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Post by acheron on Oct 17, 2013 19:30:29 GMT -7
Hello,
My dog Acheron started showing signs he was troubled yesterday. Shaking, avoiding jumping and etc. I am an international student in York UK, we got here a month ago from the USA. I took him to the vet today and she said he slipped a disc and needs to be resting nonstop for six weeks and we must carry him outside for him to do is business. She prescribed pain medication and an anti inflammatory. She did not prescribe a Pepcid ac tablet. I crated him as soon as we got home and have been bringing food and water to his crate and lifting it up to his head. I'm beside myself and so upset. I want to make sure I am doing everything right to help him heal through this. The vet said we must come back in a week for a check up. Also she said if his back legs have any problems at all then we come in immediately. They have 24 hour care. I don't want to think the worst but I want to be prepared. If he needs surgery, should I look into laser surgery? Please any help possible. I'm sleeping next to his crate and staying by it at all times. My fiancé is with him anytime I need to go to school so he will always be with someone.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 17, 2013 20:41:30 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist! My name is Pauliana, what is your name? Please let Acheron know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will. With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmThis article explains the options between conservative treatment and surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmAdd this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? -- I am so glad your vet told you about the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM)? We do 8 weeks for Conservative treatment.. 6 weeks for Surgical.. -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Ask your Vet this way: Is there any medical reason why Acheron can't be on Pepcid AC to protect his stomach while on the anti inflammatory? We give it 30 minutes prior to the anti inflammatory.. It is far better to be proactive in protecting the GI tract than to deal with Ulcers and stomach bleeds..He already has enough to deal with, with IVDD..
-- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail due when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood? You aren't alone, we are here to help! |
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Post by acheron on Oct 18, 2013 1:15:54 GMT -7
Hello Pauline,
My name is Candace. I believe there is no pain, I think he is just scared which is why there is a slight shivering when I bring him outside or put him back in the crate. This is all so new and scary for him....and me too. I am reassuring him things will be okay.
He is walking fine and wagging his tail as normal.
He is eating and drinking fine. I bring him everything.
He has not gone to the bathroom though since yesterday early afternoon. It is morning (9:12am) here now. I called the vet and they said if he does not go to the bathroom by lunchtime that I must bring him in.
His current medication is: Loxicom (give 6.5kg using scale everyday at 5pm), and Pardale v tablets (half a tablet every 8 hours).
I am awaiting to talk to the vet about the Pepcid AC.
He has not had an accident in his crate.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 18, 2013 5:24:49 GMT -7
Candace, it must be so scary dealing with this so far from home. Hang in there and so glad there is no pain.
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Post by acheron on Oct 18, 2013 7:36:16 GMT -7
Yes being away from home is certainly adding to my fears. I have been in constant contact with my parents and the vet. Acheron urinated today which is a great sign. The vet and I believe he has been so nervous and scared which has caused him to only want to stay inside the crate. We are waiting for him to poop. The vet is not concerned now. She said if he does not poop by tomorrow afternoon then we should bring him in. He is getting use to me carrying him and very little steps to go potty. All new and all scary. His food intake and water intake are great. He has an appetite and is eating out of my hand. We are going to pick up the equivalent of Pepcid AC for him, which is antepsin. I think he is still without pain, so I think these are all good signs. He wags his tail too and has movement of his back legs. I am monitoring him very closely and barely leaving the side of his crate.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 18, 2013 9:21:40 GMT -7
Dear Candace, I'm not familiar with European medications but in doing a quick internet search, it would appear as though Loxicom and Pardale are both NSAIDs. NSAIDs should never be given together and this combination can be dangerous. Loxicom: www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Summary_for_the_public/veterinary/000141/WC500064476.pdfPardale: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Dechra_Veterinary_Products_Ltd/Pardale-V_ACY-reg_ADs-_Oral_Tablets/-27622.html”Drugs of the NSAID class should not be used concurrently as the potential for the aforementioned side effects increases." Mar Vista Veterinary Web Page "Only one brand of NSAID should be administered to a dog at any given time. If at some time the owner and the veterinarian decide to try a different NSAID, a wash-out period is recommended. FDA Veterinarian Newsletter, 2006, Vol. XXI, No. I "There needs to be an appropriate "washout" period between taking one type of NSAID and switching to another. This is usually 7 days at the minimum and should be coordinated with your veterinarian. Please tell your vet if you have given ANY other medication before being dispensed a NSAID for your pet." Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use in pets. Sally Suttenfield DVM May 2005 www.fourpawsvetrehab.com/whats_new.html?record=1Please discuss this immediately with your vet. I don't mean to scare you but if what I've read is correct about the two medications being given, we have seen dogs die on this list when vets do not appreciate the dangers in switching w/o a washout and owners are unaware of what their dog is taking. We are VERY concerned. I'm glad to see that Antepsin contains Sucralfate, which is a good stomach protectant. However, you still need to discuss the use of two NSAIDs together with your vet. Please know, too, that shivering IS a sign of pain, especially when being picked up. Please immediately discuss pain medication with your vet. Pain hinders healing and there should be no signs of pain from one dose of medication to the next dose. And pain should be under control within one hour after taking the pain medication. Disc injuries can be very painful but some dogs are stoic about pain and are very good at hiding it. If he is still having difficulty pooping, the meds could be causing constipation. Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives for constipation: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato. Please let us know what the vet says after speaking to them. I'm so sorry that you have the added burden of being so far from home and having to deal with this. Blessings to you. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 18, 2013 9:52:48 GMT -7
Candace, I agree that Acheron IS still in pain as evidence by not wanting to leave his crate. So his pain meds are not YET right for his needs. Loxicom (give 6.5kg 1x day Pardale V tablets half a tablet every 8 hours (acetaminophen/Codeine combo) antepsin (sucralfate) Your vet has only prescribed ONE pain med, when typically a disc episode can take 2-3 to get complete pain control. I would call your vet and discuss a change in meds to Tramadol (as the general pain reliever) and methocarbambol (for the pain the stems so often from muscle spasms) You can read more on pain med usually used with IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmHere is why I would ask even for my own dogs to change from Pardale-V. In the UK is reported to contain acetaminophen. ref: www.drugs.com/international/pardale-v.html If that is the case with your Pardal-V, do know that while acetaminophen is not in the class of NSAIDs is does have concerns. "canines are not as efficient in metabolizing acetaminophen as people are. ref: www.vasg.org/pdfs/NEWER%20OPTIONS%20FOR%20CHRONIC%20PAIN%20MANAGEMENT.pdfAntepsin is different than Pepcid AC but works very well. Kudos's for getting a stomach protector on board. It's active ingredient is sucralfate, which is a good stomach protector. You will need to read up on it so that you are giving it at the right timing with meals. Here is the information you need: www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.html Sucralfate can cause constipation…so do look into adding more fiber via pumpkin, etc. as Marjorie suggested. The good news is your vet is on top of the critical need for 100% STRICT rest 24/7 for 8 weeks to let the disc heal and you are doing it! More good news is that Acheron has mild symptoms of pain only and will be a good candidate to recover with your commitment to STRICT rest. Do monitor his neuro functions, this article will help you to know what to look for: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm |
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