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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 6, 2013 10:24:47 GMT -7
Thank you so much for all these postings. My Sherm is 8 and on sunday I rushed him to the Vet ER hospital as he was falling over from behind. He was diagnosed with IVDD. Followed up with our vet the next day and he is on strict crate rest, steroids, muscle relaxer and pain med. Hoping for the best as I can not afford the surgery. Our vet said he is very close to paralysis and this is critical. When we go to the potty I feel so bad because he tries so hard to run on his leash but I have to stop him. He is bearing a little bit of weight and some steps when he urinates but is still weak and falls down on the backside. This is so hard to see and I work all day. I feel it is best I am out of the house most the day so he is alone with no distractions to excite him, so he may get complete rest. We follow up next Friday. I am so heart broken but still have hope.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 6, 2013 12:20:47 GMT -7
Michele, welcome to Dodgerlist. I'm so glad to hear your vet has conveyed the need for STRICT crate rest…as that is the single most important part of the treatment. Just to make sure we are on the same page 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks means …. 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. At potty time a sling will help to keep the back with minimal movement by avoiding the rear end from tipping or falling over. You stand in one spot and Sherm may only take a very few footsteps a 6 foot leash permits. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is what I use for my own dogs: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlFirst thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Sherm to get back to enjoying life after recovering. And he is a good candidate for conservative treatment with you commitment to STRICT rest. Knowledge is the best defense in fighting and winning with this disease. Reading others posts on the forum can be of comfort. But the meat of what you need to know is on our main web page. A very quick way to get up to speed on meds, how healing happens and when for each of the phases is the "Overview: the essentials" yellow button. Then work your way through the rest of the orange and blue buttons to complete your education. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm This Disc Disease DVD is a wonderful way to help other family members understand and even others who might be around or taking care of Sherm: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 6, 2013 12:31:52 GMT -7
Yes Paula! Strict rest! I felt guilty being at work at first but realizing I am not home from 8-5 he is alone in a crate and nothing to excite him that may cause more injury. It is hard because I do have the urge to want to love all over him, but its about him and not me and this is his recovery. He has adjusted well to being in his "home" aka crate. Thank you for the sling suggestion. The biggest problem I have is when I take him to potty which is once in the morning, once in the evening and right before bedtime, he wants to run on his leash and starts pulling. I immediately pick him up to stop it. He tries so hard to run but his legs give out. He is still bearing some weight when we go to potty. Such as squatting to have a BM but legs fall out on him. I am so grateful for this group as I am having such a hard time accepting this disease. Our vet said he is very critical and close to paralysis and I can't imagine what would come after that. I am all for alternative medicine as surgery is not an option I can afford. Thank you for the hope.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 6, 2013 12:55:25 GMT -7
Please list his meds for us…exact names, dose in mg's and how often you given each. Has there been any recent reduction of the steroid by mg's or frequency? How much does Sherm weigh? A poke in the ground garden edging fence or an expen in the grass to form a 6 foot diameter are will let Shern know with the visible and physical barrier there is going to be no sniff fests going on. As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle 5. Legs do not work (paralysis, dog is down) 6. Bladder control is lost 7. Tail wagging with joy is lost 8. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 6, 2013 15:46:53 GMT -7
Tramadol 50mg- give 1/2 tablet two to three times a day for pain. Methocarbamol 500mg- give 1/4 tablet three times a day for 7 days. Prednisone 5mg- give 1 tablet two times a day for three days, give 1 tablet once a day for 3 days, then give 1 tablet every other day for 2 doses That was prescribed by ER vet hospital and our vet approved them and to contact her if needing more. We started meds Monday. Tried Sunday night but he refused. He is 17lbs and has been for the past 4 years. Cut food back earlier this year for Weightloss. I stopped treats that were from pet store and would give a carrot or some pumpkin. No table food. Kind of been stuck and haven't been able to lose weight. It was advised last year and they warned of IVDD possibility. But he showed no signs. September I switched to new vet. We were seen because Sherm occasionally would yelp. She checked him out prescribed NSAID and he was feeling better! Last week he would hid in my bathroom, wouldn't greet me at the door and seemed depressed. We would start walking and he would stop and not move. I thought it was all behavioral as he has a little attitude sometimes and I had been working extra that week and thought he was upset I wasn't home much. But then Sunday night is when he was staggering and falling. So I brought him in late to er vet hospital and here we are. Now reading the information I look back and see the signs that I didn't think anything of before. Our vet said he still has feeling but on a scale of 1-10 he is a 9 close to paralysis. She advised strict crate rest and to return next Friday. Tonight I took him to potty and he attempted naturally to lift his leg. I took that as a good sign. But immediately he does business and we are back to rest! Also when Sherm was adopted 8 years ago we were told he was born with abonormalties. They said it was the way someone breed him. He always walked a little funny and his front legs are bow legged and his hind knee caps pop out when he walks but it's not til now there has been a problem.
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Nov 6, 2013 17:38:32 GMT -7
Hi Michele, I'm Sabrina. So glad to hear that you are giving Shem the 100% crate rest that he needs! What was the date of Sherm's last NSAID that was rx'd in September? The reason I ask is because NSAIDs <--> Steroid needs 4-7 day "washout" period between them. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmDid you ask your vet if Sherm is cleared to take PepcidAC to protect his stomach? Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion and can lead to GI problems. The problem is that dogs don't speak up at the first sign of trouble, so by the time we notice something isn't right there could be a dangerous GI situation (bleeding ulcer, etc) going on. How is Sherm today - any signs of pain? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 6, 2013 18:39:02 GMT -7
Michele, it would appear, since Sherm started the Prednisone on Monday, that he will be starting the taper tomorrow (Thursday). I'd like to explain what a taper involves. A taper is a test to see if all the pain is gone. Pain is a sign that swelling exists in the spinal cord. Pain meds (tramadol, methocarbomal) are used to mask pain and give comfort during the time it takes a steroid to get all the swelling resolved.
So to get a clear picture if swelling still remains, both the pain meds and the steroid are tapered. Has the vet said anything about also tapering the pain meds? During a taper, if any hint of pain shows, you report that to the vet and he would likely call for another round of steroid for a bit longer and of course all the pain meds would be back on board asap.
So tomorrow it will be your job to closely observe Sherm for any signs of pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy. If you see any signs of pain at all, please immediately contact your vet to let them know so the steroid can be returned to the original anti-inflammatory level.
Of course, if Sherm is showing any signs of pain today, then that should be reported to the vet and there should be no taper of the Prednisone tomorrow. Pain = swelling = more time on steroid.
Please let us know how Sherm does tomorrow and if a taper is started. Also, please speak to the vet about adding Pepcid AC as Sabrina has recommended, that's very important.
All the best to you.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 6, 2013 21:01:58 GMT -7
Thank you ladies. Sherm has not yelped once since this all started Sunday. He did however have trembling stomach Sunday but have not seen that since. It does still feel tense around his lower body and I know it must bother him. But I thank God he is not yelping in pain. Boy is he a fighter!! I did not give tramadol tonight. I will see how he sleeps. I just can't help but feel so sad for his little legs. I am taking all precautions like he is a fragile little being. After the alarm he is so close to paralysis I have to follow rules. I just want the best for him comfortably! Oh and he seems to have a little gas, normal? I will look in to your suggestion of Pepcid. He is having good bowel movements for me. 1-2 a day is his normal. Thanks uou
I forgot about the NSAID. I had two left in the bottle from September he got one two weeks ago and one Wednesday night of last week. They were just two days he's seemed not like himself. The vet was made aware. It was not every day.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 7, 2013 4:53:46 GMT -7
A tight tense belly is a sign of pain. Therefore, the taper of the Prednisone should not start today. Please contact Sherm's vet today to let him know what you are observing as a sign of pain so he will be aware that a taper will not be started today. Usually a taper isn't started until 5-7 days so it's not surprising that there still is swelling. And yes, also ask if there is any health reason why Sherm shouldn't start the Pepcid AC. The gas could well be the start of a GI tract problem starting.
Tramadol works best when given consistently and not as needed. It has a short half life of 1.7 hours so should consistently be given every 8 hours. There should be no signs of pain from one dose to the next. Pain needs to be completely under control as pain hinders healing.
Please let us know what the vet says after you speak to him.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 7, 2013 5:54:59 GMT -7
I will be calling them this morning. So I should consistently give tramadol? Are dogs like humans and may withdrawl off them? I will pick up some Pepcid today is there a dosage I should look for?
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 7, 2013 7:18:07 GMT -7
Tramadol would just be short term, just until the Prednisone does its job of getting the swelling down. Once the swelling's down, there won't be pain. So no worries about withdrawal.
5 mg of Pepcid AC 30 minutes before the Prednisone.
I hope you and Sherm have a good day.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 7, 2013 9:24:05 GMT -7
Ok Ladies. I just got off the phone with our Vet. I explained to her about Sherm's tightness in his lower back and she agreed that he will continue on a higher dose of prednisone and not to wean him yet until there has been improvement. She also confirmed that Pepcid would be great to give him and to give 5mg before the prednisone dose, so 10mg a day. Thank you so much for your guidance. I am so grateful to have found this site. It has been overwhelming since Sunday's diagnosis. She also thought that it was a good sign when I told her he tried to naturally lift his leg. She is optimistic about improvement at this point since he has not decreased and she believed he was so close to paralysis. He still has weakness and falls down or staggers. Keeping the faith!
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Nov 7, 2013 9:36:42 GMT -7
Just another "mom" wanting to say that you are doing such a great job...this disease is so hard! By the way Sherm is so darn cute
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Post by Mary Jane&Kingking on Nov 7, 2013 17:35:37 GMT -7
Michele!! Sherm is so darn cute! I just read all of your posts. So glad that you got Sherm to the vet before the paralysis (unlike me who is a bad mommy). I feel really bad about that. But I am also grateful for this site and have learned a lot. I was going to suggest the sling as well. Are you using that? I would think it helps. Where do you live by the way? Is Sherm a mini or standard. I just want to eat him up he's so adorable. OK sorry so many questions!
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 7, 2013 19:11:37 GMT -7
Thank you!! Your King King is adorable too love his face! How old? My Sherm is 8. I Spoke with vet and she agreed to c ontinue sherm at high dose of steroid. She said its good to hear that he has not decreased as she was very concerned. But since he is status quo that's positive. Day by day with thislive in PA outside Philadelphia in the suburbs. So glad to hear he pushed up on his leg!! Good news! Sherm tries when he pees but falls down knuckle over . This is so hard to see them go through this. I lay by his crate to try an comfort him to keep him calm cause he's a hyper one! One day at a time and sometimes one moment at a time. I am grateful for this site too cause I would of weened him off the steroid today like I was originally instructed by after it being suggested I call it was the best advice to keep him on a high dose steroid. I was thinking of looking into accupuncture. My vet said hopefully there should be improvment by Monday. Keep our faith! The best we can do is keep loving them and take care of them! I work full time and gone from my place from 7:30-5 so I think it helps I'm not around to startle or excite him while he's in his crate. He's use to my schedule. And now he is use to his crate! We will get through this! Oh and Sherm is between a mini and a standard. I forget what they call that. He's 17lbs. But he's more towards a larger mini.
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Post by Mary Jane&Kingking on Nov 8, 2013 8:41:52 GMT -7
King King is 11.5 pounds. He is a mini. He's got a cute little tummy. I am in NM in Las Cruces near El Paso, TX. Just moved here from Orlando area. I want to go to amish country one day. I think Sherm in doing better than King King. Right now we see improvement but he can't stand on his own. I put his crate on my bed to go to sleep and stick my hand in there. He still wants out though. Its good he can rest in the day. I think thats good. I have a standard 20 pound Harley too so Im afraid when I go to work that he's gonna cry because his brother is out. But I know its the best thing for him. I also heard about the acupuncture. But told to wait until some crate rest. I should ask my vet how long also.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 8, 2013 13:43:54 GMT -7
Sherm is suppose to be around 13 they say, but I have tried to get him to lose some pounds. But he has been the same for 4 years. My vet says there should be some improvement by Monday, so we shall see. I am grateful he still has feeling, but still knuckles over. Praying for King King!! And I completely understand about putting your hand in his crate. Before I go to be I lay on my floor next to his crate and put my hand in. Ugh its so hard. Stay positive!! Time heals.
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Nov 8, 2013 16:33:40 GMT -7
Hi Michele! Have you seen this page on the main site? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmIf you scroll down, it overviews the 4 Phases of Healing from a disc episode. (1) is total pain control dose to dose, while the anti-inflammatory (pred) works to (2) resolve the swelling and inflammation. With 8 wks of crate rest, there will be (3) scar tissue built up to protect the disc, and (4) regaining neurological function can happen weeks/months/years later. All this to say - don't be discouraged if come Monday there isn't any "visible"/neurological "progress". Right now Sherm is on the road to healing with his total pain management and 100% crate rest. Keep up the good work! ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina --- Have you discussed with your vet if there are possibly any medical conditions that have been preventing Sherm from losing weight? Crate rest isn't the time for dieting or changes in diet (see: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htm ), as his body needs nutrition to heal, but I was wondering because I know that another member mentioned that her dog could not lose weight, and her dog ended up having a thyroid condition. I am not personally knowledgeable about this, but I thought I'd mention it as it may be something for you to discuss with your vet.
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Post by Mary Jane&Kingking on Nov 8, 2013 19:11:39 GMT -7
My boys sleep with me so its hard to not sleep with him. But I have the crate that the top comes off. So when I'm at home and able to pay attention which is most of the time I have the top off. He has sat with me for the last couple of days in his crate on the couch. He has mostly slept. Last night, I put his crate on the other side of my bed. He's still in it and getting the hard surface. Even with that, he finally settled down. He still wants out. I cover him with blankets too. Funny though that during the day I haven't had to put the top on because he doesn't try to get out. My Harley is 20 pounds. The whole family was big. I don't know if there is bigger than a standard but Harley was a big puppy and he has always been big. My vet friend said that he is dense not fat.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 8, 2013 21:16:01 GMT -7
I'm so glad I have the day off tomorrow to spend with Sherm. Sometimes he seems good in the morning and not so good at night. I feel emotionally all over the place. someone had a dog loose in the neighborhood while I was taking Sherm to bathroom earlier ugh I was so mad cause he starts barking and getting all crazy I had to pick him up and put him back in and then try again when there would be no distractions. I'm really having a tough time handling this.
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 8, 2013 22:09:22 GMT -7
Sending hugs your way Michele. You are in the early days with IVDD and it is a major and traumatic adjustment for you and for Sherm. The early days are the hardest wih getting into a routine, getting used to crate rest and not having him to cuddle with.. I found my nursing times with Tyler to be very bonding once I got past the upset and the trauma of waking up and finding his hind legs paralyzed and rushing him to the Vet... Once Neil and I settled down and got things prepared for his homecoming, we focused on caring for him and what we had to do to get through it to make things better for Tyler.. Neil laid down on the floor by his recovery suite.. I couldn't do that, because of back knees and ankles, so He would put his crate on a table so I could have one on one time with him..Neil also takes afternoon naps and he put Tyler's crate on the bed so he could join him for nap time..and I would join them.. We could pet and snuggle through the wires and the door.. We made him feel included in everything in the safety of his recovery suite in the living room and his other two crates in the den and bedroom.
No way around it, it is hard but with time you will find ways to make it bearable and better for Sherm.. Remember, 8 weeks isn't forever, even though it seems that way at times and you are doing something special for Sherm, you are helping him to recover..
Sending comforting thoughts...
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 9, 2013 8:22:54 GMT -7
The hardest part for me is the unknown. Should I be continuing tramadol for the rest of the week? It's hard to know if he's in pain. He does not yelp and his stomach is not trembling like it was. I only have 3 doses left.
Mary Jane I would love to have a text buddy! I don't know how to message you cause I use my phone for the internet and things are different. If you can figure out how to message me first??
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 9, 2013 11:40:04 GMT -7
For protection of our members we do not recommend putting phone numbers in posts. This forum can be viewed by a member or non-member, search engines. Better is to update your profile where only members would be able to see. Edit> Profile> Personal
The reason this Forum does not promote private conversations, is Dodgerlist then would be out of the loop on important clues to pick up on that might help the dog. This forum was created as a help resource and to that end it is does not lend itself well to being a social, chat place as it increases the volume of off topic posts moderators have to read though to get to relevant clues. Between reading and replying moderators volunteer many, many hours every day at their keyboards helping dogs. I hope our point of view makes some sense to you. Thank you for understanding. If you have a facebook page or other social media account, you can add that in your profile.Michele, I agree the unknown is very hard. Without a good handle on this process of healing you are working blind on what IS healing, when it happens and how it happens. This page gives you that kind of overview to help in the critical understanding: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmSo it appears Sherm is on a taper down off of the orginial anti-inflamamtory dose of Pred right now. 17 pounds Tramadol 50mg- give 1/2 tablet two to three times a day for pain. Methocarbamol 500mg- give 1/4 tablet three times a day for 7 days. Prednisone as of 11/3: 5mg- give 1 tablet two times a day for three days, give 1 tablet once a day for 3 days, then give 1 tablet every other day for 2 doses On a taper of pred the pain meds should also be backed off or stopped as well. The idea is to be able to very quickly identify any hint of pain surfacing asap. Pain would mean not all the swelling is gone and the need to stay at the original 5mg's of Pred 2x a day. You will need to get with the vet today before they close to have a plan B. What if there is pain on the taper, you will need enough meds to resume without going to an expensive ER vet visit. On the taper, if there is no sign of pain, then you continue with the taper to the end of the every other day dose…no meds of any kind would then be needed as all the swelling is gone and there is no pain. Pain signs are not wanting to move, moves slowly, yelps, not his normal perky self, shivers/trembles. Let us know what your vet's plan B is (a prescription you can take to the pharmacy, a few more just in case pills from his clinic, etc.) Do you currently see any signs of pain?
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 9, 2013 12:21:08 GMT -7
When I called vet on Thursday [Nov 7] she recommended that I give 2 doses a day of prednisone for five days. Thursday was suppose to be original taper day to one a day. So he is currently day 3 of twice a day prednisone. I do have enough tramadol for today and tomorrow, I just double checked.
I felt a little trembling this morning and gave his a dose.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 10, 2013 6:06:13 GMT -7
Shem update: he has not showed any signs of pain last night and so far this morning. However this was his second time peeing in his bed overnight. I do keep water in there and hear him going at the water in the middle of the night. I keep it cause of the dehydration factor. Hoping this was just an accident. Maybe I should keep water out during the night? I just don't want him to dehydrate. So we continue on 2x prednisone a day and 1/4 3x a day of methocarbamol which will end tomorrow. Day 7 crate rest.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 10, 2013 9:26:33 GMT -7
Good news on now showing any signs of pain last night and this am and the Nov 7 vet extension of Pred at 5mg 2x a day .
While on pred they do get more thirsty, so it may be that you'll need to set the alarm clock midway through the night and let him out for a quick potty break.
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 11, 2013 7:51:49 GMT -7
Still not showing any signs of pain. Which is great. Still very wobbly and falling down when its potty time. I have incorporated a sling that has been so helpful for him when he's urinating and having a bm. There is so many helpful ideas on this site and I am so grateful! We have follow up vet visit Friday evening.
2 hours later: Guess this evening was a bad one. Sherm didn't want to try and bathroom when we were outside he just sat there and had no ambition. I tried sling again but he seemed annoyed this time. Also think he's getting pain back because his belly was tight. Might have to get some tramadol luckily I had one left for tonight. Also the methocarbamol is finished now he just had last dose tonight. This was our third day in a row with a wet bed. I got some pads from work to put around his bedding. Seems like this is going to be a long journey. I can't wait til the day I can open the crate and let him go about!
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 11, 2013 22:56:48 GMT -7
Hi Michele, Sherm is overflowing in his bed which can damage his bladder tone and also cause bacteria to grow and result in a Urinary Tract infection. He likely needs to be expressed if he isn't urinating outside normally. Ask your Vet or vet tech to give you a hands on your hands expressing lesson. Once you get the hang of expressing, it will cut way down on the accidents. The important thing is to make sure he is empty to not only prevent UTI's but to stop accidents. Here is a link with information so you can get more out of your lesson. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Let your Vet know right away that Sherm is in pain so he will return him to the twice a day dosing of Prednisone and renew his Tramadol so his pain will be under control. Pain deters healing. Let us know what his Vet says.. Sending prayers and comforting thoughts..
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Post by Michele & Sherm on Nov 12, 2013 22:45:23 GMT -7
Sherm is urinating outside no problem. I just think he is excessively drinking perticularly at night and wetting himself. I take him pretty late before bed. Last night he did not pee his bed. He also does not appear to be in pain today. I'm so confused every day is a different day. But I am getting some pain meds to have on hand. He is still the same and it's wearing me down. He has always had great bladder control but I guess it's this excessive drinking. I mean excessive!!! He must be thirsty. Vet visit Friday for a follow up. Tonight he was stubborn with my sling and refuses to move when I use it. But if I do to he's falling over. I think he's getting sick too because he has, pardon my expression, but he's sneezing boogies. He's been sneezing for months and they said allergies but it's worse since he's been in crate, lots of mucus boogies. The mucus is not dis colored.
Also Sherm has been prednisone twice a day since Thursday [11/7] of last week
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 13, 2013 11:03:24 GMT -7
Can you give him his last drink 2 hours before his last bedtime potty time. In his crate leave 1/4 cup of water in case he is thirsty during the night. Are you able to set the alarm for a quick mid way during the night potty break. Refresh his water bowl with another 1/4 cup of water if needed. While he is on pred he will be thirstier. During the night the body naturally produces less urine. During the day he should always have access to water. Clear mucous is a good sign there is not infection going on. But good idea to let the vet know what you observe. Are you using a figure 8 sling? That kind is better tolerated by males who are wobbly. Right at the time he is going to release urine, you could try to hold him by his thighs to keep him from tipping over.
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