Jamie's Izzy RIP -- 2/17 surgery

Jamie, welcome to Dodgerslist.

Did you get a hands on top of your hands lesson on expressing the bladder and expressing for poop? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm  YOu will need to express at first every 2-3 hours while you are learning and dependent on which meds your dog is on.  Expressing is to protect the health of the bladder.  Expressing for poop is to avoid unexpected accidents.  Let us know if Izzy's bladder is overflowing where you are finding urine in her bed.

I sounds like her pain meds are not correct YET. There should be no pain at all dose to dose of pain meds. Please tell us more so we can best support you. Pain meds take adjusting, your vet needs to know today so adjustments can be made to put Izzy in comfort. This information is important to be able to have a good discussion with your vet or the ER vet if necessary today.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm (all about anti-inflammatories)
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm (details on pain control/ pain relievers

What are the exact names of all her meds. The dose in mgs and how often you are to give them?

Pepcid AC should also be on board as stomach protection. The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using anti-inflammtories. 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 the anti-inflammatory.  This directory very good for learning about each of your dog's meds:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm

The single most important part of the care other than getting pain in control now is the 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7.  100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks or until surgery  …. 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.

The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe from other pets and kids from bothering them. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm

The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal.

In preparation for discussing surgery this is a must read: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm

We look foward to learning more about Izzy with your answers.

we send our well wishes to you and your baby!

It is with a heavy heart that I write that my baby girl Izz did not make it through surgery today. The paralysis was so high it had compromised too many of her body systems. She was a beautiful girl and a lover and will be missed deeply. Thank you all so much for your kind words and encouragement. This site was a blessing.

I do only have one more question. Izz has a brother from the same litter who lives with us. I can already see the stress and anxiety he has. What can do to help him cope with the lost of his sister and friend?

Thank you all again.

we are so very sorry….hugs to you

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying...you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear.
"It's me, I haven't left you...I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I am not lying there.

I walked with you toward the house, as you fumbled for your key,
I gently put my paw on you. I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over...I smile and watch you yawning
And say, "Goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we will stand, side-by-side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.

-Author Unknown


I am so terribly sorry for your loss. May the memories of happier times and the great love that you shared bring you comfort and peace. You will meet again at the Bridge. (((hugs)))

Two weeks ago today I lost one of my best friends. It doesn't get easier. .I just goes by. I wanted to thank everyone on this site. This site is such a blessing and I will forever be grateful for everyone's support. I have Izz in my heart and her brother Ace here to take care of me as much as I take care of him. I just can't say enough about this website.