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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 21, 2013 5:26:06 GMT -7
My Chihuahua Lacie might have a disc issue but I can't afford mri to find out what it really is. So the nuerologist is treating her for spine infection and disc by giving prednosone, dox, clinamycin and a combo pill gabapentin/tramadol. So she's resting in her pet bed /crate rest. Also did 6 laser therapies . She can't walk but she scoots in her bed to other positions. I am taking care of her and giving meds and keeping her clean and doing r.ange of motiom exercises with her. After sshe finishes antibiotics she will prob get more steroids. I hope that helps her walk. .she is only 3 yrs old and I think she hurt herself over time jumping om couch or using a couple stairs..I doubt infection. I'd love to at least get mri and contacted organizations for help but none could help
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 21, 2013 9:34:40 GMT -7
Lauren, glad you found your way from Facebook to our Forum. You sure do have your plate full with a 7 month baby and caring for Lacie! We'd like to be better able to support you so I'll ask a few more clarification questions below. But the first thing to know if Lacie's pain is fully under control and she is under 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only taken out to potty she can be a good candidate to recover under conservative treatment. During the 8 weeks of crate rest the focus is on letting the disc heal with little movement. Nerves may or may not healing during that time as they are one of the slowest parts of the body to heal…think in terms of months in regard to nerve healing. So doing an MRI at this point in time would not change the treatment for IVDD. 100% STRICT rest means you would need to have her inside of a recovery suite (ex-pen, wire crate, baby crib, packNplay). All dogs do the unexpected in a blink of an eye. In Lacie's case you just can't afford a setback….it is her early healing disc that will have the weak scar tissue torn if there is too much movement of the back. Let us know which kind of recovery suite you are using.My understanding then is she is NOT currently on prednisone, a steroid, because the neuro specialist said Pred and clinamycin would make something worse…what would be worse? Can you update this med list to what Lacie is currently today taking: prednisone stopped as of 11/15ish? due to conflict with antibiotic dox what is the full name, the dose in mg's and how often to you give it? clinamycin combo pill gabapentin/tramadol. What is the dose in mg's and how often do you give it?
How much does Lacie weigh?
-- What was the reason the vet prescribed anti-bioitics? Was it related to Lacie having IVDD vs. a spine infection?
--What exactly are the range of motion exercises you are doing. Are the exercises limited to ONLY the information highlighted in PINK? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm -- What was the date you saw the vet and 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for this current disc episode? I have guessed it was Nov 1.
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?
-- Currently can Lacie wobbly walk? move the legs at all? Wag her tail specifically when you do some happy talk?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
-- Eating and drinking OK?
-- Poops OK - normal color and firmness-- no dark or bright red blood?
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Nov 21, 2013 9:45:12 GMT -7
Hi Lauren, my name is Maureen. Welcome to Dodgers List, I'm glad that you found us. Until you know for sure what is going on with Lacie's back, it reasonable to treat her like she has IVDD. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks is what allows the disc to heal. Movement is what tears the weak and early healing scar tissue on the disc. 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. So true conservative treatment with the single most important part of the care…crate rest…. starts today. So no more reange of motion exercises for now. The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe from other pets and kids from bothering them. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm -- How much does Lacie weigh? -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Pepcid AC to protect the stomach should also be on board. We follow proactive vets and give our approx 13-20 lbs dogs 5mg 30 mins prior to Prednisone. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" -- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood? In the early days of learning our dogs have IVDD, everyone needs a shoulder to lean on while getting things figured out, dealing with emotions, getting up to speed on meds, what disc disease is, etc. Your job in the coming days is to become a reader so you become the confident leader of the health care team.... to discuss confidently various issues from medications to recognizing if suggestions of activity would be harmful to the healing disc. All that takes being a reader. Start on our main website with "Overview: the essentials" yellow button it will give you the degree of understanding you need right away…. as time permits continue to read all the orange buttons and the blue button "Disc Disease 101 core readings" to complete your education. Here is the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmThere is alot to learn about IVDD and we are here to help you in any way that we can. Keep us posted on Lacie's progress. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs)))
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 21, 2013 12:29:29 GMT -7
This all began on a friday night she started yelping like she was in a lot of pain. It was nov 1 I think. I took her to the vet the next day but they didn't know what it was so he gave her a cortisone shot and some amoxi. Said if she's not improved by mon to come in for blood work. They didn't find anything except her glucose was a little high. And she had fever that weekend 103 but later that week her fever had went away. I took her to the ER that wednesday the 6th and they started laser therapy and more meds. The next day when I came in for the 2nd laser session they said I neee to go see nuerology specialist at the wvrc. She examined her and gave her doxycycline 50mg and clindamycin 75 mg. Along with PREDNISONE 5MG and gabapentin/tramadol 15mg. She just finished the dox. So now she has prednisone, clin, aand gaba/tramadol. She has imlroved since day one. First she could not move at all and yelped a lot. Currently she rarely yelps and can move around and turn her head and sit up sternal etc but cannot stand or walk. She can bark and mentally is healthy and knows all the words she knew before. SjShe eats some soft food so I can put pills in it easy and then some hard food too. She urines on her puppy pad and her stool is brown but soft..not too runny and not hard. But that improved too because before when she was just on soft food her stool was runny. So we don't know if its really ivdd. And today was her last laser so the er said to listen to nuerologist who I'm seeing again next week. I saw dr. Bensfield last week and she saw improvement too. Shestays in her bed all day enclosed so she can walk if she wants. T he er tech said I should encourage her to walk so she can get nuero function back. But I know if its ivdd they shoukdnt move? ? Also I'm doing range of motion exercises 2-4 times a day at least on her legs and arms. I don't know what to do because without further 'diagnostics' they don't know what she has and I don't know if I should keep continuing with nuerologist or treat it like its ivdd? They might say her quality of life won't be good aand to put her down but I want to try abd give her time to heal. Also they gave abtibiotics just in case it was spine infection. But the er said they don't think she seens to be in any pain and she moves well and her neck. But again doesn't stand or walk. I give a half prednisone in morning and 1/4 at night. I give half clindmycin morn and night and gaba/tramadol morn and night. The dox was just morning but I finished that today. They said they didn't wana give more steriods while the antibioitics are being used because it could make her worse. So I think that answers everything But if I don't move her legs they said they could atrophy. Also she moves herself into other positions like switching sides or sometimes I do it and put her sternal. So she can use her legs and arms for that. She doesn't yelp anymore but sometimes shakes when she knows I'm gona move her or other things. But def has improved over the weeks. She weighs 6lbsThe prednisone just got increased... and I'm doing strict crate rest
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Nov 21, 2013 23:15:39 GMT -7
Hi Lauren, I'm Sabrina. So sorry to hear of all that your Lacie is going through! It sounds like her pain isn't totally under control yet (shaking, hesitant to move). Do give your vet or on-call vet a call now to see what adjustments can be made to Lacie's pain meds so that she is pain-free dose to dose: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmOver the 8 weeks of strict crate rest, there will be some muscle atrophy. The focus of the 8 wks is to allow secure scar tissue to develop to protect the disc(s). After the 8 weeks are complete, dogs are gradually eased back into activity so that their muscles are given time to re-develop. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingdisc.htmIVDD itself doesn't prevent dogs from getting back to a happy, pain free life! "True success with IVDD is measured by the most important goal of returning your dog to a pain free, happy and full-of-love quality of life after crate rest. Should paralysis occur, please know that dogs do not view the lack of ability to walk as a minus as humans do. Dogs adjust to what is and then get on with the business of fully enjoying all that life has to offer until nerves repair!" YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! - www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmWhen Lacie is moving herself into different positions, is she using all four legs? Did your vet ok giving Lacie PepcidAC to protect her stomach? ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 22, 2013 4:36:53 GMT -7
I guess there is no need for pepcid until theres a need. Like no need to put in more med. She can use front and back legs to move herself but that's it. She needs to get nuerological function back. I move her legs a couple times a day..if they atrophy then they won't come back. I usually do it after I clean her upwhen she goes potty
She doesn't shake except if she's nervous I think cuz she doesn't shake when she's alone in bed. And I remember a couple weeks ago she didn't move and her head faced one direction and that was sign of pain too. So her pain is under control compared to before..like she would yelp and yelp when u picked her up or came by her. Now she rarely yelps but sometimes will
But she had a fever in begining does that imply its an infection or could have gotten a fever cuz of pain?
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 22, 2013 12:26:54 GMT -7
Lauren, the vet's we follow do not believe it is prudent to wait and see if there are GI tract issues. It is better to prevent bleeding ulcers by using Pepcid AC right away. Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlMuscles WILL come back rather quickly once crate rest is over and it is safe to have physical activty. Right now she needs to be off all meds before starting any very, very light range of motion and massage during the completion of 8 weeks of crate rest. Please correct this list, especially re the increase of Pred you mentioned: 6lbs prednisone as of 11/21 2x a day: 2.5mg am/1.25pm clinamycin combo pill gabapentin/tramadol 15mg 2x a day Your vet NEEDs to have feedback about the pain you ARE seeing (sometimes still yelps, shakes when moved) Tramadol is not likely to control pain unless given every 8 hours as tramadol has a very short half life of 1.7 hours. Your vet needs to be notified of your observations of pain so Lacie does not have to put up with pain. Fevers are caused by virus, baceteria infection, when the body is inflamed from some diseases, etc.. Fever is not caused by pain.
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 22, 2013 13:07:47 GMT -7
She had fever when it first began so instead of ivdd do u think its an infection on spine? I will bring up pepcid ac again. I'm waiting for nuerologist to call me back. She is going for exam next week again. Shes not in pain from what I can tell. Like I said she only yelps in ancipation sometimes. But she used to be a 10 in pain now I would say 1 if that since she's alert and can move head and neck etc except for walking. What kind of pepcid ac..is that a pill or liquid?
She has a combined pill of gabapentin/tramadol because it has to be compounded due to her little size and its given at 7am and 7pm.
I need to know exactly what the pepcid is...for humans or dogs? Pills or liquid?
Also what do u think lacie should be on? Just prednisone? Or pred and tramadol? Gabapentin? Is there another pill that's better? She won't be om clindamycin once it runs out. She's now on ▲prednisone 3/4 tablets in morning and 1/2 tablet at night.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 22, 2013 13:39:10 GMT -7
Lauren, Pepcid AC is available in the grocery store. The active ingredient is famotidine and comes in 10mg tablets. You would need to split the tablet after asking the correct dose for a 6lbs dog.
Gabapentin/Tramdol is a pain reliever combo. Pain relieve is a must while Pred is getting swelling down.
This is how prednisone works: Often it takes being at the anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone for 1-2 weeks or even for some dogs more like a month before all the swelling is gone. When the vet guesses swelling might be gone there will be a taper. The dose is lowered to less than the anti-flammatory dose your job at home would be to assess just how well reduction of swelling is going by observing for any hint of pain. To have a clear picture on a taper, pain meds are also stopped or backed off too.
Rule of thumb is: pain = swelling = more time on Pred, pain meds and Pepcid AC is needed.
If there is no pain on the taper then it goes to completion. Then no meds at all are needed. Disc healing will continue for the remainder of the 8 weeks. Nerves can continue to self heal…think in terms of months rather than days and weeks.
So do discuss with the neuro when he thinks a taper of pred would start.
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 22, 2013 17:39:36 GMT -7
I finally spoke with nuero dept and they said the dr said pepcid isn't necessary for lacie. I can get it if I want but that she didn't think it was needed. Not gona taper pred. Since we just imcreased it. But since gaba/tramadol was compounded they said I had to get it at the pet apocathary but that's far so I asked if Icould just get tramadol only and they said yes ...ssince I said her pain isn't that bad anymore. But if I notice her pain coming back I'd of course go back to prev med
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 23, 2013 8:18:06 GMT -7
Lauren, when you write "her pain is not that bad anymore" that sends a red flag warning to us… we read and take what you communicate literally. Lacie should not have ANY pain dose to dose of her pain meds (tramadal and gabapentin) Can you clarify if you are seeing signs of pain… if yes, he pain meds need adjustment. Some vets are willing to wait for stomach issue to happen, don't think being proactive is necessary, don't think Pepcid AC is necessary. This is why we suggest to specfically ask in this special way… is there any health reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC. If there is no reason, then Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. You have ultimate responsibility for Lacie, you also would have responsibility for extra vet bills, so you will have to make your own decision about Pepcid AC. Here is just a taste of the vets we follow and their thinking about protection of the stomach. North Carolina U. recognizes the high incidence of GI irritation in dogs with disc problems. The reasons are that pain and change in routines are stresses. Just as humans can experience ulcers when under stress, dogs can also. NCU and 11+ hospitals working with NCU prescribe a GI protectant. Dogs presented to NCU with IVDD often develop GI upset whether they are given steroid medications or not. www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vhc/tc/clinical_services/neuro/acute_disc.html
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 23, 2013 11:03:42 GMT -7
I will get the pepcid ac ..the nuerologist said she thought there was no need and they havnt seen dogs with a problem from meds. But ill get it. I have been doing a great job with lacie since the day this began. She has improved in lots of ways. I am monitoring her all the time..I do not have a job either currently. I would say her pain is a 1 on a scale of 10 because she never seems to be in pain. ..she can move herself into other positions and barks at things and gets excited to eat and can move her head around and tried to stand last night and this morning to get food and tjis morning stood a little for water but fell over so I went over and handed her the bowl. She can sit sternal and move around and now drinks water out of bowl instead of syringe. When this first began she stared to the right all the time (sign of pain) never moved whatsoever..wouldn't eat or drink unless hand delivered, yelped in pain and even yelped when she saw I was coming to go move her or feed etc. The people at the emergency gave 6 laser therapies. They said she has improved and looks better and she needs to get nuerological functiom back in her legs. They said the didn't figure out why she had a fever when this first began. But I'm guessing because she was in a lot of pain and stress. I am gettimg more prednisone today because she's staying om that and getting tramadol. We aren't doing gabapentin due to her paim going down but if I see signs of pain coming back I will add gaba back in right away. Other than that she's just crate resting
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 23, 2013 17:54:28 GMT -7
Hi I got the pepcid ac 10mg and will give her 5mg ..but I was told once a day? So should I do it before I give her pills? Half hour before? Or does it not matter?
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 23, 2013 18:06:08 GMT -7
Lauren, the Pepcid AC should be given 5 mg 30 minutes before the Prednisone and thereafter every 12 hours. So twice a day. You should also give the Prednisone with food, which will help protect Lacie's tummy, too.
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 23, 2013 19:53:20 GMT -7
Yes I give the pills with soft food morning and night and she gets hard food in middle of day.The vet said to give pepcid only once a day.... so who do I listen to?
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 23, 2013 20:45:05 GMT -7
Lauren, Pepcid's effectiveness ranges from 12-24 hours. We here at Dodgerlist follow the more aggressive of vets protecting the stomach by giving 5mg for about a 12-20 lbs doxie and giving it every 12 hours. If your vet said you could give 10mg every 24 hours, then I would split the pill and give 5mg every 12 hours. Please do your own reading and double check the dose for a 6lb dog and double check when your vet is open again. Dr. Debra Primovic at Pet Palace has information on Pepcid AC : www.petplace.com/drug-library/famotidine-pepcid/page1.aspx
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 24, 2013 4:11:12 GMT -7
She told me she didn't think it [Pepcid AC] was needed in the first place and said 5mg a day ...so tha't means NOT 10 mg a day. I do my own reading since this began.. She is a 6 lb Chihuahua so I'm trying to also listen to dr. Bensfield the nuerologist. I already give her pills with food......that is also a form of protection? I don't wana give too much pepcid. Now I jjust hope the 1/4 tramadol is enough every 6-8 hrs
I will ask het Wed about pepcid and do 5mg for now... I gave her pills now. .previously given at 7pm and she had no pain issue overnight but she was sleeping and us too so I normally won't wait 12 hrs but they said 6-8 even 12 hrs depending if there's a need. Should I do every 6 or 8? Maybe do 8 hrs from now as long as she doesn't seem in pain?
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 24, 2013 14:46:33 GMT -7
While food has some very short limited time protection so of course we do give Pred with food. However, food is not the protection that Pepcid AC is. I would definately confirm the right dose for 6 pounds and give it ever 12 hours.
Tramadol has such a short half life that it would not likely control the heavy pain discs cause unless every 8 hours. So I would go with every 8 hours and if you see pain, then you can move to every 6 hours. If you wait til you see pain, then you are too late with pain meds. The idea is to keep pain from ever rearing its ugly head at all. Full pain control dose to dose is the goal.
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 24, 2013 16:10:21 GMT -7
I found out pretty much right away tramadol is not enough so tomorrow morning I'm gettimg gabapentin. I think ill try the liquid (was told no xylitol in it)
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 25, 2013 10:33:38 GMT -7
I got the gabapentin today but it was $37 for two weeks worth..liquid form. (No xylitol) Do u know where else I can find gabapentin? Walmart and wlagreens don't sell it in small size
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Nov 25, 2013 12:16:13 GMT -7
Hi Lauren - my dog hasn't been on gabapentin so I'm not familiar with were to find it, but hopefully others will have some ideas for you.
How is Lacie doing today? Has the gabapentin controlled her pain?
))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 25, 2013 13:29:56 GMT -7
The liquid is a compounded formula of the powder, liquid and sweetner. It is much more expensive than the capsules because of the work of compounding. The problem with capsules of gabapentin powder is the smallest they come in is 100mg capsules. With doxies the usual dose could be 25-33mg of gabapentin every 6-8 hours. With a 6 pound dog I do not know the dose of gabapentin in mg and if it is even feasible to divide out the 100mg powder into fewer than three (33mg) or four (25mg) piles. If the Rx is for a dose that you would be able to take a razor blade and move the powder in the crease of a sheet of paper into piles, then you can store each pile. I put my powder piles into one of those weekly pill boxes with a lid for each day.
How often did you give the tramadol? Every 6, 8 or 12 hours? What dose in mg's? Did you get the Pepcid AC dose for 2x a day?
Something else to discuss with the vet is the typical combo of pain meds used with IVDD. Tramadol, gabapentin AND methocarbamol….. all three together may help better to control pain. Methocarmabol works on the type of pain from muscle spasms while Tramadol/Gabapentin work on over all pain relief.
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 25, 2013 13:30:11 GMT -7
I just gave it to her at 1030 so not sure yet butI am sure it will help. Tramadol is still given every 6 hrs but I might do every 8 so I don't have to get up in mid of night...ill see how she is...I check on her anyway
Yea thats the problem the gabapentin comes too large so either way it has to be compoinded for her. So pill or liquid is same where I go so I just got liquid.
I was told 5 mg a day..so 5:mg every 24 hrs for pepcid ac. I will see about asking about that other med. What do u mean u divide the powder? Are u saying I shud just buy the 100mg dose and break open pills and use powder? She needs gabapentin twice a day..12 hr apart. 1 ml. I wish I didn't need to do tramadol cuz that's every 6 hrs and not as easy for a schedule.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 25, 2013 13:50:45 GMT -7
Yes, that is the problem when small doses of gabapentin are needed, for accuracy the liquid compounded form is best. To break open a 100mg capsule of powder can be difficult to divide out much more beyond 3 or 4 equal parts for us at home…the pharmacist has more accurate measuring tools than we have at home. So the question is how many mgs of gabapentin are contained in 1 ml of compounded gabapentin. I think you did the best thing…getting the compounded gabapentin.
It MIGHT be that if methocarbamol is added to Tramadol and Gabapentin, Tramadol could be every 8 hours. It MIGHT be now with Gabapentin on board pain will now be control and you could give Tramadol every 8 hours. It could be the vet could prescribe gabapentin 3x a day (every 8 hours) There are alot of IFs, be prepared to observed for pain and give feedback to the vet. Pain control is very individual…something you work closely with your vet on. You give feedback on pain and he tries to figure out the right adjustments to make in mix of meds, how often and the dose.
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 25, 2013 14:02:11 GMT -7
Ok thanks. So u don't think there's a way to still get the ganapentin 100mg pill and break it up in piles? I don't know how many ml that is but before the pill was a compounded pill of gaba and tram together 15mg. So I'm guessing gaba was 10mg or 7 mg. (Half gaba half tram) now I seprrated the tram out. Now she's on...
6 lbs tramadol (50mg)- 1/4 every 6 hrs 1/2 tablet Clindamycin (75mg) every 12 hrs Prednisone (5mg)- 3/4 tablet in am and 1/2 pm pepcid ac (10mg)- 1/2 tablet (5mg) every 24 hrs Gabapentin liquid- 1ml 2x a day
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 25, 2013 14:36:01 GMT -7
Let's assume/guess she needs a 10mg dose of Gabapentin. You would then take a 100mg capsule and divide by 10 = 10 piles you'd need to make. I believe you and your vet have made the correct decision to use compounded Gabapentin!!
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 25, 2013 14:52:19 GMT -7
Yes gabapentin is better and they shuda told me to keep that not tramadol a few days ago since its better for nerves but oh well. She yelped a couple times today so I guess it needs more time to get back in her system. The liquid is $37 for 2 weeks...that's more expensive than if I could just get gaba 100mg...but I don't know if I could divide it into 10 piles or if they'd let me? Are there any savings cards? Even so..the pet apocethary doesn't really take savings cards. I got the give forward savings card and it didn't help me at walgreens either
I cancelled the appointment for this week..I didn't see the point since last week we increased pred and I just added gana back. ..its $55 every time I go so I figure its ivdd and she needs crate rest and its only 3rd week so do u think there's a point in going? Do u think she needs another steriod? Although I think she has to finish the clindamycin first
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 25, 2013 17:31:04 GMT -7
Lauren, the medication should have all pain completely under control within one hour after giving. If that is not the case, you should call the vet and let them know that the pain is still not under control. She should be only on the one steroid but the dosage of the meds would need to be adjusted again if pain is still not under control.
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Post by Lauren & Lacie on Nov 25, 2013 18:03:32 GMT -7
She was off gabapentin ...today got put back on it......its helping already
I know she's supposed to be on strict crate rest but she likes to get her water which is 8 inches away or something like that next to her bed..should I allow her to get it herself? When I lift the bowl for her she won't drink it though lol. And is it ok I lay her down on puppy pad in living room at night so she can be closer to us?
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 25, 2013 18:32:57 GMT -7
Think of the crate as a cast for Lacie's back, Lauren. She needs to stay in there, only carried in and out for potty and to the vet. It's the safest place for her until her back heals. She's to eat her food and drink her water in the crate. Here's a link on how to make a water dish to hang on the inside of the crate: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/bowlHLDR.jpgAny time out of the crate is a dangerous time for a dog recovering from a disc problem. She can't walk but she could still drag herself and move too much. They can surprise you just how fast they can move, even when not walking. You can put caster wheels on the crate and wheel it around so she can be with you. Or just put the crate on a sheet and pull it to different rooms.
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