Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 3, 2013 10:58:23 GMT -7
Thank you Ladies...She's my Baby..I love her SO much..I CAN do this.. I guess I'm feeling guilty that this has happened and wondering what I could of done to prevent it...Time to pull up my Big Girl Panties and help my Baby Girl get better..Thanks again, and sorry for being such a cry baby.. :/
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Apr 3, 2013 15:25:27 GMT -7
I had a sort of a mantra that I repeated when the anxiety threatened to take over. "it won't be the same, but it will be just fine.".
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 3, 2013 15:55:19 GMT -7
Thank you Pollysmom...The hospital called with their evening report...Angel is doing fine..Only problem they had was when they put ICE on her back, they said she got "vocal". Can't say that I blame her there...She's my snuggle bug and so much like me, she doesn't like to be cold, so I'm thinking she was letting them know.. Can't wait till tomorrow to get her home..but anxious too, I know I'll be fine, it's just the "not knowing" that gets to me.
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 4, 2013 6:50:33 GMT -7
Just got this mornings report on Angel, she is doing well, still not eating well, not standing on her own we pick her up at 5 PM. Can't wait to see my Baby Girl, but worried about the reunion between her and her half sister, they are so close. Will bring this up to the DR, am so afraid she'll get to excited..Wish me luck, heaven knows I'm gonna need it.. I just want to hold her, is that possible, I'm so afraid I'm gonna hurt her..
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 4, 2013 8:58:53 GMT -7
You will be holding and giving kisses each time you carry her to and from the potty place and soothing touch. This video clip will give you an idea of what types of range of motion and massage your surgeon may be calling for: youtube.googleapis.com/v/P-NnO8coLzQ
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 4, 2013 12:07:29 GMT -7
Oh...I didn't think of that Paula..Thank you..we are getting ready to eat dinner, then we'll be headed out to get her..
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 5, 2013 7:28:21 GMT -7
We got home with Angel around 7 PM. Having a hard time getting her to eat ANYTHING. Did get some chipped ham and scrambled eggs in her, gave her her meds...We had an AWFUL night. I'm sure it's the crate thing, and I'm hoping she gets use to it, but she is just HOWLING. She came home with a Fentanyl patch on her leg that gets removed tomorrow. Also Tramadol 12.5mg 1/4 tab 3 times a day, Rimadyl 6.25mg 1/4 tab 2 times a day, continue with Pepcid. She was due for a Tramadol at 8 AM, I CANNOT get her to take it, PLEASE advise..
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Post by amazinggrace on Apr 5, 2013 7:34:00 GMT -7
I tried everything to put my Grace's pills in. FINALLY I bought Pepparoni sticks in the lunchmeat section of my local Price Chopper. Cut a piece off just big enough to make a hole in the middle of it and squish it around the pill. WORKED EVERY TIME!
I bought a Graco travel lite baby crib at BabiesRUs- it also has wheels to roll her around throughout the house while crate resting. Worked Fabulous!
Try boiling chicken breasts, break apart little pieces and put in with her food. If that doesn't work, just put the chicken pieces in her water. Worked for my Grace.
My heart goes out to you. Love and Prayers! Michele and Grace
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 5, 2013 7:58:05 GMT -7
Debbie, Tramadol is very bitter, so make sure you hide it well and make sure not to transfer any tramadol dust to the exterior of the treat. Fentanyl can do a number on them making them feel like not eating. Offer her warmed no-salt, low fat meat broth. Just boil us a piece of chicken or some hamburger meat. Let it cool and discard layer of fat or other fatty meat pieces. You you may need to use a calmer to help Angelrelax. Using 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 if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. <http://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 or tinyurl.com/atxc8l3
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.com
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 5, 2013 8:26:21 GMT -7
A couple of the above links don't work, and it doesn't look like I can't get these locally, am still looking, I'm losing my mind here, near tears all day, don't know what to do.. Her eyes are HUGE, is it fear? Is she looking to me for help? Do I force feel her her meds...OMGosh, What to do? What to do? She was due for her Rimadyl at 11 am, I can't get the Pepcid in her...What am I suppose to do? I've tried Peanut Butter, Bacon, Pepperoni, Cottage cheese, Eggs, Hot Dogs, Ham Beef?? I'm lost???
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Post by amazinggrace on Apr 5, 2013 8:51:40 GMT -7
Try cheese sticks!!! Hang in there, You can do this!
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Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 5, 2013 8:54:03 GMT -7
Forgot to add that to my list, but yes, tried that too...and she LOVES them, won't touch them..Thanks amazinggrace.. :/
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Post by amazinggrace on Apr 5, 2013 8:58:51 GMT -7
As hard as it may seem, stay calm...don't cry in front of her... Reassure her she will get better soon, she WILL! I was a MESS in the beginning, but it DOES get better, I promise! Its amazing the things I came up with on my own and through the help of Dogerslist and friends I communicate with on Facebook that made all the difference. Remember to rest when she rests, I made the mistake of literally exhausting myself. Your in my prayers. Michele & Grace
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Post by amazinggrace on Apr 5, 2013 9:03:25 GMT -7
Cook Steak, put them in a hole inside it, also I don't do this anymore, but took the skin off a roasted chicken (grocery deli) and wrapped up pills in that. Wow, shes tougher than my Grace! Don't allow her to see you do it, they are extremely smart! and stubborn!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 5, 2013 10:07:54 GMT -7
Debbie, Angel is likely feeding off of your emotions and she is upset but does not know why. If you need to cry go to another room. Then come back with a happy voice and a big smile and do some happy talk with her to reassure her she is ok.
Do you know how to pill a dog? This video shows you how or you may want to bring her into your local vet for him to also give you a demonstration.
If you're right handed, it's easiest to take your left hand over the top of your dogs muzzle and gently grab the lips, the covering teeth.
Tip the nose up, and then with your right hand with a the tip of the pill lightly greased with margarine and put the pill in the back of the throat, close the mouth and hold the nose up. You can blow a little gentle breath in to the nose or stroke the throat to encourage swallowing - but most dogs will swallow on their own. Follow up with a bit of water to encourage the pill to not stick in the throat.
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 5, 2013 10:30:17 GMT -7
I ended up calling the hospital, being frantic here. They said not to worry so much about the Rimadyl right now, but I HAD be be sure she got her Tramadol. I do know how to pill a dog, but let me tell you, she fought me ALL the way. Mission accomplished though. The hospital said she was probably not eating due to the Fentanyl, just like you said Paula, and I could remove it early if I felt the need. Not sure I'm comfortable with that at this point. She is resting comfortably right now. I got some chores done, and cooked some chicken and rice and saved the water. On a lighter note, she is drinking water, she is going potty outside, and walking well with the help of a Sling from the hospital. I'm gonna do PT as soon as she wakes. I haven't "lost it" in front of her, I do leave the room, Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. It's been a ROUGH start. amazinggrace, please send a friend request to Deborah J Austin on FB, thanks..
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Post by amazinggrace on Apr 5, 2013 17:54:31 GMT -7
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Apr 5, 2013 18:13:04 GMT -7
take deep breaths. It WILL get better. Hang in there !
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 5, 2013 19:16:57 GMT -7
Debbie,
It does get better.. Had all those pill problems with Tyler too. He even hid one under him that I didn't find for about a half hour when he moved and I spotted it. Once again had to try to get it down him again. That happened more than once.. I had to hide when I was hiding the pill in food. He watched every move I made. He even got suspicious of food there for a while. You are not alone.. believe me, I understand..Finally had to start doing it as Paula suggested in her above post and that worked too. Other times I used a piece lunch meat and folded it around the pill. First gave him a piece of lunch meat without the pill, then the one with the pill and he took it right down and then gave him another piece..
No, none if this is easy, but as you develop your routine with Angel, day by day, and she starts to feel better, so will you. So glad she is walking with the help of a sling.
It really helped me back in the early days (and even now that Tyler has recovered) to read about other dogs and their devoted families going through this.. Their stories inspired me every single day..
Get as much rest as you can while Angel is sleeping..Feel for you!
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 6, 2013 6:00:19 GMT -7
Another rough night...I just don't know..I am sure it's the crate. The hubster has been on Dayshift and OT to boot so he's been having to get up at 4:30 AM. I have bee in the LR with Angel in the E-Pen. I'm hoping tonight to take her into the bedroom in the crate to see if this works better, since she is use to sleeping with us, and the Hubster is on Afternoon next week. I'm hoping soon to find a routine, this Mama is tired. Pauliana, you have been such a comfort to me, and have helped me so much, as have everyone else here at DodgersList, and BTW, the Hospital that did Angel's surgery recommended you to me..and when I told them I was "on it", they said they wished all their patients knew of DodgersList. Ok, back to Angel, in the AM, I get a lot of howling, I'm convinced it's because I'm sitting on the couch, and she's in the Ex-Pen. She is use to sitting on my lap here. Any comments, solutions? Whatever I can do to make the next 6-8 weeks easier on both of us. This force feeding her pills is a chore, she's only 8#'s but you'd think you were dealing with a 100# Rottweiler. Praying things get better after the Fentanyl patch comes off. She is suspicious of ANY food now, and licks EVERYTHING. On a brighter side..My first Great GrandSon was born last night, a WHOPPING 9lbs 2oz. & 21 inches long. WHOOhOO!!!
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 6, 2013 6:06:42 GMT -7
Gosh I hope I'm doing this right, in response to amazinggrace...I feel your pain, and I would of done the same thing. You are a GREAT Mom, and Grace loves you very much. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, Much love.. <3
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 6, 2013 7:27:36 GMT -7
The daytime howling continues, I'm thinking she looks at the loveseat and remembers the days she use to sit on the back and look out the sliding glass door on a bright sunny day such as today.. She's standing on her own, in her crate..so scared she will hurt herself.. Just found some of her Tramadol on the rug while vacuuming...that would have been her 6 AM dose...OMG..give me strength.. Would it be ok to put the crate on the window seat in the LR so she can look out the window and get some sun? She LOVES the sun.. I'm following your instructions, but the hospital said she could be kept in a small room with carpeting, just so there was no where that she could jump up onto things? I would not feel comfortable with that at ALL. I am relieved that she is standing on her own, still using the sling to go potty though.
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Post by amazinggrace on Apr 6, 2013 8:34:50 GMT -7
With the porta crib on wheels that we purchased for Grace that I mentioned in a recent post, I was able to roll her around in it everywhere I was in the house. Also could roll her in the sunshine by the door in the AM where she always was prior to going down. It helped calm her as she LOVES being in the Sun. Bought a doggy stroller so I can take her outside with me and also for walks. You can always call your Vet to see what anti-anxiety med they can put her on for now, just to get through this "rough" transition. You are sooo lucky that she can stand and walk with a sling. Hopefully she'll be running around after crate rest!!! I literally had to sit with her except during the night. I did everything I could to keep her calm. Played soft music.. sang...contant petting and reassuance etc. etc. This too shall pass, and you'll get the routine down. She also will eventually accept the situation as well when they realize they haven't a choice. Believe me, my baby is sooo spoiled so I know how hard it is. It broke my heart. Hang on, it goes faster than what it seems. Hugs and prayers, Michele & Grace
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 6, 2013 9:08:47 GMT -7
Thank you amazinggrace...I appreciate all you've done, and all the encouragement.. I am just sooo frustrated. With her not taking her meds and all, I just don't know what to do, the pain patch comes off this evening and I'm hoping her appetite picks up, but she is analyzing everything I give to her to eat. I'm afraid she'll be in pain and I won't be able to handle that. She is content right now, she's in the crate, beside me on the couch..As soon as the Hubster gets home, I'm gonna go to the store and see what I can buy (food wise), that I might be able to hide her meds in. Not sure what I'll find, think I tried everything..
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Apr 6, 2013 10:42:26 GMT -7
Try that paper thin sliced lunch meat. Roll the pill up in one piece, and have another piece in your other hand right behind the first one, where she can see it. (if you have another dog around who wants it, it helps motivate the patient). My dog was so worried that the other dog would get that second piece that she took the first one (with the pill in it) without even sniffing or chewing it. Then, of course, give the second piece to her.
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 6, 2013 10:50:40 GMT -7
Thank you pollysmom, I'll give it a go, but thinking from the past few days, I won't have much luck, she doesn't seem to care if her sister or the cat got it, just so she didn't have to eat it..
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Post by heatherm on Apr 6, 2013 11:12:34 GMT -7
Debbie,
Hang in there mamma! In the whole scheme of things it's only 6 weeks. That's what I keep telling myself! My doggie and I are 3 weeks post surgery and I had similar emotional ups and downs and anxiety about my doggie son.
Try to be strong! Every day that you keep your baby pain free and confined to the crate will pay off in the end. I keep my dog in a wire crate lined with memory foam that we mounted to a rolling cart. We move him from room to room (there's a picture in the "Heather Freddy 3/15" thread). I even slept on the couch next to his crate during the first few days. When I had to return to work I found that he really relaxed and fell right to sleep when I put on an audiobook with a deep soothing mans voice. I also sing little songs to him when we interact and tell him he has to stay in the "Freddy house" until his boo-boo gets better. Trust me, Angel knows you love her and are caring for her. Just be strong and keep her in her crate!
Chicken (I bought a rotisserie from the grocery store- gave him the plain interior parts) and frozen cubes of chicken broth to drink were the magic foods during his first few days back. Wrapping meds in a slice of cheese works well too.
It will get better and she will recover!
xo, Heather & Freddy
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 6, 2013 12:09:09 GMT -7
Thank you so much Heather, I am exhausted and trying to keep upbeat. So concerned about this pain patch coming off today. I managed to get the meds down with hamburger (this time), or at least I think I did, I may find them later when I fluff her bed. The problem with hamburger is, it doesn't stick together well.. She seems to be more content on the couch in her crate...hmmmm, note to self. So, her Rimadyl is twice a day, what's the least amount of time I can give between doses? Given at 3 PM, should I set the alarm for 3 AM? Anyone???
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 6, 2013 12:33:38 GMT -7
Can someone tell me how to add pics?? Keep in mind, I don't know much about computers, lucky I know how to turn it on.. :/ postimg.org/gallery/9jcw2q3e/Nevermind...I did it!!! WhooHoo!!! The first pic, Is Angel's sister watching over her when she first came home..
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 6, 2013 12:43:39 GMT -7
I would keep up the Rimadyl dose every 12 hours as prescribed, now with the Fentanly patch expiring. Want to make sure she does not suffer any post-op pain.
Would you mind deleting "going to the store soon..." in profile/status
Looks like Angel has a very cozy recovery suite and a good sister to watch over her!
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