Vita & Emmie
Helpful Member
Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
Posts: 189
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Post by Vita & Emmie on May 3, 2014 15:56:03 GMT -7
Awesome! That Adaptil diffuser is something that both my vets sell - not the pet store. You could try that? Also the Rescue Remedy stuff is at health food stores - I pick it up at Planet Organic or vitamin stores in the mall. It is a small pocket sized spray. They used to sell one "for pets" but it was the very same so now people and pets share the same one. My Emmie doesn't like frozen things either but if I freeze the peanut butter in the toy it takes her WAY longer to get it all happening and never touches her teeth. Emmie always digs before settling down, I guess the difference is with Hope she just keeps digging!
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 4, 2014 10:24:49 GMT -7
I will ask my vet about that on Monday when I speak to him. Today is a rare and warm-ish sunny day! Both the "bubble dogs" (as we call them) are outside in their crates sniffing everything that wafts by them. They have blankets to burrow in (even though Hope isn't a burrower), their water dishes are full, and their senses are being stimulated by being outside. They both went potty out there, Hope is really doing a lot better with standing on her own, and it's turning out to be a good day. Now, to clean the house while the dogs are outside! No going nuts on the vacuum cleaner today!
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 4, 2014 18:52:34 GMT -7
I just discovered that Hope has worn the skin off her nose from pushing her nose through the crate!! What can I do to stop her from doing that, and how can I treat it? If I put Polysporin on it or something, she'll just lick it off.
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Post by Pauliana on May 4, 2014 22:04:19 GMT -7
Hi Hester, I used to keep a jar of Dr Harvey's Healing Cream around the house. Need to order more. It's made for pets, as a first aid cream and helps skin irritations, cuts, itchy spots, and rashes, and I have used it for me too. It stops itching quickly and is soothing for the skin. It's gentle and healing and it won't hurt pets if they lick it.. Here's a link to it. Unfortunately it has to be ordered online and will take time to get there.. www.drharveys.com/products/show/24-organic-healing-cream
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Post by Colleen & Beast on May 5, 2014 6:25:19 GMT -7
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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 May 5, 2014 9:34:26 GMT -7
Hi Hester - Emmie rubs the skin off her nose whenever she is upset - I find coconut oil to be the best because it heals skin really well and because it is good for her if she eats it! I always have a jar at home. Buy it in a glass jar - not plastic. I'm just using it on her tummy now - I think she got a urine burn - anyway - two days and it is gone!
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 5, 2014 18:40:37 GMT -7
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will see if I can find that cream online, and if not, then I'll try the coconut oil stuff for her. I can't believe she did that!
Both Axel and Hope had a really good day today, both are improving in leaps and bounds. I'm hoping Axel is just a muscle strain, but we're still crating him just in case.
Hope actually pooped in the normal stance today without a scarf supporting her. I took her outside to the X-pen (we closed it down so that it's only a hexagon instead of an octagon, so it's only about 3 feet across), and realized I forgot the scarf inside and ran to get it and when I came back outside, she was doing this really weird slow waddle and my heart broke thinking she'd had a setback or something and was walking REALLY painfully and really hunched ... and then I realized she was pooping!!
Seriously - I got excited about poop.
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 8, 2014 11:23:44 GMT -7
I fear that Hope has had a setback. Yesterday she was extremely agitated because she definitely is feeling a LOT better, and she even tried to STAND in her crate (her head was smooshed into the ceiling of her crate and she tried anyway). This morning when we let her out to potty, she was taking normal steps and peed very easily, and was moving almost like she had no problems with her back at all. We were so happy. I just let her out to potty again, and this time she had trouble with her rear right leg, very wobbly and it turned over on her. I know that nerve recovery comes in fits and starts, and as of TOMORROW it'll be 2 weeks - ONLY 2 weeks (it feels like forever already) - so she really has gone forward in leaps and bounds, but it really upset me to see that her leg wasn't working quite like it should have been. They're outside in the backyard in their crates soaking up some sunshine and chewing on some treats. I'm hoping she can relax and get some sleep and allow her body to heal even though she thinks she's ok!! Tomorrow we start the taper from 5 mg of prednisone 2x a day to 2.5 mg in the morning and 5mg in the evening. Wish us luck! Hi there! I bought coconut oil in the glass jar for my doggies' noses. I just smeared some on, and it was the most hilarious thing I have ever seen because Hope literally went cross-eyed trying to see what I was putting on her nose!!! The big question is ... how do I keep them from licking it all off immediately? She's basically been licking her nose for the past 5 minutes, and Axel looks like he's given up (he too has removed most of the skin off his nose!!!) so I'm pretty sure it's all gone. Was I supposed to massage it in or something? We also got a sedative from the vet. He said to give them half the recommended dose, and hopefully it will just "chill" them.
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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 8, 2014 20:07:28 GMT -7
Your vet needs feedback from you on the observation of diminishment of neuro functions. Did the paw knuckle and that is something new? He may well decide this is NOT the time to start a taper. Let us know what he says. What is the name of the sedative?
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 9, 2014 5:04:48 GMT -7
Yes, we're not going to taper for another 5 days for her. It wasn't bad knuckling over, almost like she couldn't lift her feet high enough and was dragging it across with the top of her foot and then flipping it back over or falling over her leg. It was definitely a move backwards. Very upsetting. [12 lbs] The sedative is Acevet. 12.5mg was the dose. I gave her and Axel half the dose the vet prescribed because I just wanted them chilled out, not really out, and I think Hope had a very bad reaction to it. She was practically unconscious, when she wanted to open her eyes, her third eye lid was up almost all the way and her head was weaving. Axel, on the other hand, just had weird squinty blinky eyes, but seemed nice and chill and calm. Axel weighs 2.5 lbs less than Hope, so it was very strange. She's still odd this morning even though they were given the pill at 6pm last night. She ate her breakfast and was able to potty, but she's still very "drunk" in that she can't walk her few steps on the pad in a straight line (in her sling). I have to work a full day today. My husband is coming home at 1pm to check on her, and if her eyes are still weird and blinky, then I've told him to call the vet if she's not fully alert and check about side effects. We won't be giving that to them again.
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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 9, 2014 7:05:04 GMT -7
Ace is a strong sedative. You can read the range of dosing here: www.drugs.com/vet/acevet-25-tablets-can.html It may be the lower end of the range of dosing would just take the edge off. Dogs are individual and may have a different reaction, need a different dose. So always a good idea to be around to supervise and see the reaction. You might discuss with the vet about Trazodone as behavioral calming during cage confinement. www.ivapm.org/attachments/188_Trazodone%20IVAPM.pdf
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 9, 2014 10:36:51 GMT -7
I looked up the dosage and it's 0.5mg-1mg/lb. Hope is 12.5 lbs, so a half tab, or 12.5mg was the correct dosage, and I only gave her half of that and she still was severely sedated to the point where I was quite concerned.
I think I will call my vet and ask about pulverizing the pill into a powder and giving her maybe 1/8th, but considering how she reacted to it, I'm hesitant to try that one. I will also ask about the sedative you suggested.
I just wanted her to stop hurting herself with thrashing around in the cage and scraping all the skin off her nose. With Axel it was so easy, he was so blissed out on Tramadol at first, and then he got to love his crate. Hope isn't having the same reaction. Tramadol didn't dope her up. And then the Acevet stuff knocked her out! Axel was just enjoying himself with both drugs!
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 13, 2014 18:59:04 GMT -7
We have switched to Benadryl, and that seemed to help her calm down.
She's doing so well after her setback, she's now standing solidly without the support of a sling. It's there in case she needs it, but she stands without it now, and I'm so happy to see that.
We've got quite the regular pattern with her now, she's very predictable with her potty times, and we've got the feedings and medication times down pat too. Now all it is is a waiting game. This Friday will be 3 weeks. It feels like forever!
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Post by Pauliana on May 13, 2014 19:43:50 GMT -7
Hi Hester! Thanks for the update on Hope. She is doing so well!
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Jun 4, 2014 15:48:36 GMT -7
We're in the sixth week and Hope is doing so well. Every so often when she's out to potty she does a little drunken stumble step, but otherwise she's looking great!!!
We had an issue with an upset tummy a few days ago, because we'd run out of their regular cookies and tried a different brand and she got sick, and it terrified us that maybe she'd had a huge setback because that's originally how she presented, like she had a bad tummy ache. 2 days later, and she's feeling much better. Phew!!
Axel is in fine form.
I'm now shopping for some nice floor mats (more than we have right now) to give the dogs some traction in the house, and also a dog stroller so I can start taking them out for walks (in the stroller). Eventually we'll want to have it anyway because of Axel's lung condition, and it sure beats having to lug him home after he gets too winded to walk!!!
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 4, 2014 21:47:55 GMT -7
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Jun 9, 2014 10:09:26 GMT -7
I got my stroller! I am so excited! I purchased the Pet Gear one before even reading your link Paulina, so I guess I made the right choice! I got a sage green one. Axel's been doing so well, but even though it seems as though he's made a full recovery (2 more weeks to go still, but looking great!) and Hope seems like she's following right along too, it will take a while before they work up their strength after the 8 weeks are up. 500 metres isn't all that far, but that's what my vet told me to start with at first. I regularly walk at least 5km a day (down 20 lbs from January!), so at least they can be with us while we walk, and even once they're fully rehabilitated, we'll need the stroller for Axel anyway. Axel will never have full strength and can never go as far as he'd like to merely because his lungs give up on him before he wants to give up. Hope refuses to leave the house without her brother. So, this stroller is a good compromise. I'm not sure if I'll walk in the daytime at first - might be a little embarrassing (don't know why, but I just think it might) if someone asks to see my baby and there are my furbabies!!! ha ha
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on Jun 9, 2014 11:18:18 GMT -7
Lol Hester, don't be embarrassed, I live in a fairly small town and I use the pet stroller all the time. The other day I went to the store and the kid who was scanning my groceries (who I do not know) said, "aren't you the lady who pushes a dog around town in a cart?" I said, "that's me!" and just walked out of the store laughing. I guess I am more noticeable than I thought!
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Lola & Hurley
Helpful Member
2 paralyses, 3 surgeries, 2 conservative treatments. Now walking :)
Posts: 135
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Post by Lola & Hurley on Jun 10, 2014 0:57:08 GMT -7
LOL Hester (and Stevie, too)! I know EXACTLY what you mean, I've often felt the same carrying my Hurley around; do strangers think I keep him as a "lap puppy" and don't allow him to walk at all? Good thing is that if we are successful in spreading the knowledge of IVDD, this too will disappear. So I would say, if you feel comfortable, it gives a great opportunity to talk about this disease. Why don't you order a "bad back" harness pin from Dodgerslist or something similar and attach it to the crate so that people can see it. And have some Dodgerslist information cards along so you can hand out to anyone asking about the dog in the stroller Make the best out of the situation! Love, Lola
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Jun 10, 2014 7:20:37 GMT -7
Lola, you are so right! I wanted to get that broken back decal thingie at any rate for our front door with a note not to ring the doorbell (that's how Axel hurt himself, took off running for the door, and twisted his back as his feet slipped out from under him). I could have that decal, as well as some pamphlets if someone asks me if I'm one of those weirdos who thinks that my doggie will get "dirty" if I let them walk or something. ha ha!!!
Great suggestion!
I'm just so delighted that both dogs seemed totally enthralled with the experience.
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Post by Maggie & Daisy on Jun 10, 2014 9:06:47 GMT -7
Where is the decal sold? I put a sign over my doorbell but I would prefer something else.
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Jun 11, 2014 8:17:25 GMT -7
I was just looking through the website and can't seem to find the link. Help?
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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 11, 2014 8:33:56 GMT -7
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Jun 14, 2014 8:02:32 GMT -7
There's an error on the link.
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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 8:33:00 GMT -7
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Jun 14, 2014 13:08:56 GMT -7
The second link just worked for me, but the first one still said it was an error.
Thanks!
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Jun 23, 2014 10:41:08 GMT -7
My babies are FREEEEE!!!! Both of them are doing great. Hope's back legs are turned in a little further than they used to, so she's extremely pigeon-toed, but she's walking great. They are enjoying their (restricted) freedom, and taking in as much sunshine as they can handle. The ramp is back up to the back door, and they have been navigating that quite well. We still have them confined to a certain area of the house with baby gates, but they have access to our backyard since we don't have neighbours behind us (we have a green space), and our next-door-neighbours are rarely out, so there's less chance of darting at anyone to bark. I am so thankful to Dodgerslist for the support and information. I know for a fact that if I hadn't known what I learned here last time with Axel, that there would have been a very real chance that my doggies would've had unnecessary surgery and perhaps permanent paralysation. Thanks, to everyone!!!
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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 23, 2014 15:31:29 GMT -7
Hester, you did it.!!!!.... you made it through all 8 weeks of crate rest to ensure that disc had a good chance to make secure scar tissue. Do you have a slow and incremental program to introduce physical activity again? There is a sample schedule here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm
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