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Post by ranawatt on Oct 28, 2013 7:10:38 GMT -7
Sophie (16lbs) had an IVDD back on January 20th this year. We took her to an emergency 24h vet and was diagnosed with it. She lost function on bowel/bladder and movement and they kept suggesting surgery or to put her down. We weren't ready to give up on her yet as surgery and the costs were out of the question. From the knowledge shared through Dodgerslist via strict crate rest and a regimen of Prednisone, Hydromorphone, Pepcid, Tramadol, Valium, Lidocaine along with IV fluids in the first 36 hours. She had regained bowel and bladder function within 3 days and was able to move and feel deep pain as well. We crated her for 7-8 weeks and she went back to almost normal, if not a little "off" and clumsy at times when she walked. Fast forward to 10/23, we have just moved into out new house 1.5 weeks prior and it is MUCH more dachshund friendly without stairs and hairpin turns our old house has, however we did notice she wasn't going out of the kennel to potty and was lethargic. I spoke with my vet and I had leftover Previcox 57mg from our other's dog's pinched disc awhile back. I am giving 1/2 tab every day. She is also on Pepcid 5mg once a day. She did get better, seemed more spritely but this morning (maybe it's just because it's her first time out for the day) She is worse and less coordinated on the hind end  She had no qualms chasing and hopping after a squirrel but we still have to carry her in and out of the house. She does wag her tail and only shakes when she is outside maybe due to exertion and the chilly weather. She is peeing but is obviously uncoordinated and sits often. She just tried to poop this morning and only little pellets came out. He appetite is still there but I assume I should probably pick up some canned pumpkin today to ease the pressure of constipation. What should I do or be doing along with crate rest? Any other meds I can give with the Previcox? I know I need a washout period between that and Prednisone so I don't want her to have to go without meds, hence why I am continuing Previcox since we started it and getting her over the "hump" of this so to speak. Total, I have enough Previcox for 18 days if I give the 1/2 tab once a day and we are done with day 5. Thanks in advance! Rana |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 28, 2013 10:27:06 GMT -7
Rana, sorry to hear it sounds like Sophie is having another disc episode. Did the vet give that diagnosis? With conservative treatment it is critical to provide 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty. Then just a very, very few footsteps. A leash, harness and sling if wobbly is to make sure she can't dart off or walk to quickly. All in an effort to keep the disc from further tears and severe neuro damage. Previcox works over a period of 1-2 weeks or longer to resolve the pain that comes from swelling. If you are seeing any signs of pain then specific pain meds need to be on board. Are you seeing any shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? If you are seeing signs of pain learn the pain meds used and phone your vet to advocate for them: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmThe effective range of Pepcid AC is 12-24 hours. We follow the vets who use it more aggressviely at every 12 hours to give fullest stomach protection. 5 mgs 30 mins before Previcox and thereafter every 12 hours. With high fiber such as pumpkin do make sure you are soaking each kibble meal in equal parts liquid. It is the extra water plus 1 teaspoon 1x a day that helps to loosen stools. |
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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 28, 2013 15:34:12 GMT -7
I am sorry that Sophie is having another episode with her back. I agree with Paula 100%+++
get her crated and plan on doing the 8 weeks of crate rest again - better safe than sorry. I know what a disappointment it is to have to do it all over again (been there-done that) but it is best for your furbaby (((hugs)))
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Post by ranawatt on Oct 28, 2013 18:50:05 GMT -7
Thank you ladies. She is in her crate and even though she pooped this morning I haven't seen a pee and have palpated her tummy in our tub to see if she needed expressed and I am unable to feel anything. I will watch her like a halk tomorrow morning because she has got to go! She always had an iron bladder, especially when the weather had her cooped up in her kennel  Her disc episode back in Jan was sudden and an onset probably caused by the steep hairpin stairs they took to go out to potty We have no idea how she has done this now in our new home which only has one step to go down into the yard. I just hope she can recover from this episode like she did the last time but I am not so sure. Even though she can still wag her tail and is extra clumsy, I think maybe she will be slower to come out of this or it's permanent. Only time will tell... Her tummy is relaxed, no shaking, no yelping or whining or "puppy eyes" of pain. So along with the Pepcid q12h I should continue Previcox for only a week to week and a half longer? Should I then have a resting period and consider Prednisone as well if she looks like she isn't improving to take down the swelling? |
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 28, 2013 21:29:19 GMT -7
Hi Rana,
I would have her checked by a Vet to ask the length of time to be on the Previcox and determine if she needs any pain medications. I am glad it seems she isn't in pain but do keep an eye on her to make sure it stays that way and be quick to add in Tramadol for pain and or Methocarbamol if she has muscle spasms.. As Paula mentioned it takes at least two weeks and in some dogs more like a month to get the swelling in the spinal cord down.. Crate rest and not allowing movement is what heals the disc.
Carrying her out to potty as you are doing is the best thing and also make sure she is unable to dash after any temptations out in the yard..
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Post by ranawatt on Oct 29, 2013 7:45:30 GMT -7
Ok thanks Pauliana! She peed last night so that's a relief! Will keep you updated on what the vet says and what changes.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 29, 2013 7:51:11 GMT -7
Just wanted to say she is so pretty!!!
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She had no qualms chasing and hopping after a squirrel but we still have to carry her in and out of the house. She does wag her tail and only shakes when she is outside maybe due to exertion and the chilly weather.
