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Post by jacquie101 on Dec 18, 2013 20:10:43 GMT -7
We have a dog with IVDD named Angus, he was a surgical candidate after showing hind end paralysis last November 2012 at OVC in Ontario, recovered perfectly.
Last summer he had another episode requiring 8 weeks of crate rest following another disc episode in his back and neck.
He seemed to recover well, until last week when he was quite painful. It progressively got worse throughout the week and he had been on crate rest since. I took him back to OVC neurology yesterday and they suggested surgery on his neck, following an MRI to verify their decision that it is indeed a disc (considering his history it is very likely). He is on pain management now, but considering how painful he is they are not sure how well conservative management will work.
We have to make the decision tomorrow whether or not to go ahead with the surgery, as the hospital will be closed for 2 weeks.
Do you have any suggestions, or support for us. It's a very difficult decision as he is only 5, but financially it would be very difficult. The surgery here in Canada is $4500-$5500 during regular hours. He also has arthritis in his hips which is also making the decision harder.
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 18, 2013 20:42:43 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Jacquie! So sorry to hear of all of Angus' disc episodes. He is lucky he has a Mom that is very familiar with the right treatment of crate rest and pain management. Here is some information on surgery and conservative treatment to help you come to a decision. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmHere is some tips on handling Cervical disc episodes: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htmWith answers to these questions we will be better able to help you. -- How much does your dog weigh? --What breed is your dog? -- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? 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? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? -- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail 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 no dark or bright red blood? Be sure to order one of our DVDs. Only $3 and that includes shipping. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.html While, there order some of our literature to pass out. We are here for you and I am sending comforting thoughts your way.. |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on Dec 18, 2013 20:49:32 GMT -7
Hi my name is Maureen, welcome to Dodgers List. I am sorry that your Angus is having another IVDD episode. Conservative treatment has been successfully used for cervical discs, it ID harder to manage, and good pain control is a MUST! Cervical discs www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htmIf you would answer a few questions for us we will be better able to assist you. -- How much does Angus 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 Pred. 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? Here is some infor on surgery and conservative treatment - maybe this will help you with your decision. Treatment options - surgery and conservative www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmPlease keep us posted, We are here to help in any way that we can. Keeping you in thought and prayer. |
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Post by jacquie101 on Dec 20, 2013 12:19:59 GMT -7
Hi Paula/Maureen,
Angus is a wire haired dachshund, approximately 14 lbs. He was supposed to be a mini, but is more of a "tweenie", the vets are very happy with his weight at the moment.
The neurologists were convinced it was a cervical disc. We decided to go ahead with the MRI and he had thrown all the specialists for a loop. Turned out that it was thoracic and right next to the disc that previously herniated. Because he had started to loose neurologic function, (and last time he deteriorated quite quickly), we decided to go ahead with surgery.
He recovered well from the anesthetic and should be out of ICU today. He is weak is his right hind, which he was not previously weak on, but they had to open a bigger window due to the scar tissue from before so they assume he will get it back. They are recommending 4-8 weeks crate rest, luckily he deals well in a crate.
Thanks for your tips and advice!
Jacquie
Read more: dodgerslist.boards.net/post/new/1232#ixzz2nx79dEk0 |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 20, 2013 17:31:08 GMT -7
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