Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 17, 2014 8:39:39 GMT -7
Hello everyone! This is Analu. I posted a while ago about Mazzy, our now 4 year old dachshund mix, that went down back in October. We went forward with the surgery and she has recovered very well! We took her on a road trip with us a few weeks ago and she was great! Had a lot of fun in my brother's huge back yard. We still took all the necessary precautions and she did not jump off of anything and slept in her crate at night (as did her brother)  When we got back we noticed a week later ( June 6th) she started acting a little under the weather.  We took her in and they said it looks like maybe she sprained or was a little sore above the surgical site (below the shoulders, thoratic/towards cranial?) so they prescribed rimadyl and crate rest. She took her last dose yesterday. After a couple days on it she seemed back to her perky self and continues doing well. I am still leaving her on crate rest though. When I called the dr after I left a message for them to tell us what we should do next they prescribed another dose of rimadyl. I guess I was confused because I do not want to continue medicating her if it is not absolutely necessary. I also do not want her to be in pain-and she isn't at the moment-if she does not have to be on it. Is longterm rimadyl use the norm with IVDD dogs? Any others experience this? I am waiting to hear back from the doctor tomorrow since they are not in today. Mazzy also has an appointment to see the rehabilitation therapist this Saturday for acupuncture. Oh, I would also like to add that all her nerve functions are normal. This "soreness" is not interfering with any of her nerve functions. She is walking normally and has been pre-rimadyl. She eats, drinks water, wags her tail (a lot), pees and poops just fine too. Any words of advice or support is greatly appreciated once again. love, Analu (worried mama) and Mazzy from Chicago |
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Lola & Hurley
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2 paralyses, 3 surgeries, 2 conservative treatments. Now walking :)
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Post by Lola & Hurley on Jun 17, 2014 9:45:30 GMT -7
Hi Analu. My name is Lola and my doxie Hurley has been in surgery 3 times during the last 4 years and also through some conservative treatments, so I can give you a bit of my personal perspective.
First, I am very happy to read that Mazzy recovered well from her surgery. It is not uncommon for IVDD dogs to suffer relapses, whether they have been operated surgically or treated conservatively, just as it is possible that they may never have another episode. The prevention of anything that may cause the disease to worsen is obviously important (e.g. no jumping off couches as you know), however, even that does not always prevent it from happening again. In my Hurley's case, I've never really been able to identify why he has suffered all these relapses, there never has been any special occurrence or event - in his case, it's just been a progression of the disease, I think. Due to that, I've learned that it is more important now than ever for him to always gradually build up his stamina before undertaking anything - i.e. no sudden "play dates" with other dogs, or sudden long walks, as he has scar tissue in his spinal area from the surgeries and needs to ease differently into all activities in his life. In Mazzy's case, the back yard games could have caused something, but that you will never know and you should not worry too much about. Sometimes, dogs just have to be dogs and we simply cannot protect them from everything.
In my Hurley's case, when there has been a relapse and not a clear sign of injury (like limping, for example), it's usually been soreness somewhere close by the surgical site. However, all dogs react to pain differently and have different thresholds, so this should be considered when looking for signs of pain. Would you say Mazzy shows pain easily or not? How does the "soreness" manifest itself, how would you describe it? Does she just turn her head when you touch the site or are there any other signs?
I believe this type of a relapse you are describing can be effectively treated with crate rest and anti-inflammatory; Rimadyl, for example. As it is impossible to know what is going on in the spine without proper imaging (e.g. MRI), the Dodgerslist recommendation is always a strict 8 weeks of 24/7 crate rest to be on the safe side and to allow enough time for new scar tissue formation. In the case of my Hurley, I've kept him on Rimadyl +Pepcid for stomach protection as long as there's been signs of pain, and when he's been OK and no pain returns, I've stopped both. In Mazzy's case, I would suggest you do the same, especially if there is no pain and she's already been through one set of Rimadyls. You may want to ask your vet again; why did they prescribe more Rimadyl - or was it just a precaution? It's good to have it at hand should you need it but Methocarbamol could be more effective in case she has strained something close to the surgical site as it helps to relax muscles.
Acupuncture and laser light therapy are both recommended in this case.
Let us know the details of the "soreness" and how Mazzy is coping with her crate rest.
Hugs,
Lola
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 17, 2014 10:17:42 GMT -7
I'm so sorry to hear that Mazzy is having another disc episode, Analu. Please know that Rimadyl is not a pain medication. Rimadyl is an anti-inflammatory of the NSAID type. The purpose of the Rimadyl is to bring swelling down. Swelling causes pain as the swelling and inflamed disc press on the nerves of the spine. If Mazzy is able to stop Rimadyl and not exhibit pain or soreness, that means the swelling has now resolved and no medication is needed at all. As you said, you don't want unnecessary medication given and at this point, if there is no pain, then there is no need for medication. If she does exhibit pain again over the next few days, then another course of Rimadyl would be in order. Also, if she shows signs of pain on the stopping of the Rimadyl, pain meds should also be prescribed. Pain = swelling = more time on all meds. If pain does return over the next day or two and she does have to have another round of Rimadyl, please be sure to speak to your vet about adding 5 mg of Pepcid 30 mins. before the Rimadyl and then every 12 hours thereafter to protect her GI tract from side effects of the NSAID. As Lola mentioned, a full 8 weeks of 100% strict 24/7 crate rest, only carried in and out to do potty with as few steps as possible at potty time is necessary to heal a damaged disc and allow scar tissue to form. Crate rest while on conservative care is much more strict than following surgery. 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. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmIt sounds as though this is a mild disc episode and she should do well on conservative care. Please keep us updated on her status. Healing prayers for Mazzy. |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
Posts: 71
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 17, 2014 10:50:22 GMT -7
Hello Lola and Majorie, Thank you so much for the information and two perspectives. I am going to attempt to answer all the questions you have asked. In regards to how Mazzy shows pain, she is my sensitive girl, so I know when she is not feeling well. The way I noticed it this time was she was sitting on a blanket on the floor with her younger brother (Rollei, 1.5 yrs) and when I asked her to come to me she wouldn't. She sorta "shuffled" herself and didn't want to get up. Then when we picked her up she yelped. However, she walked just fine w/o and yelping when we took her outside to pee and poop. I just knew that was enough to concern me and take her in for a check up. When they applied pressure to the area just above the surgical site, it bothered her and she twitched her back legs. Would a twitch qualify as a pain indicator? The vet thought so. So far she is going on her second week on crate rest. I am being very strict even though it pains me more than her! I go through Mazzy snuggle withdrawals but I know this is what she needs. That is what confused me. Why did they prescribe another dose w/o seeing her for a followup? I am waiting to hear back tomorrow. In the meantime, I am going to go pick up the meds tonight but I will hold off on giving the rimadyl to her today until I hear back from them tomorrow. My mind will feel better at rest once I speak to the doctor directly. I am also looking froward to talking with her rehab therapist during acupuncture on Saturday. He has been beyond helpful throughout Mazzy's journey as have y'all too! Thank you so much again. I am trying to remain strong for her and keep my head in the game. Trying to keep those positive thoughts going since I know she feels what I am feeling. She is my little warrior and I just want this to be a minor setback. Having a dog with IVDD has definitely been a learning experience and I want to do everything I can for her to feel better. I am still learning to accept her disease and remind myself to live in the moment with her. She has taught me so much about living in the moment. Lots of love and hugs sent right back to you both. best, Mazzy's Analu |
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 17, 2014 12:12:24 GMT -7
Analu, with a disc episode there is no way to tell if all the swelling in the spinal cord has been resolved except by stopping the meds. If there is any hint of pain (shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummynot normal perky self) that tells you to contact the vet right away re: more time on an anti-inflammatory, pain meds and Pepcid AC. IF there is no pain on stop of meds then there is no benefit to take them any longer, the meds have nothing to work on. Staying on meds when they have no job to do means exposing Mazzy to all the serious side effects but no benefit to using the meds. That is why is is wise to only use meds when they are really needed. With IVDD meds do not prevent a disc episode. You will find a very good overview of conservative treatment and a chance to refresh your mind on how it works here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
Posts: 71
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 17, 2014 14:51:34 GMT -7
I will keep an eye on her for the next couple of days for signs of pain (I am hoping there is none) and wait till her primary dr calls me tomorrow to see if they want us to continue on the Rimadyl. Last time she was on Rimadyl post-surgery, they prescribed pepcid ac but this time around the vet (which was a new person she had never seen) said not to give it to her unless she is showing signs of tummy upsets??? We have not given her pepcid ac this time around. She was on Rimadyl from June 7th to June 16. No upset stomach at all. But I will push to give us pepcid ac this time if they want her to continue on another dose of Rimadyl. I thought it odd that this new vet said no to the pepcid. I am contemplating switching doctors. Anyone have suggestions for vets specializing or knowledgeable in IVDD dogs in the Chicago area? One thing they did mention was if it got worse just to call up the neurosurgeon that did her surgery too.
Thank you for sending me the link. It is always good to refresh my memory regarding her crate rest.
I will be in touch and check in again later this evening for an update on Ms. Mazzy.
xo, Analu
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Lola & Hurley
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2 paralyses, 3 surgeries, 2 conservative treatments. Now walking :)
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Post by Lola & Hurley on Jun 17, 2014 22:43:16 GMT -7
Analu, I am very impressed with your motivation to get best possible care for Mazzy. Last winter, I had to meet 5 different vets at 3 different clinics before I could get the best possible care for my Hurley. Every day I was on the phone, calling the clinic to adjust medications or ask for advice, they must have thought I was a crazy lady  ! But I didn't care, because I wanted my Hurley to recover. And he did! It seems you caught this episode early, so Mazzy should have good chances of full recovery with strict crate rest. I always think owners know their pets the best, and since our little dogs cannot speak, we have to speak for them. A little yelp is all that it takes and then we "just know"! My Hurley had another episode too this spring, very similar, and when I took him to the vet, he was trying to be all brave and act as if almost nothing was wrong, although I knew he was not being himself. The vet did not push for 8 weeks of crate rest, but luckily, I knew better thanks to Dodgerslist. Although the episode was not as severe as before, it still took 6 weeks of conservative care before I could say he was almost back to normal. We finished full 8 weeks and now he is slowly adjusting back to normal life again. It's tough keeping an "almost normal", active dog in a crate for 8 weeks, but when you know you are doing the right thing, you endure. After all, what are 8 weeks when there's a lifetime of happiness afterwards! Fingers crossed the pain will not return now! Love, Lola |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
Posts: 71
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 18, 2014 11:12:51 GMT -7
Hello Lola and Harley, Thank you for sharing all of this with me. It helps to know there are others out there truly concerned for their furbabies. I am going to see what her rehabilitation dr suggests we do Saturday as far as doctors go. I still have not heard back from the primary vet we go to. I am beginning to feel skeptical about them. Mazzy is doing well though. She seemed like her normal self yesterday evening and this morning. Today is the first day w/o her Rimadyl dose. Let's see how it goes. It is storming here in Chicago at the moment and she hates the rain so I imagine her being stubborn when we take her out later! She is pee pad trained so that helps. She continues inside her crate and doing well today. Her daddy is at home with her today since it is his day off I am going to continue her on crate rest to be on the safe side as well but the vet did not really push for it either :/ I will keep everyone posted again soon! xo, Analu & Mazzy |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
Posts: 71
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 20, 2014 12:23:28 GMT -7
All has been going well these past couple of days. Mazzy remains doing well off of the Rimadyl. We have our appointment for acupuncture tomorrow at 10am. I will update everyone once again afterwards to let you know what her Physical Therapist thinks.
Oh! I did finally hear back from her primary doctor yesterday. She said the same thing, keep her off of the Rimadyl for the next couple days to see how she is doing. We are keeping the next dose she prescribed at hand just in case she needs them. She did tell me that if Mazzy was on Rimadyl long term that they would check her blood levels/liver just to be on the safe side. So I am glad they will do this if she does require to take it again. We are hoping for the time being this was a minor incident.
Do any of you know if there are many IVDD dogs that take Rimadyl long-term? I know some dogs with osteoporosis/arthritis take it but I wasn't aware of cases with IVDD. The dr said she does have some cases that do take Rimadyl long-term.
xo
Analu & Mazzy ✮
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Jun 20, 2014 19:41:02 GMT -7
Hi Analu! So glad to hear Mazzy is doing well! Typically with IVDD, anti-inflammatories "do their job" of resolving the swelling/inflammation (the cause of pain during a disc episode) in 7 - 30 days with conservative treatment, though in some cases it can take longer: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmHave you seen the page on the main Dodger'sList site that overviews the 4 Phases of Healing from a Disc Episode?: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm I've found it to be such a great resource to read and re-read; it's really helped me to wrap my brain around what is actually going on! Medications for = Phase 1: total pain control dose to dose of pain meds, while Phase 2: the anti-inflammatory resolves the swelling/inflammation causing the pain. Time and the Body work to = Phase 3: develop secure scar tissue over the 8wks of 100% strict crate rest to protect the healing disc(s) Phase 4: regain neurological function, which can happen weeks, months, or years later. The great thing is that there is no "expiration date" for healing nerves! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm))Hugs!(( Hope all goes well with Mazzy's acupuncture appt! |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
Posts: 71
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 24, 2014 9:15:38 GMT -7
Hello Sabrina and everyone,
Just an update, Mazzy's acupuncture went very well. It was the first time she had electro acupuncture so she was a little nervous and restless but then gave in and went to sleep during her session. She was very perky after and continues to be this week.
The rehabilitation dr says she looks great and there are not any things that stand out to concern him. He didn't say we had to keep her on crate rest. This would be her third week on it since June 7 when I noticed this tiny set back. I asked him if I should still continue her and he said she looks ok to resume "normal" activity. I asked if she is ok for walks and he suggested easing her back into them. Like ten minute walks or less. I have yet to take her on them since we are getting a lot of rain here in Chicago and she dislikes getting wet. I am on the fence about starting her back into activity just yet even though she looks good.
I tend to be very overprotective since she went down last year and just don't want to contribute to her hurting herself. How much is too much coddling? Anyone else experience these feelings? I know at the same time she needs to be a dog and be active but I worry so much that on a walk she will hurt herself if she gets excited. Any suggestions for dealing with these feelings? I know she gets bored in her crate (my husband refers to it as her 'home' instead of crate lol) when we are at work but her brother keeps her company (outside of the crate). I am trying to come up with ways to build a crate for her that is more "interesting" or fun.
Thanks again for all this information and hugs from Chicago,
Analu and Mazzy
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Post by John & Marley on Jun 24, 2014 10:12:22 GMT -7
My Marley is 6+ years old, he went down Feb 5th and I kept him on STRICT CRATE REST for 10 weeks , 2 weeks up and above the suggested 8 for conservative treatment. He then went 4 weeks of REHAB Slow and steady , I didn't feel the urge to rush him back I do not want a relapse because I was impatient . Marley went for 21 Laser Sessions as well . Your dog had a relapse on June 7th and its only 3 weeks now since it happened. From all I have seen and heard and read 8 weeks is a suggested period of time. I personally have not dealt with that many Vets ( Have had 4 down dogs two had back surgery ) but have dealt with over 100 Orthopedic Surgeons ( for humans ) and been in the Operating Room during surgery on patients. I can honestly say out of that 100 I would only trust 5 to 8 to come near me with a scalpel. So I would probably say the same ratio would apply with Vets less than 92 % id trust their ability. When I read that your rehab vet said : he said she looks ok to resume "normal" activity
I just shook my head , I get a scab on a finger cut and it takes longer than 3 weeks to heal so to let a dog resume normal activity after a spinal injury to me raises a red flag about that 92 % category. Ive spent 6 months on the floor in a sleeping bag helping my dog recover, 12 + weeks of which he had no sensation in his back end after a surgery- which he came back and made a complete recovery and ran like the wind , you would never know he had a back problem once. Just wondering why the rush after only 3 weeks. |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
Posts: 71
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 24, 2014 10:21:56 GMT -7
Hi John/Marley,
Thank you for the feedback and background.
I think they think this one only a minor "flare up/episode." Since this is the first time I have ever dealt with this type of situation I am constantly reading and dodgerslist has helped a lot. She had her spinal surgery back on October 25th (that date will forever be etched into my memory) and was doing great these past few months.
This recent episode started June 7th and she was on Rimadyl and strict crate rest (still on crate rest). I am not sure if because there is no way in telling w/o an MRI if it was a disc issue or something else but I want to be on the safe side and crate her regardless of what they may say. I just cannot risk it being her disc and then going through it with her again (although I would do anything for her it hurt my heart to see her go through that back in October). Many sleepless nights alongside her too.
I guess my question is, it isn't bad of me to continue crate rest on her right now, right? I guess I'm feeling guilty because although they say she seems fine I just want to do right by Mazzy and not rush her back.
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Lola & Hurley
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2 paralyses, 3 surgeries, 2 conservative treatments. Now walking :)
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Post by Lola & Hurley on Jun 24, 2014 11:27:06 GMT -7
Hi Analu, no, of course it is not bad to continue crate rest. Crate rest is literally just r-e-s-t. No-one ever died of resting, right? Definitely do not rush Mazzy into normal activity just after 3 weeks. Dogs under conservative treatment seldom have a 100% certain diagnosis since that would require an expensive MRI or CT scan and those are usually done only before surgery in order to determine the exact location and extent of the disc injury so that surgery can be performed. So, with conservative treatment IVDD patients, we never really truly know what the situation in the spine is and that is why 8 weeks is always recommended, no matter what the case. That's the time it takes for the body to heal itself and form that all important scar tissue around the injury. Pain may disappear earlier and normal functions return, dog may seem happy and energetic, but there are still risks involved if rehabilitated to soon. Since everything seems to be going smoothly for you and Mazzy is doing so well, trust me, after you are beyond the 4 week 'half-way' threshold, the rest will fly by. Better to be safe than sorry, right? So do not feel guilty about making her stay in the crate, I've had several vets tell me 2 weeks rest even when my Hurley's episodes have been really bad. I've told them otherwise - we need to spread this word. So I would say: stay strong and do what you believe in. I'm sure you've read enough here on this site to ultimately feel comfortable with your decision - but of course, I understand your hesitation. When the dog starts acting "normal", we all question the need of continued crate rest. I've been there, too. But you need to stay strong for her. I always say this: what's a few weeks of crate rest when you've got a lifetime of happiness afterwards!!! Hugs, Lola |
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Post by John & Marley on Jun 24, 2014 14:08:34 GMT -7
[ Many sleepless nights alongside her too.
I guess my question is, it isn't bad of me to continue crate rest on her right now, right? I guess I'm feeling guilty because although they say she seems fine I just want to do right by Mazzy and not rush her back. ]
As with you I have spent those long nights along side for weeks. With Marley they couldn't tell from the xray which disk and a MRI was $$$$ just to do to do Conservative treatment any way. The Vet feels it may be a MINOR Episode . Rushing a Minor incident can create a Major incident. Also how does one gauge a Minor incident versus a Major one. Because a Dog can still stand but exhibits pain (Minor) versus a Dog who can not move her legs and cant stand (Major) . Whats its going to take for a Dog with a Minor incident to move too fast or twist their back or slip or step in a divot in the grass in the back yard and tear the healing spinal column.
You've Gone the long nights a while back, you've done 3 weeks now, 5 more weeks and a slow rehab afterwards is a blink of the eye when you look at the life left with your dog. |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
Posts: 71
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 24, 2014 14:23:56 GMT -7
Thank you John. I totally agree with you. Thank you for putting it very bluntly for me. I needed to hear/read this. It reaffirms that the approach I am choosing (although not aligned with what the dr's may think) is the right thing to do for my Mazzy girl. I worry her slipping all the time and totally 100% agree with your take on it. What is it going to take for a minor slip to turn into a major one that hurts her more than what she is right now? I wish this information could be passed on more to all the vets in our cities. More education and outreach is needed.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 24, 2014 20:39:46 GMT -7
Hi Analu! Sorry I haven't been around lately. We have had company the past week and they took a break and went out of town for a day or two, but they are due back here tomorrow for a few more days.. I have no time online when they are here plus Tyler has been sick also.. A tummy problem that at first I thought was a disc episode and also a painful yeast and bacterial ear infection. He is on new medications now that seem to be helping. He's been to the vet 3 times this past week... He's improving a lot, thank heavens. I just wanted to chime in and check on you and Mazzy. You are making the right decision about continuing the crate rest and going with your instincts. You know Mazzy better than anyone and you can sense what she needs.. You can still have pets and loving contact with her through her crate door.. We did a lot of that with Tyler. We also made sure he had changes of scenery so he wouldn't get bored. Be sure to send for some free literature from Linda and give them to your Vet and other vets and even groomers in the area.. I do that in this area and all have been very happy to receive the literature. The more literature we get out and about, the better for the future of IVDD dogs everywhere.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htmHugs and prayers for you and Mazzy! |
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 27, 2014 9:08:09 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana, I hope Tyler is feeling better! How is he doing today? Mazzy is still on crate rest and I am coping well with it after everyone's support. She hasn't complained much. Only yesterday she yelped very briefly when I picked her up but mostly because she was squirrming around when I picked her up and her brother Rollei was trying to jump on her as I picked her up. So I can't really gage if it was something hurting her or just she twisted the wrong way in the attempt to avoid her brother getting to her as I was picking her up. It was an isolated incident and she was ok this morning. Her nails are getting a bit long so we are taking her to get them clipped tomorrow so she won't slip outside. The same goes for her brother. Perfect opportunity to drop off some of the dodgerlist literature at our vet! I will keep everyone posted over the weekend too. Thank you again for all the help. xoxo, Analu |
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 27, 2014 9:31:16 GMT -7
Analu, with Mazzy still on crate rest, I'm a bit confused. When out at potty times it should only be Mazzy out so there is no distraction or possibility another dog could cause Mazzy to move her back too much. Also no nail clipping during crate rest. The entire focus during conservative treatment is on the disc healing and doing everything possible to keep the back with liimited movement. Vet visits are only when absolutely necessary for an exam related to the disc episode. Crate rest during conservative treatment is necessarily much more limited than for a post op dog.
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 27, 2014 9:53:56 GMT -7
Excellent! I know it takes some figuring out things to get the routine to be the safest for Mazzy's needs.
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Analu & Mazzy
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Analu & Mazzy (4 yrs old) surgery on 10/26/13 walking, 1 small relapse 6/7/14 - crate rest
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Post by Analu & Mazzy on Jun 27, 2014 10:42:30 GMT -7
She is inside a medium sized crate at the moment. We are thinking about getting her one size up because I think the one she is currently in is too small. Thoughts? She can move and turn around and stand up in the one she's in but the reason I got her the one she's in at the moment was due to post-surgery. Is there a difference in size one should keep in mind when doing conservative treatment?
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Post by John & Marley on Jun 27, 2014 12:55:43 GMT -7
With Marley his crate area was just long enough that he could lay down and stretch out completely with 2 to 4 inches to spare., So youll have to see how much room she has when she lays stretched out. For him at 18 lbs he stretches out to 32 inches when laying down from the tip of his nose to his outstretched rear paw pads.
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Sabrina
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Post by Sabrina on Jun 28, 2014 15:43:32 GMT -7
Hi Analu! Like John said, Mazzy should have enough room in her crate to fully stretch out, and also to turn around. I love the pictures on this page about setting up the recovery suite - it really helps when trying to get the right sized crate for crate rest!: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/preppingcrate.pdfThe crate should be "as wide as the dog’s length and it’s 1.5 times the length of the dog’s body. This way the dog can stretch and change positions easily, without having extra room to do too much too soon." ))Hugs!(( |
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We took her in and they said it looks like maybe she sprained or was a little sore above the surgical site (below the shoulders, thoratic/towards cranial?) so they prescribed rimadyl and crate rest. She took her last dose yesterday. After a couple days on it she seemed back to her perky self and continues doing well. I am still leaving her on crate rest though. When I called the dr after I left a message for them to tell us what we should do next they prescribed another dose of rimadyl. I guess I was confused because I do not want to continue medicating her if it is not absolutely necessary. I also do not want her to be in pain-and she isn't at the moment-if she does not have to be on it. Is longterm rimadyl use the norm with IVDD dogs? Any others experience this? I am waiting to hear back from the doctor tomorrow since they are not in today. Mazzy also has an appointment to see the rehabilitation therapist this Saturday for acupuncture. 
! But I didn't care, because I wanted my Hurley to recover. And he did! 
