Carlette 12/31?? Conservative

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carlette
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Carlette 12/31?? Conservative Jan 7, 2014 5:15:09 GMT -7

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Post by carlette on Jan 7, 2014 5:15:09 GMT -7

New Years Eve one of my Doxies acted like she hurt her shoulder. I took her to the one vet I could find open and the place was packed! They took her to the back (without me) and gave her a shot of Vetelog. I took her home and 2 hours later she was having severe muscle spasms so I took her back to the vet. They were about to close but stayed open to take a x-ray. Nothing was seen in the ex-ray so he gave her a prescription of predisone 5 MG twice a day. I asked him about pain meds and spasm meds and he refused to give me any. I had some Tramodol at home so I gave her that until I could get her back to another vet which was not until after the New Years.
The second vet told me to give her
1/2 of a 5 MG twice a day. For 3 days only.
Methocarbana 3/4 tablet every 8 hours for 2 days then 1/2 tablet every 12 hours.
buprenorphine (not sure how to spell) oral 0.2 ML every 12 hours.

Two days later they changed it to:
Continue with predisone
Diazepan 10 MG every 8 hours
Tramadol 50 mg every 8 hours

Yesterday she changed it again!
Said to take her off the predisone until 1/8/14 and then put her on Novox 25 MG 1 tablet every 8 hrs
Diazepan 10 mg every 8 hours
Gabapentin 50 mg every 12 hours
She took her off the Tramadol because she would not sleep and hasn't sleep in days so we thought she was having a reaction to them.
This is the problem. She is still having spasms. I don't have the money [surgery] to take her to have expensive test or operations!! I don't understand why she has her on such a low amount of predisone. Isnt that supposed to reduce the swelling? She is telling me that she thinks the first vet mishandled her. I am beyond confused and about at my breaking point with the vets! It seems like its no big deal for a dog to be in pain to them! Never in my life have I dealt with vets like this but I am new here and don't know where to turn. Any help or suggestions you could give me would be appreciated.

Last Edit: Jan 7, 2014 6:41:24 GMT -7 by Marjorie

Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative

Posts: 5,724

Carlette 12/31?? Conservative Jan 7, 2014 6:54:14 GMT -7

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Post by Marjorie on Jan 7, 2014 6:54:14 GMT -7

I'm so sorry you have had so much difficulty getting help for your dog. My name's Marjorie, what's yours? Is your name Carlette or is that your dog's name?

What both of these vets are telling you is that they are not comfortable treating IVDD. You need to find an IVDD knowledgeable specialist in your area. Board-certified neuros (ACVIM) and ortho (ACVS) surgical specialists can be found at University vet teaching hospitals. You can locate others in your area here: www.acvim.org [neuros]
online.acvs.org/acvsssa/rflssareferral.query_page?P_VENDOR_TY=VETS [orthos]

Dodgerlist Members' vet recommendations - dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting

If you want to let us know what area you live in, we might be able to help you find someone.

The 2nd vet has prescribed a dangerous mix of a steroid (Prednisone) followed too closely by a NSAID (Novox). There needs to be a 4-7 wash-out period before a switch like this. And there does not appear to be a reason for the switch. If you have started the Novox, your dog needs to immediately start taking Sucralfate and Pepcid AC to double protect her GI tract from this dangerous switch. If you haven't started the Novox, your dog still needs to be started on Pepcid AC to protect from the side effects of the steroids. If your dog has no liver or heart disease, you should get the Pepcid AC on board - 5 mgs 30 mins before the Prednisone.

How much does your dog weigh? The usual anti-inflammatory dose of Prednisone to get the swelling down is 5 mgs 2x/day.

With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm

What date did you start the 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks, which is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and out to potty. 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.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm

Can you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog:

-- Is there still currently pain? Signs of pain are holding the head in an unusual position, head held high or nose to the ground, shivering/trembling, not wanting to move much or moving gingerly, yelping, tight/tense stomach muscles, arched back, holding leg up flamingo style, not wanting to bear weight on the leg, just not their usual perky-interested-in-life self. The not sleeping may be a sign of pain.

-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?

-- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?

-- Eating and drinking OK?

-- Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?

Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration. Find a holistic vet here: ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.

We have a very helpful DVD that will educate you, your family members and friends, pet sitters, etc. about caring for an IVDD dog. Please see the link in my signature line.

Please keep us updated in your search for a more knowledgeable vet or if you have any questions at all. We're here for you and will help you and your dog through this.

Blessings to you both.

Order free literature for yourself & others: dodgerslist.com/free-literature-2/

Disclaimer:
This information is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the IVD dog community. The coordinators are not veterinarians or health care professionals. Nothing herein should be interpreted as medical advice and all should contact their pet care professionals for advice. The coordinators are not responsible for the substance and content contained herein and do not advocate any particular product, item or position contained herein.

✔︎ HELP your dog FASTEST. Click link below to answer questions about your dog

Carlette 12/31?? Conservative

Post by carlette on Jan 7, 2014 5:15:09 GMT -7

Post by Marjorie on Jan 7, 2014 6:54:14 GMT -7