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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 6, 2014 21:05:54 GMT -7
Runway is a 5 year old, regular dachshund. He has been such a joy to our family. He is the sweetest dog you can imagine, and so kind and tolerant of our 2 year old son. He is extremely active, which is great, except that I think it has caused the problem we are in today. He loves to run, jump, and play and doesn't often listen very well! About a year ago, he started acting very funny and not himself. He was whining, shaking, and avoiding us. I took him to see our neighbor, which is a vet, and she was very helpful. She said it was definitely his back but there was no nerve damage at the time. However, she put him on steroids, pain killers, and muscle relaxers, and said to keep him on strict crate rest for several days and then limited exercise for a few weeks. He felt better immediately and was ready to play! Of course, we kept him in his crate for the suggested amount of time but he was back to normal in no time.
Fast forward to New Years Day (Wednesday). I woke up to Runway shaking and sitting still (not like himself). I knew immediately it was his back. I carried him outside and left him in his crate the rest of the day, except to go outside. Because of the holiday the vet was closed, and I didn't want to bother my neighbor (oh how I regret that now!) The next day, he seemed better. He wasn't in as much pain (ate his food, which he didn't the day before) and seemed happier. I thought I'd caught it early and he would heal. Then that evening my husband said he fell getting out of his crate. I didn't immediately think IVDD but knew he needed to be seen. Then a couple hours later I took him outside and he fell several times while walking around to use the bathroom. I immediately panicked! I knew this was a very bad sign. I immediately called our neighbor, and she said she would be over to look at him.
She brought the same medications as last time, but said he did not look good. This was a much more dangerous sign than what we experienced the previous year. She said to give him the medication and keep him on strict crate rest, but that my husband and I needed to have a serious discussion about whether or not we could do surgery.
So since Thursday night, Runway has been on prednisone (10 mg 2 times per day) robaxin, tramadol, and another pain med
that I can't think of off the top of my head. He has been on strict crate rest, only being taken out to go to the bathroom, and today we went to the vet. He did ride in a crate on the way there and back though.
Despite starting this medication Thursday night, he is completely dragging his back legs. He just looks and seems so pitiful. He sits up occasionally and whines, but I feel like this is a "let me out" whine. When he is laying down he is calm and looks peaceful. He has occasionally wagged his tail and has not lost bladder control. He only uses the bathroom when taken outside.
I took him today to see a different vet at a clinic that is able to do the surgery. He said there is no doubt he has a herniated disk, and at this point it is too late for him to heal medically. Basically it's either surgery or euthanasia. Surgery would be very difficult financially for us right now, and I would like to avoid it if possible. I do not want to put him down though.
I have not tried acupuncture or cold laser treatments. This is something I plan to look into tomorrow.
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Post by Pauliana on Jan 6, 2014 22:12:24 GMT -7
Katie, welcome to Dodgerslist. Do know that Runway and you CAN make it through this disc episode…keep hope alive! I would suggest finding another vet without the put to sleep attitude. Your dog can recover under conservative treatment as thousands of other Dodgerslist dogs have. Here is a link that explains what to look for in a IVDD experienced Vet. It also has a search feature so you can find one in your area. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmYour neighbor sounds like a good Vet, she did have the right medications prescribed for him, but always when having a disc episode do 8 weeks of 100% crate rest. For Surgery recovery it is best to use 6 weeks of crate rest. We can best help you with a bit of info: -- Since New Years day have you kept Runway on 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.htmThe 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 Runway with your answers.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 7, 2014 7:43:25 GMT -7
Yes, he has been on strict crate rest. I pick him up out of his crate and set him outside to use the bathroom. He sometimes takes a few steps before using the restroom but I try to get him to go as fast as possible. He has only been taken out to see the vet yesterday.
He does not seem in pain. He's mostly calm when in his crate. Sometimes he whines, but it seems like he wants out. He does shiver when I pick him up, but not while he's laying down.
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies? I will be adding pepcid to his medications today. I did not know about this before last night.
He cannot put pressure on his back legs. When I set him down outside he may take a few steps with his front paws, but his back paws drag behind them. They are very limp and usually cross.
No, his bed is dry, and he has not had any accidents.
-- Eating and drinking OK? yes
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood?yes
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 7, 2014 8:42:04 GMT -7
You're doing a great job with Runway. It's such a scary time but as Pauliana said don't give up hope for a full recovery, it's far too early to say that can't happen. As for the idea of euthanasia that should not be an option either. Even paralyzed dogs can have a great life and be very happy. Remember they don't need to go to a job, drive a car, mow the lawn, etc as we humans do so using a wheelchair and not having full use of their legs is not so much of an impact. Don't stop looking for a full recovery though! If Runway cannot walk and be steady on his hind legs you need to use a sling to support him so he isn't putting more stress on the fragile disc right now. An extra leash, a long piece of fabric, etc can be used. Here is a link...lots of great information here and the sling information is toward the bottom under "support at potty time". www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmGreat that you are starting the Pepcid too. Keep us posted on Runways progress and feel free to ask any questions that come up.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 7, 2014 18:19:17 GMT -7
I am not 100% sure of the dosage on the robaxin and tramadol. My neighbor brought them both from her house so they do not have the mgs on them. I know we do 1/2 tramadol 3 times a day 1/4 a robaxin three times a day. The other pain med is Gabapentin, 200 mg every 8-12 hours. He weighed 16 lb 9 oz yesterday at the vet.
I actually made a sling earlier today out of a couple scarves. He has peed really well using it, but hasn't pooped using it, yet.
He has wagged his tail more often today, usually when I put him down outside. Also, when I have pinched his back paws to test that he isn't losing deep pain, he very slightly drew them back (one at a time, but both paws).
We are working on finding help with finances to possibly do the surgery, but will probably have to wait until at least this weekend to make a decision.
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 7, 2014 19:03:24 GMT -7
It would be best if you had the dosages on those meds. If something happened and you had to see a vet other than your neighbor that vet should have that information.
Detection of deep pain is often very difficult, a skill even many general vets do no possess, it's entirely likely that if he didn't withdraw from your pinch he could still indeed have deep pain. Pinching his toes is only serving to annoy Runway. The fact that he wags his tail at appropriate times is proof he still has deep pain. When do the tail wags happen? Only when he's out to potty? Will he wag his tail in response to seeing you after you've been gone or when you speak to him in an excited voice?
I'm glad you've made a sling and that he does well with it. Watch to be sure he does poop, dogs on crate rest and the meds can easily become constipated. You can add some pumpkin to his diet, 1tsp of plain canned pumpkin daily is sufficient...not the pie filling just plain pumpkin.
Hoping for continued signs of progress!
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 7, 2014 19:22:39 GMT -7
I will talk to her tomorrow about what the dosages are.
He does not wag in response to my voice or giving him a treat. He seems to do it when he sees other people, like when someone has come to the door or when he saw a neighbor taking their trash can out.
If he DID withdraw his legs, that is a good sign, isn't it? It's very slight but he does move.
He pooped earlier after eating, but hasn't this evening. I have taken him out once after having his dinner but I will again before bed.
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 7, 2014 19:28:33 GMT -7
It is a good sign that he withdrew his legs. I was only saying that pinching his toes is probably very annoying to him and if at some point he does not withdraw his legs it will not be proof that he has lost deep pain as specialist vets are often the only ones who possess this skill adequately to determine when deep pain is no longer present. It's probably not worth the panic attack you'll certainly suffer if he doesn't withdraw and it's certainly not pleasant for him to have his toes pinched...it's why he withdraws.
Tail wagging to a stimulus is what you are looking for, observe that it seems appropriate rather than reflexive. Some dogs wag at potty time but it is reflex. You are looking for a definite back-and-forth tail wag in response to something that would normally make his tail wag.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 7, 2014 20:02:40 GMT -7
That makes sense I just wanted to make sure. You are definitely right about panicking!
His tail wagging is confusing me. He won't respond to normal things only when I immediately set him down outside. Not while he's actually using the bathroom though. On Saturday he wagged when a neighbor came to the door, but he was doing better Saturday anyway.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 12, 2014 18:33:30 GMT -7
I totally agree about finding a different vet. Luckily this one was just a one time thing. I took Runway there because it's the clinic that can do the surgery for the most affordable price. Our neighbor and runways regular vet have both been much more positive.
Runway has not made any noticeable progress but we've lowered the steroids and he hasn't regressed. He seems much happier, especially when taken outside. If I let him he'd walk all around the yard with his sling, if I can keep up! He's still only wagging his tail when outside but seems to be more frequently while outside. When I set him down, while he's using the bathroom, and while walking around a little he'll sometimes wag.
Any advice on what to look for for improvement? Is there a time when we should assume he will not heal on his own and go for the surgery? I know its a long process but just wondering if there's any kind of timeline we should be looking at. He still has deep pain and bladder control.
Thanks for your help!
Also any suggestions on prednisone? He is down to 10 mg once a day but according to his rx bottle it says he should be starting every other day tomorrow or the next day. I'm afraid to do this since he still has no use of his legs.
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Jan 12, 2014 20:59:20 GMT -7
Hi Katie, I'm Sabrina. Your Runway sure is a cutie-pie! When you tapered the Pred, did your vet also have you cut back on the pain meds? A taper of Pred is to "test" to see if there is still swelling/inflammation going on - if there is, there will be pain. If the pain meds are masking the pain, then you don't have an accurate picture as to whether or not there's still swelling/inflammation going on. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmCan you give us a current list of Runway's meds? With an IVDD episode, there are 4 Phases of Healing. If you scroll down on this page, it will link to articles about each phase: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmPhase (1) Total pain control dose to dose of pain meds, while Phase (2) the anti-inflammatory resolves the inflammation/swelling that are the cause of the pain. Phase (3) With 8wks of 100% strict crate rest while on conservative treatment, Runway's body can develop secure scar tissue to protect his disc while he keeps healing. Phase (4) Nerve healing, and regaining neuro function, can happen weeks, months, or years later. There isn't any "expiration date" for regaining neuro function! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmNeurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage: 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, all that to say: If you know Runway's not in pain during the pred taper (by backing off of pain meds to get a clear picture) and he's not losing any ground neurologically, then the pred taper can go to it's completion. This page has factors to consider regarding surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 19, 2014 9:32:54 GMT -7
Well we tapered the ▼pred and pain Meds this weeks but he took a little step backwards. So we put him back on ▲10mg everyday until yesterday so now we are back to ▼every other day. I tapered his pain Meds as well but increased them again when he looked painful on Tuesday or Wednesday.
However, Runway is showing serious signs of improvement!! He started moving his legs and attempting to stand earlier in the week. Now he is wagging his tail more regularly and can walk VERY wobbly! When he is in his sling outside you can hardly tell he's hurt! This time last week his legs were still dragging completely. His legs have so much more life to them. Really hopeful he'll continue to show improvement!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2014 12:11:51 GMT -7
Katie, what good news on the neuro functions you are observing. Was your regular vet the one who extended pred for a bit longer with that step backwards? We've got our fingers crossed for this time to be the one to complete the taper without out any problems.
Now that he is feeling so good and his rear leg walking ability has returned, it will be a challenge to make sure Runway can do no harm to his early healing disc. Keep that little guy safe with harness and leash when out of the recovery suite…those little stinkers will dart off in a blink of an eye if not under your control.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 22, 2014 19:12:36 GMT -7
The vet who has seen him through this is a neighbor, not his regular vet. However, she is the one that has helped us through both of his back issues because they have both been rather emergent situations and she is always willing to help. He has been on the every other day dose of prednisone for 5 days now, with tomorrow being his last dose (hopefully!). We have not seen any set backs this time! Yay!!
I have been taking him out with a leash and his sling. He walks so well with it now! His back paws are not knuckling anymore. We had the vet check him out Sunday and he is unable to support his weight, he fell on his side when trying to take steps. His legs did not, however "slip" like they were before, you can just tell he can't hold his weight up yet.
I am so encouraged, especially considering it has only been 3 weeks of treatment! He wags his tail all the time now! This makes me feel good. He is going a bit crazy in his crate. We are having some work done on our basement, and it is really messing with him. I've gotten some tranquilizers to calm him while they're here. I'm afraid he will hurt himself constantly trying to stand in his crate.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 22, 2014 22:03:27 GMT -7
Good news, no pain!!! Now it is just letting that disc heal for the remainder of the 8 weeks.
What is the name of the tranquilizer?
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 23, 2014 7:14:06 GMT -7
Love that picture of Runway! So glad he is doing so well The crate rest will be harder now that he is feeling better. ARe you able to place it close to you or up on a table while you are relaxing or watching tv? That will help him to keep calm. During these next few weeks, to help keep him relaxed, you may need to spend more time right with him next to his crate (or ex-pen) to help him realize that he isn't isolate.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 23, 2014 7:41:55 GMT -7
His crate is right next to the couch and he can pretty much see us all the time. I sit with him several times a day to pet/comfort him and he always calms down. Sitting on the floor is easier said than done though being 7 months pregnant . He whines occasionally but only gets hyper when someone comes over or we have construction going on. We've pretty much tried to limit visitors but can't help the construction or when people come to the door. I'm just in disbelief at how sturdy his paws are. They aren't knuckling at all. I just can't believe I was told there was no way he would get better without surgery. I knew better but a lot of people wouldn't! I knew, and still know, nothing is a guarantee but I'm so glad I did my research and decided to give Runway a chance! The tranquilizer we were given is acepromazine 10mg. She said to start with half a tablet. We only plan to use them when he gets really riled up and tries to stand in his crate.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 26, 2014 18:34:03 GMT -7
So the tranquilizers aren't really helping. It definitely doesn't knock him out and only calms him down if nothing is going on. If someone unfamiliar walks by (we have construction going on in our basement) or someone knocks or something he barks and usually tries to stand. I don't know what to do to prevent this?
On a different note, I've noticed him nesting and laying curled up instead of stretched out sometimes. I'm hoping this is a good sign since it's more normal behavior?
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Jan 26, 2014 19:53:46 GMT -7
Hi Katie! The nesting/laying curled up is a good sign that Runway is feeling better! Have you spoken to the vet about his dose of acepromazine? If not, I would report to the vet what you are observing - I'm not familiar with that drug, but perhaps the dose could be adjusted? When Runway hears a noise/sees someone and tries to "stand" - is he trying to "stand up" on his back legs and put his front legs up on the side of the crate? If so, have you tried either of these methods: -- Tamara's homemade lowering of crate roof to prevent standing on hind legs: Cut a cardboard box to the length and width of the crate. Punch holes around the cardboard edges. Use string or plastic ties to attach the cardboard inside the crate at a height that only allows standing up, but not room to jump up or stand on hind legs. -- Option 2 to keep dog from jumping in crate. Drape blanket to head height of standing dog, so he can't see if he jumps or stands on hind legs. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmAnother idea might be to put his crate up on a sturdy table somewhere safe and far enough away from any strangers so that he can observe without feeling threatened - that way he's already up high enough to see better and doesn't have to stand on his hind legs to get a better view. ))Hugs!((
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 27, 2014 17:28:59 GMT -7
He doesn't try to stand on his hind legs only, just on all fours. She did said we could give him a full dose [acepromazine?] instead of half but I'm hesitant to do so.
Also I'm a little worried because when I took him out this afternoon his left foot knuckle for a second. He was able to correct it immediately but I haven't noticed this in a few days. He's completely off prednisone now so I'm wondering if there's still swelling? He's not painful and I actually just cut his pain Meds back from three time to two times a day. I may be overreacting but this worried me. He is always supported in a sling when taken out so I don't really know what it would look like without it.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 27, 2014 19:13:54 GMT -7
There's not been a true test of the pred taper. He's still on pain meds which mask pain. Swelling causes pain…so now you don't know really if swelling still exists. Nerves do not like swelling and the pressure it causes, they die when pressured. That death looks like to us knuckling, loss of leg use when it becomes severe. The reason to do a true taper test with pain meds stopped is if there is still painful swelling you do not want to delay getting pred back on board. YOu really need to discuss your observations of knuckling, etc with the vet.
For some dogs ACE works to excite them. So it is a good idea to be present when you dose ACE to see the reaction. If he needs to be more calm, then you do need to use the ACE to protect his early healing disc. YOur vet has other options to calm if ACE is not the med for Runway.
Just standing on all four legs, or sitting quietly on his butt is ok. It is rambutious behaviour that can not be tolerated… too much movement would damage the healing disc.
Let us know what you observe and what the vet recommends.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 28, 2014 10:25:10 GMT -7
If I gave him pain Meds this morning, would this evening be an accurate assessment of pain? Like if I waited past 12 hours? I will talk to my vet as well
She said to go ahead and give him 10mg once a day for 3-5 days and then start tapering again. What would you suggest to do with the pain Meds? She's just said as needed but I hate waiting to see if he's in pain
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 28, 2014 13:19:23 GMT -7
Katie, the entire point of the taper with IVDD is to have a very quick assessment of pain. The taper is a test. If pain meds are stopped and there is ANY hint of pain on the taper you and your vet need to have a plan. If pain happens at night or on the weekend what do you do til Monday? If pain happens during a weekday you can call asap and get permission to go back up to the anti-inflammatory dose and bring back up the pain meds doses.
Rule of thumb is: pain = swelling = another course of Pred, pain meds and Pepcid AC is needed.
Signs of pain are: trembling, shivering, not willing to move very much, yelping, tight tense tummy.
If there is no pain on the taper then it goes to completion. Then no meds at all are needed. All of the IVDD meds are powerhouses that can do great good. They also carry side effects so if there is not benefit to be gained why subject a dog to using Pred when there is nothing to gain. So the reason to test taper is to see if the drugs are no longer needed.
If your vet has not brought up a plan, then I would discuss if such a plan would work for Runway. 1. Pain on the taper during the week day you call to let the vet know. The expectation would be another course of pred back up to the higher, original anti-inflamamtory dose before trying another taper. 2. If the pain surfaces on the weekend, you would know you have the vet's permission to administer the anti-inflammatory dose, the pain meds. You'd call 1st thing Monday morning to alert the vet to what happened.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 28, 2014 18:36:04 GMT -7
I regret not tapering his pain Meds with his pred. When I taper them this next time I will. His legs are obviously not as strong as they were. He wasn't able to stay standing when I set him down as well as his legs knuckling when walking with the sling at potty time. He regressed a little the first time I tapered pred so I'm hoping this will get him back to where he was. Feeling pretty bad and upset he was doing so well I have extra pred and pain Meds on hand. I text my vet regularly and she lives two doors down if I needed something in an emergency.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 29, 2014 5:59:18 GMT -7
Hang in there, Katie. Sometimes it can take a month or more to get that swelling down. Hopefully, the next taper will go better.
When you say that Runway's legs are knuckling, do you mean his paws are knuckling under or are his legs buckling? While that can certainly be a sign of neuro deficits, I'm wondering if, even though the ACE isn't working well in calming Runway down, possibly it could be making him groggy enough that he couldn't stand well. You'll have a better idea of what's going on when you taper both the Pred and the pain meds next time.
Continuing healing prayers for Runway.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jan 29, 2014 7:43:56 GMT -7
Katie don't be discouraged. I can tell you that we did two tapers unsuccessfully with Mimi and she regressed both times. It took us three weeks to find the right dose of meds and we even went higher than we started and got her finally to make progress. You are doing everything you can for Runway. It's just so hard when you are going through it.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Jan 29, 2014 17:37:24 GMT -7
His paws were knuckling. This was when I knew I needed to talk to the vet because they'd stopped about a week ago. He also wasn't wagging his tail as often. Already today after one dose of pred he seems better. Wagged his tail and legs seemed stronger.
We've only given him the tranquilizer twice, the last time being last Sunday. He's been pretty calm because we had a break in construction. Today they're here and he's barked and whined a lot but nothing harmful to him.
Vet said to do pred 3-5 days then taper to every other. I'm thinking ill do the 5 to be on the safe side. Hopefully this will be his last round!
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 30, 2014 7:50:14 GMT -7
Good to hear that he's already feeling stronger, Katie. Keep us updated.
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Post by Katie & Runway on Feb 3, 2014 6:42:48 GMT -7
We are ready to start tapering his pred again since it's been 5 days. I'm hesitant though because he still seems worse than he was a week ago. His back left leg isn't as sturdy as it was. He can move it but doesn't put any pressure on it like he does his right leg. His walking (with sling) is More wobbly than it was. Even when he's in his crate if I just touch his right leg he moves it but not his left. It's almost like he can't bend it.
Should I cut out all of his pain Meds to test the taper? Our vet said to keep him on the gabapentin longer since it's specifically for nerve pain. Will this mask pain from swelling though?
We're half way through his 8 weeks crate rest and I'm just not feeling as confident as I did a week ago. I keep having to remind myself it's a long road but I just want him to have a happy life.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 3, 2014 13:37:34 GMT -7
Katie nerve damage is not repaired by any meds. Also being on rest can cause some muscle weakness, being more unsteady on the legs. You have the chart of nerve functions to monitor for and report to the vet here www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmKatie, we can't offer any additional other comments about how a taper works than we have already done in several past posts. You will need to work with your vet about tapering pain meds on a taper and reach a decision together. Pain meds do the work of masking pain, pain from nerves that are inflamed, pain from phantom nerve pain that makes a dog want to chew off a foot (neuropathic pain)…that is what gabapentin does. The Mar Vista vet page is always a good page to start your readings about any of your dog's meds: www.marvistavet.com/html/gabapentin.html
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