|
|
Post by myrocky on Mar 1, 2014 19:58:04 GMT -7
hello everyone. i am new to this site
after doing some research on the internet i found this website and i am so grateful. here is a little background on my dog. his name is rocky. he is maltipoo age 2years and 10months. he was diagnosed with ivdd 2 days ago now. he has limited function to hind legs and is in pain. he started strict crate rest 2 days ago and is currently on tramadol for pain and an NSAID. Surgery is ot an option for me related to expense..close to 5500.00. i dont want my dog to have constant pain and i am not ready to think about putting him down. through my research i have found a third option which is a wheelcart for paralyzed dogs ( i fear he will not get his movement back to his hind legs but i am hopeful). this diagnosis has been devastating to both me and my dog. any advice would be greatly appreciated
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Mar 1, 2014 21:01:05 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist! My name is Pauliana, what is your name? Please let Rocky 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.htmREGAINING NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION has no time limit for nerves to heal. Nerve repair is individual as each injury is different and each dog’s ability to heal is different. If deep pain perception (DPP) is present, even in paralyzed legs, there is a chance your dog may be able to walk again. For those dogs who have lost DPP, do know nerve regeneration can take place and that function may return. Once deep pain perception is regained, your dog has a chance at a walking recovery. Thousands of dogs on Dodgerslist have regained functions in as little as 2 weeks, others 11 months, and still others 3 years later. IVDD is a disease of patience to allow the body to heal on its own terms. The best thing you can do for your Rocky is Crate rest— 100% STRICT crate rest for 8 weeks. That means 24/7 in the crate except to be carried out for potty breaks. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no Chiro, no VOM. The rest of the details of doing crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? What is the dosage of the Tramadol? How often given? His medications need to be adjusted if he is still in pain. He needs to be pain free from dose to dose so he can heal. Pain deters healing. What is the name of the NSAID? Is he taking Pepcid AC to protect his stomach from the acid producing effects of the NSAID? 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.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/stomachProtection.htm-- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail due when you do some happy talk? -- Can your dog 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/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. Sending comforting thoughts and prayers to you and Rockie. You aren't alone.. All of us here have dogs with IVDD, either going through a current episode or a past episode.. |
|
