|
Post by bonniestecher on Jan 8, 2014 16:19:17 GMT -7
Hi My name is Bonnie and my 5yo dachshund is named Ruger. We had our first go round with ivdd in July of 2012. We knew nothing of it and neither did the vet we took him to in the middle of nowhere E Washington state. We called our vet at home and two days later had him at an emergency clinic.They told us it would be $8k (after hours) surgery. We asked if there were options and they said we could try crate rest and your website/board. He slowly got better and better and was almost back to his old self. When this last weekend for no apparent reason he went down again. I swear this time is more painful. We took him to our homeopathic vet as we didn't want the harsh drugs they gave him at the regular vet. The steroids seemed to tear up his little insides so bad. Even though he was on pepsid. Our homeopathic vet does acupuncture, Chinese herbs and other natural drugs with some pain meds and other things to help stimulate his nerves. What I think concerns me the most and my question to you all is his appetite..he will not eat or drink..it's a fight. I am worried that he has given up. I wonder how much he cares about living, seriously. He stares off a lot into space and acts just like a depressed person. I asked my vet at what point do we let them go, if he doesn't want to live? I am so sad. He's my guy.. Please help with any suggestion you may have. Yes, he's on crate rest, we know the routine.
|
|
Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
|
Post by Sabrina on Jan 8, 2014 17:09:38 GMT -7
Hi Bonnie, I'm Sabrina. I'm so sorry that Ruger is having another disc episode, but I am so glad you have him on crate rest and are researching how to help him through this! I'm so sorry Ruger is pain. The first thing to do is to get in touch with the vet asap and report Ruger's pain so that his pain meds can be adjusted. Once he's on the right meds/doses/frequencies, he can be out of pain in about an hour. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmCould you fill us in on some more details about Ruger's current situation so that we can better support you? -- How much does he weigh? -- What was the date you started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest? [24/7 only 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)] -- What are the exact names of all meds (and herbs, stomach protectors, etc) currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? -- What are the treatments that Ruger is currently receiving at the homeopathic vet? -- Can your dog move his legs at all or wag his 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? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood? Here is a link to an index of great articles on the main Dodger'sList site - it's a great starting point for getting back up to speed about all things IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmDo you already have one of the Dodger'sList DVDs? It's a comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD - that way everyone can learn together how to give your dog the best care possible: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htmWhen Ruger was last treated with steroids, did any of the vets prescribe Sucralfate along with the PepcidAC to protect his upper GI tract? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugsAs you are able, keep us posted about the vet's plan for getting Ruger out of pain tonight. IVDD itself isn't a death sentence, and with his pain fully controlled Ruger can get back to enjoying life - even during his eight weeks of crate rest! ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
|
|
|
Post by bonniestecher on Jan 8, 2014 20:36:58 GMT -7
He weighs about 10 lbs. He started having problems last Saturday. We saw the vet on Sunday. He is on Amoxicillin 259 1/2 pill 2x @day. Methocabamol 500 mg 1/4 tab 2x a day Tramadol 50mg 1/4 tab 2x @day Double P2 (herb) 1 tab 2x @ day Supple spine 8 drops 2x @ day and he has had 2 injections of Tramul. He has gotten 3 acupuncture treatments. He dribbles and I have to express his bladder. He has not pooped for days..the vet did a rectal exam, but since he is not eating much, it is not concerning to her as much as the peeing. I have never heard of Sucralfate. I am so concerned as I can not get him to eat or drink with out much effort. He is like his will to live is all gone
|
|
|
Post by Sherry Layman on Jan 8, 2014 21:29:49 GMT -7
One thing to note is that Chinese herbs and natural medicines are still chemicals with side effects. It is vital that you research everything you give your dog in depth. Know the intended effects, appropriate dosing, side effects and interactions with other herbs/medications. It is entirely possible that something is causing him to be sedated. It is also possible that something is upsetting his stomach. Just some things to consider.
While we do advocate acupuncture and even some natural remedies with IVDD it is vital that the dog be placed on a steroid or NSAID for proper healing and recovery.
Contact your vet ASAP and ask for a course of steroids and Sucralfate to be taken as well. The Sucralfate actually binds to the areas of ulceration in the GI tract to protect from the acids. ALSO give him Pepcid which will reduce the acid production. Let him know of Ruger's history with the steroids so he will help you protect him while also giving him the vital medication to reduce the swelling at the disc and thus remove the pressure from his nerves.
Why is Ruger on the Amoxicillin?
Please do watch the video on expressing that Sabrina gave you. If he dribbles between expressing you may not be getting his bladder emptied completely.
He may also be uncomfortable from constipation. Give him 1 tbsp of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling just plain pumpkin) daily to help him poop more easily.
He should also have access to water at all times in a bowl that attaches to the side of the crate so he cannot spill. If he is reluctant to drink try offering low salt broth, this is often very appealing.
I don't suspect Ruger's problem is that he has lost his will to live, I think he's either sedated or is uncomfortable...or both. Working on resolving potential comfort issues and determining the side effects of his natural remedies is important to making him a happy dog again.
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Jan 8, 2014 21:37:29 GMT -7
Bonnie, I am so sorry Ruger is in so much pain. He does need to be on an anti inflammatory as Sherry posted. It would help alleviate the swelling in his spine, that is causing the pain. An adjustment to his pain medications should be considered so he can be pain free from from dose to dose.. Here is some info on how to get the swelling down: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm and here is one of the best places to start for all you need to know about IVDD and treatment. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmBut first it is necessary to look up the ingredients in all the Chinise herbs to make sure there are no interactions with the drugs he is on.. Chinese Herbs are composed of many herbs in one bottle/pill, meaning you will need to Google each one to familiarize yourself on what your dog is taking. I would be hesitant with Chinese Herbs if your dog has allergies or is taking any conventional prescription drugs. There can be possible negative reactions between prescription meds and Chinese herbs. Here is some info about Double P2: "COMMONLY SEEN TOXIC CHINESE HERBS AND PRECAUTIONS" Double P II is derived from the classical formula Da Huo Luo Dan. Herbs containing aconitine such as Double P II are toxic to the nervous system. Aconitine excites the vagus nerve and central nervous system first, and then leads to successive inhibition, and finally death because of paralysis ... Herbs containing aconitine include Aconite (Chuan Wu), Aconite (Cao Wu), Aconite (Fu Zi ), and Aconite (Xue Shang Yi Zhi Hao). It has been reported that 0.2 mg aconitine per patient by mouth caused toxic reactions in people, and 2-6 mg per patient orally could kill a human. Signs of toxic reaction are tremors and numbness of lips and limbs, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, anxiety, disorientation, convulsions, dyspnea, paresis or paralysis, fecal or urinary incontinence, arrhythmia, coma and death. Fu Zi is the most commonly used herb containing aconitine in veterinary practice.21 ...The most commonly used herbal formulas that contribute to GI upset are Ku Shen Si Wu, Stasis Breaker, and Double P II (modified Da Huo Luo Dan). www.tcvm.com/doc/TCVMNews2010SummerR.pdf Many dogs get constipated during IVDD treatment. Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato. Sending healing thoughts and prayers to Ruger..
|
|