems that each dog's or even breed’s metabolism of the drug can vary. Therefore, the best way to determine whether your dog's dosage is appropriate is by watching your dog's response to the medication while you're home. We still see neuro sugerons today prescribing Tramadol on this Forum in the med list owners report. What will it hurt to try Tramadol to see if your dog is one who it helps to get the pain in control? Tramadol References: Gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day should provide that round the clock never pain relief. Are you starting it today at 3x/day? Methocarbamol (Roboxin) The usual dose reported for 14 lbs dog is Robaxin 125mgs 3x/day. Initially, methocarbamol is dosed at 7 to 20 mg per pound (15 to 44 mg/kg) up to three times daily. The dose of methocarbamol should not exceed 150 mg per pound (300 mg/kg) per day. h ttps://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/methocarbamol-robaxin-v-for-dogs-and-cats/ By Dr. Dawn Ruben. August 2015.
Novox (carprofen) is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID. At the end of the 14-day course, it is stopped so that you at home can observe for any hint of pain surfacing. Pain still existing means there is still more work for Novox to do with another course Rx'd. Hope this helps you in your advocacy tomorrow. Also the Mar Vista Vet Drug directory is very useful for looking up info on meds. LINK: www.marvistavet.com/pharmacy-center.pmlWendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP (Canine and Feline Practice) Educational Director, owns the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center & has authored all of the information articles at Mar Vista.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 20, 2020 18:17:55 GMT -7
Emily, I would strongly advocate with your vet for the gabapentin 3x daily and adding the Tramadol 3x daily.
I know there's currently some controversy about Tramadol and it's effectiveness however, it's worked well for both of my dogs and many of the dogs on this forum.
If this isn't enough you can ask your vet about adding amantadine.
Vets have so many different animals to treat they can't know everything.
It isn't rude to step up and talk to your vet about what you've learned about their disease and how it's best treated.
My dogs both have IVDD and conservative crate rest has worked for them.
However, healing can't take place if Zeus is in pain.
You are the captain of his team and you've hired your vet to help you.
There's a very good book called, "Speaking for Spot"that I recommend.
Healing thoughts and prayers to you.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 20, 2020 18:17:56 GMT -7
Thank you for that information- how long is it typically recommended to give the medication? I know the vet said up to two weeks.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 20, 2020 18:23:50 GMT -7
Every dog is different. It just depends on how well, and quickly, the spinal cord swelling goes down.
The swelling presses on the nerves and that causes pain.
No more swelling equals no more pain.
Robaxin is for muscle pain, gabapentin is for nerve pain, and tramadol is for general pain. The nsaid is for the spinal cord swelling.
IVDD is very painful and needs a multi- modal approach for complete pain relief.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2020 18:25:45 GMT -7
Emily, nobody knows how long to give the med. It is a matter of the vet taking a guess in how long the first course of the anti-inflammatory should be. The stop of Novox IS a test to find out if all swelling is really gone. It would be good for you to have that information under your belt, as some vets do not explain how the test stop works, nor work out a plan B if the stop will take place on a weekend when vets are closed. Well, lots more good information in the use of anti-inflammatory drugs during a disc episode you will want to know about. Treating a disc episode only seems like rocket science when there are gaps missing from one's knowledge bank! HELPFUL LINK: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmSo if on the stop of Norvox on Feb 3, reveals pain because all pain masking pain meds are also stopped, then it would be clear another Novox course would be needed. A vet might try a shorter course maybe a 7-day course and then another stop test. It normally takes in the range of 7 gto 30 days for most dogs. A very few may go over 30 days and a very few may need less than 7 days on an anti-inflammatory drug.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 20, 2020 18:34:04 GMT -7
I’m mainly asking because once I start the Gabapentin at 3x a day...I’ll be out in 4 days from now rather than 6 and I just wanted to make sure the aggressiveness of the amount I’m prescribing will hopefully outweigh the longevity of the period I’m giving it to him. If that makes sense.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,892
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 20, 2020 19:13:00 GMT -7
Emily, call your vet to give him an update on pain. Advocate for additionl gabapentin pills 3x/day to last as long as the Novox Rx. If your vet is one who'd rather back off all pain meds on the Feb 3 Novox test stop, then you'll need extra gabapentns. Ditto on on the Robaxin.
Be prepared that all pain meds stay on board at aggressive dose until the Novox test stop for pain starts on Feb. 3. A disc episode is painful thing... so the treatment should reflect that vs. being stingy on pain meds. The time to back off pain meds or full stop them is on Feb 3, not before.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 21, 2020 6:41:20 GMT -7
Okay so my vet is compromising with me. He said yes to the ✙Tramadol 3x a day - he no longer carries it but he referred it to my personal pharmacy and I’ll pick that up after work.
He said he will give me more Gabapentin and Robaxun as needed and I just need to call for it when I need it. He doesn’t think I will need it the full two weeks but he also said that if I really feel Zeus needs it, he will prescribe it. He will not allow me to up the dose for Robaxun three times a day - only twice. However - he said what I can do is give 2 capsules of ▲Gabapentin 3x a day or just stay on the one capsule of Gabapentin 3x a day.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 14lbs Novox as of 1/20: 37.5mgs 1x/day for 14 days, then 2/3 test stop to reveal any: _pain / _neuro gabapentin 100mgs ▲2x/day (could increase to 200mgs 3x/day) Robaxin 125mgs 2x/day ✙tramadol 50mgs 3x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day]
He okay’ed everything except the Robaxun so I wasn’t going to fight him on it. I’m just thrilled he listened to me about everything else - I was worried sick all night thinking he might not be on board. So should I give Gabapentin 2 doses 3x a day or just 1 dose 3x a day?
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2020 9:40:08 GMT -7
Emily, what a clear and impressive presentation you made. Kudos to you for a job well done.
If the vet feels that painful swelling would be gone in less than 14 days, then he should revise his guess to a 7-day Novox course for example. It is ONLY on the test stop of Novox that pain meds should be reduced. You are spending time building up to an aggressive approach, keep it aggressive til the test stop. At the time of the Novox test stop, all the pain meds will be either backed off or full stopped so you can assess for any hint of pain surfacing. Pain would demand another course, another test stop.
So let us know if the vet is changing his guess to a 7-day or keeping Novox at a 14-day course with the test stop scheduled for Feb 3.
Let us also know which your vet prefers on Feb 3 1. to begin backing off pain meds. 2. to do a full stop of all pain meds.
Again very proud of you in speaking up for Zeus! For a 14 pound dog it is typical to use gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day. Good to know if there would be still pain because Robaxin (muscle spasms) is not at 125mgs 3x/day, you could increase gabapentin (nerve pain) to see if that will compensate. Tramadol- how many mgs are you giving every 8 hrs?
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 21, 2020 13:32:08 GMT -7
It’s my understanding that we will do the Novox for two weeks (2/3) and completely stop everything all together. And I will be calling them each time I run out of Tramadol, Robaxun, and Gabapentin until 2/3.
The Tramadol says 50mgs twice a day but he verbally approved me to give it 3x a day.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jan 21, 2020 17:33:00 GMT -7
Emily, you're doing an awesome job advocating for Zeus!
I hope shortly he's pain free.
Sounds like your vet is open to learning about IVDD. That's great.
Maybe after Zeus is feeling better you could get some of the free Dodgers List literature to share with your vet.
Education is key.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 21, 2020 17:57:01 GMT -7
He’s a great vet, that’s why I’m so reluctant to go anywhere else. He does his best to listen to me while also trying to make sure he is being an ethical veterinarian. He will tell you he doesn’t know everything. Three years ago I took the pamphlets from Dodgerslist to him and he accepted them kindly. But he doesn’t see this issue often so he isn’t as “well versed” in all that can be done. I will say, he didn’t Prescribe nerve pain medicine with Jazzy but he knew to give it to Zeus this time so perhaps he has done his research on it. Either way, I really like him and don’t want him to ever feel like I’m trying to act like I know more than him. It’s a hard balance to keep sometimes. Also, I’m so paranoid. Every time Zeus gets up and looks around the room, I’m convinced he’s not comfortable. I know it’s only been three days but not seeing him move his hind legs has me worried. He’s 14 and I’m praying so hard that this isn’t permanent for him. His back is staying hunched when I take him potty
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2020 19:53:37 GMT -7
Emily, things have changed with the times. No longer do we blindly follow along, not understanding treatments, being shy to ask questions. NOPE this board certified vet, explains in her book how owners and vets should be working together. You did the right thing in brings things to the table for discussion and it yielded quite some benefit for Zeus. Sounds like your vet is a keeper! Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, ACVIM has hit it on the nail especially with IVDD. Each of us needs to be self educated so we can team up to work with our vets. "Gone are the days when you simply followed your vet's orders and asked few, if any questions. The vet is now a member of your dog's health-care team, and you get to be the team captain!" www.speakingforspot.com/PDF/Medical%20Advocacy%20101.pdf Nerve healing is a thing of patience. It is not expected in the short time of 8 weeks that nerve function might be repaired. For some dogs that can happen, but for many others it takes more time. Think in terms of months rather than days/weeks for the body to heal this slowest healing part of the body- nerves. Consider adding your vet to our vet directory as working with conservative treatment if you continue to find such great support in working with you, open to learning new things you bring to the table. directory is here: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting vet recommendations: Name of Vet Name of Clinic Street Address City: State or country: Type of vet (general/board certified surgeon, acupuncture, etc.) Comments:
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Jan 22, 2020 4:03:38 GMT -7
Should I just post that info to this thread?
I finally got some sleep last night - Zeus takes his third dose of meds at midnight but woke up around 11:08 whining a bit. I took him out and he peed and all. After his meds, he started whining around 3am. I took him out again. He doesn’t appear to be in pain, but I thought his meds would knock him out. It also doesn’t appear to be the bathroom that he’s wanting though he goes each time. I put the kennel up closer to me and pet him until he fell asleep. This seemed to work okay. Could he just be bored and looking for attention? I wish he could tell me but I’m stuck looking for signs of what he needs.
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