Shari's Baxter Boo Conservative 2/15

Back from the vet.  Baxter Boo is on
tramadol
pepcid. 
predisone 2X a day for 5 days, then once a day for five days and then every other day until finished. 

Right now he is showing no signs of feeling in his back end.  Same thing happened with the 1st episode and once the medications had a chance to work, he was showing signs of feeling again.  Hoping and praying that will be the case again but only time will tell.  

Hit the wrong button and lost my reply.

We had to express Baxter Boo's bladder as he was not urinating on his own. He is eating well. He also is showing some signs of feeling in his lower back end but still has no use of his back legs.

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Prednisone 5 mg, 2X a day for 5 days, then 1X a day for five days, then every other day until finished
1/2 Pepcid with prednisone
Tramadol, 1/2 a pill (50 mg pill) every 12 hours as needed

Do not know about his bladder, he had gone potty about 15 minutes before this happened.  So will find out later today if he will need expressed or not. 

Baxter Boo weighs 21.4 pounds.

Thank you Pauliana. 

Update:  Day two and Baxter Boo is perkier.  When we were in the kitchen eating dinner, he actually barked because we were not in the room.  During his past two episodes, we had to crates set up, one in the computer room and one in the kitchen.  Then depending which room we were in, he was in that room.  But we have not had a chance to set up the second crate in the kitchen yet so we have to leave him in the computer room full time.  We plan to get the second crate set up tomorrow.

Also he barked telling us he had to go potty, it was his potty bark.  We took him out and a little came out on his own but then we had to express the rest.  He is pooping fine on his own and it is normal poop.


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Paula, I have a question, and since your Clark uses a wheelchair, I am hoping you can answer my question. I am still hoping Baxter Boo regains the use of his legs but I am also thinking ahead to the future of the possibility that he may not gain use of his legs and need a wheel chair. Do you have to train/ teach them how to use the wheel chair? Or does it come natural?

Shari, can Baxter still wag his tail specifically if you do some happy talk to him or if he sees a treat coming his way?

The focus during the 8 weeks of crate rest is to allow the disc to heal. So you may or may not see nerve function repairing in that amount of time. Remember nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal and there is an expectation that nerves will continue to heal…think in terms of months.

As for your questions about wheelchairs, most dogs seem to innately use them. Some such as Clark took it slow while others zoom off with glee.

Baxter Boo is the same as yesterday. No improvements but thank goodness no backslides either. We set up his second crate in the kitchen and this time he does not like it. During his prior two episodes, we had a crate in the computer room and a crate in the kitchen and depending which room we were in, he was in the same room with us. We have had him in the kitchen with us twice and he gets too anxious. So for awhile we will just keep in in the computer room. He doesn't get upset when we are in the kitchen eating and he stays in the computer room so that is good. My guess the kitchen is too busy for him right now and once he feels better he may like it better.

Baxter Boo had a potty accident last night. But today he has held it until his potty breaks. Tomorrow he starts one predisone a day for five days. Today is last day of two per day. He felt me touch his one back paw today.

Thanks Marjorie.

Question for all:  we have been using pet wipes we got at Petsmart to keep Baxter Boo cleaned.  But I have read were others are using a green tea bath, what exactly is this?

Today was Baxter Boo's first day at home alone while we were at work and he did fine, no accidents. He even started barking as I was unlocking the door. While he was eating his dinner I started playing with his back right paw and he turned to see what I was doing.

During the 2013 episode he never loss use of his back legs. During the 2009 episode he did and I went through my notes on his progress and noticed after about a week on steroids he would show signs of feeling in his legs and back end but was not able to stand or walk for over a month.

Also found a local vet who does laser therapy so we are looking into that.

Thank you for the information. I will get some green tea and try it.

Whats the best source to look up and find a Vet that does Laser therapy ?

Hi Shari! I don't have any experience with laser light therapy, but I have heard very wonderful things about it!

Here is an article on the main site: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htm
and here is some more info:
Acupuncture / laser light therapy

Laser 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]

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Laser Light therapy:

"Clinicians at UF's Small Animal Hospital began using the procedure routinely after results from a year-long study showed the laser's effectiveness in patients with intervertebral disc disease... The study is the first ever to compare dogs with intervertebral disc disease treated postoperatively with lasers to dogs not treated with lasers, Schubert said. He called the results "revolutionary."
veterinarypage.vetmed.ufl.edu/2011/09/19/laser-treatment-helps-dogs-with-spinal-cord-injury/ [UF 1 yr study] or tinyurl.com/78eh4ew
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Laser Light
"It’s worth emphasizing that laser therapy does not just accelerate healing; it actually improves repair, regeneration and remodeling of tissue.

Post-op complications are reduced. Muscle atrophy can be reversed. Type 1 collagen production yields better tendon and ligament strength and elasticity. There is a positive effect on neurologic function and axonal sprouting. The joint capsule, synovial lining and fluid, and cartilage all benefit. Therefore range of motion, function, flexibility and mobility are all enhanced."
www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-education-series/therapy-lasers-too-good-to-be-true.aspx OR snipurl.com/1y20q7 [therapy lasers]

Let us know how Baxter Boo's consult goes!
))Hugs!((

My Rocky went down before Thanksgiving and he had 9 laser treatments - I think they worked great. he is now out of crate rest, but have to watch him. Last night he snuck down the basement steps twice, which he normally never does. We have had to make some lifestyle changes, but I bet once a day he does something he shouldn't. I am also giving him glucosamine now every day!!

Hi Shari,


I was just reading your thread (a veteran with 3 episodes! wow!) and noticed you were considered the laser treatments. I've been having acupuncture (electro) for Emmie every 2nd day since her episode started and yesterday the vet said I could compliment with laser. Marjorie had sent me some links which I will read, but I really don't know if this would have a new impact on Emmie's healing or if it would just be more dollars spent where time is what she really needs to get her healing done. Please let me know what you decide after consult and how it goes! I'll keep BaxterBoo in my prayers for a speedy, full recovery.

I hope that the laser treatments will work well to aid Baxter in his healing process!

))Hugs!((

We found both laser and accupuncture were awesome additions for our Stevie. Let us know Baxter Boo likes his laser sessions.