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Post by Ramona&Caesar on Jun 22, 2014 10:01:20 GMT -7
We have been going crazy during the last few months in trying to figure out what is going on with Peanut and his back. Just when it looks like he is having a relapse, he is evaluated and they say there is nothing wrong. We know our dog...three veterinary visits and no answers...xrays, blood tests, the works...
Now, we have an answer. Peanut has a hernia on his anus/rectum. It is why he is experiencing fecal incontinence, pain, wobbliness...all of what looks like IVDD. The vet says he is in pain A LOT. His liver enzymes are up, so we want to forego the steroids for now. He is on 1 tablet of previcox (57 mg) once a day along with tramadol and a muscle relaxant. We are supposed to either push in the hernia repeatedly during the day (which he does not like), or hold him upside down to help him poop better.
This diagnosis on Friday evening has been somewhat disheartening. Obviously, we don't want Peanut to be in pain. Surgery is not an option because it would be too complicated for a 14 year old dog.
So...we move on from here. He has gone four times since Friday night, which is good. We can actually see his stomach distend when he is full of it, so to speak. The distension did make me think that it was Cushing's for a while, so we had him checked for that, too.
When it comes down to it, our boy is a trooper. We just want to make sure that he does not have to be too brave. The vet says that if he is still eating and playing, which he is, then it is not time to do anything drastic. We are very relieved about that...cannot imagine my house without my boy, Peanut...
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 23, 2014 5:01:42 GMT -7
I'm so sorry to hear that Peanut is having all of these difficulties. At least you have a definitive diagnosis now and can take it from there. You and Peanut have certainly been on a roller coaster trying to get a diagnosis. I'm glad to read that he's eating well and playing.
Healing prayers for Peanut.
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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 7:24:55 GMT -7
Glad to hear you have a good diagnosis finally. Don't forget the all important Pepcid AC when taking an anti-inflammatory such as Previcox, a NSAID.
Would keeping the stools a bit on the softer side help? Tramadol can cause constipation. Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potoato.
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Post by Ramona&Caesar on Jun 25, 2014 10:44:30 GMT -7
Paula, thank you for reminding me about Pepcid. They did not tell us to go that, so we will start that immediately. So far, Peanut's stool is okay. We have some laxative if he needs it. I will try the pumpkin though. I would rather not give him more medication...poor guy. He seems okay, though.
Thanks for the advice and support! He is our brave boy!!!
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