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Post by twosmooches on Oct 12, 2013 22:01:08 GMT -7
We are on day four following what I am calling 'Detour down". He is four years old, a poodle,pug,Maltese,and I'm guessing Dachshund mix. I rescued him and another poodle......mix (Delilah) from terrible conditions and proceeded to get them healthy, happy and adored by everyone who meets them. I totally spoiled them.
I took Detour to the emergency vet facility as soon as I realized he was in pain....(shaking and whimpering and not wanting to move) They took an x-ray and examined him and sent me home with a few pre-filled syringes of narcotic pain killer (busprenorphine). His diagnosis was suspected pancreatitis. No instructions about keeping him quiet or confined, but I did anyhow because of the meds and his obvious pain. 24 hours later he started having trouble standing up void.... I started calling around looking for a vet office that could do a CTscan or MRI - I knew he was somehow broken and in mortal pain. I took him to another Emergency treatment facility where they kept him overnight, controlled his pain started him on prednisolone with an IV loading dose and watched him. I still have no confirmation from CT or even additional X-ray that he has a broken back, But they did send us home with steroid therapy and more pre-filled syringes of the narcotic. This time the diagnosis says "suspect IVDD" Their instructions are: MEDS AS PRESCRIBED AND STRICT CAGE REST FOR 2-4 weeks.
I have been crying and worrying for two days thinking I would have to put him to sleep and not having a clue, not one clue, of how to avoid it. He is still having horrible breakthrough pain and is not liking his crate vacation one bit. He has the heart of a warrior and wants to bark at the mailman and run from window to window as I try to keep him kenneled and calm. He can stagger-stand to void, no BM for three days (I know now to give him some pumpkin), he's on lots of steroid with no anti-ulcer meds prescribed. BUT, I have spent the last few hours reading everything on your website and looking at many of the hot-links as well - the whole time with one hand on Detours head in reassurance.
I think I now have a plan and more importantly HOPE that we can get through this. I know what I need to get from Petco tomorrow as soon as they open and what changes I need to make to our home. I have a list of questions for my Vet on Monday - I will advocate for Detour and hold them to some answers. I really think I need to know which disc has herniated...I don't know if its in his neck or more posterior towards his tail.....
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
Little Detour the dog helped me through some of the darkest days of my life, I intend to do the same for him!
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Oct 12, 2013 22:35:09 GMT -7
I'm not a moderator, but one should be along by morning. Hang in there! There is hope. Getting the pain completely under control dose to dose, and crating 24/7, only carrying out for potty breaks, are the two essentials. It sounds like Detour is still having some pain. Call your vet ASAP to see what can be done. Healing can't take place until pain is under control. The emergency vet should be able to prescribe something. Monday is too long to wait. Also ask about giving Pepcid. I'm sure you've read details about this in other posts.
It sounds like you've been reading a lot which is great. I remember well my first panicked night after my Polly went down. I stayed up half the night reading on this site. The information was so helpful. Knowledge is power. You'll be better equipped to advocate for your dog the better you understand IVDD.
Stay as calm as you can. Your dog will pick up on your emotions. Get your information together - the moderators will want to know all the specifics in order to best help you. Exact dosages of meds, etc...
There are lots of us here who have been through this one or more times. Let us help you get through it, too.
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 12, 2013 23:56:58 GMT -7
Thank you Pollysmom! Honestly I am very grateful....and I will call the emergency vet for more pain control and the pepcid. They already have me starting to decrease his prednisolone starting tomorrow.....which sounds too soon from what I am reading in the other cases. I am going to ask them about that too.
I guess my initial post was more about me than Detour so I am going to provide son Detour details before I sleep in case there is more advice before I call the emerg vet in the morning.
-- What is your dog's name? Detour the Delightful
-- How much does your dog weigh? he's 8lbs 4oz.
--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD? Detour is a rescue mutt. I think he has poodle, maltese, pug...characteristics poodle mix. The dx on his discharge papers from the emergengy vet says: suspect IVDD
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? STRICT crate rest was started 10/11 I have taken him to the emergency vet twice and talked to my regular vet several times. I tried to get them to do an MRI or CTscan at the emergency place because I knew he was broken somewhere, but they didn't do it.
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? yes- reluctant to move, tight hard abdomen. the trembling and whimpering subsided.
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Prednisolone [as of 10/10?] in decreasing amounts 2.5 mg twice a day for 3 days 2.5 mg once a day for three days 2.5 mg every other day for 3 doses Buprenorphine 0.2ml every 8 hours if he's uncomfortable.pre-filled syringes
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? Detour can stand but his steps are wobbly and he starts to fall sideways. I don't let him fall of course - he tries to walk but he really cant. I hold him in place, he pees and then back to the kennel. He can wag his tail
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?nothing like that...he can still control his urination
-- Eating and drinking OK?I have been hand feeding him and he will eat a little...chicken in small bites. He drinks and I offer it to him and coax him to drink.
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? He hasnt had a BM since friday 10/11 0700 it was very soft but was his normal brown.
I hope this is the information necessary to help us.This website has been a real lifeline for Detour and me. I had no idea what IVDD even was and the vet was precious little help.
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cera
New Member
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Post by cera on Oct 13, 2013 7:25:28 GMT -7
I am not a Mod either, just another, like you, who is glad this site exists. I know the emotional roller coaster ride, and though I can not give you advice, I can offer a puppy prayer. I know this website is a fountain of information, and I am so relieved for that.
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 13, 2013 8:28:18 GMT -7
me too cera me too!
Thanks for the prayers. I sure hope he gets through it!
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 13, 2013 9:01:27 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen, what's yours? Welcome to Dodgers List. I am so sorry that Detour is having an IVDD epsiode. He sounds like a good candidate for Conservative treatment - 8 weeks strict cage rest- only out to potty. You have given us some great information- thanks to Pollysmom for asking all of the right questions! Detour is still having significant pain from your description and doesn't sound ready to start the taper of steroid (prednisolone)yet - Many dogs need 1-2 weeks on an anti-inflammatory dose before trying a taper to a lesser dose. Pain = swelling= more time on steriods. Prednisone is often more effective than prednisolone and Detour can be switched without a washout period because both are steriods. Do ask your Vet about other pain medications, or combos of medications. My Stevie was on buprenorphine as well for pain because she couldn't take Tramadol because of her epilepsy. (I say ask, but mean DEMAND - don't take no for an answer - Detour needs you to be his advocate) Drugs for pain that are commonly used are: Tramadol for pain Gabapentin (works synergistically with Tramadol) for hard to control pain Methocarbamol for painful muscle spasms Detour needs to be pain free to start healing well. There is so much information here, and I will give you some links to get you started. We are all in this together, and will do anything that we can to help. Hang in there!! Keeping you in thought and prayer.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 13, 2013 9:11:06 GMT -7
Some links to get you started - I will take more time with this post - I wanted to get an answer to you ASAP, so that you knew we were here to help A great place to start reading www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmThis one is on healing and pain - check it out before talking to your Vet if you can www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmGeneral information on crate rest www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmLift and carry Sling walk- for going out to potty, supports his hind end dodgergallery.ourdogs.net/recovery/slingwalk There is alot of information on this site, and by learning everything that you can about IVDD you will become the best advocate possible for Detour. You are in charge of his health care team, and will know as much, if not more, than most General Practice Vets about IVDD. Our Vet said something to me the other day - " Vets that don't listen to their clients that have pets with special conditions, like Stevie's IVDD, are foolish - the client is more likely to have greater knowledge of the condition and the most up to date information on treatments and therapies" She is awesome! Please keep us posted (((hugs)))
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 13, 2013 20:06:47 GMT -7
Thanks Maureen!
So today I acquired a kennel like the one in the video.
I have added 1/2 of a pepcid ac tablet (that's the dose the emerg. vet told me to use) they are hard to cut and it seems a high dose to me. I will verify it with my regular vet this week.
I still don't have a quality answer from the vets on why we are using prednisolone vs prednisone, but I did get her to agree it may be too soon to taper off. we are at 2.5mg twice daily.
I also picked up a supply of methylcarbomol and started it tonight. It is 1/4 tab every 8 hours. No mg are on the bottle label or the paper that came with it.
Detour still does not kennel well. He is a high anxiety and very noisy confined dog. I have the worst headache...lol.
His kennel was wet when I came back from the medication run, but it makes sense because he didnt go the two times I took him to pee. He did pee on his own the last time we went out. How often should I be carrying him to toilet?
He still has wobbly legs and turn-over paws, but he is resting conformable right now. I'm going to have to ask for an antianxiety or tranquilizer for him when I have to leave him alone for awhile - he gets way too worked up. Scratches up the pads in the kennel and tries to chew the latches.....any suggestions for that?
Still no BM since Friday and his appetite is good. Chicken, apple and a tiny bit of kibble..wouldnt eat the pumpkin today. trying sweet potatoes tomorrow.
We might just make it thru this. Thanks for the help!
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 13, 2013 21:14:56 GMT -7
Hi, welcome to Dodgerslist, my name is Pauliana, what is your name? We use 5 mg of Pepcid AC for small dogs which is half of a 10 mg tablet. They are hard to cut but I got to be good at it while taking care of my Tyler during his IVDD episode.. Give it 30 minutes prior to Prednisolone every 12 hours. Always give Prednisolone with a meal for extra protection to the stomach and GI tract. While Detour is on Prednisolone or any steroid, he should go outside every 2 to 3 hours. They get very thirsty while on steroids and then need to urinate more often. It's a good idea to call and ask them the dosage of the Methocarbamol for your own information and also let us know. When you have him or her on the phone ask what to do about the crate anxiety and what they recommend. For Detour's crate anxiety it might help to cover the top of the crate with a towel. That creates a den like feeling that dogs love and sometimes calms them. This page has more tips: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmUsing any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option so you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html [pheromone diffuser] with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php [Composure] 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.comPlain Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) with no additional medications added. Buy at your grocery store or pharmacy. Get the dosage from your vet. The wrong dose can have dangerous side effects, so your vet needs to prescribe the proper amount for your dog. Bless you for rescuing Detour and Delilah! Sending healing wishes..
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 14, 2013 10:24:09 GMT -7
Thanks Pauliana, My name is Ruthie
Boy is this process tough! My house is a disaster area and I am way behind in everything that needs to be done.
Detour's cage anxiety is beyond belief. He wines and thrashes and scratches to shreds anything I put in there. I am afraid I spoiled him beyond belief.
One more question. He still hasn't had a BM. His abdomen is softer than when he's flexed it to splint his back but I know he's going to get constipated if he already isn't. What laxatives? I am giving him pumpkin and he's eating it but still no poop.
We have an appointment with the regular vet tomorrow and I have enough meds until then so I'm sure I will have a better update by then.
Thank you!!!!!Thank you!!!! Ruthie
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,603
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 14, 2013 10:49:41 GMT -7
Do ask your vet for a sedative, it is far better to have a slightly drugged dog rather than the damage to the disc that can happen with him being rambunctious. At some point you may be able to switch off of a sedative to one of the milder ones Pauliana mentioned. Give your vet a phone call today, this needs attention now.
1 teaspoon of plain pureed canned pumpkin needs to be use with extra water in the diet. Are you soaking each of his kibble meals with equal part liquid? No extra liquid will cause constipation. Just checking….
Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will see they get rewards for four feet on the floor, quietly sitting, etc.
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 14, 2013 17:21:09 GMT -7
Another rough day for us. My regular vet called to check on us. When I told her it was still going badly and I was afraid Detour was going to hurt himself because his crate anxiety is extreme. I asked her for a sedative or tranquilizer. She agreed to try one and told me she would phone in to my pharmacy and I could pick it up in a few minutes. She also agreed to my suggestion regarding adding gabapentin. She called in the script to the compounding pharmacy and I can pick it up tomorrow (liver and no toxic oxycilic) All good right?
I go to the pharmacy to get the sedative and leave Detour secured in his kennel. Pick up some more underpads and some cheap fleece blankets and run on back home. I get home and open the prescription bag and I have a bottle of tramadol, not Trazadone. In just the time I left Detour, he trashed his kennel again and was worked himself into such a frenzy his front legs and face were all wet from his crying and whining/yelping. I really need to sedate him some or he is going to hurt himself worse.
I should have checked the script bag before I left the pharmacy - what was I thinking?
Still no BM and still fighting the crate anxiety, but trying not to give up!
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 14, 2013 17:27:40 GMT -7
Ruthie, I am so sorry for you abd Detour. Hoping for calmness for that sweet boy when you go back out.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 14, 2013 22:01:50 GMT -7
Hi Ruthie,
I hope that you were able to get the drug mix up sorted out without poor Detour having more anxiety attacks in his crate..
Hope the Trazodone works to calm him.. I read that it has some success with treating thunderstorm phobia in dogs.. and other anxieties.
Fingers crossed.
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 15, 2013 10:19:19 GMT -7
Wow get this: The Walgreens I trade at made the tramadol/Trazadone error. When I called them they freaked out and sent one of the pharmacists out to switch the scripts to the trazadone (plus a refund and a $50 coupon - I think they were afraid I was going to do something legal like).
The trazadone makes him real sleepy which is perfect as we adjust to crate life. I think it is going to help him immensely. I feel bad that he has to be so drugged due to my failure to crate train him properly, but cie la vie - we will deal with it from here.
I pick up the gabapentin at the compounding pharmacy today and we have a vet appt with our regular vet at 1400. I have a list of questions and I'm going to ask about his med regimine attempting to get more in line with what has proven successful here with other IVDD cases.
....and when I took him pee at 1100 YAY HE POOPED. I am now a pumpkin and green bean fan! Plus it was soft, but formed and normal brown.
I was about ready to give up last night...so far today, I think we might make it.
Thanks you guys for your time and expertise - I would never have made it this far without you - Of that I am certain!
Newbiemomiv1, Thank you so much. The encouragement helps tons, especially when I know most of his problems are my failures to train him right. The guilt is sinking me, wonder if he forgives me for letting him become a little Napoleon.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 15, 2013 12:18:35 GMT -7
Good catch on the drug mix-up - thank goodness you are so observant. He will adapt to the crate and the medication will help reduce the stress and anxiety, as will your calmness and reassurance. Lots of dogs get their introduction to crate training when they are ill or injured - don't feel guilty - he will adapt, you didn't fail him. YAY!! for pooping - that must be a relief for both of you Hang in there - you are doing great job!
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 15, 2013 18:05:39 GMT -7
My vet visit was great! We even got in an acupuncture initial treatment which he tolerated well. I transported him crated which I expected to be a nightmare because he usually runs all over the truck wherever he wants, but it went well and I know he was more comfortable in the crate. This veterinary office has a rockin accupunturist. My hyper, over anxious little one was calmed by the treatment and is sleeping like a baby right now IN HIS CRATE, I repeat...HE FELL ASLEEP IN HIS CRATE. Ruthie <----- jumping for joy and straightening up the house for the fist time in a week. I keep thinking its too much of a miracle, so I stick my head in with him about every 20 Minutes...hes sleepy, but easily arousable thumps his tail a few times and goes back to sleep. Was it the accupuncture, or the Trazadone? ? Isn't what a difference a day makes a song? Well I'm singing it now...loud! I picked-up my compounded gabapentin today and will start it tomorrow as I need to get it in at least +/- 2 hours of the pepcid ac for maximum effectiveness. We D/C'd the buprnorphine and start the tramadol later tonight after the bupronorpine expires. Here are the questions I would appreciate some opinions on: 1.) My nuerontin is compounded at 20 mg/ml. Detour weighs 4.1kg. Instructions say give 1ml PO daily. From my reading on this site and references, that is the highest mg/ml dosage (10 mg/kg) I see others posted as low as 2mg/kg. Am I starting him on this GABA too high? 2.) My tramadol is a 50mg tablet I am to give 1/4 tablet every 8-12 hours as needed for pain. That's 12.5 mg per dose or approximately 3mg/kg..is that a safe dose? I don't see much safe dosage info on the various sites. I am thinking and reading that some of our pooches are on scheduled not prn tramadol. Isnt it better pain mgmt to stay ahead of the pain instead of letting my Detour go thru peaks and valleys? So, that's it for today - we shall see what tomorrow brings, but my spirits are definitely up about today. I hope you can feel the gratitude flowing your direction from chilly Minnesota!
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,603
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 15, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -7
Ruthie, it is best to start with aggressive pain meds with a disc problem to ensure pain is fully under control. Best to NOT give pain meds as needed but rather on a regular consistent schedule. Tramadol controls pain best with an every 8 hours dose. YOu can always back off when you see swelling is being reduced (less signs of pain). Do you have a med chart to keep track of times, doses and comments on pain? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/crateRRP/medchart.pdfAcupunture often relaxes them that they may even fall asleep during the therapy. Glad to hear Detour is resting comfortably….sleep is good for healing! If the vet said to give gabapentin do no wait til tomorrow, start it now so he starts getting benefit. Pepcid Ac is not a problem with meds, you might be thinking about sucralfate and the need for special timing. PLease let us know the current meds, dose in mgs and how often. Where is pred at this point? IF there is pain and all these pain meds then taper off of pred means the one med that addresses swelling is being stopped.
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 15, 2013 21:18:29 GMT -7
Paula, As of today's vet visit, Detour is getting: ( he weighs 4.1 kg) [approx 9 lbs] Pepcid ac 5mg (Give 1/2 a 10mg tab 30minutes before prednisolone) Prednisolone 2.5mg twice per day (1/2 - 5mg tab every 12 hours Tramadol 12.5mg every 8-10 hours (1/4 - 50mgtab) Trazadone 12.5mg - 25mg every 12 hours. (1/4 - 1/2 50mg tab) methocarbamol 125mg every 8 hours. (1/4 - 500mg tab) gabapentin (oil)vet 0.5ml twice a day (1ml of 20mg/ml daily liq may give in divided doses) buprenorphine was D/C'dAdditionally, based on Detours experience and response, we are adding twice weekly acupuncture. We had one treatment today and the practitioner recommended one for Friday as well. It really seemed to help him. I am looking into the laser therapy but I haven't found anyone with the equipment yet. Today was a very good day for both of us I think. And I did take your advice and started the gabapentin tonight. note: Here are the two sites I used to decide to give the pepcid ac +- 2 hours of the gaba. He is so little I try to be super careful with these meds. They scare me quite frankly but I know he needs them. "NEURONTIN can be taken with or without food. If you take an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium, such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, Gelusil®, Gaviscon®, or Di-Gel®, you should wait at least 2 hours before taking your next dose of NEURONTIN". www.rxlist.com/neurontin-drug/medication-guide.htm"IngredientsActive IngredientFamotidinePurposeAcid reducerPEPCID® AC® TabletsActive Ingredient (in each tablet)Famotidine 10 mgPurposeAcid reducerInactive IngredientsHydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, red iron oxide, starch, talc, titanium dioxide". www.pepcid.com/original-strength-pepcid-ac#I think we are on the right track based on his behavior...oh I so hope we are.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,603
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 16, 2013 8:39:58 GMT -7
The reason for keeping hours of distance between Neurotin and magnesium is "Aluminum or magnesium containing products may decrease the amount of gabapentin your body absorbs" The point to giving Neurontin right away is it is far better to "maybe" have a little less absorption, than no neurotin at all by waiting til the next day.
Hope to hear Neurontin is on board now and Detour is pain free now dose to dose. Let us know what you are observing.
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 16, 2013 16:31:49 GMT -7
Paula,
I started Detours right after I read your post last night and started it today on the same times as the prednisone so he gets his tramadol every eight hours and his gaba every twelve. He ate really well this morning, bowels and bladder are both working under his own control. Back legs are still wobbly and I have to help him a bit not to fall and not to take any extra steps. He still has lousy control of his back legs and his paws roll over onto the tops but,
He is way more comfortable and ten times more calm than in previous days....................
We are really doing better. True test will be tomorrow because I have to leave for three hours....I cant find a dog sitter (continuing to search) so he's going to have to make it alone. Praying for a good outcome !!!!
I hope everyone else is doing ok too....this is looking more and more doable as each day passes. I was a skeptical, weeping wreck when it happened. The meds are the key. Finding the right combinations and getting a vet to help is tougher than it should be, especially over a weekend! Wish us luck tomorrow!
Detour, Delilah and Ruthie
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,603
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 16, 2013 17:15:53 GMT -7
Detour DOES look comforatable. The first phase of healing can take some back and forth feedback to a vet so they know to adjust meds, thank goodness now it seems the meds are right.
Wobbly and knuckling are nerve damage. Nerves might repair during the 8 weeks or it may take longer as nerves can take some time to regenerate. Detour is such a cutie!!!
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 16, 2013 18:25:01 GMT -7
He looks great! You are doing an amazing job
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 17, 2013 10:51:54 GMT -7
Day 1, Week 2
Two more crates I ordered from Amazon arrived today (local petco had nothing with a door on the top). I now have a recovery safe spot for Detour in my office, the main living room (right in the middle of the room)and the laundry/sewing room. I would have put one in the garden for him too, but it is getting too cold out for that now. The new ones are placed so he can see out his favorite guard-post windows. I am looking at some ramps for the house as well, but I have lots of time for that...at least six more weeks -sigh- I spend so much time in the lower level laundry/sewing area and so much time on the computer in my office it just had to be done. This way Detour can be his usual nosy center-of-attention-self and still be safe. I think he is too rambunctious when he gets anxious to try a stroller at this point.
I think we have the meds right for now, I want to leave them alone for awhile. I may take him for another acupuncture treatment tomorrow if he gets good rest today. Even with great care, transporting him is hard on him. Next vet visit is set for i week from today. I expect she is going to want to start adjusting meds at that point.....soooooo I am going to try to enjoy these few days of no anxiety attacks and sleepy dog silence.
Seriously, I cannot thank everyone on the site, who has helped us get to this point, enough. Terrific advice, information and emotional support. Left to our own devices, I am not sure we would have made it even this far.
Detour, Delilah and Ruthie
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 17, 2013 10:59:10 GMT -7
You are certainly set! Seems like Detour is really blessed to have you as his mom. BTW which one is he in your picture?
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 17, 2013 16:58:12 GMT -7
To Jean and Mimi I don't know Jean if we are set yet, I can still see the woe in his eyes but at least he is able to rest comfortably. I think he's about as cute as they come for sure. You should have seen his face when I first got him....ewwww it was black with crud and tear stain and he limped which turned out to be a gigantic hair mat under one leg. In my profile picture he is the one on the left. The smaller of the two. Your Mimi is pretty darned appealing if you ask me. With those gorgeous ears you probably have to tie a brick to her bottom in a stiff wind or she would fly away on them. The pictures in the gallery and the profile pics on the site show some really really fine dogs I think. Anyway, Detour has lead a charmed, spoiled life since he came home in a cardboard box with me. After I got him out of the box, I swore he would never have to crawl in another one......WHAT A BLUNDER! I didn't crate train him or Delilah because of that stupid cardboard box....he's kinda paying for it now with the confinement anxiety. Well we do the best we can - and move ahead. He is adjusting, albeit slowly. I am going to have to get Delilah in the groove as well. Maybe he'll recover and with a few adjustments we can get older together. That's my biggest wish right now!
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 19, 2013 21:24:52 GMT -7
Just a little update. Day 3: Week 2 We continue to improve here with no changes to medications since last vet visit on 10/15. I decided not to take Detour in for acupuncture because the transporting seems to cause him more pain. We are halfway through this weekend and there is absolutely no comparison to the anguish we all endured last weekend! I believe Detours control of his back legs gets a little better every day and his pain is definitely under better control. He remains continent of bowel and bladder as well. He is back to his previous regularity since we D/C'd the narcotics, soaked his kibble and added some pureed pumpkin. I will take him for a vet check next week and try to get an acupuncture treatment scheduled during the same visit. Still looking for a vet with laser treatment capabilities. I know the med list will be a topic of discussion but it is working so well, I am literally afraid to make any changes - but I know he can't remain on steroids forever either..... He also still gets some anxiety when I have to leave the house for any length of time - I know cause I nanny-camed him . He eventually settles down, but not until he's pretty much exhausted himself. I hope the trazadone can remain for awhile as he continues to adjust to the crate rest. When I leave the house I am also separating my two dogs, they each get one side of the central hallway and I close a door between them. I think they are both safer this way plus they can both see through different windows to the front and back satisfying their need to be on-guard. Conclusion: we are in a much better spot, but already worrying about the taper-off I know must come. Hope all of you are having a good weekend too!!! Detour, Delilah and Ruthie
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,603
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 20, 2013 9:42:53 GMT -7
Glad to hear pain is under control… does better mean 100%? Full pain control dose to dose of pain meds?
Pain control is the first phase of healing that should happen in approx 1 hour with correct meds on board.
Now inflammation is a different story as to how long it takes that phase of healing to happen. Could be 1-2 weeks, could be more like a month. No one wants to use these meds one bit longer than necessary to get the job done as these all carry side effects.
A taper test is the only way to know when all the inflammation has been resolved. Has your vet discussed with you when he thinks it would be a good time to test the waters with a taper of pred and the pain meds?
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Post by twosmooches on Oct 20, 2013 12:51:21 GMT -7
Week 2 Day 4
Paula. I think his pain is 100% under control dose to dose. I have to make sure I don't sleep through the night dose of tramadol and methocarbamol or he does have breakthrough. I'm setting the alarm to ensure I wake up for his 0100 dose.
The vet hasn't brought up the taper again but I'm guessing she will when I take him in this week. I'm just trying to get my own thinking right on it before I see the vet so we can have a good conversation about when to try a taper.
I am hoping I will be able to keep the trazadone even beyond a pain med and steroid taper so my little Mr Anxiety doesnt reinjure himself.
I always appreciate your advice - it helps me take the correct next steps. I may be jumping ahead too quickly....so I will just wait until after his next vet check to worry. Thanks heaps! Ruthie
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,603
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 20, 2013 12:57:31 GMT -7
If there would be still breakthrough pain in evidence if the 1am dose is missed, then you know there is still swelling going on. In a week things could change…so good idea to close the door on worry til you see what you and the vet decide this week.
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