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Post by amaria on Jan 13, 2014 9:34:05 GMT -7
Paco My 7 year old schnauzer was diagnosed with IVDD, he's in gabapetin tramadol crate rest.
I'm new to this, and my question is wether he can talk short walks to go potty. He walks fine and has not lost any mobility yet, thank goodness, but is in pain and can't jump. Reason I ask is that I have another dog that is 11 yrs old and is ok with short potty walks to accommodate Paco. but I can't carry Paco and walk the other dog at the same time, and I wonder if I need to when Paco seems to be walking ok and enjoying his very short walk.
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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 13, 2014 10:31:07 GMT -7
Amarie, welcome to the Forum. The care during a disc episode is 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out when carried to and from the potty spot and then only a very very few footsteps to get the job done. This is for a full 8 weeks …. 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. Paco is your patient for the next 8 weeks and will require a bit of changing your routine. When caring for Paco, you do that without your other dog being around. You want to give Paco your 100% attention to ensure his safety. Once Paco is back in his recovery suite, then you take your other dog outside for a walk. Pain just can not be tolerated. So if you are seeing signs of pain, the vet needs that information so the pain meds can be made right for Paco. When the meds are right there is no pain dose to dose of gabpentin and tramadol. YOur vet has not precribed any med to get the swelling down in the disc. You will want to be up to speed on pain meds and anti-inflammtories quickly and then get on the phone this morning to advocate for the necessary meds: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmWhen you have spoken with the vet and have Paco's suffering addressed with adjusted meds, then fill us in so we can be of better support to you: -- How much does he weigh? -- 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? Stomach protection will be needed with the addition of an anti-inflammatory. 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) every 12 hours. Pepcid is generally considered a safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for a healthy dog and good insurance. This directory is where we encourage all members to learn each med their dog is on…as you are the double checker, the saftey factor for your dog: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm-- If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. We look forward to your answers and learning more about Paco.
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