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Post by jackson10498 on Jan 7, 2014 10:43:05 GMT -7
This is my first time here so hope im doing this right? Weenie is of course a Dachshund shes almost 9 and weighs about 20 lbs. This is our second round, first round was in 2011. She was completely paralyzed then. Create rest for 6+ week and she was walking again. This time not as bad but I do have a couple of questions if someone can help?
Shes not completely paralyzed this time just has "drunk legs". Last time I guess cause she couldn't feel her legs she didn't chew on her feet. This time she is chewing a bit. I hate to put her in a collar since shes already pinned up and was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions. Ointments, sprays, socks, etc...?
Last time I used a sling to help her go out to potty and it worked great. This time shes not having none of that! And I can tell it hurts her when I do use it [sling] cause she wimpers. She can walk somewhat so should I just let her do her business on her own or try to prevent her from putting weight on her back legs?
Also both times I could tell she had a bump in her back and was wondering if the next time, if there is one, if theres anything at the time I notice it that can prevent it from happening. Shes such and active dog and we live in the country so I have a hard time keeping her from jumping or chasing rabbits. LOL I cant even let her out to potty with out her taking off to play. 
Thanks for any help yall can give! |
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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 7, 2014 11:26:29 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerlist...Jackson, is that correct. I'm Paula and we are glad you have joined us. Chewing with IVDD is a red flag signal to us this can be neuropathic pain. Everyone has experienced numbness or pins and needles tingling in your legs when sitting in a bad position for too long a time. Your dog can be feeling abnormal nerve sensations that are mild pins and needles to quite painful burning, on-fire feeling that makes them bite to stop the pain. These are abnormal signals explaining why a paralyzed dog can feel this neuropathic pain. You would need to stay on top of observing for any more signs of chewing on body parts as this can lead to death. Immediately put a e-collar on or a lengthwise folded towel and secured closed with duct tape. Get to a vet for a medicine that can help to control these very painful sensations. The name of the drug is called gabapentin. -> We can gain alot of information by knowing details about the meds. Can you fill us in on the exact names, the dose in mgs and how often you give each. Has there been a recent taper or stop of the anti-inflammamtory (steroid or a NSAID)? The sling would be used as a back up in case the rear tipped over. Avoid pulling up in the stomach area which creates a fulcrum effect on the back. Also avoid hiking the rear up like a wheelbarrow. Let her take a very, very few footsteps at potty time with the sling loose but at the ready to keep her back aligned should she fall. The hunched back is a sign of pain. Something akin to when you hold your neck in a unusual way after sleeping in the wrong position. You hold your head to avoid a painful neck. Weennie arches the back to be in a less painful position. -> Are you seeing any signs of pain currently? nearing the next dose of meds? After moving? Is she now her normal perky self? Shivering, yelping, moving slowly, gingerly or even reluctant to move are signs of pain. Let your vet know asap, as pain meds can be adjusted when owners and the vet team up to get them adjusted just right. Pain deters the healing process... so let us know what you observe and any changed the vet might make. -> How is her poop normal firmness and color? Eating ok? First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Weenie to get back to enjoying life after recovering. What can make a great deal of difference is your own self education. Knowledge is the best defense in fighting and winning and living with this disease Weenie was born with. Reading others posts on the forum can be of comfort. But the meat of what you need to know is on our main web page. A very quick way to get up to speed on meds, how healing happens and when for each of the phases is the "Overview: the essentials" yellow button. Then work your way through the rest of the orange and blue buttons to complete your education. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm This Disc Disease DVD is a wonderful way to help other family members understand and even others who might be around or taking care of Weenie: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm |
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Post by jackson10498 on Jan 7, 2014 13:30:00 GMT -7
Sorry I am at work and currently don't have her med with with but its like Coradol or something like that. LOL Half a pill twice a day. This morning was just her second dose of it cause we went to the vet yesterday. She is eating fine and when I took her out at lunch she did pee and poop, but the poop was pretty hard. She was more stable this time and actually started to take off to her favorite poop spot. I had to stop her and carry her. But I did let her walk around without the sling and she was a bit wobbly but much better than yesterday. She acts fine when in her crate but starts to shake when she knows im gonna get her out and shakes while I carry her. Ive not let her walk much in the house yet, she shakes when outside walking but its kinda cold here.
As far as the hunched back im actually talking about I can feel the vertebra kinda protruding out like weeks before the episode. Last time it was a significant bulging this time it wasn't so severe, maybe that's why it wasn't so bad.
Thanks for helping me and I will definitely check out the links you provided.
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Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 7, 2014 14:07:22 GMT -7
Part of strict crate rest means carrying the dog to and from the crate to potty. When out the dog needs to be on a leash and harness (no more collar attached to the leash...ever). Put the dog in a favorite/usual potty spot to encourage her to get her business done quickly and with minimal need to move. Stand in one spot and allow only the length of the leash for the dog to take a few steps and pee/poop. Carry the dog back to the crate. Potty time is the only time the dog should be out of the crate, no exceptions.
If she is not fully stable on her legs a sling is vital to keeping the back stable thus preventing further injury to the disc and allowing it to heal.
The fact that she's shaking when you go to put her outside needs to be investigated. Is it excited shaking or is it possible she has pain when moved? If it appears to be pain you need to contact your vet to be sure you are on max doses of meds or if there is some room to increase and get the pain under control.
Paula's advice on the chewing is vital and urgent. The sensation can be so uncomfortable dogs have literally chewed off legs and even into their torso. This isn't just a discomfort issue this is potentially a matter of life or miserable death for your dog. Contact the vet right away about this and get the Gabapentin as Paula recommended.
Please do check out all the information on our page. You are your dogs voice to the vet and her advocate for healthcare. Being knowledgeable about her condition is vital to her well being.
Please let us know what the vet says and how she's doing.
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