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Post by leglesspirate on Nov 19, 2013 23:24:00 GMT -7
Hello all! This is my first post, so please be patient with me! I have quite a few questions and concerns, some that I think of and then forget and then think of again, and I'm hoping that someone will be able to help!
Last week, my approximately six-year-old (the rescue thinks he was about a year old when we adopted him) 13-pound mini-pinscher/chihuahua mix started behaving oddly. His behavior completely changed seemingly overnight. He wouldn't eat. He wouldn't wag his tail (it NEVER stops for anything!), he wouldn't jump, he seemed to be having trouble on the stairs, he wouldn't bound about for bathroom trips like he used to, he wouldn't stretch his legs out behind him, he wouldn't shake it off, and he screamed when I scratched his back (an activity he used to not be able to get enough of). I set up an appointment with our vet for this past Friday. She did an exam and did some x-rays because she wasn't sure if it was a hip or back problem. Well, it seems that Orion has three discs that are not quite right (and he has mild hip dysplasia in his left hip, which isn't causing problems at this point). One disc seemed to be pretty bad, another not as bad and a third that seemed to be in the beginning stages of being problematic. I'm sorry that description isn't the best, but I'm not sure exactly how else to describe it. Between two vertebrae there is a very small space, a little bit more between two others, and a slight narrowing between two more. I don't know if there's a "grade" to the severity, or what it would be if there was one.
Anyway, Orion was diagnosed with IVDD. The vet has us not allowing him to jump, run, or climb stairs for two weeks and he's on Carprofen 25mg, 1/2 tab BID. She did say she would not recommend surgery at this time. However, everything I've read online makes it seem like crate rest for six weeks or longer is the norm in all cases surgery doesn't happen. We haven't been told to crate rest him. Is this normal? Is two weeks rest normal? Should it be longer? Should it be complete crate rest? I don't want to do anything that could make it worse for him. And since she doesn't recommend surgery at this time, is it something that will happen eventually?
Today the vet called to check up on him. I was pleased to inform her that Orion seems to be doing well! He's wanting to do things that before he didn't want to do, yes, including jumping on the couch and bed! He seems to at least be responding to the pills helping with the pain. But when I asked if there was a way I could get a copy of the x-rays, I was asked if I was taking him to the clinic in Memphis. I was taken aback because taking him somewhere else had never been discussed, much less recommended. I know that there isn't a neurologist on staff at the vet I use. That question now has me second-guessing myself. Should I take him to another vet? Should I find another specialist?
How about long-term? What can and can't he do to keep this from happening again? She did say that it likely would happen again, given how active he is. Will he be able to be like he was before? I loved that crazy dog! It breaks my heart to think that he won't be able to be like that again! How do you teach a dog who has always been able to jump on and off furniture and beds that he can't do it anymore? That's the biggest struggle we are having right now. How do I keep him from chasing and attacking his sister (Chloe, a four year old calico)? All these things he's doing now he's not supposed to for another week and a half and I don't know how to stop it!
I know that a lot of my questions probably can only be answered by myself and an actual vet, but at this point in time I just don't know what to do. This seems like such a huge thing and I feel so unprepared to make decisions. I don't even know if I asked the vet the right questions! I don't even know which questions to ask! I just want to be able to make the best informed decisions that I can! Yes, I am freaking out about this some!
Thanks in advance for any advice you might have!
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 20, 2013 7:42:59 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Marjorie - what's yours? The first thing you need to do is crate Orion. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. Here is important information about setting about the recovery suite: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmOrion is feeling better due to the medication he's on and not because his back has healed yet. The crate acts as a cast for the back and is vitally important. The limitation of movement allows the scar tissue to form on the disc and also prevents the disc from re-tearing and helps prevent nerve damage. The Carprofen is to get the swelling down in his back, which will help with pain, but it isn't a pain medication. Can you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog: -- Please confirm that you are as of today starting the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7. -- 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. Usually disc problems are very painful so please keep a close lookout for signs of pain as pain hinders healing. -- Please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before each dose of the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours). Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep him from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board. -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood? The best way for you to help your dog is by learning about this disease. Here are some links to get you started. Please click on all of them to get a good background of understanding. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmSome dogs only have one disc problem their whole lives - others have several. Orion is showing mild symptoms of IVDD and should do fine with conservative care. Once the 8 weeks of crate rest are over, you'll need to make your home "back friendly". This link will give you information as how to protect Orion's back and what he can do and what he should no longer do. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmSince Orion sounds like a very active dog, I'll give you this link about how to calm him during crate rest. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmThe first thing you need to do is get him into a crate ASAP and limit the movement of his spine as much as you can. We're here to help you and Orion through this. Please keep us updated. |
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Nov 20, 2013 8:12:19 GMT -7
Just wanted to send a quick (((HUGS))) your way. IVDD can be very scary in the beginning (I'm past 8 weeks of crate rest now because of an extended taper) and there are things I am still learning. Hang in there!
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Post by leglesspirate on Nov 21, 2013 13:34:59 GMT -7
Orion is in his crate and seems to be okay with it thus far (this is a sign that he's still not quite 100% because he does not like his crate! Plus, I know he won't be back to normal for a long time). My husband and I would put him in his crate when we were gone during the day anyway for his safety and our pocketbook (he destroyed the brand new carpet less than two weeks after we moved into our current apartment). He seems to be in no to little pain. He has the habit of shaking when he's nervous, so at times it's hard to tell why he's shaking. He's using the restroom fine, he's eating not as well as before but his appetite is getting better, and his demeanor is back to what it was before.
I did talk to the vet yesterday. I do understand that he seems better because of the meds he's on (this is a good sign bc this means he's not in pain at the moment, which, yes, is a reason to celebrate and be excited! Doesn't mean I'm going to let him do whatever he wants, trust me I understand the seriousness of this, that's why I'm here trying to become as educated as possible!). I also know that the true nature of how better he is will come after his rest is complete!
I still have a couple questions. Would we be better off finding a specialist for him now in case of another flare up in the future? Especially since our current vet does not specialize in this and no one on staff does? Should we go ahead and take him to a specialist now so we know if the info our regular vet gave us is the best?
Thanks for the advice so far! I'm on my phone at the moment but once I learn how to post pictures I'll post one of my babies!
newbiemomiv1 I'm glad you're past the rest! It's killing me seeing him in there. I'm afraid I'm depressing him! We're thinking were gonna get him a little bit larger crate for when we are home so he's not so confined, but not too large that he can hurt himself! Wait, I reread that abd realized I didn't understand it the first time. I'm sorry yours has been extended! But if it helps our babies, it's worth it!
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 21, 2013 22:05:01 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, my name is Pauliana, what is your name? I am so sorry to hear that Orion is having a disc episode times 3.. It would be a good idea to have him on a pain medication such as Tramadol. Zero pain from dose to dose is the goal, as any pain at all deters healing and disc pain is extremely painful whether they are showing it or not. Dogs tend to be stoic. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmIf he can extend his legs out, turn around comfortably in his crate it is large enough. The important aspect of crate rest is limited movement of the spine, so the discs can heal. Carprofen works on the inflammation and lack of movement is what heals the disc. Carry him out to potty. Not eating as well is a red flag of stomach problems from the Carprofen.. It is important to contact your Vet and ask if there is any medical reason for Orion not to be on Pepcid AC, if there is no reason, then buy it at the drug store. Give 5mg 30 minutes before the Carprofen. Buy the 10mg version and cut it in half. Yes I would take Orion to a specialist since your Vet is not experienced. This is a disease that requires experience..and the more you know the better for the safety of Orion. That would empower you to say no thank you to the wrong advice. Here is a link that explains what to look for in a Vet to treat IVDD and it also has a list of questions to ask the Vet you choose: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmIVDD is a disease that can be lived with, with precautions in place.. The Back friendly link that Marjorie gave you is an excellent place to start.. My Tyler copes very well with IVDD, he isn't allowed on furniture and is a floor dweller. He doesn't try to jump up, and he waits for us to help carry him up or down stairs. He learned that over time since his first episode was in late January.. He and I take long walks now that he built up to gradually over the months, he has a great life, we learned it is possible to be careful and still have fun.. Let us know how things are going.. |
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