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Post by Maureen & Snickers on Mar 22, 2014 20:58:18 GMT -7
I am maureen and my dog is Snickers an 11 year old dapple brown daschund. He had back surgery when he was 5 yrs old in fact he celebrated his 5th birthday in the hospital. He recovered slowly the doctors wanted to do more surgery. It took him several months to recover and start to walk. His walk was alway very ataxic and wobbly. Over the last year he has been having more issues. We had him on prednisone 2.5 mg QD then 5 mg then up to 10 mg, as he lost most of the function in his back legs. He was also on tramadol for pain. I was able to wean right before Christmas. This might have been about an 8 month period. He weighed 11 lbs and at the end was about 15 lbs. I haven't weighed him recently.
As of last Monday 3/17 snickers is again not moving his back end. This happened completely over night. One day absolutely fine the next day paralyzed. He doesn't seem to be in as much pain as he normally would be. I did call the vet and we restarted the
prednisone 10 mg QD
tramadol.
He seems guarded . He really isn't moving at all. I am picking him up to go outside. He has only pee'd occasionally. He isn't really eating very much. In fact when we give his pills he usually loves getting them in cheese, chicken, or a piece of bread. We have to open his mouth.
I have tried to express his bladder but I am not having any success. I have spoken to my vet a couple of times this week for reassurance. I think it might be time for Eddies Wheels. We are going to the vet on Monday just for her to check him out.
I could use some support and help. Thanks!
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Post by Pauliana on Mar 22, 2014 22:03:53 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Maureen. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Snickers to get back to enjoying life after recovering. 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.htm Reluctance to move is a sign of pain and you really shouldn't wait until Monday to have him checked by his Vet. Reluctance to move IS a sign of pain and not eating is also an emergency considering he is on Prednisone..(stomach damage, read below) He must have his pain medications adjusted so he is pain free from dose to dose. Pain deters healing.. Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would, they stop eating. 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.htmSpeak to the Vet also about getting Snickers on Sucralfate to heal his stomach.. It is given on an empty stomach and then Pepcid is given 30 minutes later.. Then the Prednisone with a meal. In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? ► Did you start the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for this current disc episode? …. STRICT 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)? ► Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? ► If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. He shouldn't be in a wheel cart until he has had 8 weeks of crate rest for this current disc episode. He could regain use of his back legs.. REGAINING 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. Acupuncture and Laser Therapy stimulate the cell’s metabolism that leads to the body’s natural repair abilities and can be started at any time. |
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