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Post by Amy's Charlie on Jun 3, 2014 15:25:09 GMT -7
My 11yr - pekingnese, Charlie, went down with Cervical IVDD last summer. I posted on dodgerslist after @ a month of the incident & received very valuable information.
We opted on Crate rest - he has not been able to walk on his front legs, but he does have some movement. His vet has kept him on (1) 5mg prednisone, every other day, and 1 ml of canine gabapentin every other day. I do not give them to him on the same day.
A few weeks ago, Charlie started having bowel movements wherever/whenever he wanted, and starting peeing on me when I pick him up to go out. This doesn't happen everytime, but it does happen at least 2-3 times a week. He's also releasing Urine when he has a movement.
He doesn't have any other changes in behavior, very alert, always wanting to "get at" the cat!
The vet thinks that this is part of the IVDD. I don't agree. He has control over his back legs, and he can go outside. Has there been any indications of this happening when using gabapentin and/or prednisone on a long term basis? He's been on it @ 6 months, and we only just recently moved him down to 1ml every other day (just this week). He was receiving 1 ml every day before this (same as the steroid).
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,578
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 3, 2014 16:13:47 GMT -7
With an IVDD episode prednisone and pain relievers (gabapentin) are used only until all pain is gone that could take as long as 7-30 days. What is the reason for Charlie to be on pred and gabapentin for 6 mos?
There are no meds to help nerves heal. They do that on their own if at all possible. Acupunture or laser can help to stimulate the nerves to regenerate nerve endings. Had you tried either of those therapies?
What is the last date of a urinalysis...could the leaking be due to a bladder infection?
With the possible backward step in neuro functions (nerve damage) are you seeing any signs of pain indicating a new disc problem and the need to crate 100% 24/7? 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?
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Post by Amy's Charlie on Jun 3, 2014 16:44:32 GMT -7
Thanks for the quick reply. Charlie started the gabapentin because after the crate rest his Front legs started shaking. I tried weaning him off a couple months ago. He didn't do well. I'm currently trying to wean him off again. He's doing much better this go around. He hasn't exhibited any signs of having the another episode. His last X-Ray was @4 months ago. What could be seen looked good.
The vet did not do a urinalysis. He sees Charlie @
Once a month (for one thing or another). I'm afraid he's labeling this latest issue...Charlie never lost his bathroom functions during his episode.
I believe the steroids are precautionary.
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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 Jun 3, 2014 17:42:54 GMT -7
Hi Amy! So sorry to hear of Charlie's ongoing health struggles, but I'm so glad you're being proactive to help sort out what is actually going on. When you previously tried weaning him off of gabapentin, what did you observe that made you/your vet increase the dose again? Was it the shaking in his front legs? During a disc episode, anti-inflammatory drugs like pred are used to quickly control swelling/inflammation that causes pain. If you are not seeing pain and/or neuro function loss (signs of a current disc episode), I'd discuss with your vet how to safely taper Charlie off the pred totally. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmHas Charlie been on a stomach protector such as PepcidAC? 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.htmDuring a disc episode, if 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 (only correctly identified by a specialist) As you aren't seeing any signs of pain (disc episodes are typically very painful), I would definitely speak to your vet and get a urinalysis done as soon as possible - that way if there is an infection it can be addressed asap. ))Hugs!(( |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,578
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 3, 2014 19:36:45 GMT -7
It would be good to find out why Charlie is on steroids and all the risks that go with its use. If there are no benefits to be gain why expose him to risk? When the benefit out weighs the risk, then steroids are used. With IVDD there is no precautionary uses. If there is pain it is due to a disc tearing or cracking and the painful pressure it causes to the nerves. So the benefits of a steroid outweighs risks in order to resolve inflammation and prevent trauma to the spinal cord nerves. There are no meds to ward off a disc episode as we learn the true cause of disc degeneration on this page: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/what_is_disc_disease.html  |
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