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Post by Jon & Frank on May 10, 2014 6:06:21 GMT -7
Hello,
Took my Rocco for a normal walk yesterday morning and not long after getting home I noticed he was sitting funny. Within 20 minutes he was not able to stand or walk. I took him to the vet and he does have some feeling in his hind quarters and tail. He just can't find his footing and support himself. It's been almost 24 hours and it's killing me. My vet said that with lots of crate rest there's a good chance that he'll regain leg movement. He's on Rimadyl now. They also did a laser treatment on him. More laser treatments are going to cost a lot more money.
Any advice on any of this? He's eating and drinking fine. I can't get him to go to the bathroom.
Rocco is 9 yrs old.
Thanks!
Jon
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on May 10, 2014 7:57:03 GMT -7
Jon, welcome to Dodgerlist list. We are glad you are here. I'm sorry to hear Rocco is having a disc problem. Your vet is right that if you can commit to 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks Rocco can possibly avoid surgery. So the strict rest 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe from other pets and kids from bothering them. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm 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. Can you give us a bit more information so we'll know better how to help? --What breed is your dog? -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- How much does Rocco weigh? Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and how often you give them Anti-inflammatories such as Rimadyl can increase GI tract damage. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way before he closes early today:" Is there a medical/health reason my dog may 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 and thereafter every 12 hours. Pepcid is generally considered a safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for a healthy dog and good insurance. This directory very good for learning about each of your dog's meds: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm -- How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood? -- Currently can your dog move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? Keep in mind the very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage will be necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment once off all pain meds and no more signs of pain The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk . www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Or does he have bladder control prooved by the sniff and pee test. Set him on an old pee spot in the grass to sniff, does he then choose to release urine. If he does not pass the sniff and pee test, leaks on you when lifted and you find urine leaks in bedding you will need a hands on top of your hands type of lesson today before the vet closes early. Watch and read this info so you will get more out of the lesson: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- 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 as you have done 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, continue it. However if it will stress your budget so that you can't properly care for Rocco... do know dogs can still self heal their nerves without laser. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, ACVIM has hit it on the nail especially with IVDD. Each of us needs to be self educated so we can team up to work with our vets. "Gone are the days when you simply followed your vet's orders and asked few, if any questions. The vet is now a member of your dog's health-care team, and you get to be the team captain!" www.speakingforspot.com/PDF/Medical%20Advocacy%20101.pdf Our hope is in the next few days you will have a chance to finish the readings on our Main Webpage and be the savvy owner Rocco needs to advocate for him. Good spot to start your reading program is on how conservative treatment works: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm You may find this little card to carry with you at vet visits helps to keep all the meds straight as you discuss things with the vet. D/l here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/MedCard.pdf Never give up, stay focused, stay postitive and stay strong! You and Rocco will get through this bump in the road of life. Please keep us updated on the Pepcid AC, bladder control proof or expressing lesson, and full pain control after speaking with the vet this morning. How to bookmark a thread to receive and email alert when someone has replied:  |
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 10, 2014 9:00:46 GMT -7
Thank you for the reply,
Rocco is a dachshund, 9 yrs old, 15 lbs.
He does have some feeling in his legs and he can move them slightly. His tail does wag. He is on just Rimadyl and had a second laser treatment done today. He's taking
1 and a quarter Rimadyl tablets daily with food.
Speaking of, he's eating and drinking normal. He's also on an antibiotic but takes his last dose tonight (his teeth were just professionally cleaned last week). Just 30 minutes ago I was able to get him to urinate for the first time using a towel as a sling to hold his hind quarters up. I still haven't gotten him to do a bowel movement. He's very alert and seems to be acting normally as far as his attentiveness. He's not slow to move his head. He shivered this morning when I took him out of the crate to go outside, but has since calmed down. He's very calm in the crate. My vet didn't want to get my hopes up but seems optimistic that this could pass.
Paula, so you said no scooting or dragging during potty times. But I do need to let him walk with the sling and find a place to go right?
Oh, and he does have bladder control. He slept the whole night in the crate with no accidents.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on May 10, 2014 10:49:25 GMT -7
Jon, good news on having bladder control. This bodes well that more nerve endings can self heal to bring back better leg use! Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. <-- Rocco4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. I don't like reading you saw shivering. With the weekend coming, you need to take action to at minimum getting an Rx in hand for Tramadol to fill at your local 24hr pharmacy if you continue to see any hint of pain. A disc episode is a painful thing. Most dogs are very stoic and by the time we observe pain, it IS painful. Rimadyl is in the non- steroid anti- inflammatory drug class. It can take 7-30 days before this med gets all the painful swelling in the spinal cord resolved. In the meantime we have absolutely no patience with any pain when there are plenty of pain reliever options. Pain actually hinders the entire healing process. So put on your detective cap and see if shivering was due to being chilled (put a warm towel from the dryer over him to see if shivers stop) or is it pain which is also usually accompanied by other signs: trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy, not normal perky selves. I urge you to read about the typical pain meds used with this disease and have plans made to have acess so you need not make an expensive ER run this weekend when your vet is closed. Before discussing pain meds, these articles can give you good background information: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmWe follow the vets who are proactive with stomach protection. Rimadyl with food is a good idea, but not good enough. North Carolina U. recognizes the high incidence of GI irritation in dogs with disc problems. The reasons are that pain and body changes are stresses. Just as humans can experience ulcers when under stress. NCU and 11+ hospitals working with NCU prescribe a GI protectant. Dogs presented to NCU with IVDD often develop GI upset whether they are given anti-inflammatory medications or not.
www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vhc/tc/clinical_services/neuro/acute_disc.htmlRimadyl can cause a lot of gastric problems despite what many vets tell you. And we have seen dogs die here on the Forum due to lack of protection... it can happen so this is why we are proactive too. Here is some info from the manufacturer's website on the bottom of the front
page:
Important Safety Information: RIMADYL is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication available only by prescription through your veterinarian. As with other NSAID-class medications, signs of RIMADYL intolerance may include appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea, which could indicate side effects involving the digestive tract, liver or kidneys. Some of these side effects may occur without warning and, in rare situations may be serious, resulting in hospitalization or even death. If these signs occur, discontinue RIMADYL therapy and consult your veterinarian." www.rimadyl.com/default.aspx With conservative treatment is is all about minimizing movement of the back. Keeping the vertebrae from moving much. The sling is as back up to keep the rear from tipping over and the spine aligned. A harness and leash is what gives control over speed and too much walking about. You stand in one spot and Rocco can only take a few minimal footsteps the 6 foot leash allows. Often male dogs prefer the figure 8 sling so that there is less touching their underbelly. You will want to read about future procedures that include anesthesia with IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/precautions.html |
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 10, 2014 12:34:54 GMT -7
I may have over stated the shivering. My thought was that he's not used to being in his crate so much as he has been lately and senses something is off. He is stoic, but both the vet and I have observed that he isn't really showing and pain. He seems frustrated more than anything.
Thank you so much for your in depth replies. I look forward to continuing a dialogue through this. As luck would have it, I'm scheduled to go on vacation this Monday for a week. I considered cancelling. I have both my guys (Frank and Rocco) set up to stay at the New Tampa Pet Resort and Spa. They will be staying in a 4x6 area. I have communicated his condition with them and they confirmed that they have dealt with these things before. I made it clear that Rocco is on strict crate rest. Rocco will be staying in his own small crate within the 4x6 area. As I said I considered cancelling but I don't think I can really accomplish much by staying home.
I informed them that I will be calling daily to check on him. They also have an open line of communication with my veterinarian.
I made the sling pictured in your reply. It worked great!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on May 10, 2014 14:58:29 GMT -7
The concern at a kennel is the turn over of staff during the day/night/weekend. New people to be clued in to the details of the special care Rocco needs. It is a big job here on the Forum to get the message through to just one person how important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only carried to and from the potty place for a very, very few footsteps is. How to lift supporting both ends and keeping the back horizontal to the ground.   This flyer would also be great in addition to your own special instruction flyer for the front of Rocco crate. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfGlad to hear Rocco approves of your newly made figure 8 sling! Got Pepcid AC? |
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 11, 2014 4:55:36 GMT -7
No I haven't gotten the Pepcid yet, but that is definitely on the list. He did finally poop this morning using the sling. It had been 48 hrs since his last movement. I was starting to get worried, but feel better now. There is certainly nothing wrong with his appetite. I would've liked for him to pee, but he didn't. That's going on almost 24 hrs since he last peed.
I echo your concern about the staff turnover. When I drop them off tomorrow morning I am definitely going to make sure that all understand.
Another concern that has come up is with all the crate time coming up in the weeks ahead, what about him staying in shape, or muscle atrophy? Is there any concern about that? He's used to walking twice a day and walking around the house and now he's confined to virtually zero movement. I've never dealt with this. Any concerns about that?
Paula,
I'm reading another thread in here and they brought up Myelomalacia. Is this something I should be concerned about? The vet hasn't mentioned this.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on May 11, 2014 7:09:17 GMT -7
Jon, Myelomalacia is a disease that can sometimes occur with a spintal injury. There is no cure for Myelomalacia. In some cases after the spinal cord has been injured by a disc herniation, the chemical changes that happen after injury lead to a progressive ascending death of the spinal cord. As the spinal cord dies paralysis happens over several days and quickly leads to death from respiratory paralysis. There is more of an explanation here: here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdfIt is important to be aware of the symptoms of the disease, but not something that you should focus on. Most dogs with IVDD heal without development of myelomalacia. I think it is important to make everyone at the kennel aware of this possibility, but more focus should be on the care they need to give Rocco so he can continue to recover and heal. Given the fact that he hasn't peed in 24 hours, has there been any leakage? This may be a sign that Rocco has lost bladder control or a sign that he is in pain. My Mimi didn't lose bladder control, but she would not pee when she was in pain. Please contact your vet immediately to report what you are seeing. You may need to begin expressing Rocco or he may need further pain control. Healing thoughts for Rocco. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on May 11, 2014 10:40:02 GMT -7
Jon, not peeing for 24 hours is not right. Seems he is able to hold his bladder, but why. As Jean said this needs prompt attention from your vet. Is it painful urination due to a urinary tract infection or that it is just too painful to move? The longer urine stays in the bladder for over 6 hours the better chance that bacteria will find a good place to breed (UTI). With a disc episode we have to weigh the risk of some muscle atrophy that will quickly return when it is safe for activity when all 8 weeks of crate rest to let the disc heal have been completed. OR do we choose to put the spinal cord at risk if an early healiing disc tears due to too much movement trying to prevent some temporary muscle atrophy but risking permanent lifetime damage to the spinal cord. Here at Dodgerslist we value protection of the spinal cord with 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks. This is the hard part about conservative treatment. Those who don't understand the disease look at crate rest as inhumane, worry about muscle bulk and they find it very tough to be totally committed to giving the gift of crate rest to let the disc heal. Once off of all meds and there is no pain, if the dog is paralyzed then check out these very, very light least aggressive range of motion and massage for legs that are still paralyzed during the remaining weeks of crate rest. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmAs Jean as explained, Myelomalacia, is a concern anytime the spinal cord has been damaged. It does not happen very commonly. The thing is to be educated, discuss the signs with your vet, so you both are on the same page and know what to do if... Then you can put that topic out of your mind as it is not likely. The Fridge Flyer for the kennel folks does address this disease as an emergency. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfMyelomalacia can be easily confirmed by your DVM with the following: * about 3-4 days into recovery, they become painful. Within the first week, they are in a LOT of pain. * development of excruciating pain (more than just pain from the original disc herniation) • even the strongest pain meds do not help * acute disc extrusion with no deep pain sensation * loss of anal tone, the anus hangs open, (anal flaccidity) and areflexia (below normal or no reflexes) * loss of cutaneous trunci reflex at a level more cranial to a previous evaluation over a period of hours to days with or w/o surgery * development of fever (normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit) * sudden twitching or jerking of the neck and/or head * loss of voice, hoarse bark * can't hold body up, can't hold head up * increased respiration/ labored breathing • hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body) |
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 11, 2014 13:55:26 GMT -7
I took Rocco to the vet yesterday morning when he hadn't peed in 24 hours. The vet checked his bladder and said it wasn't quite full. There has been no leakage. When I got home from the vet yesterday he finally peed using the sling. Today while at work he was in the crate all day and no messes. I took him out with the sling just a few minutes ago and he had a huge healthy looking bowel movement! He even barked at a dog across the street while going. Still no pee today unless he went and I missed it. I will try again in a little while.
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Post by Pauliana on May 11, 2014 20:08:53 GMT -7
I do hope the staff where you will be leaving Rocco will be in tune with the care he is going to need. If he doesn't urinate, he is going to need to be expressed. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmYour vet can teach you how to do this and the link will help you get more out of the lesson. Please leave information with the staff at the boarding facility and give them a link to this website for information on IVDD. I will be worrying about him.. |
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Post by Jennifer & Bandit on May 11, 2014 23:59:22 GMT -7
Hi Jon, I saw that the vet said that Rocco's bladder wasn't full. Could it be that he's still not getting enough fluids? You can encourage him to drink by mixing a little low-sodium chicken broth into his water. You can also add broth or water to his dry food to supplement his liquid intake. Maybe you can communicate this to the staff at the boarding resort before you leave. It would be better to have him drink a lot of water then not enough.
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 15, 2014 5:43:02 GMT -7
Thank you for the advice. I am on the road, but have checked on Rocco daily. Yesterday they said he is doing quite well... eating, drinking, peeing and pooping. And wagging his tail. He has peed in his crate at the resort (kennel). This could be due to less bladder control, or it could have been just nerves because his crate has been bone dry when he was at home. The staff did tell me that as soon as I dropped him off they phoned my vet to make sure there wasn't anything else they needed to be aware of. That made me feel a lot better that they took the time to do that. I'll be back to pick him up on Monday to take him home. I'm really encouraged by all the success stories. I just discovered those yesterday! I'm very committed to making the strict crate time work.
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 16, 2014 14:42:50 GMT -7
Update, I talked with the resort that is watching Rocco this morning. They had a great report on him. He has been pooping and peeing outside regularly and hasn't had any leakage or accidents in his crate in days. Can't wait to get home Monday morning and press on with 7 more weeks of crate rest. I'm determined this will work.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on May 16, 2014 14:53:24 GMT -7
What a wonderful report. How nice to hear that things are going well at the resort, especially while you are on the road. I know you will be very excited to be back home to help Rocco have the very best of recovery opportunity.
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 16, 2014 17:28:14 GMT -7
I'm so happy to hear that Rocco is doing well. It's nice that you've found a spot that can care for him with the needs that he has.
My dog holds her poop for massively long sessions when my husband isn't home. She won't poop in front of me, but she'll poop for him, go figure! I was so worried about her, but my vet told me that eventually it will have to come out! ha ha.
Wishing you and Rocco the best of luck! Our other dog Axel lost control of his back end last summer, and he made a really nice recovery until a few weeks ago he slipped on some tile while barking at something and twisted himself. I have 2 dogs on crate rest for the next 5 weeks still!!!
This forum is a lifesaver. It has saved my dogs from undue pain and suffering, and saved us $$$$ because I didn't feel like surgery was my only option.
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 19, 2014 9:23:02 GMT -7
Just got home from picking Rocco up at the resort. He looks great! Extremely alert. He was in my lap in the car on the way home and I had to almost force him to stay still. When I got home I used the sling to try to let him pee and he was practically walking. He still doesn't have full use of his legs and possibly the week I was gone he just got better with the sling, but I was still happy to see it. I wanted to let him walk more with the sling but was anxious to get him inside and crated, which is where his is now. Still many weeks to go.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on May 19, 2014 9:41:12 GMT -7
Jon, glad to hear you are back with Rocco and he did well at the resort!
Whenever you have a need to transport Rocco, a crate is the way to go. Just pad out the crate with rolled up towels or blanket so that when you take a curve or stop, his body will not shift. Laps in a car give Rocco no protection from the unexpected.
Please do continue to keep us updated.... others just starting the IVDD journey will find great inspiration in following Rocco.
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Post by John & Marley on May 19, 2014 13:56:13 GMT -7
I took out the tray that's in most crates , Mine is metal and put a few layers of Fleece Blankys on it to give firm padding but still soft and that's how he was transported to the vest for all 21 Laser Treatments. Even into the vets office and the Tray stayed on the exam table while he got lasered. Wasn't easy but end results were well worth it to me.
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Post by Jon & Frank on May 22, 2014 6:36:54 GMT -7
UPDATE for Rocco. Not a lot to report, which I'm happy about. It's still been only 13 days since the injury. He's taking his crate time quite well. I'm getting him outside 3x per day with very minimal walking and moving around. He can't quite put weight on his rear legs yet. I'm also using the sling so maybe he can walk better than I'm seeing, but don't want to even test it right now. When he's in the sling his back legs, mainly the hips are moving in a walking motion, so I think it's progressing. I really try to limit the walking around. But I need to let him meander a little so he can find a place to do his business. I try to limit the radius to 10 ft or so. He has been doing his business very regularly outside and zero accidents in the crate. He's also assuming his position for a bowel movement now. The first couple of days he would just stand there and go without squatting.
He's due for another laser treatment tomorrow. This will be his 4th treatment. Question: Taking into consideration the progress that I mentioned above, is it worth it to continue the laser treatments? The money tree is getting low on leafs. If it's highly recommended to continue, I certainly will. Need honest advice.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on May 22, 2014 8:01:34 GMT -7
Jon, glad to hear Rocco is doing well with his crate time and is resting comfortably. It is definitely a challenge to limit them when taking them out to potty...Mimi is a wanderer when she has to potty so I remember your challenge. You can try to get some of the fencing that is about a foot high that you can just poke into the ground (like this www.truevalue.com/mobileProduct/Lawn-Garden/Fencing-Edging/Garden-Fencing-Edging/White-Round-Top-Garden-Fence-18-In-x-8-Ft/pc/10/c/142/sc/1340/37200.uts). This would act as a visual reminder to Rocco of where he can and can't go. The single most important part of conservative treatment is the crate rest to allow the disc to heal and form scar tissue. The laser is helpful, but nerves can regenerate on their own. If you are having financial struggles, then do not worry about discontinuing the laser treatment. THe cost of laser and accupuncture in my area was so expensive that it was prohibitive for us from the start. Mimi recovered and although her walk isn't perfect, she still runs and plays and has no idea anything is/was wrong with her. Don't tap yourself out financially. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on May 22, 2014 8:16:44 GMT -7
Jon, I agree with Jean on the laser, it is a wonderful therapy to kick start nerves to regenerate. Not everyone can do it though. Where I live it is not offered. Nerves have the potential to heal all by themselves and it appears the treatments he has had plus what his body is doing his nerves are coming back to function! So it is not wise to put your family budget in jeopardy. After crate rest is over, Rocco will be like a baby or like a stroke victim in that they need to retrain the muscles and the nerves that have come back to coordinate once again... he'll need practice walking. Water therapy at your house in a $10 kids pool can be a very effective way to practice. |
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Post by John & Marley on May 22, 2014 10:17:44 GMT -7
Not sure where you Live, but where I lived the prices varied for a laser treatment. One vet was asking $65 a treatment. My Vet was asking $40 a Treatment. I found another reputable Vet offering package deals for $120.00 for 6 Treatments. with a initial consult to evaluate of $40.00 since I wasn't a client of theirs. which made that initial package $160 for 6 = $26.66 ( future visits = $20 a treatment ) a huge disparity from what others were asking. Because of that I took him in for 21 Treatments. ( I didn't tell my primary Vet we going to another Vet for Treatments ) I figure he takes his chevy pickup truck to a jiffy lube for a oil change instead of the chevy dealership and doesn't tell the dealership anything,, so ditto for me. lol
I can not say how much it helped, how much is sped healing up. I can say He never likes going to the vets and is always anxious and wants off the table to get out the door he came in but when getting a treatment he would lay down and enjoy the 12 minutes of laser and be relaxed. That in it self tells me it was positive for him.
Shop around for pricing if possible, your doing whats best for your dog, your vet if annoyed can always match in price any deal you get elsewhere.
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Post by Jon & Frank on Jun 6, 2014 7:12:09 GMT -7
Midway Point Update! Rocco lost use of his rear legs four weeks ago today. He has four weeks left of crate time. I have to say he's doing pretty well. I haven't written on here much lately, which is a good sign. When I take him outside now, using the sling, he is practically walking. Still seems a little week in the rear but that is probably from being in the crate so much. Looking forward to finishing the crate time and starting a rehab.
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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 6, 2014 7:21:28 GMT -7
Dear Jon, sounds like your Rocco is one brave little soldier. He will definitely be weak in the rear for the weeks to come and that is OK, it is absolutely not recommended to even think of starting to build stamina during crate rest, after all, crate rest equals 100% rest! Even dogs that have not lost their leg functions are weak and wobbly during crate rest, so it's perfectly normal - activities are down to zero. It takes time for the nerves to heal but Rocco has all the chances for good recovery, especially since he has been progressing so well during the first 4 weeks of his crate rest. Well done, both of you! Love, Lola
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Post by Jon & Frank on Jun 23, 2014 6:21:33 GMT -7
Rocco has 11 days of crate rest left!
Question: I've been using a sling when I let him out ever since this happened. I don't take him for walks but when I let him out to do his business, he has started to pull so hard that he's really not even using the sling anymore. Do I need to keep using it?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 23, 2014 7:00:27 GMT -7
Jon, the sling's only purpose is to keep the spine aligned and as backup incase the butt might tip over for the wobbly dog. When out at potty it is the leash and harness that control speed. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep your dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over. Use a harness and 6 foot leash as you stand in one spot to keep the number of footsteps minimal. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!  With only 11 days left you may wish to start reading up on what to do after crate rest. A slow introduction back to physical activity is a must... there is a sample schedule to give you an idea: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmIs Rocco off all meds at this point? |
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Post by Jon & Frank on Jun 23, 2014 7:11:50 GMT -7
I'm still giving him a half a Rimadyl a day. So when is it ok to stop using the sling?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 23, 2014 7:19:28 GMT -7
Jon, the only test to verify that all the swelling in the spinal cord is actually gone is to stop meds. If on the stop there is a hint of pain, then you and the vet know he still needs to be on med.
All IVDD meds carry with them significant side effects. No one wants to be using them any moment longer than when they have completed the task of resolving all the painful inflammation. To be on Rimadyl when there is no job to do, is to just needlessly subject Rocco to the adverse side effects but no benefit to be had. Crate rest should not be completed until off of all meds and there is no pain for a week. Have you also been giving Pepcid AC all along? Unless you have been all along observing hints of pain, it is time to stop Rimadyl and see what is going on with swelling. Give your vet a call and discuss the stop of Rimadyl today.
If Rocco is no longer wobbly and stable when he takes footsteps at potty time, then there would be no need of a sling.
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Post by Jon & Frank on Jun 23, 2014 7:43:28 GMT -7
Well, the vet was kind of vague on how long to administer the rimadyl. Original dosage was 1.25 tablets per day. I have taken it down to .5 tablets per day. He hasn't shown any signs of pain in weeks. There's still probably 15 or so tablets left. With 11 days to go, maybe I should stop the Rimadyl and see how he is?
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