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Post by Heather & GEORGE on Jun 18, 2014 8:32:29 GMT -7
Hi All,
I'm new here, and looking forward to sharing Rusty's story.
Rusty is my 6 (will be 7 on 7/14) year old dachshund. He is such a loyal and cuddly doxie, and, along with my 2 other doxies, my best friend. Around November 2013, he started showing signs of pain. I took him to the vet immediately and he did xrays to make sure nothing was broken, etc. Rusty's xrays were normal and the vet also did a pretty comprehensive ortho exam. There was really no sign of any pain in his back, so the vet sent us home with some rimadyl and Rusty was back to his normal self in about a week. In March of 2014, he started having pain again. We went through the same routine - anti-inflammatories and crate rest. He was fine in about 2 weeks (a little longer than the last time). Then, it happened again two week ago, only this time, Rusty was clearly NOT getting better. I had leftover prednisone and tramadol from the last round of pain, and it did not work at all. Rusty started walking slower and was constantly shaking and in pain. I took him to another vet for a second opinion because I saw rusty starting to slip his feet when he walked. The new vet gave him a MASSIVE dose of cortisone and sent us home with prednisone and strict crate rest for at least a month. We didn't make it even a few days. We saw the vet on a Friday, and by Monday, Rusty had lost the use of his left hind leg. We immediately took him to the vet who gave us more prednisone, and made an emergency appointment at the nearest neurosurgeon.
Rusty's MRI showed his 11 and 12 disc had collapsed on the left side (consistent with the loss of use of his left hind leg). They proceeded with surgery, and kept rusty for a few days. The morning of the surgery (which was Tuesday 6/10) rusty could still walk on his right leg and lift himself up. I videoed this and showed the doctors. Once the doctors saw that, they said he probably had a good chance of walking again since we got him in so quickly. The surgery went perfect and Rusty was sent home with us on Friday (6/13). He is pooping normally which is great. We aren't sure if he is peeing on his own - he doesn't pee in his crate unless he isn't expressed for a few hours while we are at work. In the morning though, his wee wee pad in the crate is dry and he will pee when I take him outside on the wee wee pad. Hopefully that returns soon and we won't have to express him.
On Friday when we brought him home, the vet said he had "some motor function" which I'm still not sure what that means. He did say there wasn't really any DPP...he told us to pinch his toes in his hind legs everyday and see if there was a reaction. Friday, Saturday and Sunday...nothing. He didn't turn to us or cry. His reflexes kicked in and he pulled away, but he had no idea that he was doing this. Anyway, Monday night we were doing his physical therapy, and afterwards we pinched his toes in his left foot. Voila - he turned and yelped! Same thing on the right foot. He turned to that side and cried again. We were so happy, and it has been consistent.
SO - what's next? We don't go back to the neurosurgeon for about another week or so. Rusty is still not getting up. It has been 1 week and 1 day since he had surgery (the surgery was performed Tuesday, 6/10, night at 7pm). Any help is appreciated!!!!
Heather
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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 18, 2014 9:41:04 GMT -7
Heather, welcome to Dodgerslist. It is still very early in regards to nerve healing. Often we think in terms of months rather than days/weeks for nerve regeneration. During the 6 weeks of post-op rest nerve healing may or may not happen, the rest is to focus on letting all the surgical sites heal. I highly recommend doing some reading, self education, to ease your mind and know what to expect. There is no better place than on the main Dodgerlist web page at this link: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm YOu will get the kind of education you need to be a savvy IVDD dog owner at this point in time and for the rest of Rusty's long life. Is Rusty on any meds at this time? Names, mgs and dose frequency? Have you given Rusty the sniff and pee test? The only way for us humans to know if there is bladder control is with the sniff and pee test. Carry outdoors, set on an old pee spot to sniff it. See if urine is then released. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. You should do a quick express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening. Let us know what you observe. What directives did the surgeon give for crate rest and for PT? Has underwater treadmill been suggested as a PT or even at home water therapy when the stitches are out? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm |
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Post by Heather & GEORGE on Jun 19, 2014 5:30:56 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Thanks for your reply. I am not sure of the exact dosages (I'll have to check the bottles when I am home), but Rusty is on: 2mL gabapentin 3x a day 1 capsule cefadroxil 3x a day 1/4 tablet bethanacol 3x a day for his bladder 1 tablet phenoxy 2x a day (I don't remember the whole name, but that's what I have been calling it) for his bladder 1/2 5mg tablet of prednisolone once a day. This will be decreased to 1/2 tab every other day starting Saturday.I took him out this morning for the sniff and pee test. He sniffed a little, but he had already peed when I took him out of his cage and set him on the wee wee pad to carry him out in just in case he decided to go so it didn't get all over my hands. He did poop when I took him out though. I'll have to try again later. I called the neurosurgeon and told her about Rusty's feeling of pain in his toes when I pinch them and that he reacts to which side I am pinching. She said this was excellent, and that I should be happy. She also said this is too early to tell about the walking...but I thought if he could feel pain, he would definitely be able to walk someday. I am very confused. She said the next thing we should be looking for is "small movement in his legs." As per the doctor, he is currently on strict crate rest unless he is doing his physical therapy or going out to the bathroom. He is also allowed to sit with us on the floor which we have been doing. As far as underwater treadmill, I just can't afford it. I do have a pool though, and the doctor said once his incision is healed enough, he can definitely go in the pool with us. ***This morning (6/19) I woke up to find a part of the scab on his incision torn off. It doesn't look infected or anything, it looks just like if I tore a scab off my arm or knee - a little bloody. Not dripping blood. Is this OK? Should I put anything on it or just call the doctor??***** THANKS!!! Please also let me add that Rusty is ~ 14.8lbs. The doctor suggested we put him on a diet - he is being fed 1/8 cup of Happy Hips dog food and 2 scoops (I'm using an old iced tea scoop) of finely chopped carrots twice a day. I add to this 2 tablets of Trader Joe's glucosamine chondroitin tablets (equals 500mg glucosamine and 400mg chondroitin TOTAL www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Glucosamine-Chondroitin-Dogs/dp/B003ZMGC6G). I also give him (as per the surgeon, and I bought it at the surgeon's office) Bcomplex and a product called Cell Life (I think). |
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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 19, 2014 9:12:42 GMT -7
There is good potential for more nerve healing, how long that takes only mother nature and Rusty's body knows. Typically we do look more towards months rather than days/weeks for nerve regeneration to take place. If you have some medicated ointment to put on the scab area that would be good as moist skin heals faster than dry crusting. some options: EMT Gel emtgel.com/whatitis/ from a Farm store or an antibiotic ointment from your grocery store If you have any concerns of course contact your surgeon or local vet. Your dog has a lot of repair job to do post op and this may not be the best time to be on a diet. I would feed the recommended amount for the weigh he should be. AFter all 6 weeks of crate rest has been completed and more active exercise is safe, you can see about reduction of food, see if Happy Hips is the best nutrition for your pocketbook. Lots to read here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htmGood reading about supplements and IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Supplements.htmNerves 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. 4. 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. |
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Post by Heather & GEORGE on Jun 20, 2014 6:40:57 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Thanks for the advice. I called the doctor and sent pictures of Rusty's incision. He said that it look like Rusty is having an allergic reaction to the sutures, and needs to be put back under anesthesia and they need to use a different kind of suture. I can't believe this! Now I am more frustrated because not only do we have a HUGE bill after all of this that I have to pay off for the next 3 years, but that I think they are going to charge me more money for this new procedure. They said Rusty can come home the same day, but still. This is ridiculous and I really don't want him to have to go under 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 Jun 20, 2014 10:42:35 GMT -7
Oh, gosh.... have not heard of a dog having allergic reaction to sutures before.... learn something new everyday here on the Forum. Just a quick Google and I have added something to my knowledge base about sutures. getbetterhealth.com/are-you-allergic-to-stitches-sutures/2009.09.10Do keep us posted and hope all is well and bill will be relatively small. |
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Post by Heather & GEORGE on Jun 20, 2014 20:39:50 GMT -7
Rusty had dissolvable sutures and glue on the top layer of skin. The sutures were what he had an allergic reaction to, and they said it's not uncommon. They put in nylon stitches and cleaned everything well. They also extended his cefadroxil another two weeks.
Paula, I am have a very hard time paying for all of this and I created a GoFundMe page to help out. Is there any where on this site we can share it?
Thanks so much.
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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 21, 2014 6:52:07 GMT -7
Heather, glad the nylon stitches and all went well for Rusty!
Fundraising is an issue on the forum for several reasons. So many here have not been able to provide surgery due to the dog's health, personal finances or just the desire to try the least invasive treatment first. Because so many members are heavily burdened with unexpected vet bills themselves, it is not likely you will find people in a position to help you financially. What the forum has to offer is priceless and that is support, creditable IVDD information to help you care for your dog and to work closely with vets.
I do feel your stress and anxiety to raise funds. So let me mention this alternative to posting about fundraising as outlined in our posting guidelines: signatures are limited to one line and may include a link. Go Profile > Edit Profile> Personal> Signature dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/32/posting-guidelines-forum
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