Tina's Bear 1/3 Surgery Terrier

Welcome to Dodgerslist, my name is Pauliana what is your name?  Please tell us all about Bear's IVDD and how he is doing after surgery.. What breed is he? His age and weight? 

Let us know when you get a chance about what medications they send him home with, the dosages and frequencies given..  If your dog comes home with a Steroid or a NSAID please ask the vet this way about 
Pepcid AC.. "Is there any medical reason why my dog can't take Pepcid AC to protect his stomach?" if there is no reason pick it up from the grocery or drug store.  We give half a tablet of the 10 mg original dose Pepcid AC to our dogs 15 pounds and under..

Let us know what your surgeon recommends about crate rest. We recommend 6 weeks crate rest to allow the disc to form secure scar tissue.. Rest is the best thing for them..and also it keeps them from re injuring the disc in the early stages of healing..

Here is a list of discharge questions to ask the Vet when you pick Bear up from the hospital.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm

Many members here work full time, and still take care of their dogs after surgery or when under conservative treatment.  It can be overwhelming at first.. but once you and your Bear have a routine established and get more informed about IVDD it becomes less scary..  We have all been through this with our dogs.. so you are not alone...Start here to learn:  www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm

Sending comforting thoughts...and healing prayers..

I'm sure you'll feel much better after seeing Bear today. And he'll be very glad to see you, too!

Please know that there is swelling after surgery that can take 2-4 weeks to resolve. That swelling is still pressing on the spine and causing the nerves not to connect properly. So it's not at all unusual if you don't see any improvements until that swelling goes down. My Jeremy's deep pain sensation took a few days to return after his surgery.

There is no timetable anyone can give you when to expect nerve repair to happen. In fact, there is no time limit for nerves to heal...it can take weeks, months, even a year or longer. However, it is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag!

1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk.
3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test.
Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine.
4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.

So hang in there - we're here for you and looking forward to your update after your visit with Bear.

Hi, we are a friendly group and would love to know your name?  

I know how overwhelming all of this is.. My dog Tyler also has IVDD and had surgery almost a year ago.. 

Is Bear able to urinate on his own?  Tyler gets what we call a "potty hard on" (sorry to be so graphic  LOL) when he has to pee really bad especially first thing in the morning, so we always rush him outside when he gets like that.. It would also be a good idea just in case to let your Vet know, in case it could be happening for another reason..

--What breed is your dog?

-- Is there still currently pain at home? - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? Work with the vet, if yes, he can adjust medications so Bear is in full comfort.

-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies?

-- Currently can he 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? Does he have bladder control?

IF he does not have bladder control did the Vet teach you how to express him? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm

Looking forward to your answers so we can be of more help to you and Bear..

Do report if you are still seeing shivering and tense tummy muscles..that is a sign of pain. Rather than giving pain meds on an as needed basis, give what was prescribed. Once pain surfaces is it harder to get back under control. The goal is for no pain to surface dose to dose of pain meds.

How is Bear doing today?

If you are finding urine leaks in his bedding then expressing the bladder 4 times a day is not often enough. The goal is that there is no leaking between expressing. Don't hesitate to return to the clinic and express there. Then the vet tech can check your work and give you more pointers. Try expressing every 3-4 hours and as he is staying dry you can then move up to every 4-6 even every 8 hours.

What directives did the surgeon call for re: crate rest and PT?

Yes, we did see his photo and he's a real little sweetie!

Did they help you learn how to express by giving you a hands on your hands demonstration? It can take some practice to get expressing down. As the bladder gets smaller, it slips away and you have to feel for it again. You can cup it with one hand to try to keep it in one place. Sometimes it ends up by the hip area. You can almost feel one hand touching the other when it's empty.

We usually see surgeons recommending 6 weeks of crate rest following surgery. The surgeons at Texas A&M University explain the why of crate rest best:
"Many clients are confused as to why exercise restriction is often necessary after spinal cord injury in veterinary patients. Vertebral column injury and surgery can disrupt the normal stabilizing structures of the spine such as muscles, bone, joint capsules, and the intervertebral disk. Excessive, unrestricted activity after surgery or certain injuries can lead to vertebral column destabilization and prolonged healing of the injury site. The intervetebral disk, in particular, is very slow to heal and healing may be incomplete; excessive vertebral column motion after disk surgery may therefore lead to recurrence of disk herniation. Additionally, animals that are weak or incoordinated may accidentally traumatize themselves, leading to orthopedic and soft tissue injuries."

So post op crate rest for 6 weeks means, you do all the PT the surgeon wants. PT is always supervised, slow and deliberate and with your full attention on the dog. When you are not doing PT then back in the crate til graduation day. After crate rest has been completed do a slow gradual reintroduction back into physical activity. Schedule idea: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm

What PT was prescribed? Here's our page of exercises if you'd like to run them by the surgeon to see if he'll approve them or if they're similar to the ones you've been given.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm

Acupuncture and laser light therapy are helpful treatments that can be very beneficial to assist with re-establishment of nerve connections in the body and usually can be started right away if that's within your budget.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htm

Also water therapy can be performed now that the stitches have been removed. Some of these exercises can be done right in the bathtub. Please be sure to check with the surgeon before starting any of these.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm

Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery for Bear.

Unfortunately, UTIs are common with IVDD dogs who don't have bladder control. I hope that clears up quickly. You may need to express him more often until you become proficient at it to be sure the urine doesn't lie in his bladder too long where bacteria can breed.

There's a video of some of the PT exercises on the link that I gave you in my last posting. If those exercises are the ones prescribed, it might help to look at the video to learn how to do it. Don't hesitate to call the vet to go back for further instructions so the PT is done properly. Here's the link again: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm

Prayers are continuing.

Great!! Bear had his surgery at Center for Vet Specialty Care in Carrollton. I will check the Frisco.

Tina, glad to hear getting the infection under control is making Bear feel a whole lot better.

See if you can help Bear relax in his recovery suite. 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. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog.

Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider:
--Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html
--Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/

Use a diffuser 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 or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price

Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior.  To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting.  So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward.  Soon your dog will see they get rewards for four feet on the floor, quietly sitting, etc.

I don't see this as a side effect of Chloramphenicol but I would check with your vet about it. How long has it been since he's urinated? You can try adding some water to his kibble or give him some chicken broth.

Did you do your homework on this anti-biotic? What is the name of the bacteria causing the UTI? Are blood tests being taken? Do you dose it 3x a day?
www.rxlist.com/chloramphenicol-sodium-succinate-drug.htm
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608008.html
www.drugs.com/cdi/chloramphenicol.html


--Nausea, diarrhea, and appetite loss are relatively common with this med.
--Vaccinations should not be given during a course of chloramphenicol.
--Humans may develop fatal aplastic anemia if exposed orally to chloramphenicol (risk is approximately one person in 25,000). This condition is irreversible and is not dependent upon dosages. For this reason, chloramphenicol has been banned from food animal use in the United States as well as from human use. Washing hands after handling this medication is recommended. marvistavet.com/html/chloramphenicol.html

Hi Tina,

Human medications such as Motrin are dangerous to dogs, so please put a sticker on that Motrin bottle "For humans only!"   How much Motrin did you give Bear?  How is he now?  I would take him to an ER Vet right away..

From the Pet Poison Helpline: 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs

Level of toxicity: Generally moderate to severe, life-threatening

Common signs to watch for:

Vomiting
Bloody vomitus
Diarrhea
Black-tarry stool
Weakness
Pale gums (anemia)
Abdominal pain
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Halitosis (secondary to kidney failure)
Seizures
Death

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that are commonly used in people and animals for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, headaches, cramps and for the relief of mild fevers. Humans frequently use NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen. Dog-specific NSAIDs include common brands such as Rimadyl, Dermaxx, Previcox and Metacam. There are no NSAIDs designed for long term use in cats and this class of drug is used sparingly in cats because it is poorly tolerated (it can result in severe kidney failure with overdose, poisoning, or repeated doses).

Pet owners should never give any medication to their dog or cat without consultation with their veterinarian. Some pet owners give NSAIDs without realizing the dangers to their dog or cat. When pets ingest small overdoses of an NSAID, it can result in severe stomach ulcers, causing signs of vomiting, bloody vomitus, diarrhea, black-tarry stool, weakness, pale gums (anemia), abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. With larger ingestions, halitosis, kidney failure, liver failure and neurological problems (e.g., tremors, seizures) can develop.

If you think your dog or cat were poisoned by ibuprofen, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice. The sooner the poisoning is diagnosed, the sooner we can fix it!

Content written by: Dr. Cat Angle, DVM, MPH, Pet Poison Helpline

Poison type: Medications

Alternate names: Advil, NSAID, Motrin, Pamprin, NSAIDs

Well ive been coming back to this support feeder for over 2 weeks and have not had any . Its been 2 months since bear had his surgery and he wags his tail and can stand for up to a minute....but NO walking. I look at him wanting to run and jump like he use too and he tries to play but cant. He eventually stops and cries a little and falls asleep. I dont know if we are being selfish keeping him like this... he shakes in fear when we put him in his wheels for even 5 min.what else can we do?

Hi. I always have him with us out of crate when I or my husband get home. He doesnt like to scoot around too much. He can hold his pee until we take him out but he does leak if we take long. He barks a certain way that lets us know he has to go out to poopy. As far as tail wag, he lifts his tail at base near body and moves it side to side when I touch it.
We rented a cart from K9. He went to a wonderful phys therapy person in carrolton. She advised to wait on putting him on wheels or allowing him from scooting because he'll get too comfortable and not walk. Unfortunately her schedule doesnt fit ours.