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Post by Evelin & Bea on Jan 18, 2014 8:41:26 GMT -7
Hi,I am new in this Forum.Great informations and shares which helps me to help my Beagle to heal after her surgery.Thank you to all for sharing.Thank you to the staff, who created this very helpful Forum!I am from Germany ,but have been living in the US for about 7 years now.Excuse me if I don't write well in English  I try as best as I can.
Bea-Beaglen born 03-26-2010, Female, Tri-color
Well, here the story about our Beagle: On 01-09-2014 in the middle of the night "Bea" woke up jumped off the bed and started to yelp and seemed to be in pain.I could calm her down ,and thought she might be just constipated.So I wasn't so much worry about it.Everything seemed ok after I went back to bed.Early in the morning she started to cry and I noticed some stumbling while she was walking outside.I went right away to the vet who did a n x-ray and found some tightness on her spine,but the vet wasn't much concerned abot and prescribed some Tramadol 50 mg-to administer every 8 hours a half for pain,and stated that she should be fine in a couple of days.Well,it did not help at all and Bea seemed in a lot of pain,panting,drooling,did not wag the tail and was just not comfortable at all.I was at this point very concerned about her ,and went back to my vet.
Bea got now Vetprofen 75mg-every 24 hours and Methocarbamol 500mg-1/2 tablet every 8 hours.At this time the vet did not tell me about strict crate rest or anything,and I never experienced something like that so I did not know what to do.Bea's conditions got even worse and on Sunday 01-12-14 I could'nt even get a hold on my Vet or Emergency in our area.Just got to talk to a vet 100 miles away who said to wait til Monday the 13th to see if she gets better.Well at this time Bea wasn't able to walk anymore and she couldn't hold her bowels or pee anymore.On Monday 01-13-14 I called a Clinic about 70 miles away from us ,and they said to bring her in right away to perform a CT-Scan.She might have a ruptured disc.We went there and Bea underwent a Surgery on the same day.She was found to have a herniated disc at L3,4,5.
A hemilaminectomy was performed at that site and the disc material was removed which decompressed the cord. The Surgeon gave Bea a chance of 85% to recover from that,and be able to live a normal life again.
The surgery went pretty well regarding to the Surgeon.I was very happy about it.
I was able to visit Bea on the next morning.Everybody was amazed how fast she recovers.She wags the tail and stood up and walked on her own already,not very steady but it was so great to see her like that.Later the day the staff called to give us an update that she already peed on her own.On Wednesday 01-15-14 we were able to bring her back home.
Instructions to maximize the chance of a successful recovery are:
1.Monitor the incision daily for increased redness,swelling,discharge or separation.
2.Staples should be removed 12-14 days after the surgery and her neurologic status evaluated again in 6 weeks.
3.Bea may eat her normal diet.I cook for her,and she loves chicken,Rice,Veggies.
4.Restrict activity for a minimum 0f 4-6 weeks.(Crate Rest)Even if she might be able to run,jump or playing.
5.Use a sling to support the legs when walking outside to go potty.
6.Perform PT 2-3 times daily.-Because she is able to walk,she gets her exercise by going potty every 6-8 hours,and ambulation is improving every day!
7.If she does not urinate for longer than 12 hours,please express her bladder.-Lucky us -she goes potty without any problems.She had her first Bowel movement on 01-16-14.
Medication at the time she was discharged from Hospital were;
Fentanyl patch on her back -I removed it today 01-18-14 as I was told to do.
Tramadol 50mg tabs(pain medication):Give 1 tablet by mouth every 8 hours until gone(got 45 tablets)
Vetprofen 75mg(anti-inflammentory):Give 1 tablet by mouth every 24 hours with food until gone.I got 60 tablets.
Keep her clean and dry.
I wish I would have found this website earlier.In my opinion ,the vet did not give me the right instructions to protect Bea to prevent the surgery.I am going to different one in the future!
After all I read here she should've been on Crate rest the day all started.
But I wont look back now.I am very happy with her process and with lots of love,good care and PT,I am sure she will be fine.
Today 01-18-14 Bea is doing pretty good.She eats well,drinks enough and doesn't seem in much pain anymore.Once awhile she starts a little with panting,but I think that's because she is close to her next dose of Tramadol to control the pain.
I was very stressed,sad and felt hopeless before I found the clinic in Appleton/Wisconsin.
In honor of my Beagle I created a Facebook- page "Dog Tails' just to share my story ,the healing process of Bea, to help others!
Again-I am very happy to found this website and would love to keep you up to date!
Thank you and Good Luck to all of you!!!!
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,597
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 18, 2014 13:01:29 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist we are glad you have joined us all. We are a friendly little group..we just go by first names. My name is Paula what is yours? Looks like Bea is to have an excellent recovery post op. Stay with the strict rest unless she is out of the recovery suite controlled and slow PT and for her potty. Control is done with a harness, leash and the sling to keep her back aligned at butt from falling down. Home cooking is good but does take being in the know about a balanced diet. If all meals only contains chicken, rice and veggies that is insufficient to provide the right minerals and vitamins plus the right balance of those things. During healing the body will need very good nutrition especially for all the repair jobs the body is doing. This page is a lead to discovering if Bea's homecooked diet follows good nutrition principals: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htmYou know I would see that Bea has a stomach protector on board while you are given Vetprofen. Here is why. 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. 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) 30 minutes before the NSAID. I use this link all the time to learn about my own dog's meds: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmI'm sorry your vet did know appreciate the value of 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 at first sign of pain. Now you know to do it because it is the single most important part of the care. It is an attempt to keep the disc from worsening and causing severe damage to the spinal cord. This page is a wonderful way to start your education on the disease Bea was born with. Knowledge is how we fight this enemy and win! Here's where to start: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWe look forward to your next update! |
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Jan 18, 2014 19:24:39 GMT -7
Thank you so much for your warm welcome letter,Paula! I am sorry I forgot to introduce my self.My name is Evelin.All your information's are very helpful and I thank you so very much!!!
I know Vetprofen could cause damage to the stomach if not administering right, but the vet in clinic said to give this med with food.I'll call tomorrow morning to ask that particularly question about Pepcid.I love homemade food just to make sure Bea gets the right nutrition to heal.I read a lot about it and working on it to improve.Thanks for the link!
I don't know how it happen that Bea got injured so badly.She always was and is a very energetic,playful and very lovable dog.
She never showed any signs of back problems until last week.
I am just very happy that she does so well with her recovery.
I wonder how often I could take her out for potty? I read in this forum different statements about it?!Bea drinks and eats very good.Her weight right now is 29 pounds.She used to go potty more than 3 or 4 times daily.We have a huge fenced in backyard and she went usually on her own for potty.
As today ,Bea's gait on her legs are even better than yesterday.I see improvement every day.Now she lays on her side which she didn't do since it happen with her back.I am kinda was afraid that she is going to hurt herself by getting back in sitting position but she did pretty well.
She had her first bowel movement 3 days after surgery and then every day.Today I was a little worry because she did not pee on our first potty walk this morning.After almost 10 hours I expressed her bladder,which wasn't easy( even watching videos how to do it) and she needed a little help with her bowels today.Later this afternoon she peed in her Kennel.Well,I hope she won't get an UTI!She always went outside since she is home but today was a little different.I am checking always her pee and stool for any unusually signs.Whenever I take her to go potty it gets more difficult to get her back in her crasyte.She already feels so good and she wants snif around the house ☺.I know now how important the crate rest is !!!
Thanks again for all the great info here!!!
Evelin
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Post by Pauliana on Jan 18, 2014 21:53:01 GMT -7
Hi Evelin, so glad you joined us here in Dodgerslist! I am so sorry Bea is having an IVDD episode. We are here to help. I would let the Vet know about her not peeing for such a long time. When she did finally go in the crate she was overflowing from holding it too long..Make sure urine doesn't stay in her bladder too long where bacteria can breed. At the Vet clinic they can give you a hands on hands lesson on expressing to make it easier for you to do and they can also give her medications to make it easier too. It would be a good idea to have her urine tested for a UTI just in case. IVDD is a disease and not an injury. The trauma to the spinal cord results from hardening of the discs due to the disease. It causes discs to age earlier in life. Discs lose moisture and harden and can no longer cushion the vertebrae along the spine. IVDD occurs in breeds such as dachshunds, poodles, corgis, beagles, but it is not limited to just those breeds. If a dog has IVDD, a disc problem can happen at any age. When the disc has weakened to a certain degree, it will herniate. You may or may not be able to pinpoint a specific incident as causing the start of symptoms. Many dogs that have IVDD have their first episode typically between the ages of 3-7. Disc disease may be an ongoing, progressive disease for the rest of the dog’s life. Some dogs have only one episode others have multiple episodes over their life time. They can still have happy lives with owners that know how to take care of them. www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm Prevention and being educated to catch symptoms early is important. No stairs, no jumping up and down, use ramps, always attach a leash to a harness. Here's a great place to start your learning about IVDD.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmHugs, prayers and healing thoughts over the miles.. |
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Jan 20, 2014 14:22:52 GMT -7
Thanks for your response! You're all very helpful and answering so quick. Well as today Bea has been diagnosed with an UTI and she holds back pee as long as she can.The longest was 18 hours.There was no way to express her bladder.She did not like it at all to touch her belly . The Vet prescribed Clavamox 250 mg every 12 hours for the next 7 days. I'll hope she will be fine and won't have any side effects because of the other meds she has to take .Otherwise I am very happy with her recovery Love to read all the other stories and your very helpful links.....It helps me a lot to get thru this very emotional and stressful time and of course to help my Beagle "Bea". Thank you again!!! |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 21, 2014 6:37:58 GMT -7
Hopefully once the UTI gets better, Bea will be easier to express or if she is able to go on her own, she may not hold it as long. It may just have been that it was painful for her to urinate. Please keep us updated on her status.
Continuing healing prayers for Bea.
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Jan 21, 2014 10:45:07 GMT -7
Thank you Marjorie! Bea got 2 doses of Clavamox 250 mg so far to treat her UTI, and went this morning potty on her own again (yeahhh), which she didn't do since past Friday morning.Wow, who would think to be so happy to see your pet goes potty Even happy with her speedy recovery there are some new concerns: Bea is a very energetic dog ,and would love to get out of her crate more and more every day.I have two crates - one for the daytime in the living room that she won't get bored and one for nighttime in our bedroom.I think its easier to transfer her on her last walk than to carry a crate every day from room to room.She walks almost like she was before surgery ,and I need to stop her more often to slow her down, and I am afraid that she is going to get hurt again.Its been ONLY 8 days since surgery. Her stapels get removed on 01-27-14 . Now I am looking to find a harness to protect her back more.Could you please give me an Advice on this?What would be the best harness? Thank you in advance for your response! Evelin&Bea Forgot to write.Right now I use a leash and simple sling to support her back,butbwouild love to have something what is more supportive☺ |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,597
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 21, 2014 11:17:06 GMT -7
Bea, good thing on obtaining a harness. As from now on the collar will serve only as a necklace to hold tags. Right now the harness will be needed as you are already finding out to control speed and keep Bea from darting off at the time she is out of the crate for potty and PT. There are many harnesses on the market, the trick is finding one that fits your dog's body. Best is if you can try on at a shop or buy and return to shop if fit is not good. Otherwise you might be like me, I have several brands laying in the closet til I finally found the one that fit each of my dogs best…they each took a different brand.  |
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Jan 21, 2014 12:18:21 GMT -7
Thank you Paula and have a great day!
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Jan 28, 2014 7:01:26 GMT -7
Hi everyone, I am very happy with Bea's recovery! The staples were removed by the surgeon yesterday afternoon. We were able to talk to the surgeon ,and he's also very satisfied. Bea walkes as good as she was before surgery!She doesn't need the sling anymore,but I'll still use it if I feel not safe ,just to prevent any slips outside. Its been really cold and slippery here in Wisconsin.Right now temps are - 15 degrees without wind chills .It sure shortens potty time a lot ,but as long the cold doesn't prevent her to go, its OK for us. All meds were discharged.There are no signs of pain. The UTI was treated successful. Well, almost 4 more weeks to go with crate rest,but the surgeon said I can slowly increase walk time. I bought a harness last week ,and she does not like it .I left it on her when she went back in her crate and she chewed on it .Bought a different one, and need to take it off before she goes back in her crate I never heard about IVDD in dogs before Bea had her episode.I think all vets should educate people with dogs who are prone to it even its not 100% preventable!!! I am sure I could have done more to help Bea then it happend! And sure I have fears for her future,and hope it never happen again! Don't want to see her like she was couple weeks ago! I am very thankful for all you have done for us ! I 'll might have questions in the future, but get lots of answers with the helpful links! I am reading every day ,and learn so much not just about IVDD ..no...also how people cope with their situation which helps Bea & me!!! Thank you to everyone!!! Evelin & Bea:) |
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 28, 2014 7:40:51 GMT -7
What a wonderful recovery for Bea! I couldn't be happier for her. Please be sure to order some free literature from Linda, Dodgerslist's founder, for your vet's office. Ask him to leave it in his waiting area so others have access to it. Knowledge is a mighty tool in the fight against this disease. Kudos to you for continuing to read and learn about this disease and for the great work you've done with Bea. Prayers for many years ahead of a pain-free, disc-free life for Bea. Please keep us updated. |
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Jan 28, 2014 16:27:09 GMT -7
Thank you so much ,Marjorie !
I certainly will do order the literature and put them out at the vet's office and I will recommend your Website to everyone!!!
Bea and I couldn't have done such great progress without you,and all Members in this Forum!
I've learned a lot within the past weeks specially from my Beagle Bea "When we live in the present, we can have more enthusiasm, joy for life, and less worry."I am getting much better and try not too worry about the future!
I am blessed with her recovery which I never expected to be that good!
I'll keep you up to date.
With best wishes
Evelin
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Lola & Hurley
Helpful Member 
2 paralyses, 3 surgeries, 2 conservative treatments. Now walking :)
Posts: 135
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Post by Lola & Hurley on Jan 31, 2014 3:06:04 GMT -7
Hi Evelin, I have followed your thread and I am very happy to hear that Bea's recovery is so successful already!!! I am not a moderator, but since my Hurley has had 3 surgeries for IVDD, I sure can relate to what you are saying...!  The recovery process inside her back / spine / muscles will continue several months even after the crate rest is finished, even if you cannot see it and even if she looks & walks fine. So, since it seems to be REALLY cold in Wisconsin, be sure to protect Bea's back from the cold when you go outside. Short potty time is fine without, but if you take a walk, see if you can find a jacket or something for her, something that she would not protest against. Also, I totally concur with you on the harness issue, it can be difficult to find something that the dog is happy wearing as all dogs have their own unique shape and size. Maybe trying to put the jacket on first, underneath the harness will help and it won't feel so uncomfortable? And always take it all off when she is inside and in her crate, so that she can rest comfortably. A harness is always a harness, not so nice to have on As for the slow increase in walk time, our PT always tells us that when it is time to increase the time, max. 5 min. per week. So, for example if you walk 5 minutes at a time with her now, you could walk 10 minutes at a time next week, and 15 min the week after. Is this what your PT told you also? The important thing is that you keep it constant, i.e. do not do 5 minute walks this week and then all of a sudden one day do 15 min. She needs to slowly build stamina and then she needs constant exercise for the rest of her life to keep it up. Of course, by the sounds of it, you are already doing excellent! Keep up the good work and all the best to you both! -Lola & Hurley |
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Feb 5, 2014 6:34:11 GMT -7
Found the helpful link for supplements! Very interesting, and changed my mind:) Sure a balanced diet is the best way to keep your dog healthy!!! Evelin&Bea Hi everyone, Sorry didn't have enough time to keep up with my updates! Lola thank you so much for your post and advice!I hope Bea won't have another episode in the future!I'll do my best on preventive care The past weeks were by far one of the most stressful times in my life! I am a hard worker( Nurse) and thought I could handle stress pretty good,but it is different if a part of our Family members is ill.Now I am happy and can take a deep breath again.I am so proud of Bea!!!I have lots of respect for what you have done for your Hurley! Love is a huge part for recovery, and we don't think about our self's then others need help! Well,Bea is doing pretty good!I am amazed by how fast she recovered.The only sign of her surgery is the incision and her shaved back She walks like she was prior surgery.Can't be happier with her behaviors.Still 3 more weeks to go with crate rest,but started to take her out for cuddle times once a day.She loves to lay down close to me,and I have no problems to get her back in crate. Most of the time I am half way in the crate to be close to her  ) Now wonder what else I could do to keep her healthy.Never gave her any vitamins.I see so many products,but which should I choose? Any recommendations on this? Best wishes Evelin&Bea |
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Lola & Hurley
Helpful Member
2 paralyses, 3 surgeries, 2 conservative treatments. Now walking :)
Posts: 135
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Post by Lola & Hurley on Feb 5, 2014 7:16:43 GMT -7
Hi Evelin, that truly is great news! I am so happy for you & Bea!! I agree, a balanced diet keeps your dog slim and healthy. Good muscles in the back will also protect the spine. Personally, I have noticed the benefits of raw food, my Hurley seem healthier that way, so I can warmly recommend you to try. You can start mixing a bit of raw, fresh meat into her regular food, if Bea is not used to organs, they may cause her stomach to become upset. You can also try fruit and vegetables - but be sure to check up on the list of toxic ones, some are not good for dogs (like grapes, onions, etc.). And I would definitely wait until her crate rest is over and you are back to your normal life before starting a new diet! HUGS from us, Lola & Hurley
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Feb 9, 2014 16:33:27 GMT -7
Thank you Lola for all your great advice's! Today do I have one question: Tomorrow its been 4 weeks since Bea's surgery,and she is just such a good girl!!!I have no major concerns right now,but would like to know if Bea could get a nice shower?  I am prepared with everything to make sure she won't slip or would get hurt! She really needs one Thanks for your response in advance!!! Best wishes Evelin & Bea |
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 10, 2014 7:24:46 GMT -7
It would be best to check with the surgeon on that, Bea. If the surgeon doesn't feel Bea's ready yet, you can make up a pot of green tea, allow it to cool down and wash her with that. Green tea neutralizes any urine smell and leaves a nice fresh odor.
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Mar 1, 2014 20:04:53 GMT -7
Hi everyone, I am so sorry ,but couldn't find time to keep you up to date with Bea's recovery! It's been 6 weeks (past Tuesday) and Bea graduated from a very successful crate rest!!!Yeahhhh I couldn't be happier with her recovery!!! She is doing great,and there is NO sign of any disabilities. It was by far the most stressful experience in my life,but with a great support of all of you here ,my family and vets, I was able to help my Bea to recover!!! Thank you so much!!! I continue to leave Bea in her crate during the night ,and she got used to it pretty good,and likes it. During the day Bea stays out of her crate as long as I am home,and I train her not to jump on coach. So far I could prevent her from jumping,but I know if I wouldn't keep an eye on her she would do it. I prepared a very nice area for her on the floor in the living room.I try to keep her in this area by placing her favorite toys and blankets,and I play and cuddle with her only in this area.If I see her walking towards the couch I say NO and ask her to go back in her area.It really is getting better.Treats are now more in use than ever before :)I continue to bring Bea outside for potty,which works great.I really don't know what else I could say.I just hope my Bea wont have this episode again! My best advice I could give to everyone who goes thru this situation is: Try to stay calm,(your dog knows if you are NOT)work out a schedule for potty,food, PT,and cuddle time.It worked for us!!! I wish Good luck to everyone! Evelin and Bea  |
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Post by Pauliana on Mar 1, 2014 22:19:10 GMT -7
Congratulations on crate rest graduation! Great explanation on how to set up an area for Bea in the living room and training her not to jump on the couch! Great job!!
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 2, 2014 7:04:32 GMT -7
Congratulations, Evelin and Bea!! You've done a great job in her recovery, Evelin. Bea's a lucky dog to have you in her corner. May you have many happy years together with no further disc problems. |
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Post by Evelin & Bea on Mar 4, 2014 17:31:30 GMT -7
Thank you so much Pauliana and Marjorie!!!
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I try as best as I can.
)
I am prepared with everything to make sure she won't slip or would get hurt! She really needs one 