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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Oct 19, 2013 19:10:57 GMT -7
Thank-you! Do I still keep her on two doses of Pepcid? Or do I just give her that as I have been doing- a half hour before the Pred?
Also, since she isn't 100 percent normal (she still has a slight limp and still won't roll over on her back for belly rubs), does that mean it is too soon to take her off the full dose of Pred?
Thanks again!
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 19, 2013 19:48:25 GMT -7
Hi Coco,
During the taper, just watch for signs of pain and be ready to call the Vet immediately and increase back to the original dose if she does show signs of pain. It's the only way to know for sure if the swelling is down. She might be ready.. only one way to know. It won't get out of control if you act on it quickly, call the Vet and go back to the original anti inflammatory dose should she need it.. It is not unusual at all to have to taper more than once.
Also it is a good idea to taper the pain meds while on the Prednisone taper so you can see the status of the swelling. Pain meds would mask the pain so you wouldn't be able to tell. Just watch over her carefully. Pain=swelling= more time on Prednisone needed and also her pain medications.
I would give the Pepcid twice a day while she is on any dose of Prednisone.. but once she is off the Prednisone, you can stop the Pepcid.
Sending comforting thoughts your way..
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 19, 2013 20:57:24 GMT -7
Fingers crossed for an uneventful taper!
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Oct 21, 2013 14:54:54 GMT -7
Munchkin seems to be doing well with her taper. We have taken her off of her Tramadol today. She is licking her feet alot though, and I am wondering if this could be a sign of pain? She was doing this a couple of weeks ago, but had stopped once she was feeling better. Or maybe the Prednisone was stopping her allergies? I just want to make sure I am not missing a sign of pain. Thanks so much.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2013 18:44:39 GMT -7
Be watchful licking does not move to biting or chewing….for us with an IVDD dog there is always the thought of neuropathy and owners to be aware. Do you have this flyer for your fridge? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdf Everyone has experienced numbness or pins and needles tingling in your legs when sitting in a bad position for too long a time. Your dog can be feeling abnormal nerve sensations that are mild pins and needles to quite painful burning, on-fire feeling that makes them bite to stop the pain. These are abnormal signals coming from nerves. You would need to stay on top of observing for any more signs of chewing on body parts as this can lead to death. Immediately put a e-collar on or a lengthwise folded towel and secured closed with duct tape. Get to a vet for a medicine that can help to control these very painful sensations. The name of the drug is called gabapentin.
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Oct 21, 2013 20:29:47 GMT -7
Oh no, yet another worry. I will probably be up all night keeping an eye on her. She doesn't seem to be obsessively licking, I haven't seen her do it for a while. I have bookmarked that link you posted, it was very helpful.
I honestly don't know what I would have done without the people on this board and the extraordinary help I have received. I can't thank you enough.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 23, 2013 19:18:03 GMT -7
Like Paula says - keep an eye on her. Prednisone would definitely calm her allergies, or she could be licking at an annoying feeling in her feet from nerves tingling. You will be able to tell quickly. Give her an ear rub from me
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Oct 24, 2013 10:12:39 GMT -7
She doesn't seem to be licking much at all anymore, thankfully. We start our second taper of the Pred tomorrow. So now we go down to every other day for 5 days. She has been off of her pain meds since Sunday and seems to be doing fine. Everything seems to be going well, for now. I am still worried that she has a slight limp, but hope that goes away with rest. She has come a long way though, so I am extremely grateful for that.
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 24, 2013 10:15:47 GMT -7
Nerves heal slowly, and she may have a limp for a while or forever. The limp would be caused by nerve damage that heals slowly, rather than a limp caused by pain. Stevie is still a bit weak on her left hind leg- but she compensates for it beautifully!
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Oct 25, 2013 13:59:40 GMT -7
I was up all night last night watching Munchkin because she kept licking her feet. I did not see any biting at this time. I have been watching her all day and only saw her licking once this morning. Does this sound like it could be nerve damage? Should we get in contact with her vet and start her on Gabapenten? I don't know what to think. She didn't do it for the past few days that I have seen and now she is doing it again. I would appreciate any input. Thanks so much.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 25, 2013 19:17:22 GMT -7
Hi Coco,
Munchkin may be licking because her feet itch.. Neuropathy or nerve pain feels like numbing pins and needles and extreme burning pain. It makes them so crazy they bite and chew at the offending body part and can really do damage to themselves. Their reactions to the burning pain and the biting are very intense and quite different from licking. The licking can be allergy related. I would discuss with your Vet and get their feedback on what the treatment should be just to be on the safe side, so both of you can rest without worry.
You need your sleep too, so take care of yourself.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 26, 2013 4:39:17 GMT -7
Pauliana's response seems like good news for Munchkin
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Oct 26, 2013 5:45:40 GMT -7
Thank you Pauliana! I gave Munchkin a half a Tramadol last night and finally got some sleep. Not a bit of licking whenever I checked on her. I am so glad that it is probably allergies. I will keep watching her and if it keeps up, will bring her back to the vet to see what is going on for sure. Thanks again!
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Nov 6, 2013 19:17:01 GMT -7
Just wanted to stop in and post an update on Munchkin. She is now off of all of her drugs and seems to be doing quite well. She still has a very slight limp in her front leg, but it seems to have improved a little. She is getting rather rambunctious in her pen lately, so I am hoping and praying she doesn't re-injure herself (my biggest fear). Just the other day I was out in the kitchen getting her something to eat and when I came back she was standing on her hind legs jumping up and down. Needless to say, I nearly had a heart attack. I can say it won't happen again, we are being extra-vigilant. She is still looking at another 4 1/2 weeks of bed-rest which in a way is a relief because I am going to be a wreck when she is on the loose again. Thanks to everyone that has responded to my posts for helping with Munchkin's amazing ongoing-recovery!
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 6, 2013 22:17:09 GMT -7
Try putting a towel or a light blanket over the top of her crate, it has a calming effect and makes it feel more denlike. It should discourage the jumping up.. I remember how nervous I was when Tyler graduated crate rest..All precautions in place, no stairs and no jumping, he seems to know what he can't do. He will wait at the bottom of the stairs for us to pick him up and carry him up the stairs. Here are some tips to make a back friendly home: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmKeep up the great care of Coco! You are over half way there!
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,565
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 7, 2013 11:05:13 GMT -7
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Nov 8, 2013 14:45:37 GMT -7
Thank-you both! We actually have Munchkin in a pack-n-play which is blocked in half. We have been putting her in a small crate at meal times because that is usually when she gets really excited. She has been on a diet of late since she has gotten a little chunky and I think she gets excited because she is hungry. She is usually pretty docile since she is blind. I think he disk problems have possibly been caused by her running into the wall head first (again at meal times.) We are going to be extra-vigilant when she finally does get to be loose again.
I can't thank you both for all of your help and advice, I really don't think Munchkin would be doing as well as she is now without it!
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 8, 2013 17:35:59 GMT -7
It would be best to hold off on any type of diet until after Munchkin's crate rest. Her body has a lot of repair jobs to do, so continue her normal food rations. Treats if any should be low cal carrots, piece of apple or some frozen broth ice cubes to lick.
All the best to you both.
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Nov 9, 2013 9:30:24 GMT -7
I never thought about her body needing the extra food for healing. I was just so worried about her extra weight being a strain on her joints, it never occurred to me. We have gone from three scoops of food per-day down to 2.5. I guess I can raise it back up while she is recovering. Munchkin has always been rather food obsessed. When we adopted her at 2 years of age, she was very under-weight and starving. This tiny little blind girl, from what I have heard, was left to live outdoors in a state with cold winters. I guess that is one of the reasons I am so protective of her and want to make sure she gets the best care I can give her, especially with her rough start in life. Thanks so much, I appreciate your advice!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 9, 2013 12:48:24 GMT -7
After crate rest is over, then with more activity and a reduction of food, Munchkin can begin to loose that extra weight over a period of 3-4 months. You may want to work on such a plan now to have in your mind on graduation day: After graduation day, weigh Munchkin at least monthly to determine if the amount fed is appropriate. You will also be observing her appearance to judge when she is at an ideal weight. It takes 3-4 months to safely drop excess weight by cutting food intake slowly and adding exercise that will be permissible after crate rest.
www.nonprofitnw.org/drnw/id47.html [good appearance illustrations here] A 10-15% reduction of food is not very much. For example, if you feed a dog 1/3 of a cup = 5 tablespoons =15 teaspons, then you should only reduce each meal at a max of 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons. You could then add some lo cal raw carrot, apple or frozen green beans, or a frozen broth cube to lick on to help with hunger at meal times or as a snack. Excellent detail on loosing weight and selecting a food: www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-lose-weight/
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 7, 2013 14:04:58 GMT -7
Munchkin is free! She has completed her 8 weeks of complete bed rest! I was really nervous to see her walk but she seems to be walking pretty well. She has only walked a few feet so far, but I think she is weak and her legs have probably atrophied some. Hopefully, she will get her strength back very soon. Just wanted to pop in and thank everyone who helped me get her through this ordeal, I couldn't have done it without the help I received from this list! Thanks so much!
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 7, 2013 19:32:34 GMT -7
Congratulations, Munchkin! You did it! And congratulations to you, too, Coco, for hanging in there the whole 8 weeks. Yes, her muscles will be weak and both her muscles and her stamina will have to be gradually built up again. Here is a suggested schedule that I found very helpful when my Jeremy was finished with his crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmAlso, if you haven't seen it yet, here's how to make your home back friendly: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmAll the best to you both. Please keep us updated on her progress.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Dec 8, 2013 7:24:53 GMT -7
Congratulations to Munchkin!!! I am so happy for you both:). I bet the best feeling is to snuggle her again:) enjoy your new normal.
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Dec 8, 2013 15:21:30 GMT -7
Yay Coco and Munchkin!!!!!!! Great work on the eight weeks of crate rest!
Don't be afraid to take it nice and slow as Munchkin re-develops her muscles - the link Marjorie gave with the schedule for easing back into activity is great!
))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Dec 10, 2013 3:31:59 GMT -7
Congratulations!!! Happy graduation you did it!!!!
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 10, 2013 20:37:22 GMT -7
Thank you all so much for the kind thoughts on Munchkin's progress. We have been leaving it up to her how much she wants to walk. She has never been a very active dog since she is so little and blind. I think she is moving an appropriate amount and not over-doing it. I have noticed though that she can only go a very short distance and stops and rests. She also walks very slowly too. I have also noticed some weakness in her rear legs. Is this typical of a dog who has been crated for so long? I am hoping she just needs to strengthen her muscles and then she will improve. Over-all though, I can't complain. She seems to be pain-free and really happy. Also, her limp appears to be gone too. Of course, I am counting my blessings that she can walk at all. Thanks again for all the help, I seriously don't know if we would have had such a great outcome without the advice of this group.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Dec 11, 2013 6:29:44 GMT -7
I think it is normal for them to not be able to do as much as they used to do because they do have to build up their muscles. She is so darn cute in that picture I can't even take it. With time to build up her muscles she will get stronger
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 11, 2013 9:29:55 GMT -7
Thanks newbiemom! I think it is just weakness bothering her right now too. I am hoping that she will be getting around really well right in time for Christmas. Happy Holidays!
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Post by Coco & Munchkin on Dec 13, 2013 19:52:51 GMT -7
Munchkin seems to be doing ok, but it looks like her limp is back. Her rear legs that were very weak are getting stronger everyday, but she is limping on her front left foot/leg again/still. I had thought the limp was gone, but maybe since she wasn't walking as much maybe we didn't notice it. She was up and about quite a bit yesterday and I noticed the limp then. Today she hasn't been moving around very much, but when she does there is definitely a limp. She doesn't hold her paw up and is putting weight on her leg. I am a nervous wreck. Way back at the beginning of this last September, it all started with her limping and then getting up one morning unable to walk. I just hope she isn't going to have problems walking again and that her limp is the beginning of something worse . I have not noticed any pain. Any advice will be appreciated, thanks.
Just noticed that it seems when Munchkin walks a longer distance is when she has a limp. When she takes a few steps, we do not notice anything. It was especially noticed yesterday when she was more active. I worry that she re-injured her self by doing too much, or maybe it was just noticed more since she was active. I don't know, but am worried sick. I think we are going to curb her activity and keep her partially on bed rest unless advised otherwise.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 14, 2013 9:38:27 GMT -7
Good idea to observe, always prudent to crate until you know you are not dealing with an emerging disc problem.
Cold weather can exacerbate arthritis which our dogs can have. This makes it hard to know which treatment to go with without a vet's diagnosis. Arthritis does better with joints moving. Disc episodes demand no/little movement.
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