Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Dec 6, 2013 9:14:26 GMT -7
update... Poppy is responding really really well to the acupuncture!! She seems less depressed. Wags her tail again, and barks her "chipper" bark when she wants a pat and some attention. No longer nipping at our other weenie Riley when he gets close to her crate or during potty breaks . things are moving in the right direction , finally. Comfortably resting still. Talked to the therapist regarding her chiro...and we will not be doing anymore again and she agreed it may have been overzealous on her part, because she was doing so well .I believe she is good at what she does, I think my lack of education was a part of how that all played out. I am so glad I now have the knowledge and recourses to better advocate for Poppy. Hopefully a small walk for Christmas. The way things are going.. its in her future!! ((hugs)) Tana
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 6, 2013 12:59:18 GMT -7
That's very good news, Tana! Thanks for sharing the encouraging update.
Prayers for continuing improvement for Poppy.
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Post by Eileen&Maria Rose on Dec 9, 2013 15:57:42 GMT -7
Hi Tana and Poppy, When is graduation day? Maria graduates on January 2nd.....
She is so done with crate rest.
Glad to hear Poppy is doing so well.
-eileen and Maria Rose
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Dec 10, 2013 19:45:18 GMT -7
update! Poppy is doing wonderfully! She has only a week to go on her rest and the acupuncture has helped immensely . She is happier, wags her tail again and seems generally interested in watching me bustle around whichever room her crate is in. ( hasn't tried to eat her way out in a while now . yay!! Best Christmas present ever. I hope she doesn't have another episode for a long time now. She's had too many in one year off all medication now and seems good. finally Thanks for helping me be a better advocate for her and educate myself more. still learning. also joined dodgerslist on facebook for further info xo update again soon Tana Hi Eileen, Glad little Maria is doing better, Poppy is done Dec 17th.. She hates it , but not like she did in the beginning.. she is very tolerant now and enjoys a pat and a rub whenever I can... her dad always wants her out , hes horrible for feeling bad and wants to let her sleep in the bed. No way!! I don't think she will be back In the bed again ever... its so much safer for her to have her own space , and we do have another weenie named Riley , who snuggles her. Lots of love around here!! Thanks for asking !! and sharing ! xo
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 10, 2013 22:29:38 GMT -7
Hi Tana, So happy to hear how well Poppy is doing, nothing like those wonderful tail wags.. Glad Acupuncture helped her, it is a great therapy for IVDD! Thank YOU for taking such good care of her and for learning all you can about IVDD. Glad we were here to help but you put it into practice to make a difference for Poppy!
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Dec 24, 2013 22:36:08 GMT -7
Happy holidays everyone! Poppy is doing great!! went for a Christmas eve small walk, with a wag in her tail and a spring to her step! Thanks for all the support, we hope it will be a long time before the next episode !! Happy Tails..... Tana and Poppy xo
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 25, 2013 5:53:31 GMT -7
Congratulations, Poppy and Tana!! You did it! What a wonderful Christmas present for you both. You've done a great job with her, Tana. Many wishes for many happy years of disc-free time together.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Dec 25, 2013 7:12:51 GMT -7
Many congratulations to you! Enjoy snuggling your sweet girl and your new normal
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Post by Eileen&Maria Rose on Dec 26, 2013 8:07:58 GMT -7
Happy New Year Poppy! Ya did good Tana!
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 13, 2014 0:04:46 GMT -7
April 13, 2014 conservative Poppy was just rushed to hospital with loss of right hind leg use... they gave her an injection, and some meds, We are putting her back on crate rest strict!! being its the weekend, we cannot get to her dr's or surgeon... will she be ok .. she cant walk , how do I help her pee.... its only been 4 months since her last episode. I'm scared out of my mind. please help, I need advice to get her through until we can get her under more care. Will crate rest be enough till then .... thanks Tana
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 13, 2014 4:29:54 GMT -7
I'm very sorry to hear this, Tana. Take a deep breath - you've done exactly the right thing for Poppy - getting emergent treatment for her, getting her meds and getting her into the crate ASAP. Do you know what the injection was? If not, please call the hospital, find out and let us know. What are the names of the meds prescribed and what are the dosages in exact mgs/frequency? Use a towel or a long scarf as a sling to support Poppy's hind end when you take her out to potty. dodgergallery.ourdogs.net/recovery/slingwalk?full=1Has Poppy lost the ability to urinate on her own? The only way we humans can tell is with a sniff and pee test. Take Poppy out to a spot where she's peed before, let her sniff and see if she can release any urine. Don't hold under her belly while she's doing this. If she can't release urine on her own, then she will need to be expressed. You'll need a hands on your hands demonstration of how to express. Here is our info on expressing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Is there still currently pain? Signs of pain are holding the head in an unusual position, head held high or nose to the ground, shivering/trembling, not wanting to move much or moving gingerly, yelping, tight/tense stomach muscles, arched back, holding leg up flamingo style, not wanting to bear weight on the leg, just not their usual perky-interested-in-life self. We'll here for you, Tana, and will help you through this. Let us know about the injection and the meds so we can be sure you were given the correct advice. Healing prayers for Poppy.
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 13, 2014 9:36:51 GMT -7
she is on 15 lbs Tramadol 10mg every 12 hrs again, they didn't give her any meticam( 6kg dose once a day,) but we had some left over so we gave her some. The injection [Torbugesic .3g]isn't listed, we are going to have to call the hospital to find out what it was. She did poo this morning , but hasn't pee'd yet. She was holding her leg up flamingo style last night, but this morning is def wobbly walking. she is not wanting to move , which is better anyways ok we just took he out , she did pee herself. she is bearing weight on that leg , but again.. super wobbly walk. I cant believe this is happening again, so soon. Worse than the last time , by far. Will crate rest be enough or do you think surgery is now on the table? thanks. :*(
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 13, 2014 11:19:12 GMT -7
Tana, the problem with giving the Metacam without the vet's instruction is that the injection she was given at the hospital may have been a steroid. There needs to be a 4-7 wash-out period between giving a steroid and a NSAID. Hopefully, the injection was a pain med and not a steroid. It's very important that you contact the hospital to find out what the injection was. If it was a steroid, please get two stomach protectors on board ASAP. Ask your vet if there's any medical reason why Poppy shouldn't take Pepcid AC (Famotidine) 5 mg 30 mins. before the Metacam and every 12 hours thereafter (she will need the Famotidine regardless for as long as she's on the Metacam). If it was a steroid injection, also ask that Sucralfate be added. If it was not a steroid, just get the Pepcid AC on board to protect against the side effects of the Metacam. Not wanting to move can be a sign of pain. Have no patience with pain as pain hinders healing. Is there any trembling, shaking, tight belly? Be sure to let the vet know today of Poppy's reluctance to move and any other signs of pain so her pain meds can be adjusted. Wobbly walking is a sign of nerve damage; however, usually surgeons will not operate on a dog that can still walk. Wobbly walking is a mild symptom and Poppy is a good candidate for conservative care, with the correct meds. Here is a page that discusses when surgery should be a consideration: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmUnfortunately, with IVDD, any disc can tear or rupture at any time. Some dogs only have one incident their whole lives while others have several. Let's just get Poppy through this episode and hope that she never has another problem. Please let us know what that injection was and what the vet/hospital says about Poppy's pain status.
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 13, 2014 12:13:42 GMT -7
ok thanks it was Torbugesic .3g . she is shivering like crazy. She wont be able to see her reg vet until tomorrow, theyre closed sundays... im wondering If I can give her more tramadol than stated, she seems in so much pain. She's wheezy breathing on top of all the shivering, kinda like under her breath whining. This is much different than the last time. But at least I did know what to do. just not sure now while we wait to see her vet. I am calling her acupuncture therapist too, unless you think maybe that its too soon ... thanks Tana
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 13, 2014 14:24:34 GMT -7
Can you call the hospital where you took her yesterday? Is there an emergency number for your vet or surgeon? You need to get her pain under control today. How much does she weigh? I know dachshunds can be prescribed 50 mgs of Tramadol every 8 hours or even every 6 hours but I don't know how to convert that from mls. You're giving a liquid Tramadol, correct? Or did you mean mg? If you meant mg, then she's on a very, very low dose of Tramadol. Please see if you can reach a vet by phone today to get her pain under control. She shouldn't be in pain all night.
I'm glad it was a pain injection and not a steroid. You can start acupuncture at any time. Just be sure to pad the crate well during transport to the acupuncturist so she doesn't move around in the car too much when you start and stop.
Please keep us updated on Poppy's pain status and what you're told when you reach an ER vet today.
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 13, 2014 14:53:26 GMT -7
yes its mg. she is 7kg [15.4 lbs] . 1 , 10 mg pill every 12 hours. the hospital is the emergency number that her vet gives ... they want to keep her in the hospital on a pain med drip ....and have her sent for emergency surgery immediately.. I just felt it wasn't right. She made it thru conservative care twice before, I know this seems different . She had not lost power to her back leg before . She is flamingo standing to again when I took her out to pee( she didn't this time). and took about 4 steps of wobbly walking. I put her back in her crate immediately . I gave her another tramadol. for the minute.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 13, 2014 16:30:45 GMT -7
That particular ER vet is clearly not comfortable in using aggressive pain meds first BEFORE even suggesting surgery! At this point hospitalizing, when no proper pain meds have really been prescribed for at home is as you say is not right. Dog's heal best at home and hospitalization drips would be reserved for when aggressive home pain meds still will not control pain. See what you can do to get with a different ER vet if possible and be a strong advocate for the meds Poppy needs. Since you already gave Metacam it makes it a difficult decision to have a 4 -7 day washout before using a steroid or even a switch to a different brand NSAID. So it appears sticking with Metacam is the way to go as far as an anti-inflammatory. Since it can take 7-30 days to get the swelling down, a vet who knows IVDD knows pain control is number 1. This is good background reading so you can advocate for an aggressive pain med Rx. Only prescribing tramadol 10mg 1/day is WOEFULLY under prescribed for a 7kg/15 lbs dog. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmCAVEAT: It is important to do your own reading about meds so you can participate in discussions with the vet. The reason for you to not self prescribe is your vet has responsibility for the health of your dog in meds he prescribes based on his exam, the health history of your dog, how meds interact, not things we or you might know as we are not veterinarians. If you are not satisfied with how your vet handles this disc episode, then there is a need to hire a different vet who is comfortable in treating a disc episode. vasg.org/g_drugs.htm#GABAPvasg.org/t_drugs.htm#TRAMwww.petplace.com/drug-library/methocarbamol-robaxin-v/page1.aspx Let us know if you are able to get with a new vet today, that the pain is under control and that you do have Pepcid AC (famotidine) now on board.
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 13, 2014 16:55:28 GMT -7
thanks so much, this is the same er vet we had last time and it went horrible then too. I am very happy tho that I had the knowledge and the strength to say it wasn't right. So thanks for that (knowledge learned from last year from you ) I am a stronger advocate than ever, and will set things in motion immediately, keep you posted. thanks for the links. her actual vet is very good. so It will be better when we can reach her.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 13, 2014 21:24:53 GMT -7
Hi Tana, Thank you for keeping us posted about Poppy, I am so sorry to hear she is having another episode. Only 10 mg of Tramadol every 12 hours is such a low dose.. Tramadol is a short acting drug and works much better given every 8 hours.. For example my Tyler is 13 pounds and was prescribed 25 mg of Tramadol every 8 hours during his IVDD episodes and there is still room for a dog of 15 lbs to be given higher doses than what Tyler had, such as 50mg every 8 hours as Marjorie and Paula have discussed with you in their posts. I am glad you are going to advocate strongly with your Vet for dear Poppy.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmIs she now on Pepcid AC (Famotidine) ? Healing thoughts and prayers...
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Apr 14, 2014 5:38:51 GMT -7
Tana, I am so sorry that Poppy is having another relapse. YOu definitely have lots of options for pain relief. Like Marjorie and Paula said, Tramadol can have the amount and frequency increased for pain relief. Gabapentin is great when given with Tramadol. If she has lost use of her leg do not panic. Mimi had lost complete use of her left leg and now she is walking and running around, just with a slight wobble.
Please talk to your vet as soon as you can.
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 14, 2014 18:00:48 GMT -7
hi all, Well Poppy is sorted out now... she is on 7kg/15 lbs 25 mg tramadol every 8 hrs 1 50mg gabapentin every night before bed and 7.5 kg dose of metacam once a day.
She is resting in her "recovery suite" not happily, but she has her stuffies and her bff riley close by. She is doing her business much better and eating normally, Hopefully due to being more comfortable. She was at the vets all day under care and a watchful eye. They have hope no surgery, but will re-evaluate her healing in a week or so when some swelling has gone down. Feeling much calmer. I was so worried that the weekend would set her healing back, with her meds not being correct. thanks for keeping me sane....again. keep you posted on whats going on after a couple days. for now...let the healing begin, again. keeping the faith over here. and learning more .
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 14, 2014 21:10:59 GMT -7
Let us know that her pain is fully under control dose to dose of tramadol and gabapentin. If you see any signs of pain after moving her for potty or nearing the next dose of pain meds, do know your vet still has PLENTY of of options.
Do you have 5mg of Pepcid AC on board. Given 30 mins before metacam and metacam given with a meal. Thereafter Pecpid AC is given every 12 hours.
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 15, 2014 15:30:46 GMT -7
ok thanks... it seems that she is still shivering after potty breaks so im not sure if just the 4-5 steps is too much for her yet or if the dose still is too low... im going to phone her vet so see what she recommends too.... the vet said that in Canada the "buffers" are in the metacam already?? isn't it all made the same by the same manufacture? have you heard this before?
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 15, 2014 17:43:34 GMT -7
Tana, do you have the bottle of Metacam there where you can read all of the active ingredients?
To my knowledge the brand name product called Metacam in here in the USA contains only meloxicam and a liquid to suspend the meloxicam. The manufacturer is Boehringer Ingelheim and they make it in a 0.5mg/mL AND a 1.5mg/mL oral suspension. So you will have to do your own Googling to see if there is another active ingrediate along with meloxicam that serves as an antacid. As always we encourage owners to do their own reading on each med that goes in their dogs mouth. It is important knowledge to know if your dog's GI tract needs to be protected.
Poppy IS in pain if she is shivering after movement. Your vet is WAY under medicating for pain. She is seems to be very uncomforatable in using pain medications with a disc episode.
You may need to seek another vet, a 2nd opinion. There is no reason for Poppy to be in pain if you are working with the vet on feedback about your observations and the vet is then making adjustments to get it just right for Poppy.
Let us know what the vet does to get the pain fully in control and about the GI tract being protected.
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 16, 2014 13:38:44 GMT -7
poppy is going back to the vet today to have a patch put on her...I will find out what the pain med is in this patch when we go in a couple hours. it is supposed to last 4 days then another one is put on. she did up her gabapentin to twice a day... but no improvement.. once the patch is on, she wont be on the tramadol any longer... keep you posted. I see nothing on the label that would indicate any "buffers" I will insist on antacid. thanks ...
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 16, 2014 14:10:03 GMT -7
The patch is likely to be a fentanyl patch which lasts 3 days. I would first ask if it were my dog that tramadol (a synthetic opiod narcotic) be actually given at an aggressive dose at 50mg 3x a day. Then the Fentanyl patch would be another option should you still see pain would not in control. Fentanyl Patch "It is important to recognize that there is a delayed onset of effect when using the patches. In dogs it takes about 12 hours to achieve good pain relieving dosages and in cats it takes a minimum of five hours. The effective life of the patch is about 3 days in dogs and up to 5 days in cats. The pain relief from these patches is considered to be moderate, especially in dogs. For this reason it is often necessary to use them as a constant provider of pain control but to supplement them as necessary with a compatible narcotic or an NSAID." www.vetinfo.com/dpain.html
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 17, 2014 10:34:46 GMT -7
she is still on gabapentin and metacam, antacid. fentanyl 25 mg seems to be working shes a lot calmer now resting really well. So it seems to be working for her....so Im glad about that for now
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on Apr 18, 2014 14:59:57 GMT -7
well, the patch fell off yesterday, so back to tramadol dose was upped. she wants to "get up" so, it must be working. no more shivers and whining, other than to get out of the recovery suite. I think she's bored. siiiiigh. what can you do? just wait it out till she recovers... feel so bad for her.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 18, 2014 16:41:55 GMT -7
Sorry the patch fell off. You know how we love details. LOL. Please update us with the details on the tramadol--the current MG and how often. Have you explored the main webpage. www.dodgerslist.com/ It has a search box just type in the word "calmers" to see the articles containing information on emergency crate training. fr iTouch, dictation by Siri
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Tana & Poppy
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Post by Tana & Poppy on May 20, 2014 7:10:41 GMT -7
update... Poppy is doing so much better... she is still in her "vacation rental" (crate).. and she is on the mend ,, no shivering anymore . pain is managed . she has another re-check this week. But all seems fairly quiet. So. Its working so far. She's even tried taking non wobbly steps only a couple when she pees . very optimistic !!!
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