Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 7, 2014 8:21:26 GMT -7
Hi my name is Tracy. My almost 4 year old doxie, Jersey, was diagnosed with a back problem on April 3rd. She started showing signs earlier in the week when she would cry to be lifted up on her bench that she could usually hop onto easily herself. I didn't think much of it because she was walking great and showed no signs of any discomfort. On the 3rd we noticed her tummy was hard and seemed bloated and she was also behaving very quiet and sore so we brought her to the vet right away thinking she was having a tummy issue because she had a pancreatic attack in the fall. The vet took x rays and blood work to rule out the possibility of her eating something funny or the pancreas issue again. She did suspect the back right away. The x rays showed that in between 2 of Jersey's vertebrae there were signs of mineralizing. (I think that's the word she used) She didn't say anything about a disc rupturing but told me to keep Jersey quiet as possible for 2 weeks and put her on Metacam for 7 days. I tried to keep her quiet but by Saturday morning I ran out and bought her a crate after reading this on your website. She's had strict crate rest since Saturday morning. Since then I also started giving her Pepcid AC with her Metacam. I'm worried about her now because she seems a little wobbly on her legs when she goes out to do her business. Could that be from being in her crate so long? And her belly seems very hard still. I don't think her pain meds are enough for her. She still has a very healthy appetite and drinking water as usual but she seems a little constipated. I don't know if that's because it hurts for her to push or if the meds are constipating her. She's able to poop every time she goes outside (about 4 to 5 times a day) but its just a couple of little balls each time, never a full poop. I'm just worried that I'm not doing enough for her.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Apr 7, 2014 8:47:08 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, welcome to Dodgerslist! I am really sorry to hear that Jersey is having a back episode, but please be sure to tell Jersey, with as much confidence in your voice as you can, that she is going to be just fine! The scariest part of IVDD is the unknown, so it is important that you read as much as you can hear so you can be the best advocate you can for Jersey. 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 Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Tape this flyer to your fridge so the whole family knows what things are emergencies: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfIn order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? I have filled in the information you have already provided us. ► What is your dog's name? Your name, too. Tracy and her sweet girl Jersey► What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc? 4-year old doxie.
► What was the date you saw the vet and started 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)? April 5th.► Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy? You indicate yes there is pain.► How much does your dog weigh? List the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given? What was the start dose if a steroid, date of taper? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog 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 the anti-inflammatory. You mention Metcam for 7 days - at what dose? Any other medications?► Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? ► Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? ► Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood? ► 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. Now, let's try and address some of the issues you mention. Since you are observing signs of pain, you need to call your vet immediately. Have no tolerance for pain as it inhibits proper healing. If pain medications are correct, pain resolves within an hour. Metcam is just an NSAID, it is not a pain reliever. Your doctor has lots of options to help treat pain. Tramadol and Gabapentin are two medications that work synergistically together and have been shown to treat pain well. Please read the section on pain on this page so that you can get a better understanding of pain and options. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmIn addition to the pain, can you let us know if she was wobbly before you took her to the vet or if this is a new symptom? If it is new, this is an emergency as her neuro function has decreased. You must get to your vet asap and report these issues. Constipation can be caused by the medications. Pumpkin is a magical fruit that can assist with this. 1 teaspoon of plain pureed canned pumpkin 1 x a day PLUS soaking kibble with equal parts water for all meals can loosen stools. Please follow up with your vet regarding the pain and possible decrease in neuro function. We are anxiously awaiting your response. |
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 7, 2014 9:51:04 GMT -7
Hi Jean, Thanks so much for replying so quickly. I did not get a specific diagnosis of IVDD. I am currently waiting for my vet to call me and I will ask her if that is what she is suspecting. Jersey saw the vet on April 3rd and she started strict crate rest on April 5th. Jersey weighs
16.5 lbs.
Metacam (1.5 mg/mL) .7mg, once daily.
Pepcid AC(approx.7mg, I break off about 1/4 of the 10mg tablet before giving it to her)
Robaxin. 125mg every 12 hours as of last night.
I noticed this morning that jersey is slightly wobbly in the back legs. Is it possible that is from the Robaxin? She has never shown any signs of wobbling or weakness before this morning. She can walk fine on her own although she is slow and the slight wobbliness. She is eating great but this morning she has become fussy with the water. She is sniffing and squatting fine and can release her urine, there is no sign of any bed wetting. Poops are a little too firm but normal colour. Thank you for the suggestions for her constipation and all these wonderful resources. It's a very scary time and it's a comfort knowing that I have all this information. I am going to speak to my vet shortly and get Jersey something for her pain and to check her wobbly legs. Thanks so much!
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Vita & Emmie
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Apr 7, 2014 16:50:07 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, Jersey is a sweetheart! I am not a vet but I don't think that amount of Robaxin would cause Jersey to wobble in the back legs. That "drunk walk" sounds like the beginnings of some paralysis due to the pressure on the spinal nerves. Work with the vet to ensure pain is zero and commit to the strict crate rest for at least 8 weeks (longer if pain meds are still onboard). Use a crate that doesn't involve you pulling or pushing on Jersey to get her in or out and make it comfy in there for her. Only bring her out for potty breaks and carry her to the potty place and support her back end with a sling and then carry her back in. Since Jersey is still peeing/pooping and squatting normally that is great! Check out this comprehensive page - the bottom has the quick sling options! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm |
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Sabrina
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Post by Sabrina on Apr 7, 2014 16:57:40 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, I'm Sabrina. So sorry that Jersey has a suspected disc episode, but I'm so glad you've found Dodger'sList! I'm glad you have contacted your vet - any sign that there may be loss of neuro function needs to be brought to your vet's attention right away, so you did the right thing! As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle 5. Legs do not work (paralysis, dog is down) 6. Bladder control is lost 7. Tail wagging with joy is lost 8. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmHere is a great page to print out and put on your fridge so that everyone in your house can know what signals an emergency with an IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfGlad to hear that Jersey has stomach protection on board. When a dog is ok'd to take it, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID. When you're able, let us know what the vet says about the wobble and about getting Jersey on a general pain reliever. ))Hugs!(( |
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 8, 2014 10:35:46 GMT -7
Hi Vita! Thank you so much for your advice. I was feeling very awkward with Jersey getting her in and out of her crate but didn't know how to change it. I've now converted her crate to open at the top and this makes it so much easier to get her in and out for potty time. Thank you so much for that. I've also spoken to the vet about Jersey's wobbly legs and you are right about the Robaxin. She was concerned and has also suggested supporting Jersey's back while she does her business. She is now on Tramadol 10mg every 8 to 12 hours. She seems much more comfortable. Thanks again!
Hi Sabrina, Thank you so much for all the information and support. I'm very glad I found Dodger's List as well. I am busy learning as much as I can to help my little girl the best I can. It's such a scary time but knowing that we're not alone is such a comfort. Jersey's wobbly legs were a concern for the vet and did believe it was some nerve damage. She suggested supporting her back while doing her business as well. Jersey is now on Tramadol 10mg every 8 to 12 hours (I'm doing every 8 hours right now) She seems much more comfortable. If she doesn't show much improvement in the next few days then my vet would like to switch her over to a steroid. She told me there would be a waiting period before she could start the steroid to make sure the Metacam is out of her system. Thank you again for all your support.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 8, 2014 20:34:46 GMT -7
Hi Tracy,
So glad your Vet suggested a waiting period between the Metacam and a Steroid switch. She is so right about that!
By the way we suggest half a 10mg tablet of Pepcid AC for Doxie sized dogs.. (or 5mg) 30 minutes before the Metacam (Or the steroid if you switch) and then again 12 hours later..Glad she is on Pepcid.. she just needs more than 1/4 a tablet. (It would be a 1/4 of a tablet if using the 20mg size of Pepcid AC, however)
You are taking wonderful care of adorable Jersey.. Sending comforting and healing thoughts over the miles..
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Vita & Emmie
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Apr 9, 2014 7:13:04 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, I was surprised how well the sling worked for supporting Emmie's wobbly legged potty time. It is non-invasive (ie. doesn't interrupt the "privacy" of the moment because you are back far enough at the end of the sling) and she doesn't mind it at all - she goes about her business and doesn't care that her legs are dangling a little! She sniffs and chooses her spot while I walk along supporting her back legs and then when she "squats" she actually lifts her legs in the air so I know it's coming! It sounds like your vet is giving great advice and watching for Jersey's comfort. The crate rest and time, although long, will help with the rest. Again, I was amazed at the difference that 8 weeks makes; nature is an amazing healer. I make a mixture of half plain yogurt and half peanut butter and then put it in a Ziploc and cut a corner off - squeeze little buttons onto a wax papered cookie sheet, and then press a 5 mg piece of Pepcid into it. Freeze them and then put them in a little container and back in the freezer. Emmie gets her pills like this and I have never had one spit out or "returned" to me. She looks forward to it!
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Apr 9, 2014 7:34:28 GMT -7
Tracy you are doing a great job and your vet is taking a very wise approach to the washout. Please let us know how Jersey is doing without any anti-inflammatory.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 11, 2014 9:23:17 GMT -7
Hi everyone. Thanks for the posts. Jersey seems to be feeling good. She's been on her ▼ Metacam for 8 days and today we are starting to wean her off. She's still on her pain meds. She's still in her crate although now that she feels better she's not enjoying it so much. I know they don't know the difference between feeling better and being better.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 11, 2014 12:37:05 GMT -7
Hi, Tracy. I'm just catching up with Jersey's story and I'm glad she's doing better. In reading back through your posts, I see that there was a plan to switch from a NSAID to a steroid with a wash-out period. Is that still the plan? Why is that being done? Usually a NSAID is used when there are mild symptoms, such as wobbly walking. Steroids are used for more serious symptoms, such as loss of bladder control or paralysis. I see that you mentioned that if she wasn't showing much improvement in a few days, the vet wanted to switch her to a steroid.
The wobbly walking that you're seeing may not improve in just a few days. Nerve damage can take a long time to heal, months, even a year or more. The fact that the nerve damage hasn't improved in just a few days is not a reason to switch to a more powerful anti-inflammatory. Plus, since a wash-out period is required, there will be a period of time when the swelling is not being treated by an anti-inflammatory. Swelling pressing on the spine causes pain and possible nerve damage.
If there was a medical need for an emergent switch from a NSAID to a steroid, such as a worsening of neuro function, then the switch could be made without a wash-out period by prescribing Sulcrafate to be given along with the Pepcid AC for double protection. But there doesn't seem to be a need for a switch in Jersey's case and the time period without an anti-inflammatory could be dangerous, especially since pain meds will mask signs of pain so there is no way of knowing if there is still swelling.
Metacam is a NSAID and can be stopped without weaning. Usually when the NSAID is stopped, pain meds are stopped also so a true test for pain can be made. Pain = swelling = more time on all meds. With the NSAID being weaned and the pain meds being continued, a true test for pain can't be made and there may still be swelling that the pain meds are masking. If there is still swelling, the Metacam would still be needed but that would be difficult to determine since pain meds are still on board.
If the Metacam is stopped and the pain meds are stopped and there is no pain, that would mean that the swelling has resolved and there is no further need for any meds at all.
I would speak to the vet about her reasoning for switching from a NSAID to a steroid at this point. The wobbly walking began five days ago and then she stabilized. You'll need to be on a close lookout for any signs of pain returning or worsening of neuro function while the NSAID is being stopped and let the vet know ASAP if you do see any pain so Jersey can be immediately returned to the original dose of Metacam.
Healing prayers for Jersey.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 12, 2014 4:52:43 GMT -7
Hi Marjorie. What you're saying about the weaning makes sense. Thank you for letting me know. There was one day that Jersey looked slightly wobbly in the back legs. That is when the vet told me that we could take Jersey off the Metacam and switch over to a steroid if she wasn't showing any signs of improvement. She wanted to keep her on the Metacam for a few more days rather than switch her right away. Then Jersey showed great signs of improvement. Wobbly legs were gone. She was hard to control when bringing her out of her crate to do her business because she wanted to play. She seemed like her healthy self. That's when the vet said to start weaning her from her Metacam but keep her on the Tramadol. Yesterday was the first day she had a half dose of ▼ Metacam but still on her regular dose of Tramadol. She seemed great all day yesterday now today seems sore again. Her tummy was hard this morning and she was shivering as well but no sign of wobbly legs. Last night she went almost 12 hours between her doses of the Tramadol where I usual give her doses between 8 and 10 hours apart depending on her sleeping pattern, etc. I don't know if that's why there were signs of pain this morning. I will call the vet this morning to return her to a full dose of Metacam. I'm thinking Jersey tricked me into believing that she's getting better much quicker than she actually is. Another thing I'm a little concerned about is Jersey's anal gland. She usually gets her gland cleaned about every 6 weeks and I know she's due again. She's trying to scoot when she's out to do her business and trying to lick herself all the time. Hi Vita, Thank you for the advice for the sling. I have one made up and ready if we need to use it. After that day of wobbly legs, Jersey didn't seem to need it anymore. I love the idea for the yogurt and peanut butter buttons. What a great idea! Those are 2 of her favourite things!  I have already made her up a batch and there are definitely no arguments when it's time to take one. |
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Vita & Emmie
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Apr 12, 2014 16:23:33 GMT -7
I'm glad some of the tips help! I think that Jersey may have fooled you into letting her get too active too quickly. That is why the crate rest is so crucial even if Jersey complains. She can reinjure herself in her weakened state or even get very sore muscles if she jumps back into things too fast and too hard. Once you've completed the full 8 weeks, weaning off of crate rest is a week long process too - just to get those muscles into the swing. I am happy that Jersey is coming along but don't forget that caution here is important; Jersey needs you to be the one that is thinking it all through. She just goes day by day and doesn't really have a plan - which in some ways is good - but in others...well that's why they are dogs! Emmie was off her pain relief and her anti-inflammatory and still had another 2 weeks to go in her crate to make sure that scar tissue was built up.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 12, 2014 17:03:15 GMT -7
Tracy do you know how to squeeze the anal glands for Jersey?
Only steroids have a requirement to be tapered, as the body needs to be signaled to again make their own steroid hormone. Non-steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) have no steroids in them thus Metacam can be stopped not tapered.
When the vet believes all painful swelling in the spinal cord is gone, Metacam would be stopped and the pain meds would be stopped. Staying on pain masking meds just does not give a clear and quick picture of what is going on in the spinal cord.
Your reporting signs of pain, means the vet needs to know right away and likely the Metacam dose will go back to the original dose as will the pain meds for another course of the anti-inflammatory. There is just no way to assess resolution of swelling other than to try a course of Metcam and then stop it to assess. So do not be discouraged as it can take anywhere fro 7 days to 30 days to get the swelling down.
Do let us know what the vet says.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 15, 2014 17:53:23 GMT -7
Hi Paula. I was shown how to do her anal gland externally. I wasn't sure if I could hurt her back because I would have to lift her tail. We go to the vet on Thursday and she can do her gland internally.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 15, 2014 18:11:57 GMT -7
Normally there is not a need to lift the tail very much to express the anal gland sac as it they are located on each side of the anus. While under conservative treatment I would just avoid doing anything that might cause Jersey to move her back...such as internally express the glands. |
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 17, 2014 5:56:11 GMT -7
We woke up this morning and Jersey is showing signs of pain. Hard tummy and holding her neck firm. She's shivering and groaning. We're heading to the vet's shortly to have her looked at. I don't understand why this is happening, I'm scared for her. It's been 2 weeks today that she was diagnosed and it will be 2 weeks in the crate on Saturday. Is it normal for her to have good days and bad days? I know that healing will take time but she seems good one day and then bad the next. I tried to express her anal gland last night but I was too nervous. I couldn't get anything out and didn't want to keep trying so I will get the vet to do it today. I'm afraid that she's hurt herself in her crate by bending around to lick. I try to keep her from licking but I don't know if she's doing it while we're sleeping.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 17, 2014 7:18:57 GMT -7
Tracy in reviewing your med list there is a definite correlation between reducing Metacam dose on 4/11 and pain reported next day. It may be too much movement of licking did cause a set back in healing of the disc. On 4/12 did the vet OK Metacam going back up to the orig dose of .7mg 1x/day? 16.5 lbs. Metacam as of 4/5: (1.5 mg/mL) .7mg, once daily; 4/11▼ @ half dose; 4/12 ▲ .7mg, once daily Pepcid AC(approx.7mg, I break off about 1/4 of the 10mg tablet before giving it to her) Robaxin. 125mg every 12 hours as of last night. Tramadol 10mg every 8 to 12 hours You might wish to start a med chart to be able to associate observation with changes in behavior. I found this kind of chart helpful for that and if more than one person is doing the dosing to make sure no meds have been missed or double dosed: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/crateRRP/medchart.pdf |
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 18, 2014 5:52:47 GMT -7
Hi Paula. Yes the vet did ok Jersey going back to her full dose of Metacam which she continued until yesterday. I will definitely make a med chart for her. We saw the vet yesterday and she also believed Jersey's licking may have caused her set back. She did Jersey's anal gland as well and Jersey has left her behind alone since then. We are switching Jersey over to Prednisone 10 mg every 12 hours for 14 days. Jersey's last dose of Metacam was 4/17 and we are starting her Prednisone on 4/20. During the wash out period, the vet said we could increase Jersey's ▲Tramadol to 15 mg every 8-12 hours or even 20 mg every 8 to 12 hours if needed. I was also wondering, should I continue the Pepcid AC during the wash out period?
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 18, 2014 9:18:03 GMT -7
Not only would I continue Pepcid AC, move to the upper range of 5mg 2x/day. In addition since the switch is a bit shy of the 4-7 day washout I would specifically ask for an Rx of sucralfate. It would not prevent an ulcer but to be johhny-on-the-spot at the first hint of damage to the GI tract with a healing bandaid. Necessary background reading on this med: www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.htmlIn addition because this washout is coming over the weekend, nights when vet is not open, I would strongly discuss options to give Roboxin 3x/day even what the increase in dose would be. I would also discuss having a more aggressive dose in mg than just light 20 mgs for a 16.5 lbs dog! You want to know ALL your options for pain control and not have to resort to an expensive ER vet over the weekend. |
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 20, 2014 6:10:32 GMT -7
Jersey's new updated med list: (starting Prednisone on 4/20)
Prednisone 5 mg 2x/day
Tramadol 20 mg every 6 hours
Pepcid AC 5mg 2x/day
Sulcrate Plus 1G/5ml 2.5 ml every 8 hours for 7 days
Robaxin 125 mg every 8 hours
Jersey still seems to be in a lot of pain. Especially if I try to bring her out to the bathroom. Should I wait until she shows signs of having to poop or pee to bring her out? Or bring her more often? Yesterday she only peed once and pooped once. She wouldn't even attempt it more than that, she just lays down when I bring her out. She shows signs of anxiety when she realizes I'm going to take her out of her crate and bring her out for a pee. They said they didn't want to increase her pain meds any more and that the steroids would hopefully control painfor her once the swelling goes down a little. She had some heat in her back so the vet said her disc most likely burst. They are starting to suggest the surgery but it really isn't an option for us. She just seems to be getting worse and I'm hoping that with her Prednisone starting this morning that that will soon give her some relief.
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Vita & Emmie
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Apr 20, 2014 8:54:29 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, I'm sorry about Jersey's pain set-back. Lets hope the new meds will help. I've heard that Prednisone is a pretty strong miracle so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I can imagine that when in pain, you don't really want to move to go pee and poo so you probably keep it to a minimum. You can always try to let her go in crate on a pad and remove it right away so she isn't in her mess and doesn't feel bad. When she feels better she'll want to go out to do that. I hate fur babies in pain and I know it makes you cry too, so just know Emmie and I are thinking of you and sending good thoughts.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 20, 2014 9:09:56 GMT -7
Tracy, it is very clear your vet is not comfortable in treating a disc episode. What options do you have to seek a new vet who knows IVDD? Can you get to an ER vet for today at least to get help for Jersey? How to approach finding an IVDD knowledgable vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmSteroids do not control pain! Pain meds control/mask pain. Steroids can take anywhere from 7-30+ days to get all off the painful swelling/inflammation down. In the meantime no dog should suffer with pain when there are plenty of options for pain control not yet being used for a 16.5 lbs dog. Kudos to you for getting Pepcid 2x/day and Sulcrate on board! CAVEAT: It is important to do your own reading about meds so you can participate in discussions. The reason for you to not self prescribe is your vet has responsibility for the health of your dog in meds he prescribes based on his exam, the health history of your dog, how meds interact, not things we or you might know as we are not veterinarians. If you are not satisfied with how your vet handles this disc episode, then there is a need to hire a different vet who is comfortable in treating a disc episode. vasg.org/g_drugs.htm#GABAPvasg.org/t_drugs.htm#TRAMwww.petplace.com/drug-library/methocarbamol-robaxin-v/page1.aspxSo based on your readings from above, if my 16.5 dog I would discuss with the new vet and strongly advocate: Tramadol at 50mg 3x a day Gabapentin added in as it works synergistically with Tramadol and can be used with Robaxin |
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 20, 2014 11:06:51 GMT -7
Thanks Vita for the suggestion of the pee pad in her crate. I will definitely try that with her. Your support and suggestions are priceless. Im so glad I found out about Dodgerslist, I would be lost without the amazing support and knowledge I have received! I dont like the fact that there are so many other fur babies going through this horrible issue as well but at the same time its so reassuring to talk to others going through it and to know there is hope for my little one. |
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 20, 2014 11:19:31 GMT -7
Hi Paula, I am very frustrated with Jerseys level of pain and the fact that they wont advise me to go any stronger with her meds. Unfortunately I am not able to get her to our emergency clinic today. I hate to say that cost is a factor but our ER vet charges $500 just to walk in the door. I have brought Jerseys Tramadol up to 30 mg myself. I know its not the right thing to do without the approval of the vet but I have them here at home and Im not going to watch her suffer when theres no need to. I didnt realize that a dose that strong could be administered safely. I will definitely look for a new vet tomorrow because they made it sound that 20 mg was getting up there. The fact that they would send Jersey home clearly in pain and not give me the tools to help her just infuriates me. Thank you so much for this latest information and Ill let you know what I come up with tomorrow. We just got Jersey a pen and made her a wonderful little recovery suite using all of the instructions from the website. Her crate can be just for for night time now and for outside soaking up some sun. She looks wonderfully comfortable right now in her new space and with some extra Tramadol in her system. Thank you again for all of your wonderful advice |
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Sabrina
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Post by Sabrina on Apr 20, 2014 19:36:52 GMT -7
Hi Tracy! So glad that Jersey is able to get comfortable this evening. I'm hoping that tomorrow you will be able to find a vet who is confident with dosing pain meds! Let us know how it goes!
))Hugs!((
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Tracy
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Tracy on Apr 23, 2014 16:18:08 GMT -7
I'm very frustrated right now. I spoke to my vet about Jersey's pain levels. I wanted to speak to my current vet before going to a new one. We've been with her so long and wanted to give her the chance to help Jersey the way she needs to be helped. The vet I had the problems with was not our usual one. She was a new vet there during the holiday weekend. Our regular vet was good with Jersey going to a stronger dose of
Tramadol. We have her at 30mg 3x day
along with her Prednisone and she seemed great for a couple days. Now today shes showing signs of pain again. Tomorrow I'm going to get her the other pain medication you mentioned for hard to control pain to add to her Tramadol.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Apr 24, 2014 4:36:22 GMT -7
Tracy, as Paula and possibly others have recommended, the Tramadol can be increased to 50 mg 3x/day plus the Gabapentin can be added. I do understand your loyalty to your vet. However, your main loyalty belongs with Jersey. Your vet may be a very good vet but not all vets are experienced in treating IVDD. I love my pets' vet and have been going to him for many years. He knows his limitations and he has told me that he doesn't treat backs and won't treat my Jeremy for his IVDD. I have to take Jeremy for anything spine related to the local ER hospital where he's seen by a Board-certified neurologist. And that's as it should be. With Jeremy's last conservative treatment, it was just one visit at the ER, they prescribed the correct meds and gave advice over the phone afterwards and that was it.
Just want to confirm with you that the crate rest that you're giving Jersey is 100% strict 24/7, with her being carried in and out to do potty with very few steps during potty time. The reason I'm checking on crate rest is that Jersey's pain was under control for a couple of days with the meds she's getting. Too much movement and the not yet healed disc can re-tear causing more pain and swelling. If she's taking more than a few steps at potty time, you can make a potty spot for her with push-in-the-ground plastic fencing or an ex-pen. That will limit her desire to sniff around too much. Be sure to use a halter to help limit her steps, too. The less movement of the spine, the better.
Healing prayers for Jersey.
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Vita & Emmie
Helpful Member
Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
Posts: 189
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Apr 24, 2014 8:40:41 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, I have a special vet that treats Emmie for her IVDD. He is a certified vet but also holistic. My "normal" vet actually referred me to him as he could treat Em with more than just drugs which is all the regular vet at at her disposal. So what I'm saying is Emmie has two vets - one for her IVDD stuff - and one for her health checks and shots and stuff. Actually, the normal vet doesn't even know yet that Emmie had a paralysis episode. Do not feel guilty and worry about other people's feelings - worry about what Jersey is feeling. Where are you located? Check the list of vet recommendations here on the site for suggestions and comments. You are all Jersey has as an advocate - imagine being in intolerable back pain and just having to quietly sit and take it with no hope for help. Jersey can't heal unless she is comfortable. Be strong, you can do it!
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Tracy
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Tracy on Apr 27, 2014 8:38:45 GMT -7
Hi Vita, I've done some research and I have an appointment this week with a vet that has a lot of experience treating IVDD. I looked through the vet recommendations but couldn't find one near me. I live in Ontario, Canada in the Niagara Region. If anyone knows of a vet in this area I'd love to find out their name. I didn't know anything about this horrible disease until about 3 weeks ago. When my vet first told me what we were dealing with, I just cried and felt helpless. You trust your vet so I went home and did what she told me to do. Then I found Dodgerslist. That's when everything changed. I have learned so much. And yes I now realize that my regular vet is not comfortable treating this type of condition. I've been working with her and have been very forceful in requesting certain medications and increasing doses on certain medications. I know I shouldn't have to do that with a doctor but I didn't realize that certain vets are not comfortable treating certain conditions. Thanks to what I've learned from everyone here, I now know that. I know my loyalty is with Jersey, it always has been. Every single time my little girl has had a set back I have been right on top of it. She is resting comfortably again. She is now on:
Pepcid AC 5 mg 2x day
Gabapentin 100 mg 3x day
Prednisone 5 mg 2x day
Tramadol 30 mg 3x day(until I can get to a vet that will prescribe higher but this strength with the Gabapentin seems to be the right dosage for Jersey-she is in no pain)
I know I am Jersey's only advocate and I would never watch my little girl in pain and do nothing about it. Today is 3 weeks that she has been under 100% strict crate rest. Every suggestion I've received from everyone on this blog has been amazing and so helpful. I appreciate everyone's helpful suggestions. Unfortunately I've had to learn as I go with this. Jersey is now very comfortable and hopefully now on the road to recovery. I will be switching to a vet as soon as I can, one that I don't have to argue with to get what Jersey needs. I'm pretty sure I've offended my vet but at this point I don't care. Jersey now has what she needs to be comfortable until I find the proper vet for her. I can't bring her to the ER vet in our area, it is just so expensive. It's literally $500 just to have an appointment. I wish I had the money for that, I just don't. I don't know if it's the same in the U.S. as in Canada. I hate to admit money is holding me back from certain decisions but it is. It's just the reality. Thanks to everyone! I don't even want to think about what Jersey's condition might be if I didn't have everyone here to guide me along.
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I have already made her up a batch and there are definitely no arguments when it's time to take one. 
