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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 13, 2013 18:48:04 GMT -7
Hello, my name is Ashley and my best friend and love of my life is Tank. He is about 3 years and 5 months old now and the happiest, most active and charming guy i've ever met. He leads an active lifestyle and is not overweight, weighing 11.5 lbs, recently within last year lost some extra weight and looks great now. On December 5 (it was actually my birthday), we went for our usual jog around the neighborhood. Tank saw a man with a power tool and started to run after him when he flipped over onto his back and jumped back up. I was so scared that was the hardest he had fallen on pavement, but he seemed fine just a little shaken up. The next day, I took him to the beach (something we always do) and he played and ran for an hour or so. Saturday morning we went for our usual jog and as we got home, i started to notice he was acting weird. Laying with his body straight out and his chin flat on the rug. He seemed anxious and uncomfortable as he moved from spot to spot. He ate his food fine, at this time he was not crying or anything. My brother hadn't seen him for a while so he came to pick him up for a few days. As I brought him to his car, it was not the same Tank i was used to. Low on energy, and he sat in the seat and immediately put his head down. Not much excitement for seeing his favorite uncle. I was concerned but figured he was tired from all the exercise we had been doing. That night, I got a call that Tank was playing all day but acting very distant and strange at night, laying down and barely showing excitement. That night Tank woke my brother up a couple times. The next day, I got a phone call and decided that I needed Tank home so I could see if something was wrong with him. I didn't mention that from friday-saturday I had started a new brand of raw food from whole foods, which is why i assumed he may have had a tummy-ache. (I usually feed tank a raw diet, never really pre made from whole foods, so i figured the switch had to be causing this pain). That sunday night, he laid in his bed very uncomfortable. He started whining and crying so frequently i became alarmed. My little tank was in pain and I rushed him to the vet. I didn't know where to start, was it his tummy? bloat? i was scared. The vet said it was not his back (after doing a physical exam not in front of me) but tank was acting hyper and anxious unlike he was at home. She told me to see how he was in morning. That night was the most awful night I've ever experienced. Tank cried every 20 mins, moved 100 times and I was up all night with him waiting for my vet to open at 730am. I was miserable and worried and he was in pain. I saw another vet from my own because my vet was booked. She did a physical exam and due to his hunching of his back slightly and she said when she touched his back there was an indication of pain, she prescribed steroids and cold laser therapy. Thats all she said. So i demanded to see my vet, I waited for an hour to finally see her. We did an X-ray (i know it only shows bone, but we wanted to have an idea) and we noticed in the lower back 2 different vertebrate with diminished spaces in between. I have the X-rays saved on my computer. Tank thankfully had no neuro problems and reflex foot test and all other tests performed showed it was fine. Having experience with an old friends daschund that had IVDD and been paralyzed because wasn't operated on in time, i was scared, worried and a mess. I raced to pet supermarket to buy a crate for Tank. The vet had not said anything about crate rest (but i had done research while waiting) and wanted to take every precaution- and your site was one i thoroughly appreciated most. So after that very long and detailed story, it's Friday night and Tank is in his crate asleep and I am online researching everything i can to be prepared and give tank the best quality of life i can. IVDD is confusing and because he did not have a myelogram or MRI we do not know if he has a slipped disc or what the pain is coming from. The uncertain is what is leaving me confused, sad, worried and a mess. I supposed i searched for a support group because I need more help coping and feeling that he will be alright. I know he will be because he is strong but of course I care and love him so much that it hurts me. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions and please advise me. I know you all love your dogs as much as i love mine. He is everything to me.
Thank you so much for having this forum, I can't tell you what it has already done for me and I know it will provide even more support and help.
-- What is your dog's name? TANK
-- How much does your dog weigh? 11.5 lbs
--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD? Mini Daschund, and i saw 3 vets and I tried getting answers out of them all, a couple said IVDD possibility and one said probably IVDD.
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? Saw vet Monday, Dec 9. Tank has been on crate rest except to go out and potty in which i carry him.
NOTE: 100% STRICT rest 24/7 only out for a very few footsteps at potty time means: 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. There are no meds to heal a disc... just time of 8 weeks and limited movement.
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? Tank was prescribed Tramadol 50mg but the vet wanted him to take 1/4 of one, once or twice a day, IF even needed. I have been giving Tramadol once a day because the vet didn't want me to give too much, but i don't think that is enough. I am going to start giving it twice a day. He wakes up 5am with a little whine and I held him today and he seems shaky/lifting his head head, so I want to make sure his pain in controlled since it is so hard to tell in these guys.
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Prednisolone 5mg 1/2 tablet AM and PM for 5 days, 1/2 tablet once a day for 5 days, then 1/2 tablet every other day until finished Tramadol 50mg, 1/4 tablet once or twice daily Pepcid AC 5mg (cutting 10mg in half) twice daily 30 mins before giving steroid
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? Tank can walk fine, move his legs, walk, wag his tail and all vets said he had no neuro problems. I check his back legs to make sure he picks up his feet after folding them down a couple times a day.
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? No
-- Eating and drinking OK? Yes, still loves food, eating normal and drinking (more because steroids)
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? Normal poop, pooping fine and peeing fine too. Thank you so much.
Also, tank has already done 2 laser therapy treatments, Tuesday and Friday (today).
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Post by Kim&Rocky on Dec 13, 2013 20:04:33 GMT -7
My dog was diagnosed with this 3 weeks ago...our vet said he could be on couch with us and walk around the house - well he did jump of and off the couch maybe 5-6 times and on Thanksgiving Day snuck down the basement steps - next day yelping when picking him up to take him potty. That same day took him to vet for a laser treatment and she said to crate him at night, mind you he is crated all day long while we are at work and boys are at school...so he really was only out of his kennel for maybe 5 hours. Then we were doing good, doing laser treatments....then that Thursday is snowed here and we rescued Rocky from a shelter in August, he is 4 and didn't know how dogs like snow, so he rolled over on his back and then when we brought him in, he yelped when I put him on the couch. So since last Friday he has been on 24/7 crate rest. This is just so hard, I know what you are going through, you just don't know. And I am so afraid to pick him up for fear of hearing that yelp - just goes right through me!! So glad too to have found this site for support. Hope your dog gets to feeling better. My Rocky is in his kennel next to me on the couch, but at times he will put his paw through like he wants me to pet him and I really can't. Just breaks my heart!!!
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 14, 2013 7:59:08 GMT -7
Yes, this has been by far one of the most challenging things i've gone through-going through now. We have to stay strong and think positive. They are everything to us! Thank you for your comment, it's good to know there are other supporters out there!
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 14, 2013 8:05:12 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Ashley. It sounds that you have everything well under control and have done your research. Kudos to you for that. IVDD is a disease that not all vets are very familiar with and it's vital that we as owners of IVDD dogs learn all that we can about this disease. Plus knowledge helps ease the fear. This is a good place to start: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmI'm very pleased to see that you understand the importance of strict crate rest and that Tank is only out of the crate to do potty and being carried to do that. The crate rest must continue for a full 8 weeks so the disc can heal and form scar tissue. Tramadol is not long lasting and works best when given consistently every 8 hours. If his pain is not fully controlled when you are giving it twice a day, speak to the vet about giving it every 8 hours. Gabapentin and Methocarbomal can also be given to control pain. Good job on adding the Pepcid AC! That's very important to protect his GI tract. When you start the taper of the Prednisone, you'll need to be on a sharp lookout for pain. That is why a taper is done - to test the waters to see if there is still pain. Pain = swelling = more time on meds. So be sure to keep the vet informed as to any signs of pain, both now and during the taper. Laser therapy is a very good treatment so continue with that if you can. It's excellent that Tank doesn't have any neuro deficits and is a very good candidate for conservative care. You're doing a great job with him. Keep up the good work. We're here for you and Tank.
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 14, 2013 8:45:06 GMT -7
Thank you so much for your reply. The vet doesn't tell you much, they didn't prescribe the pepcid ac i found it here, but thankfully i found this site. Tank just received the last steroid dose for twice a day, so▼tapering begins now to 1/2 pill once a day instead of twice a day. I will look for signs of pain. Hope his chances of recovery are a full recovery.
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 14, 2013 17:42:33 GMT -7
Since I am still going to be giving him the tramadol for pain, which i am going to give every 8 hours since it's such a low dose, how am i going to know if he is in pain from the tapering of the steroid? I'm nervous I won't be able to tell, or that he is going to be in pain and it's not ready to taper? ?
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 14, 2013 20:15:27 GMT -7
Ashley, welcome to Dodgerslist! Glad you are here! You are on the right track in learning to become an advocate for Tank in his treatment for IVDD. As Marjorie said, there are some vets that aren't well versed in IVDD so it is up to us to learn all we can.. I think it would be best for you and Tank to find a new Vet that will discuss his case with you and provide suggestions and be of more support to you. Please read this about how to choose an IVDD Vet. It also has a search function that you can enter your location into to help you locate one in your area. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmDoes Tank show any signs of pain at all? If he does, I wouldn't start the taper quite yet.. If he seems to be pain free even on the low dose of Tramadol you can try the taper without increasing the the Tramadol but be ready to go back up to the original dose of the Prednisone and Tramadol every 8 hours, should he show signs of pain.. Shivering, yelping, that panicked look in their eye.. (That's how Tyler tells me, he is stoic and doesn't show other signs until it gets unbearable) limping, arching his back etc.. Discuss with your Vet in advance to get their ok to go back to the pre tapering dose should he be in pain and also Tramadol at every 8 hours. Many dogs need to be on Prednisone at the anti inflammatory dose for 2 weeks or more to get the swelling resolved.. Some up to a month.. Do not worry if the taper doesn't work out this first time.. it just means he needs more time to get the swelling down.. Not at all unusual. Rule of thumb is pain= swelling=more time on Prednisone needed. If there is no pain on the taper that means no medication is needed at all and just continue crate rest for the remainder of the 8 weeks. Sending you soothing and comforting thoughts over the miles.. I sure know how traumatic to our emotions IVDD can be.. We love our furkids and it is so hard to see them go through this. Have faith though, you and your great care can get him through this..Tyler is living proof that there is a great life in store after recovering from IVDD episodes.. (One in January (surgery) and one in July (conservative)..
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 14, 2013 20:26:39 GMT -7
Glad your Tyler recovered from IVDD, i love hearing about the success stories. Tank does not cry from pain, yelp or look panicked. When i pick him up to go outside to potty, he gets excited and anxious and will shiver slightly. I have figured that he does it when he's excited or when he is in pain also. So i think its been more excitement and when food is coming he does it too. He barks and whines to come out but mainly has been a good sport. I think he knows he needs to heal, even with those big puppy eyes I know the crate is his best friend right now. I will call the vet tomorrow to ask about the tapering and make sure i can keep him on dose if he does show pain. He tries to walk, stretch, shake, and today he tried playing with a toy that i had in his crate for comfort, so i removed it (felt horrible but didn't want him moving his neck). I think he is feeling better, but I will keep posted on how the tapering goes. This truly is a terrible condition but with the support I am feeling stronger everyday and having more hope and positive energy.
What are the usual doses of prednisolone for a 11-12lb dog? Tank is not on a high dose i don't think
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 15, 2013 9:39:36 GMT -7
On the taper the dose of Pred is lower than the original anti-inflammtory dose and you reported he is now getting 2.5mgs 1x a day. The reason for the taper off of Pred is two fold. First is so the body can be signaled to start making its own steroid hormone which play a big roll in regulating body functions. The other reason is for us at home to monitor how well the swelling has been resolved. If we see pain, the vet needs to know so pred can go back to the original dose for a bit longer.
With Tank being able to stretch and shake that shows he is not in pain on the taper….good news!!!
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 15, 2013 14:46:06 GMT -7
My vet said that tank can get a max of 25mg/day of tramadol which is 2xday 1/4 pill. or if he's still having pain to add another medication, i wonder why this is? since i read on here that dogs usually get more of tramadol
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 15, 2013 18:03:55 GMT -7
Ashely, medicine is an art. It is a combination of what a vet learned in school, what experiences he has had in his practice, and what courses he has taken for continuing education and to what degree he networks to learn from colleagues. So each vet may have a little bit different take on how to treat, has a different comfort zone for all the diseases and their meds he might have to treat. Then each dog can have a different tolerance for pain, some need alot of pain meds and a few others as much. Some vets are old school in believing a bit of pain will help to keep the dog quiet, we know today it is the crate that keeps the dog's movements limited. There is now a vast literature showing the uncontrolled pain is a major stressor, retarding healing and increasing the likelihood of infection." Other drugs used to treat pain. Gaynor JS. In Gaynor JS, Muir WW III (eds): Handbook of Veterinary Pain Management, 2nd ed—St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier, 2009, pp 10. So a lot of variables in the practice of medicine and why it is important for our dog's disease that we want a vet who is willing to discuss the "why's" behind their treatments, that are able to speak up for our dogs and that we recognize if it might be time find a more knowledgeable IVDD vet. All that takes reading as you are doing!
Tramadol does have a wide range of mg's dose & how often and the dose goes by the dog's weight.
On the taper of Prednisone, the pain meds are normally back off or stopped. That is the only way to get a clear picture of whether all the swelling has been resolved. If you were to see any hint of pain then you and your vet would know not to waste time in getting back on the original anti-inflamamtory dose for a bit longer befoe trying another taper.
How is Tank doing today…no signs of pain. Is he still on tramadol?
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 15, 2013 20:21:13 GMT -7
Tank is still on tramadol, i was giving 3x's yesterday and today but vet said stop so now i don't know. Today is his 2nd day on tapering but he has been on pain med so i can't tell if he's in pain. Sometimes he's calm when being picked up and other times he shakes a little (not sure if its pain or because he's scared and think i'm mad at him for putting him in crate all day). I have a feeling he does have a hint of discomfort though. I asked vet about tapering today and she says to keep him on tapering and pain med. I talked to a neuro vet today and she said to keep tapering and pain meds too. So many conflicting things, i don't know what to do, i suppose look for a new vet, even this far in the process? He has been resting all day and of still doing well in other things walking,eating,peeing,pooping. just concerned with this pain issue. I know he isn't in intense pain because no yelping, unusual cries and his back isn't so hunched as it was. I would say discomfort though. What should I do as I am done with meds today and tomorrow is a new day... I'm so confused
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 15, 2013 21:24:13 GMT -7
I tried to get tank out of his crate to pee, i shouldn't have tried grabbing him and he YELPED so loud it pierced my heart!!! i hope i didn't further hurt him, i just was taking him out to pee, never again will i do that! I guess tank is still in pain... this is terrible!! Is this normal its been a week tomorrow since he started meds. Could he have rehurt it?? I take him to the laser tomorrow, but going there is stressful because he gets anxious and moves a lot. He wasn't in this pain last week after he started therapy, it seems to be recent that he is in pain... did he rehurt it? I hope someone is awake, i'm so nervous and scared
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 15, 2013 22:09:12 GMT -7
Hi Ashley, I'm here.. so sorry about what happened..Sending hugs to you and Tank.. Here is a video that shows how to lift and carry Tank. Hope this helps you both: It's important since he is showing pain to go back to the original anti inflammatory dose of the Prednisolone, so call your Vet and request to go back on the original dose right away. Since the office is closed, call their number and see if they have an emergency phone number or an answering service and request the Vet to phone you back.. If not call the Emergency Vet in your area. If he is in pain, it's not time to taper yet. Also request Tramadol 3 times a day. (Tyler is 12 pounds and he was on 25mgs 3 times a day) The taper can resume after he has had some more time on the Prednisolone. It takes some dogs from 2 weeks to even a month on Prednisolone to get the swelling down, so it is not at all unusual to have the first taper not work out.. Let us know what the Vet has to say.. Is the crate you are using for Tank, a front opening one? If so, it may be converted to a top opening to make it easier to lift him out.. Here are some instructions: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/cratetopconvert.pdfHope he is feeling better by now..How are his pain levels right now?
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 15, 2013 22:30:24 GMT -7
Yes i just watched the video and will try that way. i have never grabbed him out, i usually wait til he takes a step out then grab him but i messed up this time. I need to talk to the vet and figure this all out. Tank is sleeping now, just had that one yelp and that was all, fed him and he went to sleep. It's so hard to tell his pain level. But grabbing any dog recovering isn't a good iddea i know, but could that have just been from me handling him wrong? my crate opens up front and i think side too, ill look into it thank you
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 16, 2013 7:38:24 GMT -7
How is Tank doing today? Is he still showing signs of pain? Please let us know what the vet said and if Tank has been returned to the original dose of the Pred.
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 16, 2013 7:58:44 GMT -7
She let tank go back on 2x/day [pred] but just for next 2 days. He hasn't yelped again but he shakes a bit when i hold him (in anticipation or pain or pain? that i don't know). I am keeping tank on tramadol too.
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Sabrina
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Post by Sabrina on Dec 16, 2013 9:34:31 GMT -7
Hi Ashley, I'm Sabrina. I'm so sorry to hear of Tank's disc episode, but I'm so glad you've found Dodger'sList and are keeping such a close eye on Tank! Shaking when picked up, especially since he yelped yesterday, sounds to me like Tank's still having pain. Can you update us on his Tramadol dose?: Prednisolone 5mg 1/2 tablet AM and PM for 2 more days Tramadol 50mg, 1/4? tablet ?/x daily Pepcid AC 5mg (cutting 10mg in half) twice daily 30 mins before giving steroid Disc episodes are terrible! On the one hand, there are no "safe" drugs (that's why we owners have to do so much research to know what to look out for while our dogs are on medications!). On the other hand, swelling/inflammation, which causes pain, isn't "safe", either. And pain hinders healing, so that's definitely not "safe"!!! Every dog is different when it comes to how long the anti-inflammatory dose of the steroid needs to resolve the swelling/inflammation - some need several weeks to a month or more. Have you researched any other vets in your area? Here's the link to an article about finding a vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmThis page outlines the 4 Phases of Healing from a disc episode - I've reviewed it so many times!: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm (scroll down to see the 4 Phases). Right now, the priority is that Tank is completely pain free dose to dose of his meds while the pred works to bring down the swelling/inflammation that is causing his pain. I know how confusing everything is after your dog is first diagnosed! My Charley was diagnosed in July, and I would have lost all my marbles without Dodger'sList! ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 16, 2013 10:03:57 GMT -7
Ashley, a two day course of pred is VERY short, so on the taper again be quite observant for any hint of painful swelling resurfacing and report that so Pred can get back to the original dose again ASAP. So far Tank has had a 5 day course and now a 2 day course. Often it does take anywhere from 1-2 weeks or even for some dogs more like a month on Pred at the anti-inflammatory level to get all the painful swelling down.
With dogs, it is a survival instinct to NOT show any pain. So when a dog actually shows us signs of pain it is at a PAINFUL level. Shivering, trembling, yelping, can't get comfortable, not their normal perky selves, moving gingerly or not wanting to move much…staying in one position alot are typical signs of pain.
We look forward to an updated list of the meds he is currently taking with the important info of mg's and how often you give them as Sabrina mentioned.
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 16, 2013 10:55:48 GMT -7
How much longer would you think he should be on the original dose of pred. 1/2tab 2x/day? I will give tramdol 2-3x's day (prob more like 3 since he seems to be in discomfort. He had a 5 day course of 1/2 tab pred 2x's day then 2 days on 1/2 tab 1x's day pred. but now he is going to be back on 1/2tab 2x's a day for 2 days or more if he needs (how much i do not know?)
Prednisolone 5mg 1/2 tablet AM and PM for 2 more days Tramadol 50mg, 1/4 tablet 3/x daily Pepcid AC 5mg (cutting 10mg in half) twice daily 30 mins before giving steroid
The laser vet today when he got laser tx said that he did seem more discomfort today than friday (i think he aggravated it friday when he went to laser apt), he went back a few steps with the pain because last week he didn't seem to be in pain after the first day on med. I hope he gets better and it all goes up from here. going back hurts
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 16, 2013 11:20:14 GMT -7
Ashley, it is just not possible to say how long it takes a dog to get swelling down with Pred. The range is 1-2 weeks usually, but then we have even seen some dogs needing to be on pred at the anti-inflammatory level more like a month. The only way to tell if the swelling is gone is by tapering the Prednisone. The pain meds would also have to be backed off or stopped to get a clear picture on painful swelling. Think back to the laser therapy day, did it coincide with tapering of Pred? Then the pain likely arose from the Pred taper not the laser. If Tank was on full pain meds and at the anti-inflammatory level of pred, then the Friday laser therapy may be the cause of pain that day. This has been the case with a few dogs on this Forum, that Laser was uncomfortable, so the owners stopped it. The trained person (vet or vet tech) needs to have the device set for the proper strength and be using the correct technique and maybe some dogs just do not react the same as most with laser therapy. If Tramadol 3x a day at 12.5 mgs (1/4 tablet) is not fully covering pain, then you need to strongly advocate for perhaps an increased dose 3x a day vasg.org/t_drugs.htm#TRAM Perhaps adding in a med that deals with a different type of pain often associated with a disc episode…muscle spasms…that med is methocarbamol. If tramadol and methocarbamol combo still does not control pain fully, vets add in a third one…gabapentin. Tank will need you to read and be ready to adovocate for him IF you are seeing signs of pain. There is no reason for him to suffer when there are so many options to provide comfort. Let us know what you observe regarding pain.
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 16, 2013 16:52:34 GMT -7
The laser day was the day before the first night of tapering began. Saturday night was the first night of the 1x' day steroid and his next dose was later sunday night. Monday (today) I am giving 2 doses again. It could be a combo of the pred tapering, the laser and maybe him aggravating it friday at the apt. Tank is back to the regular dose so how long would we try to keep him on the same 2x day for pred before we start tapering again? 2 days is short so what would be more common?
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 16, 2013 19:06:45 GMT -7
Ashley,
As Paula said, it can take from 1 to 2 weeks on Prednisolone to get the swelling down and some dogs require a month. Each dog is an individual in their healing. That is why Vet's guess when it might be time for a taper to see if the swelling has gone down.. Since Tank is still in pain, it means the swelling is not down yet and it would be a good idea to try at least another week if not two, on the original does of Prednisonlone and then try a taper. Please discuss this with your Vet and see what she says..
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 16, 2013 19:25:32 GMT -7
Okay i will, but the healing will take place and the swelling should go down and he should not be in pain right? i read somewhere about how if the dog still has pain then surgery was an option. I wasn't sure about the time period, but i know i have to give tank time to heal its only been a week. Just want to make sure he's on track to recovery, i think about him 24/7. thank you.
Also, it's the time of month to give take trifexis. Can i give that with all of the meds he's taking??
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 16, 2013 19:46:25 GMT -7
If you do not live in an area that has a mosquito problem this time of the year, I would not give the heartworm med. He is on prednisone and the immune system is affected. Tank shouldn't be outside much anyway if there are still fleas where you are. Learn about hearworms and discuss with your vet regarding just how likely Tank would meet an infected mosquito. What city/state do you live in? Dr. Becker, DVM explains: Two other critically important features in the transmission of heartworm are: 1.The right temperature. During the time the heartworm larvae are developing from L1 to L3 inside an infected mosquito, which is approximately a two-week period, the temperature must not dip below 57°F at any point in time. If it does, the maturation cycle is halted. According to Washington State University heartworm report from 2006, full development of the larvae requires "the equivalent of a steady 24-hour daily temperature in excess of 64°F (18°C) for approximately one month." 2.Humidity and standing water. Mosquitoes are a rarity in dry climates.Do read the fully article so you are fully informed: healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/08/03/why-havent-pet-owners-been-told-these-facts-about-heartworm.aspx Avoid 'silver bullet' all-in-one products that prevent against every known GI worm and external parasite. If you use traditional heartworm preventives, the goal is to use the least amount of drug that successfully prevents heartworm. Using the heartworm 'plus' products, which unnecessarily deworm your pet monthly for GI parasites he doesn't have, are more drugs your pet doesn't automatically need. Regarding surgery. IF Tank has been on aggressive pain meds and after several attempts to taper off of pred the pain just will not resolve, then surgery may be a consideration. So far Tank has had one course of 5 day and now a very short course of 2 days. I really would not be surprised if the swelling is not all cleared up in two days when you start the taper. Most dogs are needing 7-14 days and some few more than 30 days on prednisone. So I hope you already have a plan B discussed ahead of time for the day you start to taper just in case you see any hint of pain surfacing. What is the plan B you and your vet discussed? Did you get extra meds, are you supposed to phone in the pain signs and an extended Rx will be called into your local pharmacy… or ???
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 16, 2013 20:15:13 GMT -7
I live in south florida. Ok i will ask the vet tomorrow. Oh ok I just was curious about the surgery comment i saw someone on here. But i have faith tank will get better soon and be ok. I'll pray swelling is down soon! Yes I am going back to my parents this wednesday because i have been all alone, so i need to talk to vet about supply of meds and a plan B. She will be getting a call tomorrow. I am going to see if she will leave tank on the pred 2x'day tip Saturday or so. Just to be safe. I'll let you know what she says. Tank will have his 4th laser treatment Wednesday too. I read that the K Laser can cause a little pain or discomfort for a few days? But i know overall it will help him in the long run.
I am brining him to my parents house which has a full house of 4 people and he always gets so crazy and hyper. I do not want to be alone during this so I need to make sure he stays calm while there and does not disrupt his healing. Is this a bad idea? I know initially he will be excited but if i can get him to calm down than i think it would be ok. I know he will be crazy in the cage i hope i am not making the wrong decision. So far, its just been me and him and he's very calm most of the time.... I don't want to hurt him but i need to be with my family right now.....
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 16, 2013 20:50:10 GMT -7
Travel with his crate padded out with towels or blanket so that curves, stops, etc do not cause him to shift in the crate. 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. Sedatives can have the opposite effect for some dogs so you will need to monitor Tank and have the ability to update the vet and perhaps choose a different sedative. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Place a DAP pheromone diffusor at floor level where the recovery suite is: --Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/ Use diffusor 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/behavioral-health 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 Other product brands may be available in your area… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 17, 2013 12:39:44 GMT -7
My vet said i could give trifexis. ( i live in south florida and i looked at that site you posted and it is highest here.)
I am on phone now with vet, and the vet relayed a message saying she did not want to keep tank on the 2x/day of pred for longer than the additional 2 days which would mean i start tapering off tomorrow with 1x/day pred. Already! She said she was worried about the side effects of keeping him on the pred. The receptionist then told me she had said that plan B would be if when tapering him off the dose of 2x/day to 1x/day and there is pain than she said i would have to go see a neurologist. Does this mean she doesn't know what to do next? I'm so lost, I didn't change vets but now i feel it is out of her scope. I asked her yesterday if she has experience with IVDD cases and she said yes she has. I just feel she is being reserved with his treatment compared to other success stories on here. It worries me. I told the receptionist i need to have her call me because I do not feel comfortable and what is plan B if he does have pain tomorrow, because today he is JUST starting to feel better i can tell (less shaking, barely shakes for first 2 mins than as i carry him back in he does very slightly).
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 17, 2013 13:12:37 GMT -7
Yes, your vet is telling she is not comfortable in treating a disc episode beyond a very very mild case that pain is resolved in just 7 days. So she has referred you to someone more knowledgable than she is. That is ok, now you know. With the holidays coming up and vets on vacation, it is unfortunate at this point in time to find out your vet is not an IVDD knowledgeable vet and the need to scamper and find one who is. Have you check our directory for where you live and where your parents live? dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-postingThe bottom line is it is YOU who has to know this disease, the meds…as that is how you figure out which vets know this disease. You might want to print out some of our pertinent articles on meds, healing, etc. <http://www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm> to put in a folder to take with you to a vet visit as reference for yourself, to have on you as you travel to your parent's home where you may need yet another new vet. Here is that article on finding a new vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmWe have our fingers crossed that the two day extension on pred may just do the trick. It is always wise to have a plan B just in case with holidays, traveling, new vet at your mom's house. If he is still shaking with movement, then that is not a good sign…pain should have been fully under control yesterday within the hour and thereafter dose to dose of pain med Tramadol. So it maybe tramadol is being under medicated (not high enough dose in mg's, needs another pain meds also on board) if you are seeing shaking. We are not there to see the circumstances of shaking, you know him best…is he his normal perky self? If he moves in his crate does he shake or tremble…does he move slower than usual?
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Post by Ashley&Tank on Dec 17, 2013 13:19:47 GMT -7
I did step the tramadol up to 3x's day even though my vet said not to because i spoke with another vet (laser vet) and he said it was ok. I think this is helping also. When he is in cage he has been relaxing and no shaking. It's when i come near him he gets nervous i think. But as I picked him up today he was better than yesterday. When he pees he walks to pee and looks fine, he tries going faster than he should but i stop him, and also when he eats he looks good. He also stretches and shakes by himself when he is instantly put down to pee, and no yelps or anything.
I found a neurologist in miami by me that i had actually been referred to by another vet if it got worse or just to have their card. I will call them i suppose.
Although the vet situation is annoying, it is a better day today because tank seems to be responding better which is what i care about.
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