Kim,
GABAPENTIN
Gabapentin only comes in a 100mg capsule. The powder could be subdivided, will the details if you end up with capsules. Maybe they gave liquid gabapentin because it would be easier for you to give the Rx'd amt??
Can't really speak to gabapentin until we have the formula.
---Either attach a photo of the bottle or
-- ask what the formula is AND
---
how many mgs gabapentin in the 100(?)mL dose you give.Analogy that may help you visualize
gabapentin formula: how many
mg gabapentin in
one mL of liquid
sugar syrup formula: how many
tsp sugar in
one cup of liquid
Dosing liquid meds:
Place the tip of the Syrine in the mouth, just behind one of the canine teeth. Angle the syringe slightly to the side and deposit the medications onto the tongue. She should feel the need to immediately swallow.
*
PREDNISONE
How many times a day are you dosing 5 mgs(1mL dose) during the 7-day pred course? The 7-day course will end on Sat 1/20 when the pred taper begins.
No one knows how long it will take for Pred to complete its job of resolving all swelling. Usually ranges 7-30 days excluding any taper days. THUS the reason to Rx a short course (7-days) and then do the taper. The taper is a kinda of test of sorts. Usually pain meds are stopped for obvious reasons.....so you can get a very accurate and quick assessment if pain should surface. No one wants to wear a blindfold (pain meds on board) when assessing for pain.
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/steroids-vs-nsaids/RULE OF THUMB on a prednisone taper
pain = swelling = another course of pred
back at the original anti-inflammatory course
+pain meds and Pepcid AC
no pain = go to conclusion of pred taper.
No pain meds, just Pepcid AC for duration of pred.
finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal
The full details on how pred, an anti-inflammatory, works with a disc episode. Good reading to be able to ask the right questions and understand the treatment. AND MOST IMPORTANT that you know your job BEFORE the taper on Sat 1/20.
What is you and your vet's plan B?🚩
www.dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/steroids-vs-nsaids/Is the neighbor well versed on the need to maintain strictest of rest in order to not damage the scar tissue the disc has been able to heal so far? STRICT rest is the single most important of care.
Is she up to speed on carrying Dutchess to the potty place and allow only a few footsteps with front legs to get the job done?
The first week or so is getting in a routine so that crate rest goes easier. It is difficult for everyone. Anything new is harder, humans don't normally like changes. You are sticking to it with dedication...so things will get easier. You can easily leave for short errands that time being back when she needs to potty even now. Once off of pred, she will likely be back to a dog's normal needing to potty every 4-6 hours.
BLADDER CONTROL
Please let us know with detail that she can sniff an old pee spot and then choose to release urine. While on prednisone, she ought to be thirsty. Not releasing much urine is something to keep your vet in the loop about. We want to monitor with you that she still has bladder control (pees after sniffing) vs reflex action that allow urine to escape on bedding without dog knowing (overflowing).
Know that a new vet will require transporting her in. The single most important of care is at home in the recovery suite with full protection of the healing disc of limited movement.
Best if you can work with this vet. If not possible, then you do what you have to do.
. 