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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 2, 2013 12:44:42 GMT -7
I am struggling greatly as I write this. The second of my three Doxies is now showing signs of IVDD.
His name is Hitch. he is a miniature Doxie. Started crate rest on 4/1/2013. Pain seems better, shaking has stopped. Went to emerg. last night and doctor put him on Tramadol 1/2 tablet every 6 to 12 hours. also, Rimadyl 25 mg 1/2 tablet every 12 hours. He can walk, wag tail, potty on his own. Is not wetting the bed. Eating and drinking fine. No blood in poop and poop is normal.
He was fine all day yesterday and then about an hour after eating he started to stand up, walk backwards then sit down. Did not want to get out of bed. Looked very sad and was trembling. Called vet took him in. Evaluated him and we gave him tramadol. An hour and half later we went back because he didn't seem much better. They toook exrays, but did not see anything other than normal early calcifications. However, he just was not acting right. Have started conservative crate rest and meds. What else can I do?
My oldest doxie went down hard over a year ago. I was on this site getting advice from you then. You helped me so much. His name is Vinnie. He went down hard, and lost pain sensation. We had surgery within 24 hours. He has never regained use of hind legs and we express him daily. But he has a wheelchair and is back to his loving self.
My greatest fear was that this was going to happen to my other two. I'm trying to nip this in the bud now. Do I just keep Hitch on all meds until they are used up?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,610
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 2, 2013 13:13:25 GMT -7
Sally, sorry to hear another of your pups has a disc problem. I'm glad you are reading as that will be among the most effective ways to protect Hitch. So keep on reading all of our resources down to the last of our Disc disease 101 core readings. The good news is that Hitch is likely to be a good candidate to recover with conservative treatment. The big IF on that is if you can commit fully to 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering 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. With conservative treatment crate rest is necessarily more strict than with a post-op dog. As you have already probably read on our Overview to healing page www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm , any time an anti-inflammatory is in use such as Rimadyl the stomach needs to be protected with Pepcid AC. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not to take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID. 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.htmHow often do you actually give Tramadol. It has a very short half life of 1.7 hours and it not likely to fully control pain dose to dose unless given at least every 8 hours, punctually. Glad to hear Vinnie is still doing well and enjoying life. Are your dogs related... there is thought there is a genetic component to this disease. |
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 2, 2013 13:29:15 GMT -7
Paula,
Thanks for getting back to me. Thank you for your comment on the famotidine. We had Vinnie on that as he was on prednisone after surgery, and I wasn't sure if Hitch should go on it with the NSAIDS. We are heading to the vet for a follow up in a half hour and we will ask her about it. The directions for the Tramadol were 1/2 tablet every 6 to 12 hours as needed. The emerg. vet said we could up the dose to a whole tablet if he appeared to need it. He is sleeping alot on the 1/2 tab. My Vinnie and Hitch are not related. However, Bela, our third Doxie is Hitch's younger sister. Now I fear for her as well. We are commited to the crate rest. Just wondering how long we continue with the medications.
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 2, 2013 17:56:05 GMT -7
Our vet was excellent. she feels that Hitch was indeed experiencing discomfort. Totally agreed with Conservative Crate rest, carry to potty with leash, and medications. She was not happy that the vet had started him on NSAID's because she prefers steroids, but since he seemed to be feeling a bit better she opted to stay with it and not do the waiting period. Her demeanor really helped me. I was feeling very down to have this happen to a 2nd dog. BUT we are committed to the crate rest and setting his graduation for June 3! (seems a long way off!)
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,610
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 3, 2013 8:01:14 GMT -7
Sally, sounds like you have an IVDD knowledgeable vet to support you and Hitch! You can learn alot from this vet by always asking why and what the thinking is behind her treatments. Good vets appreciate owners who do take an active roll in their pets health care. They know then the dog is more than likely to get the better home care over an owner who just follows orders and does not seek to understand the behind the scenes thinking.
When a vet feels the anti-inflammatory may have completed its job of reducing all swelling in the spinal cord, then they will call for a stop of the NSAID. It is only with the stop of the NSAID and cutting back or stopping the pain meds is it clear whether all the swelling is actually gone. Swelling = pain = more time needed on NSAID
Generally the anti-inflammatory and pain med are used for 1-2 weeks before the swelling is gone. The true test is on the stop of all meds to see.
So keep us posted on how Hitch is doing and confirm he is now on Pepcid AC.
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 3, 2013 17:51:59 GMT -7
Thank you Paula! We have Hitch on Pepcid AC. He's resting well!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 8, 2013 17:49:00 GMT -7
Well we have had one week of crate rest completed! Hitch has been without pain and is back to himself. He is being very good about the crate rest. I just gave him his last dose of rimadyl and tomorrow morning we'll see if he has a return of pain. (keeping my fingers crossed for him). Thank you for all of your help and advice!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 8, 2013 18:36:09 GMT -7
Sally, hoping all continues to go well with the tapering. Keep us updated and we've got our fingers crossed too.
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 11, 2013 20:45:19 GMT -7
Hitch came off his meds just fine. He is feeling better (talking to us), and eating well. He is behaving in his crate. Only out of it to go out for potty. Legs are strong and tail is wagging. We have ordered a pet stroller so he can easily be brought around the house and look out the window at his favorite things (birds and squirrels). Thank you for all your support!
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 11, 2013 21:22:12 GMT -7
Congratulations on Hitch feeling so much better and not being in pain off of medications. Keep up all the great care you have been giving him!
Very happy for you and Hitch!!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 13, 2013 8:35:17 GMT -7
I need advice about doing nail trims while on crate rest? Both my boys have a great deal of anxiety over this. Sometimes it takes two or three days of sessions to do this as they get so worked up. Hitch is on crate rest and Vinnie is paralyzed in the rear, so the back end is no trouble, but the front legs , oh my!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 13, 2013 8:54:39 GMT -7
We do not advise doing nails while on crate rest. Better to have long nails then a dog who gets worse over nail cutting. When Hitch gets better here is a link to help dogs get use to clippers. www.clickerlessons.com/nails.htmLinda |
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 15, 2013 10:02:30 GMT -7
Just checking in. On week 3 of crate rest for Hitch. He continues to be a good boy. Trying to get him used to the pet stroller. My other two like it more than he does! Not seeing any signs of regression or pain. Thanking God for good vet care AND Dodgerslist!
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on Apr 20, 2013 7:24:16 GMT -7
Don't forget to give yourself credit too! Good observations, self education and awesome home care!!!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 20, 2013 20:16:04 GMT -7
Thank you! I should also thank our oldest Doxie, Vinnie. We learned so much about IVDD through our trials and tribulations that he went through! His joy for life, even though he's paralyzed, has taught us so much about a Dog's spirit and tenacity!
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 20, 2013 20:24:03 GMT -7
Vinnie was a great teacher wasn't he, Sally? You found out what we know here on Dodgerslist, that dogs don't worry about what they can't do, they think about what they CAN do!
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 21, 2013 6:24:10 GMT -7
Hi Sally, Debbie here...Had to comment..you said Hitch (talks to you)..My Angel talks to me, people think I'm crazy when I say that, but I know you'll understand...Praying for Hitch, and many hugs to you...Hang in there..  |
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 21, 2013 13:31:40 GMT -7
I appreciate all your kind comments and knowledge! We are finishing our third week of crate rest and Hitch continues to do well. Loves his potty time outside!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 24, 2013 16:21:29 GMT -7
Into our 4th week and things are going well! Anyone know anything about Vetri-disc back support supplements?
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renee
New Member
Posts: 13
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Post by renee on Apr 24, 2013 18:02:30 GMT -7
It's hard to seem them go through this and the suddeness onset of symptoms! My second doxie has been stricken with IVDD (pain symptoms; no paraylis. We opted for the surgury with Katie 4 years ago since she had the paralysis and the surgeon said she was a good canidate since we were within the "window". Im sorry to hear your doxie didnt regain his walking ability though. I'm sure that was hearbreaking. Sending good thoughts your way on Hitch!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 24, 2013 18:48:38 GMT -7
Thanks Renee. Hoping your fur baby is feeling better real soon!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 24, 2013 19:29:12 GMT -7
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Post by Nancy & Maisy on Apr 24, 2013 21:09:22 GMT -7
Hi Sally, I have Faith on Vetri-Disc. She is a kidney patient and so we can't use steroids. I read that Vetri-Disc enhances the body's natural cortisol levels and I though it was worth a try. I haven't seen anything dramatic since I started it about 2 weeks ago, but am hoping that it's working in the background to help her heal and reduce her swelling. I hope this is helpful!
Nancy (faithsmom)
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 25, 2013 5:18:22 GMT -7
Thank you Nancy!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 29, 2013 16:23:57 GMT -7
Yahoo we are 1/2 way through!!! Hitch is doing great in the crate! He is a bit more talkative about all the time he is spending in there! He really is using the sad eyes these days! Took him outside for a short walk in the stroller, he seemed to enjoy it! Only 4 more weeks!
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Post by natureluva on Apr 29, 2013 18:23:32 GMT -7
Sally - aren't strollers a Godsend?? I used mine before AND after crate rest - still use it to this day. Dogs get so much mental stimulation out of stroller rides. Glad to hear Hitch is doing well and is feeling GOOD! :-) Keep that healing trend going by practicing strict crate rest for the LAST HALF of crate rest - woohoo! We look forward to your next update. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on May 6, 2013 18:26:21 GMT -7
Well today starts week 6 of crate rest for Hitch! He continues to do very well, but doesn't seem to understand why we keep I
Him crated when he's feeling so good!We put him in the stroller and push him around for change of pace. Going away this weekend and he is going to a family member for a few days. She loves him dearly and will take excellent care of him. 3 more weeks!
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 6, 2013 18:55:50 GMT -7
The end is in sight! What a great job you've done!
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Post by christine on May 6, 2013 20:37:06 GMT -7
My Lola loves the stroller. I pushed it right up to the sofa so she could be part of the action.
I love your profile picture, such a cute bunch!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on May 17, 2013 13:07:59 GMT -7
Week 7 is almost over! Hitch is doing great! You all are great inspiration to us!
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