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Post by Susi & Jasper on Mar 12, 2014 12:44:15 GMT -7
My Jasper has recently injured his back at L2-3. He's on crate rest, prednisone & methocarbamol. I have a couple of questions 1) he's in a smaller crate ( his size) do I keep it clear or put his bed in it ? And 2) I've read he should get Pepcid with the prednisone, my vet refuses until he has gastro issues, can I get human and dose it for him ? He's a heavy boy, 19#, he's about 12 yrs old. Rescued last November.
More info about Jasper. Not sure what happened to him. Had just walked in door from trip and noticed him "quiet" but about half an hour later, he started crying & didn't want to walk. I put him in his crate after checking him, noticed muscles in his hip was twitching. Was told when I got him that he has severe arthritis in one of his hips. So I thought it was this. Gave him methocarbamol eased some. He seemed a bit better. Slept good, was slow the next day (Sunday) but Sunday night grew worse ( abt 4 am) so took him to vet first thing Monday morn. He said it was L2-3. But he has full use of legs, bladder & bowel. He did not do X-ray for fear of worsening the condition. He is now on crate rest, but the vet said [crate rest] it didn't have to be full, only when I'm not with him. He is on
methocarbamol twice a day as needed and dexmethasone regimen
Doing ok. But very worried. I got him after I love daushounds put a bunch if Craig's listings on their sight. Called all to prevent being used as bait dogs. He is 12 years old, had to get rid of him do to unforeseen circumstances (didn't inquire). She said no one wanted him cause if his age and he was beginning to have medical problems. ( cataracts & arthritis). Beautiful silver dapple, 19#, and was told he's considered a tweenie. I got him the week of thanksgiving 2013. I have 2 other doxies one 9 years that I got at 6 weeks and a puppy mill baby , 8 years, that I've had 2 years.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 12, 2014 13:11:38 GMT -7
Susi, welcome to Dodgerlist and thank you for rescuing your three doxies. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Jasper to get back to enjoying life after the 8 weeks recovery period. 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. Are you ready? Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWe realize it may take a couple of days for you to cover the IVDD 101 material. Below are my comments to get things expedited. — The hardest part about doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for a full 8 weeks is wrapping your mind around the WHY of it. Once the WHY of what is healing during the 8 weeks is firmly in your mind, then it is easy to recognize red flag advise to do baths, chiro, water therapy and other things that cause the spine to move. The resource we have for you to read on conservative treatment is your road map for the next 8 weeks. Knowing each of the four levels of healing puts you in position to be an instrumental contributor to healing. Start with the yellow "overview" button www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm-- Is there still currently pain when moving or nearing the next dose of methocarbamol? - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies? Pain meds should not be given on an as needed basis with the very painful disc episode. Once pain surfaces it is harder to get back under control, pain is torture and it actually slows the entire healing process. Anti-inflammatories such as DEX can increase GI tract damage. 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 before dex and thereafter every 12 hours. This directory very good for learning about each of your dog's meds: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm -- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk once off all pain meds and no more signs of pain. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmAdverse red flag side effects of steroids such as dex -- Eating and drinking OK? -- How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
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Post by Susi & Jasper on Mar 12, 2014 13:32:48 GMT -7
Ok. Getting ready to sit down and read ( study) the site ?. One quick question about the crate, should I have him a bed in it or just a pad and how big of a crate should he be in ?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,595
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 12, 2014 14:02:47 GMT -7
The recovery suite needs to be large enough to stand up, turn around and why lying down to fully stretch out legs. Memory or egg crate foam helps to cushion the body from pressure points during the 8 weeks of crate rest. More details on how to make up the mattress and other excellent member tips here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmKudos to you for being invested in learning all you can about the disease Jasper was born with!
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Post by Susi & Jasper on Mar 12, 2014 14:40:49 GMT -7
Thank you so much for this site! It has given me so much information!
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