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Post by Kristine & Tequila on Mar 24, 2014 9:18:16 GMT -7
Hi everyone! I am so happy I found this site as it has already been a lifesaver. First let me tell you about my long haired miniature black and tan dachshund, Tequila. She is 8 years old and has been with me since she was 8 weeks old. She lived with me in college, moved to Florida with me a few years ago, has pretty much been everywhere with me. After living in Florida I returned home to NJ and moved back in with my parents. My parents have a long haired mini dachshund as well and they are really close friends. Naturally when I was moving out last December, Tequila stayed with my parents and their dog Kallie. You may be thinking how could I just leave her?! Well, I didn't move far...I live across the street with my boyfriend! I see her pretty much everyday. My boyfriend and I welcomed our first child to the world October 4, 2013. His name is Landon and is almost 6 months already! Tequila loves him very much.
A few days ago my mom came running over and said Tequila hopped onto the couch and just started screaming. I ran over and got her to calm down. Tequila is extremely hyper and loves running and jumping. We are very careful and try to not let her jump as much as possible but again, it would be impossible to watch her 24/7. She has had many back strains in the past and normally is prescribed an anti-inflammatory and is better in a few days. This accident happened on Saturday so my father and I (Tequila is very attached to my dad!) took her to the emergency vet. I knew this was worse than any accident she has had before when the vet inverted her back legs and she did not flip them back as she naturally would. I just broke down in tears and felt so helpless. The vet did the pinch test on her back as well and as she got towards her rear on her back, there were no reflexes. The vet explained that it would be best if Tequila stayed over night to start getting IVs, steroids, etc. I was really hoping to get some good news the next day that the meds helped and she improved, but no such luck.
The vet called the next morning and explained she did not make any progress overnight and we needed to think about getting her an MRI and possible surgery. Their gut instinct was that she had a ruptured disc. Of course when they gave me the estimate ($5000 plus) I almost fainted. I am on maternity leave with no income right now. Thankfully my boyfriend has a great job and is extremely supportive. I consulted with my parents regarding doing the surgery because she does live with them and they consider her part of the family as well. After many tears from all of us we decided there was no other choice but to do the surgery. She is a healthy, amazing, energetic dog who we consider a family member. So we called the vet back and told her to go ahead with MRI. We asked if we could come visit her before her MRI which of course was fine. My mother, dad and I went to go see her. She had a cone around her neck (which makes me so sad) and was pretty out of it. We had her in a room with us for about 45 minutes and got her to completely relax. I just laid there with her rubbing her and she fell asleep. Still breaks my heart to think of her in that condition. We left and a few hours later I got the call that she did rupture her L 12 disc and surgery was going to be a good idea. Of course the option was mine and I could have always just tried to bring her home and let her completely rest. I went with surgery. Again...waiting for the phone call after her surgery seemed like forever. Finally I got a call last night that her surgery went well however she did need a lot of anesthesia because she kept waking up. When they opened her up they found that the ruptured disc was laying on a nerve. As soon as they did the repair, her body completely relaxed which meant it wasn't pressing on that nerve anymore.
Fast forward to this morning...I got a call at 9:00am EST. The vet said she did really well over night but is still in a good amount of pain which is expected. She actually was able to stand up a little this morning and can pee on her own! This is great news to me!! She even said as long as everything goes well today and tonight, she can come home tomorrow!!!! I am so happy and crying happy tears!
Now for her recovery...she will be staying at my house since I am on maternity leave and home all day with my son. I am very anxious and feel overwhelmed with having a 6 month old and a dog recovering from surgery. I know this is going to the best place for her though. I am going to visit her in about 2 hours and can not wait to see her although I'm sure seeing her sedated and stitched will be hard. After that I am going to get my supplies for the crate.
Your site has seriously been a god sent with getting me prepared for this long recovery. Thank you so much!!!
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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 Mar 25, 2014 10:06:28 GMT -7
Hi Kristine, my name is Maureen. You have sure been rididng an emotional roller coaster for the past few days, but it sounds like Tequila is doing really well after her surgery. Your job now is to read everything that you can about this disease IVDD and get prepared to bring your girl home. Since you said that you were getting your crate supplies in order I guess that you have been doing alot of reading already!  I don't know if you have had a chance to read these fo I'll leave with a few notes about surgery and getting ready for her hospital discharge: About Surgery Here is a link to our page about surgery. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmDischarge Questions And here are some helpful questions to prepare to ask on discharge day: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmThis can make is easier to get her in and out of a crate, if that is what you are using. Try converting to a top opening crate. Directions are here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/cratetopconvert.pdfPlease keep us posted on her progress and let us know when she gets to come home |
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Post by Kristine & Tequila on Mar 27, 2014 19:06:43 GMT -7
I wanted to give an update on Tequila. She seems to be doing well for the most part. I brought her home this past Tuesday. She was very sleepy and reluctant to use her back legs at all which I expected. She also had a very hard time being in the crate as she has never been in one before. I know it is for her own safety but it just breaks my heart when she sits there and cries. The past two days have been completely exhausting and emotional. I don't even know how I am surviving on such little sleep. I think I mentioned before I have an almost 6 month old son so I am currently caring for both of them all day and night.
I was having concerns about Tequila urinating. She only had two accidents in the house which was fine. Now she has been going outside and at times doing her business. It's odd because she would squat like she was urinating but then there was nothing there. This happened quite a few times between yesterday and today so I put a call into my vet. She called back and said to bring her in for a check. I was happy to do so because I honestly just wanted her to take a look at her legs and everything as well. The vet said as long as she is urinating at times then there isn't too much of a worry so I feel a lot better! She even stood up on the table for a few seconds which was great!
I am honestly seeing improvements each day! She seems to be getting stronger and more like her old self. Obviously she is still very sleepy because of the pain meds but she gets excited and wags her tail for people which is so nice to see.
I'm still concerned at times that she can't feel her legs but then there are other times (like tonight) where she actually used one of her back legs to scratch her ear. Is this normal that at times she tries to stand and walk a little but other times where her legs seem to drag?
I know it is only 3 days after surgery but I guess I just get a little upset when I see those poor little legs just not moving.
Thanks everyone.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 27, 2014 19:55:14 GMT -7
So glad to hear that Tequila is home with you, Kristine. It sounds like she's doing very well for so soon after surgery. Keep in mind that it takes 2-4 weeks for the swelling to go down from the surgery so nerves aren't connecting properly and you may not see much improvement until the swelling is gone. The fact that she could scratch her ear is a wonderful sign of nerve healing! She's probably still weak from the surgery and sometimes has difficulty getting to a standing position so drags her legs. See if giving her a boost up to a standing position helps that. What instructions did the surgeon give you for crate rest and PT? Is she on any meds? Any signs of pain? Does she urinate at least every 8 hours? A couple of good streams? She may have some bladder control but it may be hit or miss. If you see her sometimes trying to go but unable to, you should try to express her. She may also be able to urinate some but not able to completely empty her bladder so may need some help emptying even after she goes by herself. It doesn't sound as though she has complete control yet. You would need a hands on your hands demonstration of expressing by your vet. Here's our page on expressing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmAlso, you should have her urine checked for a urinary tract infection. A UTI may explain why she squats but doesn't urinate as it may be painful to urinate. Hang in there. IVDD is a disease of patience. Tequila is doing very well and has already made some wonderful improvements. Try to take it one day at a time. Blessings to you both. |
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Post by Kristine & Tequila on Mar 30, 2014 16:40:28 GMT -7
Thank you Marjorie! I am so happy she is home as well! I feel better knowing that it may take 2-4 weeks to see more improvements. She is a strong pup and really wants to walk! I am trying to keep her as calm as possible when she is in the crate so that she does not hurt herself. I may have to speak with the vet about possibly giving her something to keep her calm. I am just so nervous to even leave the room because she really just hates being in there and cries and won't settle down.
The surgeon gave me instructions and handouts on crate rest and obviously limiting her walking unless it is for going out to the bathroom. I have 6 different PT exercises that I am doing with her 2-3 times a day. However, the past 2 days, she really isn't enjoying me touching her back legs. I will mention this to the vet as well. She is on Tramadol and Gabapentin. I am also giving her Pepcid.
Yesterday and today she did yelp when I was picking her up. She did seem totally fine after that though. She really does not seem to be in pain. She just shifts and moves when I try and do these exercises which is making it difficult.
Her urination seems to be totally fine now and she is making regular bowel movements.
I really hope she starts allowing me to do these exercises with her more because I know it is so important for her recovery. I am also putting ice on her incision twice a day for 10 minutes which she actually seems to enjoy. Must feel really good!
If anyone has suggestions on PT and getting her to cooperate a little more, that would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,552
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 30, 2014 18:23:52 GMT -7
Kristine, can Tequila move her legs in walking motion at all at potty times? Once dogs can move their legs some they may not like you doing those exercises. YOu might try distraction with a partner offering her tiny carrot pieces while you try the massage and range of motion.
What are the specifics on the meds? Dose in mg's; how often do you give them. Was there a recent drop in dose that might account for the yelps yesterday and today?
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Post by Kristine & Tequila on Mar 30, 2014 18:53:22 GMT -7
Hi Paula. Yes she is able to move her legs while going to the bathroom. She takes about 2 or 3 steps before squatting. Thank you for the suggestions of distracting her. I think that might work!
Her meds/dosages are: Tramadol 50mg..give 1/4 to 1/2 pill every 8-12 hours as needed for pain. I have been giving her 1/2 pill approx. every 10-12 hours. Gabapentin 50mg twice daily for pain. I have been giving her this as well twice a day.
I have not changed her meds so I am not really sure why she yelped. All I can think is that maybe she has more feeling in her back legs and got a little spooked or felt uncomfortable being picked up. I am very cautious when picking her up and placing her down.
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Post by Pauliana on Mar 30, 2014 22:04:47 GMT -7
Hi Kristine, Not sure if you saw this video on now to lift and carry Tequila, on our website but I will share with you here just in case. Dogs have a habit of hiding their pain, it's a natural pack instinct to not show pain or weakness to other pack members.. Tramadol is best given every 8 hours as it has a short half life.. Does she shiver? Is she reluctant to move? Not her usual perky self? Those are also signs of pain.. Here are some natural remedies for trying to calm her that may help.. Calmer Calming aids 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. Place a DAP pheromone diffusor at floor level where the recovery suite is: --Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/ Use a diffusor 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 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com Try putting an item of your clothing that you have worn to calm her in her crate and make her feel close to you.. Also try putting a towel or light blanket on top of her crate to create a den like feeling.. I know how overwhelming IVDD surgery is, went through it with my Tyler.. You have your hands full for sure with your 6 month old son and Teguila recovering from surgery.. Sending you comforting thoughts and prayers.. |
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