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Post by Norton & CoCo on Mar 30, 2014 17:24:32 GMT -7
This site has been a welcome relief and a great source of information as our family begins the healing and recovery process with our Dachshund. Below are our particulars as I currently know them. Thanks!
1. Dachshund, CoCo, 6 years old, 12lbs, Vet Diagnosis of IVDD today (3/30/14)
2. Currently staying at clinic and will be starting crate rest when CoCo returns home this week. 3. CoCo had an episode of severe pain this morning, (Sunday 3/30) which prompted a call to our family vet. There were signs of pain yesterday but were somewhat dismissed as they were few and CoCo began the day seemingly normal...but things deteriorated during the late afternoon and night.
4. Not sure of current med names as I will be getting prescriptions later this week. I know the vet administered pain meds, steroid, and other meds at the clinic.
5. CoCo has no movement in back legs, no bladder function at this time, and nonexistent and/or very dull pain sensations in tail and hind quarters. Poop appeared normal.
We are new to most of the information concerning this disease and missed some warning signs earlier...signs that may have allowed us to prevent such a traumatic episode. Once the seriousness of the situation began to become evident last night, we had few options...small, rural community location. When we woke this morning, CoCo had a severe pain episode and we called our family vet who left his before church turkey hunt and met us at his clinic. A diagnosis of IVDD was made and options were discussed. We decided to give CoCo a chance and that was before finding this great resource. Our vet was very supportive and told us he wanted to keep CoCo to monitor and explained how important extended crate rest would be upon the return home.
Very thankful for this site as I begin our family's education about this disease and its treatment. We have talked about the long road ahead and what we know will be involved...and that much of what will be required we probably do not know yet. Family is onboard to give CoCo a great quality of life for years to come.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 30, 2014 18:09:23 GMT -7
Norton, so very glad to hear both you and your vet understand it IS in the cards for CoCo to get back to enjoying life after the single most important care of 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. 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. 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. So that you can be fully committed to living with the disease CoCo was born with, becoming a savvy owner will be essential. This is where our treasure trove of IVDD information resides and a good page to bookmark: www.dodgerslist.com/ so you can quickly get up to speed. Good to print out for our Fridge so the entire family knows signs of emergency www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfThis card is good to carry with you to keep the IVDD meds straight at vet visits: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/MedCard.pdf Would surgery be a consideration for your familty at some point? Do keep us updated as you learn more about CoCo. |
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Post by Norton & CoCo on Mar 30, 2014 18:33:08 GMT -7
Thanks for the quick response Paula.
We do not see surgery as an option...this decision is based both on finances and on the research....albeit limited, I have conducted on this surgery. This decision was difficult, as we always want to do everything we can...but we also have kids to raise, bills to pay, college to save for...I hope that does not make me sound horrible. It is a difficult decision.
Thanks again for all the info. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 30, 2014 18:40:01 GMT -7
Norton, there is no right treatment. As I'm sure you have read there are risks to surgery and no guarantees with either conservative or surgery. Dogs have been able to heal nerves both after surgery as well as after conservative treatment. My dog had surgery and is he paralyzed still. We just like to have an understanding of your decision to help us support you.
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