Andi & Frankie
New Member
Surgery Dec '12; Conservative 04/19/2014
Posts: 9 
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Post by Andi & Frankie on Apr 20, 2014 14:08:53 GMT -7
Well....here we go again! Frankie has surgery on 12/24/2012 for 3 ruptured discs and was doing really great until last week. He just seemed more quiet and put himself in his crate. Then yesterday, he suddenly was having issues with walking and his right rear leg didn't seem to be working well.
Since we knew what he needed, I brought him to Banfield and brought our surgery records. He is on strict crate rest and is taking
18lbs
10 mg of Prednisone once a day
25 mg of Tramodol 3 times a day
250 mg of Methocarbamol 3 times a day.
We are hoping that the conservative method works this time since we can't afford another surgery (still paying for the first). As sweet as you all are I wish that we weren't back visiting Dodgerslist. But we are ever so thankful for the support we received in 2012 and are happy to have recognized what Frankie needed.
Since we have started meds, he walks like he normally would. Everything else seems ok....poops, pees, and eats.
I know that he seems "normal" because of the meds and that the 8 weeks strict crate rest is needed for healing. Sigh....
Almost forgot....Frankie weighs 18 lbs. He is a standard dachshund and isn't overweight.
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Apr 20, 2014 17:56:21 GMT -7
Hi Andi, my name is Stevie and my dachshund, Cleopatra and I are in the same boat. Had surgery in 2013, and we are still paying for it too! We just started crate rest and meds last wednesday. How old is Frankie?
My Cleo can still walk just fine, and it sounds like Frankie can still walk too? Thank makes crate rest even harder I have found, but be sure you are doing the right thing for him. Cleo is on almost the same meds, are you giving Frankie Pepcid or another stomach protector?
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Sabrina
Helpful Member 
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Apr 20, 2014 20:27:49 GMT -7
Hi Andi! I'm Sabrina. I'm so sorry that Frankie is having another disc episode - but well done on recognizing the signs and getting him help right away! I am so glad that the meds are keeping Frankie pain free, and that his neuro functions are stable. Those are very good signs! Well done for committing to the 8 weeks of strict crate rest that Frankie needs in order to form the secure scar tissue that will protect his healing discs. If you haven't already read through the Dodger'sList articles as a "refresher course", here are some links to get you started: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmLike Stevie said, at Dodger'sList we follow vets who are proactive about stomach protection - a disc episode is enough to deal with, you don't need for Roger to develop GI trouble also! 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. 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.htmLet us know how you and Frankie are doing! We are here to support you as you help him get through this episode! ))Hugs!(( |
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Andi & Frankie
New Member
Surgery Dec '12; Conservative 04/19/2014
Posts: 9
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Post by Andi & Frankie on Apr 25, 2014 15:55:23 GMT -7
Thank you all! Frankie is about 6 years old (we don't know for sure as we found him after he was dumped several years ago). He definitely can walk and since his meds have kicked in he walks the same as he did before this relapse (when we go out to potty) but after his 2012 surgery. After surgery, he was still a bit weak in his right rear leg but functional. I am using a sling when we go out to potty even though I don't think he requires one. I have added the Pepcid to our morning routine. I had forgotten about it until I started refreshing my memory again yesterday. He fortunately is happy as a clam in his crate and I think this is worse for me than him.  |
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Andi & Frankie
New Member
Surgery Dec '12; Conservative 04/19/2014
Posts: 9
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Post by Andi & Frankie on Apr 28, 2014 18:12:20 GMT -7
One week down...so far so good.....his pred goes down to 1/2 ▼ pred pill once a day this week but he doesn't seem to have pain and he is feisty and annoying in the crate now. I will take that as a good thing. |
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 28, 2014 20:30:17 GMT -7
Hi Andi, Thanks for the update, I am so glad Frankie is doing so well on the taper! Very true they can get feisty in their crate when they start to feel better. If he gets too feisty in a way that would harm his back, here are some calming aids you could try. 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 diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider: --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 diffuser with one oral calmer from below (Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price): 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-health2) 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 |
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Andi & Frankie
New Member
Surgery Dec '12; Conservative 04/19/2014
Posts: 9
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Post by Andi & Frankie on May 12, 2014 6:09:30 GMT -7
Week 4 begins! Almost half way! He hasn't had any pain meds or muscle relaxers for several days....he is almost completely done with the pred...I think 1 more day of the pred taper. So far so good....he doesn't appear to be in any pain and is getting around well when we go out to potty. He stretches and acts completely normal. I am keeping my fingers crossed! |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on May 12, 2014 6:24:16 GMT -7
Andi, that is the kind of progress report we love to hear — tapering to the finish of pred and still no signs of pain. YES!!! This means what is left to do is the finish of disc healing by the end of the 8 weeks for a graduation day of June 14. Keep these excellent progress reports coming!
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Andi & Frankie
New Member
Surgery Dec '12; Conservative 04/19/2014
Posts: 9
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Post by Andi & Frankie on May 31, 2014 13:56:28 GMT -7
Well.....we made it through week 6! So far so good! He hasn't been on meds for a couple of weeks and no pain symptoms. 2 more weeks! Yay!
I really think that he will make it through conservative treatment this time! I guess last time 3 ruptured discs was a lot to recover easily from....his issue this time must have been less severe and for that I am ever so grateful!!!!!
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on May 31, 2014 18:58:45 GMT -7
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Andi & Frankie
New Member
Surgery Dec '12; Conservative 04/19/2014
Posts: 9
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Post by Andi & Frankie on Jun 14, 2014 11:12:48 GMT -7
Today is graduation day! I haven't let him out yet but will as soon as I can hang out on the floor with him for a bit. Slowly he will be given freedom and more time over the next few weeks as long as he seems ok. He hasn't been on any meds or had any pain for at least 6 weeks so I am very confident that he will be successful. I am just looking forward to snuggling with him in bed. I miss that more than anything! We are just going to take it slow....slow and steady win the race! In my house, slow is difficult with there being 3 other big dogs and 2 cats. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 14, 2014 12:45:27 GMT -7
Andi, congratulations on sticking out the entire 8 weeks to let that disc heal. Good idea on taking things slowly to reintroduce physical activity again.
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