|
|
Post by Nadia & Slinky on Mar 19, 2014 14:55:26 GMT -7
Slinky is a 5.5 year old male neutered Dachshund. He had his first IVDD diagnosis in December 2012, and we took him to a specialist for surgery. He recovered beautifully. He had his second IVDD diagnosis on March 9th, 2014. We brought him back to the same specialist, and he was put on crate rest. The first doctor we saw put him on Tramadol and Prednisone. The original plan for tapering off the Prednisone was to give 1 full 5 mg tablet every day for a week, then half a tablet every day for two weeks, and finally half a tablet every other day for two weeks. I was to give Slinky half of a 5 mg Tramadol every 8-12 hours as needed. He doesn’t really show pain, so I just gave him the Tramadol when we woke up and when we went to bed for 4 days. Then I only gave it to him when we went to bed for two days. We took him back to the specialist for a recheck on March 17th, 2014 and this time we saw a different doctor. The doctor we had seen a week earlier, who prescribed the medications, told it us that we should come back the following Monday to see a surgeon who would be better able to educate us on IVDD and how to go about conservative treatment. We did exactly that, and that doctor that we saw the second time told me that Slinky did not seem to be in any pain, and that we pretty much already got the benefits of the medications. So he had me go from giving slinky a full Prednisone tablet daily for a week, to a half tablet every other day for only one week, and then stop it. We are currently in that last week of medication. He advised me to give him Tramadol or Prednisone on the days when he seems to be in pain, but he said he didn’t expect that to happen. Slinky does not seem to be in any pain ( no shivering, trembling, yelping; he doesn’t have slow movements or a hard tummy). Currently, Slinky does not move his legs at all. He does wag his tail when we do some happy talk. He moves and does sort of like a happy dance when we come home and wags his tail a lot. He does not leak or wet his bedding. He eats and drinks normally, as well as pee and poo own his own. We just have to hold his back legs up for him. His poops are normal color and size. We are hoping in a few weeks he will at least wobble walk on his own.  |
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
|
Post by PaulaM on Mar 19, 2014 18:52:18 GMT -7
Nadia welcome to Dodgerslist. Sounds likely prednisone did get all the swelling in the spinal cord resolved. The stop of Tramadol, a pain med, and the finishing out of prednisone is the final test where you observe no pain at all. Now all that is left til graduation day and the end of 8 weeks is for the disc to heal and form good secure scar tissue. So that will mean 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times carried to and from... and then just a very, very few footsteps to take care of business. Just so we are on the same page that means 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 while it is still healing. The recovery suite 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 Which type of recovery suite are you using: ex-pen, wire crate, packNplay? 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. With Slinky having bladder control bodes well that leg function can return. |
|
|
|
Post by Nadia & Slinky on Mar 19, 2014 22:10:46 GMT -7
Paula,
Thank you for replying. It feels great to have support during this trial. This site is so amazing and full of so many resources.
I have Slinky in a wire crate. We move the crate around our apartment so he can be with us. Since I'm a stay at home wife, I sometimes place his crate next to me on the sofa so he feels like we are still together like we used to. (Before all this, I would study and do homework on the sofa with him sitting right next to me.) Other times, my husband or I (or both) will sit on the floor beside his crate so he knows he isn't being punished or forgotten.
I have what I think is good news today! We went outside for a potty break, and when we got back, I laid him on our sofa so I could clean his paws and massage his legs a little, per the doctor. Slinky actually seemed to move his legs and try to scratch his ear!!! My husband saw and he agrees that's what it looked like. I quickly FaceTimed my mom on my cell phone and she saw him too!! We were so excited. Once we managed to stop squealing and celebrating and I actually got around to massaging his legs, he pulled one of them back! Like if he didn't want me touching his leg. I really hope all this is a good sign that he is on his way to recovery.
Thank you again for your encouragement and support. This site is just what families need to care for their furry babies!
|
|
|
|
Post by Jean & Mimi on Mar 20, 2014 5:55:15 GMT -7
Nadia, That is great news about Slinky and his sensation in his legs Crate rest will continue to allow the disc to heal and nerves to heal as well. I would encourage you not to have Slinky on the couch while you clean his paws. We always worry that something could startle them and cause them to make a fast, erratic movement and cause further damage to the healing disc. It would be better for you to put Slinky back in his crate, then wipe his paws off. Great job moving the crate around so he always feels that he is a part of the family. Just make sure to keep the crate on a really flat surface so he is horizontal with no tilt so his spine isn't stressed. Go Slinky |
|
Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
|
Post by Marjorie on Mar 20, 2014 6:57:08 GMT -7
Just also wanted to chime in with a caution about doing massage while still on meds. As you saw, the massage could cause him to pull back his leg. You want to keep all movement as limited as possible - do all that you can to avoid movement. Your vet most likely recommended massage as he's concerned about muscle loss. Please know that muscle loss returns quickly once movement is again gradually re-introduced after the 8 weeks of crate rest. Once Slinky is off of all meds and there is no swelling (which is evidenced by pain), you can start doing the very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk but again, only after all meds are stopped and there is no pain. Until then, there may still be swelling. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmSince this is the last week on the Prednisone, you'll need to be on the close look-out for any signs of pain. I noticed that your vet said you could give Slinky a Prednisone or a pain pill if you saw signs of pain. If you do see any signs of pain (shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy), you should immediately contact your vet and advocate for Slinky to be returned to the original anti-inflammatory dose of the Prednisone and the pain meds. Pain = swelling = more time on meds. Also, he should have been given Pepcid AC to protect him from the excess acid produced by the anti-inflammatory. If Slinky does need to stay on the Prednisone at any point, please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before the dose of the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours). Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep her from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board. I just wanted to share these cautions with you since the Prednisone hasn't completely been stopped yet. Hopefully, he'll complete the full taper of the Prednisone and be pain free. which means the swelling is completely gone and just continued crate rest is needed. Healing prayers for Slinky. |
|
|
|
Post by Nadia & Slinky on Mar 22, 2014 20:31:20 GMT -7
Hi ladies, Thank you very much for your replies, encouragement, and advice. I especially appreciate your healing prayers for Slinky. I am very glad that you all take the time to respond with all your experience. I will definitely try to not put him on the couch for any reason and to clean his paws inside his crate. I will also make sure that he doesn't miss the medication. I am seeing a lot of progress with him. Today, we left him home alone in his crate for a couple hours. This isn't out of the ordinary for him. When we came home, he was super excited to see us, which is also normal for him. Only this time, he actually stood up, and took a couple small steps. They weren't much of a step because he really doesn't have a lot of room, but we could tell he definitely lifted his legs and stepped back on them. Of course I am very encourage by this, but also worried that he may hurt himself. Any advice? I don't know how to make him calm down as we walk in the door. We already go straight to him as soon as we walk in to take him potty and then comfort him a little inside his crate. I don't know how to make him calm down... He is getting so brave again, probably because he feels his legs and feels himself getting stronger. Another thing I noticed is that when I used to take him out to potty, I would hold up his back legs so he could take a couple steps before settling on where to potty. At first, I could feel his back legs were just limp. But as of yesterday, I noticed that I feel him moving them as I hold them, like if he's trying to walk on them anyway. We aren't due for another doctor appointment for him for 2-3 more weeks. Should I take him in sooner? I only ask this to see if there is any chance that he may be released from crate rest sooner than 8 weeks. We are only on the second week, and he has improved so much already and is getting so restless. I am pretty sure that he still needs to be in the crate a while longer, but the sooner we can get him out, the better. It breaks my heart to see him so restless. We had to stop weekly visits from my mother in law and nieces because he would get so worked up! We tried putting his crate in our bedroom until they left, but he would still howl and I knew he was moving around a lot. So we just had to talk to them, and luckily they understood. We will make up for it once he gets better. I want him to feel like a normal dog again. I'm sure you know Dachshunds have giant personalities, so it'll come as no surprise when I tell you he guilt trips us by turning his face and back away from us when we don't cave into his sad eyes. Anyway, thank you again for your advice and support. Thank you for taking the time to answer and support all the IVDD families -Nadia and Slinky |
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Mar 22, 2014 21:28:46 GMT -7
Hi Nadia, It takes 8 weeks for the disc to form secure scar tissue.. early releases from crate rest usually result in relapses because the early healing disc gets re-torn which would mean more vet expense for you and more pain for Slinky. I know how hard it is.. I went through all of this with Tyler including having to tell family not to knock or ring doorbells and if they visited they had to go over to him, greet him calmly and then he would calm down. He just wanted to be included. When we got home from being gone, we went right to him, as you do with Slinky and calmly greeted him. We had to be calm in order for him to be calm. If that makes any sense. To calm him in his crate: Put a garment you have been wearing and have not washed in the crate, he will love that and it will keep you close to him 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. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html [pheromone 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 [Composure] 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.comBe aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will see they get rewards for four feet on the floor, quietly sitting, etc. Put wheels on the crate and wheel it from room to room so he can be with you and have a change of scenery. Put the crate securely on a table so he can see outside. Play calming music. |
|
StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
|
Post by StevieLuv on Mar 24, 2014 9:05:09 GMT -7
Slinky is making great progress. Now comes what often seems harder to deal with than the initial panic of learning that our dogs have IVDD - the keep them calm in the crate for 8 weeks part. Some members have had good results with these: Here are videos to keep them entertained or calm: petsittervideos.com/ and www.petmusic.com/Good luck and keep us posted |
|
|
|
Post by Cynthia&Huxley on Mar 25, 2014 7:20:03 GMT -7
Nadia,
I understand exactly where you are coming from when you asked about taking him out of the crate sooner than the 8 weeks. With that said, as much as it breaks your heart and you miss him at your side while you are studying, etc., it is important to give him the gift of time to heal. I am by no means an expert on the topic but do have first hand experience with my loving dog, Huxley.
I also bought a few small exercise pens to keep around the house; in my office, bedroom, living room and dining/kitchen area. I would transfer my dog when I knew I was going to spend a considerable amount of time in each place. I also played music via Pandora for him.
You are doing the best thing for Slinky by crating him-although you may feel sad, you ARE giving him a gift.
I receive several packages throughout the week and one thing I did to avoid the dreaded doorbell/knock and chaos from dog excitement is that I posted a sign on my door that stated "due to medical condition, please do not knock or ring the bell. If signature is required, please call or text me at XXX-XXX-XXXX".
Best of luck with your little Slinky!
Cynthia and Huxley
|
|
|
|
Post by Nadia & Slinky on Mar 25, 2014 21:06:32 GMT -7
Thank you for the advice, ladies! I will start researching all of it right now! I am so encouraged by all of the advice. My husband and I already started making some changes in our own behavior so that we don't inadvertently treat bad habits in Slinky. We are so excited by all his progress so far, and we know that it will be worth the wait. On the plus side, my work schedule had to change for a bit so I'm not home that much; now I don't have to be here with my marshmallow heart telling me he's sad  He is only alone about 5 hours and then my husband gets home and he isn't as soft as I am so he has a much better time following all the rules. That was a great idea about posting a sign on my door for people not to knock. I am expecting a package in a week or so, and that will come in handy. On a sort of random note... Are dachshunds known to be picky eaters? We have pretty much caved in to his demands in the past year or so and only give him soft food. But recently, it feels to us like maybe he is bored of the usual stuff. We think this because he willingly eats different brands of wet dog food. I've been told by vets that dogs don't need variety and don't crave it, but Slinky seems to want some variety. Is that normal? Thanks again for all your help. My family has begun to look forward to me sharing what I have learned on this site and on this forum. I love sharing about dodgerslist.com! - Nadia and Slinky |
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Mar 25, 2014 21:36:28 GMT -7
Hi Nadia,
It's best not to change their diet during their recovery from an IVDD episode. Mostly because of digestive upset and not being able to tell whether it is from a food change or from a medicine they are taking that has major side effects. It's important to be able to make that distinction.. Now if his brand of food has different protein sources that is more than ok, since it's the same brand and has the same balanced nutrition Slinky would be used to..I think rotating within the same brand in protein sources.. such as chicken, beef, lamb, rabbit etc is a good thing..
|
|
He is only alone about 5 hours and then my husband gets home and he isn't as soft as I am so he has a much better time following all the rules. 