Wendy's Nelson 2/20 surgery GRAD: 4/3

Welcome to Dodgerslist Wendy! Please let Nelson 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.htm

I know it all is very overwhelming, been through it too with my Tyler.  I was nervous and stressed out about everything and worrying every minute about whether he would be ok and how would we manage crate rest when he is used to being with us every minute..   Truth is we got through it just fine and Tyler is playful as ever now.  He recovered very well from surgery, and day by day we found new ways to make it all bearable. We had a crate in every room we spent time in.. He was still included in everything but from the safety of his crate.. He adjusted and so did we.. It wasn't easy but it was well worth it to see him through to recovery..

Your other dogs may feel uncomfortable around him at first.. There is a pack dynamic when it comes to a sick or injured member of the pack and that makes Nelson vulnerable,so it's best to supervise their interactions and to keep him safely in his crate other than for potty time which means carrying him to and from his potty spot and then back to the crate.. Only allowing a few footsteps to get business done using a harness and a leash.  

Here is how to carry a dog that has IVDD:  

Please let us know what your surgeon directs for PT and for crate rest?
Here on Dodgerslist we opt for 6 weeks post op crate rest to give the proper amount of time for the disc to form secure scar tissue..

Let s know when you have had a chance to observe him at home:
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved?

--What is the dosage and frequency given on the Rimadyl, Methocarbamol and Tramadol or let us know what changes they make to his medications when they discharge him.

Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC to protect Nelson's stomach from the Rimadyl. 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 for my dog 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. 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 is in alpha order:
 www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm

www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/stomachProtection.htm

-- Can he move the legs at all or wag the tail if you do some happy talk?

-- Can Nelson sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm

-- Eating and drinking OK?

-- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood?

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/Wid vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.

Please keep us posting on how you and Nelson are getting along.. Sending comforting thoughts and prayers..

What a wonderful update! Have you started your list of questions so that all gets answered in the excitement of picking up Nelson tomorrow. Here's a starter list: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm

Orthopedic mattress such as memory foam or egg crate foam? The idea is to be supportive but not create pressure sores from all the crate rest time.

If Nelson is ok with a soft side that is ok. It is just most dogs like a lot of visibility a wire recovery suite provides.

No question is a stupid one. Glad you asked! Put the crate on the coffee table. Open the door and have Nelson move out on to your lap where you can more easily lift and carry him.

You might pick up a couple of ideas on how to help Nelson relax in his recovery suite. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best.  It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog.

Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider:
--Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html
--Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/

Use a diffuser with one oral calmer from below:

Oral calmers:
1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health
2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine.
www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php
3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com
Note: Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price

What did the surgeon direct for crate rest and for PT?

We're HOME!

Nelson's doing better than even they expected. He's still a little wobbly, but everything is working and we've got a good prognosis for recovery. Temperament-wise he's back to his full cuteness. Evidently he was the center of attention and coordinated everything for the night shift. ;0)

Crate rest for the next 2 weeks (I'm doing 6, thank you very much). Outside for quick business only, on a leash and a sling can be used for support. They did return him to me with the harness on, so no questions about when I can use it. It actually works great to cover the Fentanyl patch and doesn't interfere with the incision at all.

Medication is Rimadyl 25 mg, 1/2 tablet twice daily for one week, then decrease to 1/2 tablet once daily. also Pepcid AC 10 mg, 1/2 tablet once daily. He's wearing a Fentanyl patch for the pain, and that is to stay on until Monday.

He's scheduled for a recheck on 3/6 and we will discuss physical therapy at that time.

Another question (although if it happens again, I'll call the vet). Last evening after I fed Nelson, he did this weird thing where it looked like he was talking (in those funny dog commercials). He kept opening and closing his mouth. I did look to see if something was caught in his teeth, and even did a quick brush of his teeth. It didn't last long. I was wondering if this is related to the meds in any way. The discharge nurse was going to give me the med printouts of side effects, but then we must have forgotten as it wasn't in my packet when I got home.

The information on the supplements was excellent. I've printed it out. Fortunately, I had run out of fish oil for the about 2-3 weeks ago, and voila! that was a good thing since you should discontinue before surgery. I've used Vetri-Science CoQ10 before, and will again. And I've ordered their disc supplements.

As for rabies, yes, PA requires a vaccine every 3 years and that, along with other over vaccination attempts, was the reason I switched vets last year. The previous vet was insisting on a 2 year schedule. I'll work with my vet on an extension. And we'll hold off on the others for a bit. She already works with me on the others, and we've agreed on what we don't need and for the others, we're doing a 3 year schedule. This just happens to be Nelson's 3 year mark.

Thank you so much for the all the great information and support; Again, I cannot believe how much information is on this site and how much I appreciate the help. Honestly, I feel so much calmer, confident and competent with every new thing I'm learning and knowing that I've got someone behind me. Thank you!!!!!

I am going to ask my vet about doing the titer on all three of my dogs for rabies. They are 8 and 9 years old and been vaccinated every year. never get off the porch if out of the house. One has had severe reaction to one of the shots they give!

Are you giving the Pepcid AC twice a day, Wendy? Diarrhea is a red flag sign of GI distress. I don't think a teaspoon of pumpkin should have made him have a runny mess. If he continues with that today, please contact your vet and let them know. Sucralfate can also be added as a second stomach protector. Sucralfate will require timing with other meds…so do your homework so you can discuss things with the vet: www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.html

Is Nelson the type of dog who usually walks around quite a bit sniffing before doing his business? If he's not having GI tract problems, it might just be that he's feeling better and wants to walk around a bit before getting down to business. You mentioned before that the surgeon recommended outside for quick business only. You might want to speak to them to see if he could be allowed to take a few supervised, controlled steps now to do his business. And the back into the crate to rest.

So glad to hear he's doing so well neurologically!

Wendy, you are with the right group here. We, too, giggle and dance with joy at pees and poops!

The more aggressive range of Pepcid AC is to give 5mg every 12 hours to have the best stomach protection.

Such a happy day indeed! What a wonderful update, Wendy. So very happy for you and Nelson. Take it slow and please keep us updated.

The neuros at Texas A&M have explained why crate rest is important for six weeks to their patients and what can and should not be allowed:

All patients with spinal cord injury whether they have had surgery or not, need to be on strict cage confinement. Rest allows for the healing of surgical incisions and will allow for scar tissue to form over the disrupted annulus.

Many clients are confused as to why exercise restriction is often necessary after spinal cord injury in veterinary patients. While limited scientific study has been devoted to this topic, a period of exercise restriction combined with physical rehabilitation is believed to hasten recovery from spinal surgery and certain spinal cord injuries. Vertebral column injury and surgery can disrupt the normal stabilizing structures of the spine such as muscles, bone, joint capsules, and the intervertebral disk. Excessive, unrestricted activity after surgery or certain injuries can lead to vertebral column destabilization and prolonged healing of the injury site. The intervetebral disk, in particular, is very slow to heal and healing may be incomplete; excessive vertebral column motion after disk surgery may therefore lead to recurrence of disk herniation. Additionally, animals that are weak or incoordinated may accidentally traumatize themselves, leading to orthopedic and soft tissue injuries. There are certainly downsides to excessive rest, especially if this is performed without physical rehabilitation. Rest without rehabilitation can lead to vertebral column unloading, loss of lean muscle mass, and delayed re-training of the motor and balance systems after spinal cord injury.

So in summary, Nelson needs to be inside of his recovery suite except when out to potty and for supervised, controlled with leash/harness, slow and deliberate PT.  He should eat inside his recovery suite where bowls have been attached to the inside of the crate. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm  Dogs always will do the unexpected in a blink of an eye. They do not understand the major surgery they have had. However we do understand and just have to always be one step ahead of these guys in protecting them from themselves.

Took Nelson to our "family" vet tonight and got another good check up. There is just the slightest bit of slowness of reaction in the back right paw, but she's very pleased with how well and how quickly he recuperated. We'll bring him back again in a few months and in fact will probably do 6-month wellness checks going forward. The vet also agrees that Nelson's propsensity to jump like a springer spaniel is not going to do him any favors. So while I work to train him, which I expect will have only limited success, I did order a Wiggle Less brace tonight. I don't want to keep him from enjoying his life, but I also want to do whatever I can to prevent another episode.