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Post by Judy & Louie on May 14, 2014 6:50:35 GMT -7
5/13/14 Night before last after dining on the patio, the winds picked up in Southern CAL. Louie was doing his usual sniffing around, and suddenly started coughing and sneezing repeatedly. Don't know if he Inhaled or ingested something. After about an hour, took him to the after hours Vet ER for observation. Louie was really uncomfortable as he continued to cough and sneeze uncontrollably. $600 later, after observation, x-rays, , nasal irrigation, etc. he came home with some meds to protect his esophagus (Carafate) , settle his tummy which was filled with gas some loose stools (Metronidizone), and Gas Ex. They found no blockages thankfully though his throat was very irritated. Yesterday out of it, but coughing/sneezing stopped, however after all that continual motion from respiratory distress took a toll on his back. Took him out to go pee and he wobbled, back legs seem compromised. I called the Vet and he noted this would not be uncommon after all the stress. Have you heard of such a situation. I guess it is a watch and see, how he fares?  Ay yi yi Any feedback is appreciated. Louie's mom 5/14/14 Louie is doing better his respiratory and abdominal issues have abated. He is able to urinate and defecate on his own. Still able to support his hind legs though weak. No overt pain when he goes out to do his business. Called his neurologist/surgeon from 2008 IVDD surgery and (2) Vets said to watch and monitor, no meds now.Louie has gone through 3 episodes of IVDD, age 4, 5 and 6 with the last two needing only conservation crate therapy. Which worked! I hope this is not another one of those episodes and we will see. Thank you Linda and Paula for your compassionate and ever-ready help. Louie's Mom |
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 14, 2014 7:26:32 GMT -7
Judy, glad to hear Louie is doing better after that bought of severe coughing. I'm glad that you are taking the approach carefully monitor him. Remember dogs are naturally stoic re: pain. They will do what they can to hide it. Once pain shows to us they ARE really in pain. So good that you are keeping alert to any hint of pain: shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy, head held high or nose to the ground, not normal perky self. With a disc episode some dogs will start with something subtle of a lowered tail. Others are in pain and that painful swelling contributed to effecting the nerves where you observe wobbliness. So my thoughts are always to protect the spinal cord with prudent crate rest until you are certain there is not a current disc episode going on. Hope in Louie's case all that excessing coughing, sneezing caused a muscle problem and not a disc problem. Do keep us all posted. How to bookmark a thread to receive and email alert when someone has replied:  |
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Post by Judy & Louie on May 14, 2014 16:39:23 GMT -7
I am looking for any ideas for dealing w/boredom in the crate. Louie wants out, and i am not remembering all the tips and hints that would be helpful. He is just starting his 8 weeks stint.
With thanks Louie's mom
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 14, 2014 19:51:55 GMT -7
We have lots of tips under the emergency crate training section on this page www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm One think you might consider is a pet stroller so that Louie can be next to you as you move about the house or even at your office. The stroller would not be for outdoors as sidewalks, roads, etc are likely to be rough causing too much vibration. But for in the house or when you sit out on the deck, many members have found them to be a life saver. These are the considerations and a warning about use of pet strollers during the crate rest time: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htmUsing any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best to help a dog relax in their recovery suite. 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 such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. 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. 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: 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-health 2) 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 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com Plain Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) with no additional medications added. Buy at your grocery store or pharmacy. Get the dosage from your vet. The wrong dose can have dangerous side effects, so your vet needs to prescribe the proper amount for your dog. Avoid if glaucoma, lung disease, heart disease, some forms of thyroid disease, prostate disease or high blood pressure. |
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Vita & Emmie
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Post by Vita & Emmie on May 15, 2014 10:45:52 GMT -7
Hi Judy, sorry to hear you might be doing another episode with Louie. He is a veteran at crate rest by now! A couple of frozen treats have been mentioned on this site as well: if he's not overweight a nice frozen peanut butter filled toy or if he is a little heavy then frozen broth will do. Someone also mentioned a special treat dispenser that actually took over an hour...I'll see if I can find the reference and let you know! Best healing wishes from Emmie and me.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 15, 2014 10:58:35 GMT -7
I agree with Vita, that peanut butter which is high in fat can put weight on. LOL. Anytime a dog is on ant-inflammatories the reason to not give high fats or changes in diet is if there is loose stools you want to know is it a serious sign of anti-inflammatory problems vs. temporary upset from fats/change of diet. Another option is to soak his kibble meal and freeze it into a kong to lick, to work for his dinner OR one of these toys Lola recommends her Hurley especially likes: Starmark Chew Ball Treat Dispenser Dog ToyShop around for best price at local shops or on-line: www.petsmart.com/dog/toys/starmark-chew-ball-treat-dispenser-dog-toy-zid36-10504/cat-36-catid-100021?_t=pfm%3Dcategory%26pfmvalue%3Dfaceted |
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Post by Judy & Louie on May 19, 2014 7:56:13 GMT -7
Thank you everyone for your sage recommendations. I must report after a few rough days the worst has passed. Louie is doing well and seemingly was not another IVDD episode. Following his visit to the Emergency Clinic on Monday though his hind legs were weak and he wobbled, that was temporary. Breathing a big sigh of relief, having had 3 previous experiences with serious back/spine issues. I kept Louie crated for extra days just to make sure. The pet stroller was the best for boredom. Loved being outside he could breathe fresh area, smell the scents of nature and survey his backyard kingdom. Then took him for a little stroll as he never showed signs of pain.
Again,dodgerslist saved the day. I am so grateful for all of you being available. Wish better days for all our IVDD animals and less suffering.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 19, 2014 8:27:20 GMT -7
Judy, thanks for the update to let us know it does not seem to be a disc problem. Just in case rest did help with a mild bulging disc symptom, you know the drill about quick crating and vet help should you see them come back.  |
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