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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 4, 2014 10:53:36 GMT -7
This is my 8 y.o. long hair Dachshund, Huxley. This photo was taken a month ago when he was feeling normal (or so I thought). I knew Doxies were prone to back issues but never realized just how seriously this could/would affect my pup, his furry siblings, me and my son. He had a small "episode" with being stuck on the stairs a month ago. By stuck, he couldn't lift his hind leg up to take the next step. Immediately, I put up the baby gate, took him to the doc and carried him up and down stairs to go to bed at night. He's stubborn. And let's face it, I wasn't putting up the gate each time I went up and down. As you can imagine, things worsened. With the carrying, he improved quite a bit. He was on Carprofen (sp), slight cough and prescribed Clavomox (sp). Finished up the meds. Meanwhile, we adopted two cats and, Huxley was very interested and excited about his new family members. The cats were becoming adjusted and Huxley would sneak up the stairs anytime he could. Shame on me for not insisting the gate be up at ALL times. Fast forward and on Saturday, 2-1-14, I was out for a few hours, gate up, dog bed on floor, Huxley resting on floor, and when I returned, same position, no change. Usually he is excited to go for a walk, but he wasn't. I thought he was being stubborn. I tried taking him outside for a walk, and he was wobbly. I immediately put up the crate, and thankfully, found this site. By Sunday morning 2-2-14, he couldn't stand on his hind legs. Rushed to the hospital, still had DPS, pain meds, overnight stay, and I was preparing for the worst. Monday, 2-3-14- Picked him up from emergency hospital and visited regular vet. Improvement, he was able to take a few steps, wee on his own, things are looking good. Discussed options and decided to meet with Neurologist- Monday 2-3-14- Drive an hour to Vet Specialty Hospital, check in, sign all paperwork, assessment, it's sad and I'm in tears, he takes a few steps- there is hope. Slight setback- He was diagnosed with Pneumonia and must be treated for that prior to surgery. Specialists working together to determine best course of action- stated that the back surgery isn't an emergency as he still has DPS and can take steps.
I have so many questions- And I am very nervous about picking him up and accidentally hurting him further. I'm really scared and sad. Thanks for reading this post. I've learned a lot by reading through posts and am so thankful for a forum such as this. Cynthia
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 4, 2014 15:22:23 GMT -7
Cynthia, so sorry to hear what all has happened to Huxley. Since he can still use his legs he may just be a good candidate for conservative treatment and not need surgery. The big IF on conservative treatment is the educated owner who understands and knows why to comply with 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out for a very, very few footsteps at potty time…all for 8 weeks. Bone up on disc disease, how conservative works ..great stepping stone to your self education: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmDo you have the recovery suite all set up: great links to help you make crate rest go smoother…look at the far right, the pink box: www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmCan you bring us up to date on these points: -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- How much does your dog weigh? What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies? Anti-inflammatories can increase GI tract damage. 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 anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. Pepcid is generally considered a safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for a healthy dog and good insurance. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory very good for learning about each of your dog's meds: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm-- Eating and drinking OK? - How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood? -- 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.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 4, 2014 16:18:09 GMT -7
I just wanted to chime in to respond to your statement, Cynthia, that you're afraid to pick up Huxley. Hopefully, this video of how to correctly pick up an IVDD dog will help you.
Healing prayers for Huxley.
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 5, 2014 11:17:37 GMT -7
Wow! Thanks for all the kind supporting information and encouragement. We made it home yesterday as the Internal Specialist and the Neurologist both agreed that he may not need surgery; but conservative treatment. Both me and my son learned the proper way to pick him up and carry him. He was very happy to be home; ate and drank yesterday, went outside two times and pottied. He whined last night in his crate, but I think it was his "let me out I want to sit with you" whine. This morning though, he didn't want to eat very much and he is refusing water. He also does not want to come out of the crate. He did wag his tail this morning. There aren't any potty spots in his crate. Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?- He never yelped when picked up or moved...just slow to get started. tummy isn't tight .
27 pounds and target weight of 23-diet recommended and following reduction in caloric intake to meet goal of 23 pounds. Baytril- 136mg once daily Clavamox- 125 mg tablets, 1.5 tablets once daily Famotidine- Pepcid AC, 5 mg twice daily Tramadol, 50 mg, every 8 hours, can be given every 6 if needed Rimadyl, 25 mg, every 12 hours.
-Eating and drinking OK? Not much appetite today, refused water. I'm making some boiled eggs and chicken to encourage him to eat- he seems depressed and doesn't want to leave his crate
- How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood?- he hasn't pooped since we have been home- the vet hospital didn't mention anything about his poops being off.
I don't know if I should force him to leave the crate and take him outside to try to potty...I feel helpless...but not hopeless. I care about his well-being so much and my heart aches because he doesn't feel well and I can't make him well. We are committed to crate treatment and doing everything we can for him.
(((Hugs))) Cynthia
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 5, 2014 13:34:09 GMT -7
The not wanting to come out of the crate sounds like reluctance to move due to pain. I would let the vet know of your observation so that the pain meds can be fine tuned. Often with a disc problem there are several sources of pain. Methocarbamol deals with the pain from muscle spasms. Vets are finding very good success by adding in a third pain med to tramadol/methocarbamol called gabapentin. So you vet has many options to get pain control fully managed. Rimadyl can take 7-14 days or longer to get all the painful swelling resolved, in the meantime it is the pain meds that do the work of providing comfort. When pain is in control he may want to eat.
Antibiotics can cause nausea, so that might explain the not wanting to eat much. I would soak each of his kibble meals in no fat/no salt broth and provide a bowl of fresh water inside his recovery suite at all times. During the day you can offer him a frozen broth ice cube. Easy to make no salt/fat broth. Boil a chunk of hamburger or piece of chicken. Cool, discard chicken skin and fat layer at the top.
Now would not be the time to go on a diet. The body needs nutrients and calories to take care of all the repair jobs it's working on. Use lo-cal snacks such as frozen green bean, piece of carrot or apple, frozen broth cube to lick on.
Let us know what the vet prescribes so there is no pain dose to dose of pain meds.
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 8, 2014 7:30:34 GMT -7
Huxley continues making progress. We keep a med chart and a journal of potty times, food, water, general mood...anything significant. The vet assured us that we can give him
tramadol 4x day, every 6 hours and we have been doing this.
He wasn't eating or drinking much-which made me nervous- the vet prescribed cerenia (sp) and mirtazapine- an anti-nausea med an appetite stimulant. These worked about 45 minutes after he took the meds. My concern is that he hasn't pooped since he's been home (4 days). Urinating isn't a problem- he goes potty each time we take him out (4xday).
Question- When he's walking for his potty, how many steps is he allowed to take? He's been taking 10-30 steps and I was under the impression that he could only take a few small steps. I would rather err on the side of caution for my handsome guy...suggestions?
Our follow up vet visit is this Monday. I do hope that his pneumonia is getting better and the vet has positive news for us.
Thank you all for your support and especially dodgerslist website! I am so comforted by the wealth of information.
Cynthia
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 8, 2014 7:55:50 GMT -7
He should only be taking a few steps at potty time - at most about 6 steps. Use a harness and a leash to limit the steps he takes. You can also fence off a small section of the yard, about 6 feet wide, where he can go to do potty. You can use an ex-pen or push-in-the-ground plastic fencing. That will help limit steps, too. The less movement of the spine, the better. With too much movement, the partially healed disc can re-tear.
The meds can cause constipation. Pumpkin can help firm up stools OR it can help to loosen stools. 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 for constipation: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato.
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 10, 2014 15:50:12 GMT -7
He finally had a BM yesterday morning and it looked fine- no blood or anything to worry about. Huxley went for a check up today- the pneumonia is going away and we will finish the antibiotic treatment. The neurologist said to continue with crate rest for an additional 2 weeks and also suggested that we stop the meds. I wasn't comfortable with this and advocated for another week of nsaid and pain med-then we can start to taper. As for the crate rest, this little guy is going the full 8 weeks- I want to allow him every opportunity to heal and get better. He looks sad in his crate, but, for his own well being, he's staying in- because I love him.
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Post by Pauliana on Feb 10, 2014 23:18:56 GMT -7
Hi Cynthia,
So glad to hear that Huxley is getting over the Pneumonia! The Rimadyl doesn't have to be tapered like the steroidsds have to be.. The reason being.. When taking steroids the body stops making it's own steroid hormone Cortisol and the taper signals the body to begin making it's own.. That isn't the case with NSAIDS..
Even so when Huxley goes off the pain meds and Rimadyl be watchful for signs of pain which would signal that the swelling isn't gone..If you see pain contact the vet and arrange to go back on the medications. If no pain that means the swelling is gone and no further medications would be necessary.
I am so glad you are giving the gift of 8 weeks of crate rest to Huxley so he can heal.. That's love, indeed!
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Feb 11, 2014 7:21:04 GMT -7
So glad the pneumonia is almost gone...yay Huxley!!! I know they look so sad in their crate (and I swear they do their best to make us feel guilty) but it is the very best thing for them. You are giving him every chance to heal and feel great...awesome job
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 12, 2014 9:15:43 GMT -7
Huxley has started eating more regularly and is much more alert than he has been since his episode 2-1-14. He isn't fighting us so hard on taking the meds. Thank goodness. We have moved him to Tramadol, 50mg, every 8 hours vs every 6. Last night was difficult as he desperately wanted out of his ex pen crate. Not that I enjoy him being crated, but I did get a kick out of him whining...and watching him watch me out of the corner of his eye. Silly boy.
When we initially took him to the vet, his prognosis was quite poor...and as I cried for 2 days and deliberated on what the right thing to do for him, I'm amazed at his progress. I thought I was going to have to help him cross the bridge...and here we are just 11 days later and he is doing so well.
One thing that I am concerned about is that he likes to nest in blankets, towels, anything...even the crate lining. When he does this, he sort of hops around and arches his back. I can't control this behavior, but I worry that he is going to hurt himself accidentally. Any suggestions? Also, after he potty's, he does a little hop...I have him on the leash and even if I use a harness, he will do his little hop. Again, I worry that he will hurt himself. Should I worry? Do they know they're own bodies enough to know what NOT to do?
Thank you all for your continued support.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,552
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 12, 2014 10:54:29 GMT -7
So glad to read your update, Cynthia! When they start to feel better (out of pain) it is a challenge to keep their movements limited. About the nesting, not much you can do other than if it goes on too long to command "settle down". For Doxies fluffing blankets supports good mental health, don't you know! LOL Same with the hop at potty time, scoop him up before the hop if you can. Nope, doxies do NOT understand their disease at all..that is why we crate to provide them with the correct environment to heal in. I'm sure if Huxley had his way he'd be chasing squirrels today! You have witnessed the ability of the body to self heal with this disease. That is something that a few vets and many owners have no idea about. When the time is right for you, how about joining our nationwide educational team. The few volunteers we have here on the Forum can't visit every vet's office nor attend doxie gatherings, so we depend on our members helping to educate that IVDD is not a death sentence. Ask Linda for some of our free cards and brochures to handout: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 13, 2014 8:45:11 GMT -7
Yesterday was a more difficult day for Huxley than Tuesday. On Tuesday, he was alert, happy, rumbling to get free from the crate, walked more steadily and had a great appetite. Yesterday, he acted a bit more lethargic, walked a little wobblier, didn't really want to eat and didn't rumble to get out of the crate much. Is it normal to have good/bad days? Also, is the crate rest making his legs weaker? I can't locate a laser therapist in my area. Is there a link to locate alternative treatments within a radius of 75 miles of zip code 92592? Thank you. Cynthia and Huxley
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Feb 13, 2014 9:11:07 GMT -7
Cynthia, muscle weakness does come with crate rest and the wobbling may be from muscle deterioration. However, if you are noticing any neuro deficiencies, then please disuss these findings with your vet. Hope Huxley is having a better day today.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,552
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 13, 2014 10:49:43 GMT -7
Cynthia, your report seems to coincide with reduction of pain med (tramadol from every 6 to every 8 hours). I agree with Jean, it is important that your vet needs feedback from you to know how the treatment is going and where to make adjustments. Holistic vets often offer both acupuncture and laser…so check the yellow pages for holistic. What is your city/state in case another member can help. Directories to vets certified in pet acupuncture. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html [holistic vets] www.aava.org/php/aava_blog/aava-directory/ [AAVA (American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture] www.ivas.org/ [IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society]
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 16, 2014 9:25:18 GMT -7
I'm in Temecula, CA; approximately an hour north of San Diego and a little over an hour south of Orange County, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, etc..
If anyone can help with finding a holistic vet (acupuncture and laser),I would appreciate it so very much.
Huxley had a good day yesterday- we've started giving the 50mg tramadol every 7 hours vs. 6 hours. He is still on the NSAID, Carprofen 25 mg, every 12 hours.
He stood on all fours more yesterday than any other day and was quite angry to be in his crate and ex pen. I set up an ex pen in my bedroom (he's used to sleeping with me), but he did not like being in the ex pen next to my bed (moved mattress to floor to be closer). It was a bit warm here yesterday and he seemed to be panting. He's never yelped in pain... we are lucky for that. I believe this could be due to us giving him carprofen from the very onset on 2-1 and of course, visiting the vet in the first 12 hours of the incident (morphine and NSAID given). Then off to the Neuro/Internal specialists the very next day. He is eating more regularly. I boiled lean chicken breast yesterday and saved the broth. he really enjoys drinking the broth-I was a bit worried because his water intake had lessened. I have an ex pen set up outside on my concrete patio, with a blanket for flooring and a towel covering the top for shade. He seems to enjoy sitting out in the sun while I read or water the garden. He is becoming more alert and attentive to household activities and other pets (2 dogs, 2 cats). My golden retriever is quite protective of Huxley...when a cat approaches the ex pen, she gets quite assertive and rushes to "protect" Huxley in his ex pen/crate. I believe they know (the 2 dogs) that Huxley is injured/sick. While I know that this crate rest is so very important for his healing, admittedly, I miss snuggling with and holding him...and I miss him sleeping next to me in bed...and hearing his cute doggy snores. I do wonder if it will ever be the same... luckily, prior to his incident, he was never an active dog..but he sure liked going to the dog park and barking at other dogs...with a little jog here and there...a few hops and loads of puppy happiness.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 16, 2014 9:41:15 GMT -7
You'll need to put on your detective hat about the panting, Cynthia. Panting can be a side effect of the meds. A fan near but not pointed at the crate will help. Also a rice sock from the refrigerator can help them cool by laying their tummy along side of it. Fill a sock with 1-2 cups of rice and tie the end of the sock closed. Try a frozen broth ice cube to lick on. Or it can be from anxiety. Or it can be a sign of pain. If a fan helps, then it is most likely a side effect of the meds. Keep an eye out for other signs of pain.
Try to take it one day at a time. You'll be able to snuggle with your boy once crate rest is over. Give him lots of kisses when he comes out of his crate to potty. He knows you're still there for him. You're very lucky that your retriever is being protective of Huxley. Sometimes dogs can become aggressive to weaker dogs.
Continuing healing prayers for Huxley.
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Vita & Emmie
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Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
Posts: 189
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Feb 17, 2014 17:05:09 GMT -7
Hi Cynthia, Huxley is a love - very soulful eyes! I giggled when you said he "looks sad" in his crate. He's the kind of dachsie that always looks sad with those eyes! All the things you miss and love about him are the same things I miss and love about my little weenie. I am more sad than she is without all the cuddling. I keep telling myself that I'm doing this for Emmie and trying to explain that to her. I just feel when I get into bed with her in her crate, she thinks she's done something wrong. Poor little girl. Are you going to put the brace on Huxley while he is on crate rest or are you going to try it once he's out for preventative purposes? Does he fit the measurements given or did you have to customize? I emailed wiggleless today and asked if I could have something other than red (I'm allergic to red) and they said there is only the one colour right now. Emmie and I will keep Huxley in our thoughts and check on how he's doing.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 18, 2014 8:16:40 GMT -7
Cynthia, this is information to consider about a back brace: Orthotics such as a back brace should require an Rx from a board certified neurologist (ACVIM) who is well educated in disc disease. An ill fitting product that is not custom made can do more harm and the Rx would be for a specific reason.
Dodgerslist has consulted with several neuro and rehab specialists. The overriding concern is that owners may buy a brace on their own thinking it will be instead of strict crate rest or think it would prevent a future disc problem.
During a disc episode these are the concerns: - Getting them on without causing any more pain or damage to the spine is on top of the list. Too much movement to get the brace on is not good for a dog that you are trying to limit movement of the back. - Additional muscle atrophy in the spine is another big concern as muscle strength is very important to maintaining spinal health. - Unnecessary discomfort, pain and anxiety caused by having to wear this device tight enough to limit movement… adequate limited movement is supplied with owner commitment to safe and effective 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7. - Braces would require monitoring for pressure (rub) sores. Also, if not properly fitted (not covering from thoracic down to tail) there is the potential to create a fulcrum. It is hard to immobilize the entire back and not end up creating a fulcrum that stresses out adjacent disks. - A brace would not be a preventative measure. Disc disease is the cause of prematurely aging discs…a disc problem happens at the point the disc has hardened too much. Any activity such as turning to lick a paw or putting on and off a brace could be the last straw for a disc that is no longer flexible.
At this time there isn’t enough research on them for Dodgerslist to support their use with an IVDD dog. What we do know is that strict crate rest is what works to heal a disc – it’s proven and crate rest is safe.
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 18, 2014 17:50:07 GMT -7
Although the brace has been ordered, I will hold off on using the brace and ask about options when meeting with the Neurologist on Monday. I believe I've found an acupuncturist in Escondido and plan on setting a time to meet with them. What questions should I ask? Best, Cynthia
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 19, 2014 5:31:55 GMT -7
Here are some questions to ask the acupuncturist,Cynthia.
Where was he or she trained to practice Oriental Medicine? How long was the training? How long has he or she been in practice as an acupuncturist? What experience does he or she have in treating IVDD? Is he or she licensed?
Some acupuncturists also perform chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic treatments can be dangerous for an IVDD dog so be sure to just have them do acupuncture.
Please let us know how your meeting goes.
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 24, 2014 7:56:23 GMT -7
It has been 3 weeks and 2 days since Huxley's episode. He is doing really well with walking- not wobbly or cross legged. He's made tremendous progress. I've reduced the tramadol and rimadyl to every 12 hours- We are going to see the neurologist today (follow up). Any suggestions on what to ask? Best, Cynthia
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 24, 2014 8:36:14 GMT -7
No signs of pain observed during this taper, Cynthia? If not, then you can ask the vet when he thinks all meds can be stopped to test for pain. If there is still pain, that would mean there is still swelling and he would have to be returned to the original dosage of all meds. No pain means no swelling and all meds can be stopped. Rimadyl is a NSAID and does not require a taper like steroids do.
Please let us know how the visit goes.
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 24, 2014 18:42:34 GMT -7
Per Dr. Robin Levitski-Osgood, DVM, DACVIM( Neurology): At the three week recheck Huxley was reevaluated for exercise restrictions. Huxleys recovery process will allow for him to be out of his enclosure during the next two weeks, if you are home to directly supervise him. He can start short 5 minute harness walks for the next week. Then increase to 10 minute walks twice a day for a week, then 15 minute walks twice a day for a week. No running, jumping, playing, rough housing or stairs for a total of 8 weeks. He can return to his normal routine and activity level after the 8th week. Stop tramadol now. Monitor for signs of pain. Give Rimadyl once a day for 2 weeks then stop. Recheck in 3 weeks, March 17.
I moved my bed to the floor and have enclosed the entire bed with ex pen=----feels like a California king sized crib- but I'm hoping he can sleep with me now- he really can't escape the crib as the bed is fully enclosed. Huxley was never an active dog- rather laid back since a puppy. I did let him out to walk about the house for about an hour-and now that he is back in his ex pen area, he is NOT a happy camper.
Best, Cynthia
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Vita & Emmie
Helpful Member
Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
Posts: 189
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Feb 24, 2014 22:31:30 GMT -7
That is great Cynthia - you're so lucky sleeping with a weenie again! I miss those cuddles and the burrowing so much! Enjoy Huxley's new small freedoms!
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Feb 25, 2014 6:19:35 GMT -7
Cynthia, please reconsider allowing Huxley time to walk around and stay with the 8 full weeks of strict crate rest. He is still on anti-inflamatories (which can be masking pain and you don't know for sure that swelling has even gone donw) and the disc has just started to form scar tissue. He is in a very delicate stage right now and any extra movement can damage the disk and bring set his progress back. If I calculate right, he has just finished week three of crate rest on Sunday.
I know how much you want to let him out and have him sleep with you. Crate rest is not easy (take it from me as I had to go two extra weeks of crating - I get it). But the gift that you give him will be a fully healed disc with strong scar tissue so he can be as free as he wants (within reason and ramps etc). Muscle tone can build up so quickly after crate rest. I think it was about two weeks and Mimi had pretty much her muscle tone back. Please reconsider the 8 weeks of crate rest.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 25, 2014 7:46:36 GMT -7
Jean is absolutely correct, Cynthia. You have been given very dangerous and incorrect advice by this vet. It takes a full 8 weeks of strict crate rest for a disc to heal and form scar tissue. On top of that, as Jean mentioned, Huxley is still on medication so there might still be swelling which makes the vet's instructions doubly dangerous.
Please take a look at this video to see how a disc can damage the spine:
Too much movement before the disc is fully healed and the not-yet-healed disc can re-tear, pain will be back and you'll be back to square one, all with the potential for more nerve damage and possible paralysis. Please don't take a chance and please do continue with conservative care. Consider the crate as a cast for the back. This vet that mentioned before about stopping crate rest and you said you would not be listening to him and that you were committed to the full 8 weeks of crate rest. Please don't risk further damage to Huxley - he's been doing so well.
Please keep a close eye out for any signs of pain during this taper of meds and let the vet know immediately if you see pain return.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,552
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 25, 2014 12:35:24 GMT -7
Cynthia, I understand the need for 100% STRICT crate rest for a full 8 weeks might be confusing to you. A vet, a person who is educated and knowledgeable has given you information that contradicts what we've told you here. And don't think we don't understand that an "easy way out" would be a better option if there were one!
But here's the thing about that advice...many vets never see what we've experienced here at Dodgerslist. We have members from all over the world--over the years more than 5,000 members have passed through our group and from our seat here a pattern reveals itself of what works and what does not with conservative treatment. What vet do you know of that has seen 5,000 cases of disc disease treated conservatively? A surgeon is trained that this disease is a surgical disease. So if Huxley damages his disc because of being allowed to move before the early healing scar tissue becomes strong at the end of 8 weeks, well then it is you who will have a very big surgical bill, Huxley will only have to deal with the most awful excruciating pain of a disc tear and then the pain that goes along with a very big surgical procedure. The surgeon will then have confirmed in his mind that yes indeed disc disease is a surgical disease...see conservative treatment did not work for little Huxley.
We aren't vets and we don't attempt to appear to look like vets. But you don't have to be a vet to understand some of these things or to recommend what we recommend.
Ever had a friend or known someone with a back injury? What did their doctor tell them to do? Take it easy, no lifting, maybe even bedrest for a few days. Well, the thing is as they do these things for a day or so they start to feel better so they start to do a little more activity--even though the doctor said it wasn't good for them. Now that back starts hurting again. As a human they can relate the activity to the increased back pain and will take it easy again--if not they pay the price with a worsened back condition. Dogs just aren't that smart--even though I think my Clark is incredibly intelligent I know he can't figure that out! They will go and go and go until they injure that disc beyond repair. Part of it is the lack of ability to reason and part of it is the pack mentality--pain means weakness and is therefore hidden and the dog maintains normal activity as much as possible. That crate is necessary to keep Huxley from doing the things that will make his back worse.
Ultimately, this is your choice to make. No vet can make it for you and neither can we. But I can tell you from my years here at Dodgers since 2007 that nothing good ever comes from ignoring crate rest. Huxley is relying on you to make the hard decisions on his behalf right now.
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Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Feb 25, 2014 17:07:22 GMT -7
Although I was SOOOOOO excited about yesterdays visit, everything posted makes sense. I don't want him to have another episode and the guilt I would feel far outweighs another 5 weeks of crating. However, I will say, he is becoming less and less tolerant of the crate and whines a lot. I'll remove the cal king cribbing (ex pen) and set up the ex pen next to my bed. Sad...but understand that it's the best thing I can do for him. Once I receive his dog stroller, when do you think I can take him for a stroll? Thanks guys...for the encouragement and reminding me to stay strong! Best, Cynthia
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Post by Pauliana on Feb 25, 2014 21:57:02 GMT -7
Hi Cynthia, What many Dodgerslist members do with strollers is use them around the house. This way Huxley can keep you company anywhere the stroller can go in the house.. Do not leave him unatttended in the stroller, however. The stroller can be used on any flat surface.. Using it outside wouldn't be a good idea since he shouldn't deal with bumps and rough surfaces, as it could harm his healing disc.. Here is more info about strollers: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm
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