Margaret, welcome to the Forum. We are glad you are here. It appears you are reporting a neuro improvement since being on the anti-inflammatory Galliprant. So if the treatment is working, there is no need to switch to a different anti-inflammatory drug.
Steroids vs. non-steroids (NSAIDS)
This page is for you:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/steroids-vs-nsaids You'll understand what your job is upon the end of this course of Galliprant. When a washout, stomach protection, when a NSAID vs. Steroid and more
• Let us know how the pain meds are going to be handled on the stop date of Galliprant.
• And what is your and your vet's plan B, should any hint of pain surface during the stop of Galliprant? Our main goal is to help you become educated about IVDD so you can better work with the vet you’ve hired, protect your dog and give proper care during this episode, but also to be able to live many happy years ahead with the disease your Yogi was born with.
With full details about Yogi, we would be able to provide the fastest and most complete comment. Would you fill us in....
❖1 Is there still currently any sign of pain when moving, nearing next med doses? ◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy
◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground
◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions
◻︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves ❖2 MED LIST
Complete the med list you gave for each med with mgs dose.
Galliprant as of 4/14: ?mg 1x day for ? days then a TEST STOP for: _ pain? __neuro?Methocarbamol ?mg 3xdaytraMADol ?mg 3xdayGabapentin ?mg 3x dayPEPCID AC: 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).
NOTE: 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.html❖3 any sign of GI Tract problems with Galliprant?
—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 Please let us know that you're on the same page about strict crate rest.
STRICT means:
◼︎No laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you
◼︎No dragging or meandering at potty times.
◼︎No PT for conservative dogs during 8 weeks to heal disc
◼︎No chiro therapy:
Why Chiropractic is not recommended for an IVDD dog:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/22/chiropractic◼︎ 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.
◼︎ Avoid dangerous detours. Follow the "Roadmap." Tape it to your fridge. D/L and print out:
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdf Dr. Thomas, DVM, ACVIM (Neurology) teaches veterinarians why limited movement:
POTTY TIME
LIFT and CARRY (support both ends, back horizontal to the ground)
DOGs with BLADDER CONTROL: 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 IF Yogi is a bit wobbly. Sling keeps 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 a 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!
❖6 The term stage 2 or 3 can be used with different scales. Thus we really do not know where Yogi is neurologically . Best is to describe his neuro situation.
---NEURO FUNCTIONS
Nerves do heal in the exact opposite order nerve damage occured. Where is Yogi as of today:
1.
4/14 Pain with initial tear of disc and ensuing swelling
2. __?_ Wobbly walking
__?_ legs cross
3. __?_ Nails/toes scuffing floor
4. __?_ Paws knuckle under. Dog is slow to correct or can't right the paw(s) at all
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.
❖8 Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?
— Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist surgeon: ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho?
Very much looking forward to your answers so we know best how to comment.
