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Post by Katrina & Buddy on Jul 10, 2014 14:31:26 GMT -7
Hello, My name is Katrina. My dogs name is Buddy. Buddy weighs 14.5 lbs. and is a Chiweenie.
No, I did not specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD?
The diagnosis is suspected to be a ruptured disc.
I saw an emergency vet July 2, 2014 when we found Buddy dragging is hind legs. I tried to barricade Buddy into a corner immediately after returning from the vet on the 2nd, but he kept escaping. (I know, I know - I absolutely see the need. Nobody is harder on me and Buddy than me) I purchased a crate and Buddy started 100% strict Crate rest 7/4. He is adjusting to the crate now. It was really hard on both of us at first.
Buddy's pain seems to have subsided, but he still yelps a little when I pick him up. He never liked to be picked up before and he really doesn't like it now. I am having a hard time getting him in and out the door of the crate. I have DDD along with herniated discs and it's just awkward and strains my back which makes me unstable and shaky and Buddy tenses up. I have ordered a crate with an open top similar to an ex-pen. I think it will be easier for both Buddy and me.
I am at work and his meds are at home, but I can tell you the emergency vet started him on Previcox for pain and inflammation, 1/2 of a 57 mg chewable tablet, 1 time every 24 hours. My local vet added Prednisone (tapering) and I'm not sure the mg, but the vet said a high dose. He also gave him something for anxiety upon my request. I will check and add all the info. when i get home this evening. All new meds started Monday, July 7th. I did ask the vet about Pepcid AC and was told not at this time. A lot was discussed in a short period of time. I am so bad at this. Can I buy it OTC and give it to him anyway? Also, I am concerned about combining the Previcox and Prednisone so I have been limiting his Previcox and didn't give him one at all last night. I wanted to check with you guys about what to do now.
Buddy cannot wobbly walk or wag his tail. He drags
his hind legs which I know is prohibited and I do try to prevent. He whines and baby barks to me when I sweet talk him.
I do find wet bedding and he does leak (and spray sometimes) when lifted up. I tried to express him today at lunch and was somewhat successful although he wasn't thrilled about the process. I've read to use diapers and belly bands and I've read not to use them. He's always wet when I wake up in the morning and when i go home at lunch and in the evenings. Is it possible to get him on a routine? I change his bedding about 4 or 5 times a day. I know he shouldn't be out of the crate that much. What can I do?
He is eating and drinking ok. He is drinking a lot which is expected with his meds. He didn't want food first thing this morning, but had eaten most of his breakfast when I was home at lunch.
His poop is ok. No blood, not runny at all. It was a little hard for a day or 2, but better this morning. He wants to drag to poop. I just watched the video today about how to help him with that.
Thank you for everything. I have been researching sites for information and this website provides so much more valuable information and advice without a sales pitch. Thank you!!!
Katrina Blevins
UPDATE BUDDY'S MEDICINE LIST:
Previcox 57mg 1/2 tablet once daily
Ametriptyline HCI 10mg 1 tablet daily for anxiety
Predisnone 5mg (20 tablets) 1 tablet twice a day for 6 days, then 1 tablet once a day for 5 days, then 1 tablet every other day til gone,
Lactulose 1cc 2 or 3 times a day to maintain normal stool.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 10, 2014 19:18:17 GMT -7
Hi Katrina, welcome to Dodgerslist! So glad you are reading and becoming your Buddy's best advocate! I will answer the rest of your post tonight but first wanted to come in and say DO NOT give Previcox now that Buddy is taking Prednisone. NDAIDS should never be combined with Steroids.. Very damaging to the stomach and GI tract and can be lethal. Glad you haven't given the Previcox. The vet should have known better.. Also we always recommend Pepcid AC 30 minutes prior to the Prednisone or any anti inflammatory to protect the stomach and also give Prednisone with food. Some Vets prefer to wait until the stomach is damaged and then cure it. But Buddy already has enough to deal with, with a ruptured disc. Did your Vet say why not to give Pepcid AC... any health reasons? If there are no health reasons go ahead and give it anyway.. For small dogs the dose is 5mg of Pepcid AC (Famotidine) or half a 10mg tablet every 12 hours. Since Prednisone was started while Buddy was taking Previcox, it would be a good idea to ask the Vet for a second stomach protector called Sucralfate: Sucralfate forms a gel-like webbing over ulcerated or eroded tissues, thus serving as a sort of a bandage. It requires special timing as it must be given on an empty stomach an hour before other meds and food.. Pepcid AC can be given 30 minutes after the Sucralfate and then 30 minutes later the Prednisone can be given with food. Is Buddy taking any pain medications such as Tramadol? If not he should be, ruptured discs are very painful. Please read these two articles: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm and www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmPrednisone is an anti inflammatory used to take down swelling. It isn't a pain reliever, it doesn't relieve pain until the swelling is completely gone.. In the meantime Buddy needs relief from the pain he is experiencing now.. Please discuss with your vet ASAP.. My Tyler's vet prescribed pain medications at the get go when he had his disc rupture last year.. Be back...Sending healing prayers for Buddy. |
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 10, 2014 19:56:49 GMT -7
Hi Katrina, Here is a video that shows how to pick up and carry Buddy: I am so glad you are getting a crate with a top opening, that will help you and your aching back alot and it will be much easier to take Buddy out of the crate that way. We had one for Tyler also and it made a world of difference. Here is more info and tips on crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmWhile on Prednisone Buddy will need to potty about every 2 to 3 hours. As you mentioned he is having a lot of thirst due to the Prednisone and it makes them have to "go" alot! I know it's hard since you are working, is there a trusted family member that could help out and carry Buddy safely out to potty or help express him before you come home for lunch? Most likely unless Buddy ruptured his disc due to an accident, he likely has IVDD and was born with it. How old is Buddy? Most IVDD dogs first present with a disc herniation or rupture due to prematurely aging discs between the ages of 3 and 7 years old, although some show symptoms earlier or later.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/DogsNaturally_MayJe2011.pdfKeep on reading and learning all you can about IVDD, the more you know the better you are able to help Buddy.. Dodgerslist helped me so much when my Tyler had his disc herniation and surgery.. The unknown is very scary and when Tyler was in the hospital, I started researching just as you are doing now.. Sending comforting thoughts. |
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Post by Katrina & Buddy on Jul 11, 2014 14:51:15 GMT -7
Thank you Pauliana for your support and your prayers. Buddy is 7 years old - the same age as my granddaughter. They were both about 6 months old when we rescued Buddy from the shelter to be her companion and guardian and so she'd leave my little old frail Papillon alone. It worked and they are best friends and my little shadows.
I don't think it was an accident or any one thing that brought on Buddy's disc problem. We've noticed little yelps when someone tries to pick him up and he can't jump like he used to. The weekend of June 20th and thereafter is when we knew something was wrong. We were at the lake and he was fine one minute and then suddenly acted like he felt bad and just laid by the truck. We didn't know what was wrong, if it was something he ate or what, but he wasn't limping and passed a quick inspection so we just kept an eye on him for the next couple of days, but that Wednesday (July 2nd) we came home from work to find him dragging his hind legs. He was outside and wobbly walking when my husband got home and 30 minutes later when I arrived home he was inside the house and dragging his legs. That's when we took him to the emergency vet about an hour away.
I called the local vet again today to see about changing him from Previcox to Tramadol and to add the Sucralfate. He asked where I am getting my information and then refused to change Buddy's meds. I couldn't even speak I was so dumbstruck, hurt and scared. I am waiting for a call back from the emergency vet facility where I took Buddy initially. I explained the situation and the receptionist said she'll have the doctor call me back when he is out of surgery. I will make an appointment at the other vet here in town Monday. What do I do in the meanwhile? Poor Buddy.
I did give Buddy a Pepcid AC this morning. I bought 10mg tablets OTC and broke them in 1/2. I gave it to him 1/2 hour before his dose of Prednisone. My daughter is at my house today with her children. She is keeping an eye on Buddy for me. I showed her how to move him out of his crate for potty breaks. You asked if I have help and that's about the extent of my help. My daughter will go home tomorrow and I won't see her for a week or 2. my husband works long hours and can't even take care of himself so he's not much help. I work about 25 country miles from home. I've been going home during my lunch changing Buddy's bedding. It's going to be hard for me to do that every day, but I will do it if I have to. I can't leave him there in his poop all day. Yes, he's drinking and peeing a lot with the Prednisone. I know this will all work out. Buddy will either get well or we'll get into a routine for his care.
I just realized my new open top crate didn't arrive today as promised. Dang! I'm so glad it's Friday. What a week!
Thank you again Pauliana for your support, the information and the videos. It means so much to me that someone understands and cares what we're going through. This website and forum are a Godsend and such a wealth of information. I will keep reading and learning and hoping and praying for our miracle.
Thank you,
Katrina
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Post by Katrina & Buddy on Jul 11, 2014 20:05:32 GMT -7
Buddy is down in his front legs this evening. He cannot sit up at all. His front legs go stiff, tremble and then kind of slide out from under hum. He has no control. He's been laying on his side. He has been on Prednisone 5 days now. I am supposed to start tapering tomorrow.
I spoke with the emergency vet that first saw Buddy about his meds and she concurred that Prednisone and Previcox should not be mixed without precautions. She said she will speak to Dr. Johnson about changing his meds.
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Sabrina
Helpful Member 
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471 
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Post by Sabrina on Jul 11, 2014 20:39:49 GMT -7
Hi Katrina, I'm Sabrina. I'm so sorry you and Buddy have to go through this, but I am so glad you've found DodgersList! I'm sorry your current vet has dismissed your legitimate concerns about mixing steroids with an NSAID - very glad to hear that the ER vet knows the dangers of this. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmHave you called the ER vet about Buddy's loss of use of his front legs? If not, that's something to speak with them about right away. (Tape this flyer to your fridge so the whole family knows what things are emergencies: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdf ) Are you noticing an increase in Buddy's pain? I'm just another dog owner, not a vet - and diagnosing via a forum is impossible. I don't want to scare you, but I do want to make you aware of a disease that can follow any type of spinal cord injury and it is called Myelomalacia. With Myelomalacia, what happens basically is that the spinal cord starts to die from the point of the spinal cord trauma moves forward toward the head. It is very painful and it will eventually shut down breathing. Here are some of the symptoms that are used to diagnose Myelomalacia and the symptoms that evolve as it progresses so that you can ask the vet if your dog is developing them. Should your dog be developing myelomalacia, before difficulty breathing starts, you would want to help him cross to the bridge to spare a very painful death. * about 3-4 days into recovery, they become painful. Within the first week, they are in a LOT of pain. * development of excruciating pain (more than just pain from the original disc herniation) • even the strongest pain meds do not help • once the symptoms begin continued death of the spinal cord happens fast.. in a matter of hours, requiring prompt ER vet help and prevent suffering that will only end badly in death. • hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body) * acute disc extrusion with no deep pain sensation * loss of anal tone, the anus hangs open, (anal flaccidity) and areflexia (below normal or no reflexes) * loss of cutaneous trunci reflex at a level more cranial to a previous evaluation over a period of hours to days with or w/o surgery * development of fever (normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit) * sudden twitching or jerking of the neck and/or head * loss of voice, hoarse bark * can't hold body up, can't hold head up * increased respiration/ labored breathing as the nerves to the lungs begin to shutdown As you didn't mention increased pain, I do hope that Buddy does not have M. Let us know what the ER vet says. ))Hugs!!!!(( |
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 11, 2014 21:09:21 GMT -7
Katrina,
Buddy needs to go to the Emergency clinic.. Dragging his back legs and now losing control of his front legs is a dramatic worsening of his condition. He may have ruptured another disc or something else may be going on, called Myelomalacia.. I am praying this isn't the case, but it needs to be ruled out..
Is he in extreme pain?
* development of excruciating pain (more than just pain from the original disc herniation)
• even the strongest pain meds do not help
Hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body) Development of fever (normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit)
* sudden twitching or jerking of the neck and/or head
* loss of voice, hoarse bark
* can't hold body up, can't hold head up
acute disc extrusion with no deep pain sensation
* loss of anal tone, the anus hangs open, (anal flaccidity) and areflexia (below normal or no reflexes)
increased respiration/ labored breathing as the nerves to the lungs begin to shutdown
Should your dog be developing myelomalacia, before difficulty breathing starts, you would want to help him cross to the bridge to spare a very painful death.
Praying for you and Buddy.. and sending hugs..
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Post by Katrina & Buddy on Jul 12, 2014 5:45:19 GMT -7
Oh Pauliana, I am afraid you are right. You described his symptoms pretty accurately and he worsened during the night. I can tell he is in pain now. I will take him to a vet this morning. It's a very sad day for us. Thank you again for your help. You have been my Godsend.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 12, 2014 8:14:07 GMT -7
Oh Katrina, I am so sad for you and your family and Buddy..
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and holding out hopes it is something else that's curable and not
Myelomalacia.
Big Hugs..
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Post by Katrina & Buddy on Jul 12, 2014 15:26:19 GMT -7
Thank you for your hopes and prayers. It was Myelomalacia and we have put Buddy to rest. I can't believe after all he went through and how tough he was that something like this would happen. It is a terrible loss to us, but he will live on in our hearts. We are blessed to have 7 years of really good memories with Buddy. My son was looking at photographs of Buddy this afternoon and there were a lot - all happy times. There was Buddy at the creek, at the lake, on the boat, holidays, birthdays, he was everywhere. He slept with me, sat between my feet in the bathroom, watched me cook, guarded me with his life, comforted me when I was sad, I was never lonely thanks to Buddy. I know life will go on. It always does. But it will never be the same.
I can't express how invaluable you and this board have been to me. I was searching for a website, blog, or any information about the disease and experience with all that goes along with it from preparing his crate to making sure Buddy was getting the meds he needed. I found all that and so much more with you and Dodgerslist. Thank you for what you do.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 12, 2014 17:40:14 GMT -7
Katrina, I'm so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news of myelomalacia. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdf Do know it was nothing your vet or you did.... the cause is unknown. You did the right thing to spare him from a painful ending as nerve death neared the lungs. Choosing some sort of action can help during these grieving days. While alive Buddy's wonderful qualities and love existed within him. Now he lives in your memory and heart and in the minds of those he touched and may touch in the future. On behalf of Buddy a legacy of helping to educate about IVDD. When the time is right, ask Linda to send you a free packet for your vet and business sized cards to hand out wherever you see owners of IVDD prone breeds. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm May Buddy soon begin to help you laugh again as you are reminded of his antics and unique quirkiness. ((Warmest hugs)) with my sincere condolences in your family's time of grief. |
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Jul 12, 2014 19:02:21 GMT -7
))Hugs(( to you and your family, Katrina.
I'm so glad you have so many wonderful photos of Buddy - even as you grieve your loss in your own time and way, I hope that these photos and memories will bring to mind all the happy times you had together.
))Hugs!((
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 12, 2014 19:30:14 GMT -7
Katrina, I am so sad and in tears to hear it was indeed Myelomalacia. It is such a heartbreaking disease.. Buddy knew love every day of his life with you and he left knowing you and your children adored him.. A part of your hearts went with him to keep him company until you meet again.. He left his love with you to keep in your hearts. He will always be with you as long as you remember the great times you shared.. I am glad I could of help to you in your time of crisis and thank you for your kind words, I pray every day they find out what causes Myelomalacia and come up with a way to prevent it..So far the cause is unknown as Paula posted earlier. IVDD itself is not a fatal disease.. If you are on Facebook there is a Myelomalacia support group with others who have lost their beloved dogs to it.. It may help you to share your story of Buddy with them: www.facebook.com/groups/losstomyelomalacia/One of my favorite rainbow bridge poems, based on a Norse legend.. By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done. For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day. No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued. They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack. For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last. The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together. -- Steve and Diane Bodofsky -- |
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Post by Cindi & Kytt on Jul 12, 2014 20:32:09 GMT -7
Katrina,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a lucky pupper Buddy was to have a mom like you, and what a blessing he was in your life. The memories you shared of Buddy were just lovely. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs,
Cindi and Keeghan
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jul 13, 2014 4:14:12 GMT -7
My sincerest condolences on your loss, Katrina. I'm so very sorry to hear this. Your love for Buddy shines through your postings. He was so lucky to have known that love during his time here on earth. May your wonderful memories help you through your grief.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jul 14, 2014 7:50:24 GMT -7
Katrina, I am so so sorry for your loss. Buddy was so very lucky to have had seven years with you, filled with love, warmth and kindness. He will be waiting for you at the bridge. My heart is with you.
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Post by Katrina & Buddy on Jul 15, 2014 7:21:41 GMT -7
Thank you all so much for your care and compassion. I feel a common bond with all of you and really appreciate the support I have received here. Paula, I am happy to spread the word about IVDD. I will order information packets today for 2 local vets and to share on social media. I wish I had known more about the disease. I had no idea Buddy may be prone to such problems. I could have taken precautions - especially with the furniture.
My heart is broken of course. I miss Buddy so much. I am so used to my constant companion being there every time I turn around. Pauliana, I like to imagine the Rainbow Bridge and Buddy romping through the grass. What a beautiful poem. My granddaughter liked it very much. Thank you again for everything.
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Vita & Emmie
Helpful Member
Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
Posts: 189
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Jul 15, 2014 8:19:10 GMT -7
Hi Katrina, I just read your story and feel so sad; for Buddy who had such a scary and painful time and for you. Please know that for Buddy, you being there every step of the way meant everything for him. You did what you could and made the decisions that were best for him. If you want to take your love further in Buddy's name, when you are ready, you may wish to consider a rescue weenie, maybe even one with IVDD, that your grand daughter helps choose. It sounds like your family has a lot of love to share for a dog with special needs you now understand. My heart goes out to you during this time.
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Post by Katrina & Buddy on Jul 15, 2014 10:27:51 GMT -7
Thank you Vita. My husband suggested the same thing. I'm sure another weenie is in our future. I've been putting off back (facet joint) surgery for a while, but I'm going to have to go ahead and bite the bullet. Perhaps when I'm back on my feet....
Best wishes for you and Emmie. She is precious.
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Vita & Emmie
Helpful Member
Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
Posts: 189
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Jul 16, 2014 9:58:28 GMT -7
Katrina, best wishes for your own medical adventure. They are never fun, take up so much time and take so much out of your body! I wish you the smoothest go possible with your back surgery. You're having a tough 2014. Do something nice for you when it settles down! You deserve it.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 16, 2014 21:30:48 GMT -7
Katrina, sending you best wishes and healing thoughts for your upcoming back surgery and I hope it is a success in getting you out of pain once you recover..
I am glad you plan to order some of our literature to pass out in memory of dear Buddy.
Feel free to stop in anytime, you are always welcome. Giving others encouragement can really lift your spirits..I know that's always helped me in times of grief..
Keeping you in my thoughts..
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Post by Deb & Henry on Jul 18, 2014 18:27:28 GMT -7
Just wanted to add my words of sympathy - Buddy was your furbaby and nothing but time will ease the pain of his loss.
Be well and keep this in mind: "Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy."
Debbi
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