ts123
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Posts: 28 
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Post by ts123 on Dec 12, 2013 10:08:51 GMT -7
I swear I try to stay away from this forum! You might remember that we lost our dog earlier this year. He had cerebellar hypoplasia and presented with neck issues. He crossed Rainbow Bridge about 10 weeks later after we learned his issues were must more serious than just his neck and he had severe neurological issues going on as well. Our dog Dior then had neck issues in August. Conservative treatment and she responded well. She was back to normal within 2 weeks but we kept her on crate rest much longer.
Anyways, Dior came in last night, jumped off the couch (yes, I know) and sat on the ground. 5 minutes later:
yelped, back went hunched, only moved backwards, when attempting to walk - staggered, very weak on one side, completely out of it - wouldn't respond to us yelling her name, eyes almost looked glazed over
If I thought just back/neck issues, I would've been fine crating her until I could get her into our vet today but the being out of it part really scared me as I was concerned about a stroke, etc. The e-vet does believe back issues again based on his exam and all her symptoms. She had an adrenaline rush at the vet's office and really improved the longer she was there. Her one back paw was knuckling but then was better by the time she left. She got home and was back to being reluctant to walk, etc. She is still like that today. She is horrible in a crate but has done well so far since she is just sleeping. Ate fine this morning, had large normal bowel movements at e-vet's office
Current meds starting today (Dachshund, about 12 pounds):
Tramadol - 1/4 of a 50 mg tab 2-3x a day (start on 2x, go to 3x if needed)
Prednisilone - 5 mg 3x a day to start (*Note - The e-vet didn't want to start her on this until we saw how she was back at home. Our regular vet is off today, so I had to speak to a different vet today at the regular vet's office who I am not familiar with. She said she prefers to start dogs off on 3x a day for 3 days, then go to 2x a day for 3 days before the gradual decline. Does 3x a day seem abnormal?)
Methocarbamol - 125 mg 3x a day
These were the same meds she was on back in August.
We're familiar with everything to do as far as crating, etc. We started that the moment she got home from the e-vet. I just do not know about that pred dose being 3x a day v. 2x. Thoughts there?
Thanks!
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 12, 2013 17:42:31 GMT -7
Sorry to hear about Dior. Most vets give Pred 2x a day, but we do see some few Rxing 3x day. I'm concerned her pain is not being controlled properly. Reluctance to move IS pain. If you are giving 12.5 mg 3x a day consistently and promptly and yet she is still reluctant to move, her vet needs to know so he can be more aggressive with Tramadol dose which may go to 50mgs 3x a day. Gabapentin is also an other option to add to Tramadol and Methocarbamol if still more pain relief is needed.
Is 5mg Pepcid AC (famotidine) on board to protect the stomach 30 mins before Pred and Pred is given with a meal.
Let us know what changes to meds have been made so that Dior is in full comfort.
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ts123
New Member
Posts: 28
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Post by ts123 on Dec 14, 2013 23:50:53 GMT -7
I talked to our regular vet yesterday who was not comfortable giving Dior Pred 3x a day. Back in August, she was only on it 2x a day at the same dose and she would rather keep her on that for now and see how she responds first to that. She said she personally prefers to increase other drugs first v. increasing pred to that amount.
I know today that if I let her out of confinement, she would go running around like crazy through the house. Not as reluctant to walk as before. However, she did still seem to be in pain with some shaking today, so we did increase the Tramadol up to 3x a day. We do have gabapentin on hand if needed as well.
Thanks again for your help!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 15, 2013 9:17:20 GMT -7
Would you update the meds list for us. How many days now will Dior stay on pred and what date will the taper start?
12 pounds
Tramadol - 1/4 of a 50 mg tab 3x a day
Prednisolone - 5 mg 2x a day, date of taper:?
Methocarbamol - 125 mg 3x a day
Gabapentin - ?mg's, ? x/day if needed
Now that you are giving Tramadol 3x a day is the pain fully covered dose to doses of (tramadol and methocarbamol)?
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