rj
New Member
Posts: 2 
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Post by rj on Jan 13, 2014 13:53:02 GMT -7
I'm looking for a vet specialist in the Rancho Cucamonga/Fontana Ca Area. Our 4 year old Toy Poodle was diagnosed with calcified disks. They seemed to prescribed the correct meds but pretty much sent us on our way with no mention of crate rest or other recommendations mentioned on this site. I would like to find another vet in our area who has experience IVDD for a second opinion.
--What is your dog's name? Charlie, Toy Poodle
No pain at this time. Prior to seeing the vet on 12/21 he was in pain when moved and had a tight tummy with no movement in rear legs. He does have deep pain sensation.
7 lbs
Prednisolone 5mg x 1/2 tablet twice/day.
Methocarbamol 1/4 tablet twice/day,
Tramadol 50mg 1/4 tablet twice/day
Pepcid AC, 5mg 30 min before each meal
No movement of rear legs, will wag tail.
Does have full bladder control but will we diaper if not taken out in time.
-- Eating and drinking OK? OK
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? OK, normal
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 13, 2014 15:23:07 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, RJ. Please let Charlie know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will. 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.htm1. Crate rest. Please let us know the date that the all-important crate rest was started. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks 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.htm2. Medication. How much does Charlie weigh? We usually see an anti-inflammatory dose of 5mg 2x/day of the Pred prescribed. It's important that you be knowledgeable about each medication being given and all cautions concerning them. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugsmarvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html3. Pepcid AC. Pepcid AC should be given to protect your dog from the excess acid produced by the anti-inflammatory. The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before the dose of the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep him from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board. 4. Knowledgeable Vet. 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-postingI did a search and found the following result. There are a lot of Board-certified neurologists in CA but not knowing the area, I can't tell if any of these are close to you. I don't see any in the immediate area that you mentioned. Let us know if you have any difficulty finding a vet in your area and we'll offer more help to narrow it down. www.acvim.org/PetOwners/FindaSpecialist/Results.aspx?LASTNAME_field=&ORGNAME_field=&INTERESTCDLST_field=NEUR&STATECD=CA&ISMEMBERFLG=Y&CUSTOMERTYPE=Diplomate&LASTNAME=&INTERESTCDLST=~NEUR~&ORGNAME=&WBP=specCust_List.htm&WHP=specCust_Header.htm&RANGE=1%2F25&NOWEBFLG=N&SORT=LASTNAMEThe very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment once off all meds and there is no pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk but only after all meds are stopped and there is no pain. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmLaser 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 know that we're here for you and will help you and Charlie through this. Blessings to you both. |
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rj
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by rj on Jan 13, 2014 17:10:41 GMT -7
Hi Marjorie,
Thanks you and the Dodgerslist community for all your support. We tell Charlie everyday we are are here for him and we will get thru this together. We are looking for another vet for Charlie, we are not satisfied the vet we saw is the right vet to treat IVDD.
We started Charlie on crate rest that evening after his 1st vet visit on 12/21. It was not suggested by the vet, we only learned about crate rest thru Dodgerlist.
Charlie weighs 7#'s and I just got off the phone with the vet and they did confirm
Prednisolone 5mg 1/2 tablet 2x/day is correct for him.
Pepcid AC, 5mg 30 min before each meal.
I asked the vet about Pepcid AC and he said not needed, ok to give if he starts to have gas issues. We started him last week on Pepcid AC, 5mg 30 min before each meal.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 13, 2014 18:29:11 GMT -7
Good job on being proactive and starting the Pepcid AC to protect Charlie's tummy! The Pred should be given with food with the Pepcid AC being given 30 min. before the Pred and every 12 hours thereafter. Has the vet discussed when he wants to start a taper of the Pred? At some point, the vet will want to test for pain by tapering the Pred and the pain meds. If there is no pain at the end of the taper, that means the swelling is gone and all meds can be stopped. If there is still pain, more time is needed on the meds. If the vet hasn't mentioned a taper yet, you should check with them to see what their plans are for weaning Charlie off of the Pred. I hope the links above will help you in your search for a more knowledgeable vet. This link might be helpful, too: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm |
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