Kirsten's Lulu 7/21 Conservative

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Kirsten & Lulu
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Kirsten's Lulu 7/21 Conservative Jul 22, 2014 7:36:52 GMT -7

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Post by Kirsten & Lulu on Jul 22, 2014 7:36:52 GMT -7

Please help, I need a bit of guidance. Lulu is a beautiful dachshund that is 6 yrs old, she has never shown any signs of back problems until 2 weeks ago. She goes slow up the stairs and cries periodically. I took her to the vet and she has a calcified disc by her back legs. She was given methocarbomol and rimadyl which of course relieve the pain but now she seems to be favoring a back leg, I'm petrified and cannot stop crying. What should I do? Is acupuncture something I should be looking into for her? My hubby seems to not hear me in that she needs to rest, he thinks if she does no exercise she will get fat, she is a pretty slim girl, and always has been. From a very sad mommy

Last Edit: Jul 23, 2014 21:56:08 GMT -7 by Pauliana

Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!

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Kirsten's Lulu 7/21 Conservative Jul 22, 2014 10:25:39 GMT -7

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Post by Sabrina on Jul 22, 2014 10:25:39 GMT -7

Welcome to Dodgerslist. I'm Sabrina - so glad you have joined us! First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your Lulu to get back to enjoying life after recovering.

YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! - www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm

In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?

-- What is your name?

-- Did Lulu specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?

-- Have you started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for this current disc episode? If so: What date did you start? …. 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)?
* Conservative treatment for disc disease (IVDD) - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htm
* Crate Rest Recovery Process - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm
* Clark's helpful supplies for crate rest - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm

-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy?

* If Lulu is still showing any of these signs (and if the crying in pain you describe is currently still happening), call your vet asap to get her pain under control. Note that Rimadyl is a Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID), not a pain reliever - read more about total pain control here:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm

-- How much does your dog weigh? List the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given? 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.
* www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm

-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?

-- Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?

-- Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood?

-- 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.

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.pdf

I hope that your husband will read over the wealth of IVDD info on Dodger'sList with you - that way you can both ask questions and work towards Lulu's best recovery! During 100% Strict Crate Rest, the focus is on limiting movement so that the crate can act as a sort of "cast" as Lulu's body develops secure scar tissue to protect her healing disc(s). Too much movement too soon can result in much more damage:

Hang in there! Fill us in on some more detail about your Lulu - and know that we are here for you as you help her through this!

))Hugs!((

Last Edit: Jul 22, 2014 10:28:54 GMT -7 by Sabrina

Order our $3 DVD & free literature for yourself & others: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm

Kirsten & Lulu
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Kirsten's Lulu 7/21 Conservative Jul 23, 2014 14:35:40 GMT -7

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Post by Kirsten & Lulu on Jul 23, 2014 14:35:40 GMT -7

Hi, my name is Kirsten. I took lulu to the vet Where she did a physical and at the time her stomach was tense so she did an X-ray to be sure of a diagnosis, her GI tract was clear but she has a calcified disc above her back legs. I have read your attachment on calcified discs, but I guess I am still a little confused, is this something that will heal as it has not "herniated"? She is not crying in pain anymore although she does seem to slightly favor her left leg, still walking on it though just fine when we go out to potty. The injury was about 2 weeks ago and I have really only started crate rest as of Monday. She is pooping and peeing on her own, wagging her tail and still wants to bark at everything.

Lulu weighs 14lbs, normally 13lbs so we are working on getting the extra lb off from winter, the profile pic is one I took yesterday......as far as meds go she was on methocarbomol but that is finished and we just have

14 lbs
rimadyl which the label says 25mg - give 1/2 tablet twice daily for pain. I was not told to do
Pepcid so will have to go to the store

Last Edit: Jul 24, 2014 8:13:10 GMT -7 by PaulaM

Pauliana
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Kirsten's Lulu 7/21 Conservative Jul 23, 2014 22:05:13 GMT -7

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Post by Pauliana on Jul 23, 2014 22:05:13 GMT -7

Hi Kirsten,

Calcified discs do not necessarily mean that this particular disc is going to rupture. It only means that the dog may have IVDD and this chalky appearance to the discs is only a “normal” part of the abnormal aging process of such a dog’s discs.

Your Veterinarian may point these calcifications out to you on your dog’s radiographs. Do not be mislead into thinking that these calcifications are the only problem area if your dog is experiencing back pain or has suffered a disc rupture. In fact, most often, the actual site of the disc rupture is NOT at one of these calcified spaces.

The most common site of a disc rupture in a Dachshund is between T12-13, or the last Thoracic vertebrae. This is the most flexible portion of the back and this is why there is such a high rate of ruptures at this spot.

Visually, disc rupture on a Non-myelogram film will usually appear as a narrowing at the top of the disc space. This area of the disc space just below the spinal column will appear narrower than the lower half of the space. This is what you will be looking for when your Veterinarian shows you your pet’s films. More so than the calcified spaces.

Don't worry about her weight loss while she is on crate rest. Limit treats but feed her what she is used to. The focus is on her disc healing. Once she gets off crate rest, she will lose the weight as she gradually returns to activity. Help your husband to learn about IVDD and have him read the website so he can help in her recovery. Knowledge means everything with this disesase.

Healing thoughts and prayers..

Last Edit: Jul 23, 2014 22:06:45 GMT -7 by Pauliana

Pauliana & Tyler www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory/tylerApplegate.htm

Disclaimer:
This information is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the IVD dog community. The coordinators are not veterinarians or health care professionals. Nothing herein should be interpreted as medical advice and all should contact their pet care professionals for advice. The coordinators are not responsible for the substance and content contained herein and do not advocate any particular product, item or position contained herein.

✔︎ HELP your dog FASTEST. Click link below to answer questions about your dog

Kirsten's Lulu 7/21 Conservative

Post by Kirsten & Lulu on Jul 22, 2014 7:36:52 GMT -7

Post by Sabrina on Jul 22, 2014 10:25:39 GMT -7

Post by Kirsten & Lulu on Jul 23, 2014 14:35:40 GMT -7

Post by Pauliana on Jul 23, 2014 22:05:13 GMT -7