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Post by kristenj on Mar 25, 2013 3:43:35 GMT -7
Samy now 12 has a history of back issues, and had 2 back surgeries in 2006. He has been very stable since then, some periods of slight pain but always responded to crate rest and meds. Unfortunately he needed to undergo a dental last August after which he did fine other than some GI issues. He recently developed an abscess in one of his teeth, and had to undergo surgery in Friday for that. He has been in significant pain over the weekend, has a very tight tummy so I am treating with Tramadol, Metacam and crate rest. He is still urinating and walking. but is very tender in his lumbar area. He is eatign and drinking normally. I wasn't expecting this and wondered what others expereinces were with dental surgery. thanks in advance Kristen Jenner, Alex, Samy, Dottie, BB, and Nabisco Washington and Rory at the bridge
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 25, 2013 8:01:01 GMT -7
this is from Dodgerslist on-line course regarding precaution with anesthesia: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/precautions.htmlIf there is ANY suspicion this might be a disc problem, then the thing to do is 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times and then carried to and from the potty place. Have you advised the vet of your observation, gone back for the vet to examine him? This is why crating and limited movement is key until you are sure this is not a disc episode:
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Post by natureluva on Mar 25, 2013 8:04:40 GMT -7
Kristen, did you tell the vet this? Did you ask if there were any complications during the surgery? Was the vet's office and the staff aware that Samy has IVDD? Did you have your vet examine Samy for a new disc problem? Are you giving 5 mg of Pepcid AC 30 minutes before each dose of Metacam to protect his stomach from ulcerating? Glad to hear he still has neurological functions. Conservative treatment consists of 8 weeks of strict crate rest to heal the disc while the meds mask the symptoms and control inflammation on the spinal cord. It is time and limited movement that heals the disc. Here are three links to help you with crate rest and explain conservative treatment: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htm If you are not already getting it, we highly recommend acupuncture and laser light therapy for IVDD. They both stimulate the nerves to heal and reduce pain and inflammation, and acupuncture has the additional bonus of relaxing the dog. These treatments can begin asap, as long as you can safely transport your dog to and from the appointments (crated). You can ask your vet for a referral to a holistic vet that does acupuncture and laser light therapy, or you can search for one in your area here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ Hang in there and let us know how things are going. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by kristenj on Mar 25, 2013 16:21:19 GMT -7
Hi Lisa and Paula,
Thanks for your responses. I have called the vet office and confirmed that nothing unusual occured during his procedure. It was actually far shorter than the dental last year, only 1 bad tooth and 1 loose one. I did make it known in advance that he has spinal issues, mmost of the vet techs and my vet were well aware of that too. I am giving 5mg pepcid before the Metacam, forgot to mention that this morning. I did not take him in for an exam as quite honestly I woudl rather not transport him unless absolutely necessary. He sort of difficult in the car and at the vet. So I am continuuing to monitor, he seems about the same tonight..no worse or better. I am hoping this resolves with the crate rest...
Kristen
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Post by aburgstede on Mar 25, 2013 16:45:12 GMT -7
Kristen; I'm sorry to hear that Samy is having this problem ... especially right after dealing with a dental issue, poor guy! I'm glad I read it though b/c (feeling stupid) it never dawned on me to inform the vets of IVDD when mine have dentals. So I thank you for sharing this so others can learn. I'm glad you caught it and can treat him and he's lucky to have a mom that knows how to help him. Let us know how he does and I hope his tummy gets better! Well thoughts for Samy!!
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Post by kristenj on Apr 17, 2013 16:15:45 GMT -7
so here we are several weeks out and Samy's GI issues have resolved. It seems from the progression of his recovery this was primarily GI rather than spinal. But in the midst of things it was very difficult to differentiate, so being cautious seemed the way to go. A very happy ending for us! hope you are all doing well!
Kristen
Jenner, Alex, Samy, Dottie, B, Nabisco, and Riley Washington and Rory at the bridge
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 17, 2013 19:29:55 GMT -7
Hi Kristen, I'm glad to hear Samy's problem wasn't IVDD. Its always best to be cautious as you know. Those of us with IVDD dogs get a little paranoid huh.
Hope the rest of your crew are doing well too.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Apr 19, 2013 19:24:49 GMT -7
Wonderful news!
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