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Post by honey0731 on Jun 30, 2014 19:40:10 GMT -7
Hello,
I have a 12 year old male mini dachshund weighs 15lbs that hurt his back 8 days ago which would have been 6/22/14 and could hardly walk with his rear legs mostly his right rear leg he would just kind of drag it and his back was arched and real wobbly when he walked. He was taken to the Vet on 6/23/14.
The Vet put him on prednisone for 6 days 1/2 tablet 2 times a day not sure of the size dose because it ended yesterday and thru it away.
He is still on Tramadol 50 mg 1/2 tablet 2 times a day for three more days for a total of 10 days.
He also takes Methocarbamol 500mg 1/4 tablet 2 times a day for three more days for a total of 10 days.
The vet also said 2 weeks of crate rest. Today was the first week of strict crate rest and he is about 40% better than he was and is not in pain he is walking better and wagging his tail and is starting to lift his right leg to pee and does the little burn outs when he poops and his poop is normal as well as his appetite.
My question is can he recover 100% and should we keep him on the crate rest for the 8 weeks even if he seems better. I think this problem has been brewing for about a year now because he would have a day now and the where you could tell he hurt his back but the next day he would be alright.
He is to see the vet again in a week which would be 7/09/14
Thanks Jane |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 30, 2014 21:02:53 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Jane! First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your dog to get back to enjoying life after recovering. With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Are you ready? Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Tape this flyer to your fridge so the whole family knows what things are emergencies: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfIn order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? ► What is your dog's name? ► Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc? ► I am glad you started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for this current disc episode. Yes it is important to your dog's recovery to continue the entire 8 weeks. STRICT means 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). ► Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy? Was the Prednisone tapered before it was stopped yesterday?? Prednisone needs to be tapered for health reasons and not stopped abruptly.. His adrenal glands have to be signaled to start making it's own steroid hormone. Speak with the vet about the taper if this wasn't done. If your dog goes back on Prednisone even when tapering please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not 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 anti-inflammatory. ► If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jul 1, 2014 4:40:47 GMT -7
As Pauliana said, steroids need to be tapered and not stopped abruptly. Just wanted to add that when the steroid is tapered, usually the pain medications are also stopped or tapered so a true test of pain can be made. If pain returns, that means there is still swelling of the disc, which is pressing on the nerves of the spine causing pain. Pain = swelling = more time on all meds. There's no way of knowing if there is still swelling, which would necessitate a continuance of the steroid, since he's still on pain meds.
Healing prayers for your little buddy.
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Jul 1, 2014 5:32:34 GMT -7
Yes he can recover 100 % to normal function. Your dog will always be susceptible to back issues. Hansel is 14 yo and has has 4 events. Each time he came back and is now coming back again. Follow the advice this group gives... The support is valuable. It is imperative to keep his movements as limited as you can.
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