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Post by ayouse03 on Jan 6, 2014 12:05:24 GMT -7
I have a 5yo Doxie that lost the use of his hind leg today. He has been suffering from a back issue for two weeks and treated by the vet with laser therapy and meds. Obviously he is not improved. I have recently had some financial upheaval and cannot afford the $5,000 necessary for proper diagnostics and surgery. My care credit is maxed out and I am devastated about losing my best friend. If anyone can offer any advice/help it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Amanda and Brody
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,565
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 6, 2014 12:42:29 GMT -7
Amanda, welcome to Dodgerslist. Do know that Brody and you CAN make it through this disc episode…keep hope alive! We can best help you with a bit of info: -- Have you since two weeks ago been doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for this current disc episode? 100% STRICT crate rest 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 with potential to be paralyzed? 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 The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal. -- 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 mg's and frequencies? Do you have Pepcid AC on board to protect the stomach? Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason my dog may not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory -- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk once off all pain meds and no more signs of pain.www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- 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? There is not better thing to do outside of 100% STRICT rest than reading. 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.htmWe look forward to learning more about Brody with your answers.
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Post by ayouse03 on Jan 7, 2014 12:05:01 GMT -7
Thank you so much for the reply! My vet neglected to tell me ANYTHING about strict crate rest. It wasn't until I started investigating conservative management myself that I found this. He now is doing this.
He does still have pain, but is mostly guarded when I have to pick him up to go outside or to the vet.
He is currently taking prednisone 5mg twice a day 25mg tramadol as needed every 4-6 hours metacarbamol 2-3 times daily (unsure of dosage). I have started pepto to aid with stomach problems.
He is currently still wobbly walking, tail is wagging well, and he has no issues with incontinence. He is pooping fine without issue.
He's eating normally and drinking is increased, but that is due to the steroids.
Thank you again for the information! I appreciate the time that you have taken to help me and increase my Brody's best chances of recovery.
One question, what do you think of laser therapy and accupuncture?
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 7, 2014 14:15:22 GMT -7
Pepto contains an ingredient in the aspirin family and is not safe for dogs. Pepcid (famotidine) is safe for dogs unless they have a health issue that would contraindicate it's use. Please be sure you are giving Pepcid not Pepto.
We strongly recommend acupuncture and/or laser therapy. If you have this option available do take advantage. When transporting the dog to appointments take him in his crate. Put extra padding around the sides to allow as little moving/jarring as possible on the ride.
If he is still guarding when you move/carry him he still has uncontrolled pain. You give some time ranges for his pain meds (Tramadol and Methocarbamol) are you giving them as often as you are able? If not give them as often as the vets instructions allow for a couple days. The pain should be fully under control within an hour or so.
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