derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26 
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 10, 2013 18:00:19 GMT -7
Yes we were told, it would only get worse and he would start developing sores from laying around and/or dragging himself on the floor all the time etc. etc. etc. Tonight he is drugged b/c the vet gave him a valium injection. He doesn't want to even lift his head this afternoon. Today, I bought some chicken and salmon. Will boil the chicken tomorrow and mix it with rice. I am watching for the signs of myelomalacia b/c I don't want him to suffer. I had hope we can just get through the initially injury!
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Post by natureluva on Apr 10, 2013 19:20:43 GMT -7
Well I can help you relax a bit about the sores developing. My dog occasionally scoots and mostly walks. He's never had sores because I have smooth floors. Not only that, but you can easily make a cape to protect scooting pups if they remain paralyzed. We have instructions for Ollie's Cape here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/incontinentdown/Olliecape.pdf Here's another one that can be purchased: www.k9-carts.com/K9-Carts-Products/protect-a-pet.php There are many products out there to help paralyzed pups - booties, belly bands, carts, etc. And here is a great product to use on sores, should they ever develop: emtgel.com/whatitis/index.php What I'm trying to say is -- no matter what the issue with IVDD, there's a solution. And through it all, our pups remain happy as long as they are pain-free, walking or not. There's no telling how much a dog will recover during the 8 weeks of crate rest. As you've probably heard before, some dogs stand up a couple of weeks into treatment, and some take much longer, like my Goosie. Read through some of our Success Stories, stories about pups just like yours: www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmAnd as long as Bobo is not developing myelomalacia, there is no reason to think that you won't get through this - remain hopeful!!! We've seen thousands of dogs recover from a disc episode on this list, even those that had no DPS or bladder control. I hope Bobo will enjoy his chicken and salmon - yummy!! Fingers crossed that that will entice him to eat. Let us know. It's bedtime here, I'll try to check in tomorrow. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 10, 2013 19:37:18 GMT -7
Deonna, the intern's neuro you said extended pred for 11 more days.. what happened? Your local vet has only prescribed 2 days at the anti-inflammatory dose and then a taper starts on Thursday... is that right? The vet gave a VERY short course of pred on top of the previous very short course of three days. You will need to be prepared to be extremely observant for signs of pain still showing nearing the next dose of pain meds. If you see any signs you need to get with the vet about another course of pred. You need to have a plan in hand teaming up with the vet for WHAT IF pain arises at night or weekend when only ER is open. The plan you and your vet should work out is that you have enough pred pills to do another course if pain happens on the weekend. Either you should have an Rx so you can fill it at a pharmacy or that you do have enough pills on hand. ►Was there a reason vet changed from Pepcid AC to Prilosec? Prilosec leaves Bobo without stomach protection for a couple of days!!!! ►Did you read the Marvista vet page on how to time Carafate? www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.html - Give Carafate on an empty tummy 1 hour before feeding or 2 hours after feeding
- Give Pepcid AC 30 minutes after Carafate
- Give Prednisone , Tramadol, methocarbamol with a meal 30 minutes after Pepcid AC Make up a med chart like this example to help you keep everything straight www.dodgerslist.com/literature/crateRRP/medchart.pdf1 . How is his pain currently.... no signs of shivering, yelping, not moving much nearing the next dose of pain meds? 2. Is he now eating is kibble? 3. Can he switch sides himself in his recovery suite? If he can, then he likely will not get sores. Do you have a memory foam or egg crate mattress to help prevent pressure sores? You can protect the foam mattress by inserting in a large trash bag and duct taping closed. Tuck in/cover with fleece.  Hang in there, you did a very good thing by advocating and getting the meds that Bobo needed.. Please update up and let us know exactly how he is feeling, eating, etc. We are in your corner in making sure Bobo gets back to enjoying family life right after his graduation day.
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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 11, 2013 0:41:10 GMT -7
Unfortunately the vet was right. He stated that Bobo had signs of Hematomyelia which after reading is myelomalacia. Yesterday afternoon and this morning he is unable to sit up at all and seems to be having a hard time putting pressure on one of his front legs. He just watches me with his eyes. At this rate I don't believe he will survive and it would be wrong to let him live this way. He is going down hill much faster than I expected. I slept downstairs on the air mattress again last night and he slept in his bed beside me so he wouldn't be alone. Thank you for being so supportive!
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on Apr 11, 2013 5:51:30 GMT -7
Deonna, I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and Bobo.
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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 11, 2013 9:30:45 GMT -7
I have officially gone mad..lol! I made the appointment to put him to sleep today at 2:40 but couldn't follow through with it so rescheduled for tomorrow. Instead I took him outside to pee and boiled him some chicken. I made rice yesterday so mixed it up for him. I thought it was one last desperate attempt to see if he would eat! I gave him his Carafate about an hour before he ate. Much to my surprise he was very excited about the chicken and even wanted to pick the chicken out of the rice when I was feeding him!! I guess I have been told so many different things in such a short period of time I just don't know what to believe. Maybe he is just weak from not eating the last few day??? I am so torn between what is selfish for me and what is right for him!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 11, 2013 10:00:35 GMT -7
The right thing for you to do is give Bobo a chance to heal so he can get back to being with his family after the recovery period.
Do give us these important details, so we are in a better position to help:
1. How is his pain currently.... no signs of shivering, yelping, not moving much nearing the next dose of pain meds?
2. Is he now eating is kibble? Transitioning slowly over couple of days back to kibbe will give Bobo the full nutrition, minerals and vitamins he needs to recover that rice and chicken does not.
3. Can he switch sides himself in his recovery suite?
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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 11, 2013 10:30:19 GMT -7
1. Pain seems to be good. No shivering etc.
2. Today he just ate chicken and rice. Will start introducing him to food.
3. No he doesn't switch sided himself.
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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 11, 2013 10:37:31 GMT -7
I take the pain comment back. He isn't crying out but has a twitch to him. Doesn't seem to want to sit up at all and I have to hold him up. Not sure if this is from being weak or b/c his injury progressing?? I have did read the articles about myelomalacia but still not sure if he really has it or not. My fear is waiting to long and him not being able to breath!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 11, 2013 10:44:13 GMT -7
Where is he twitching? How often and when? Is he still on a muscle relaxer. (methocarbonal) Is there someway you can get a video of him for us to see?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 11, 2013 13:14:47 GMT -7
Please stay in touch with us Deonna.
The cause of M or how it progresses is still unknown and that is why research is going on at Purdue Univ. Myelomalacia can be easily confirmed by your DVM with the following:
* 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
* 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
• hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body)
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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 11, 2013 14:54:40 GMT -7
Definitely doesn't sound good for him. He is twitching head and neck and the rest of his body and seems very stiff except for paralyzed back legs. Tomorrow will be a week. He can't hold himself up at all today. He sat up all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. He had vet appointments Monday and Wednesday. He hasn't barked since the incident but still whines on occasion. He allows me to touch him and we still express his bladder. I hold him up and he ate an entire chicken breast today. I really want to give him a chance but DON'T want him to suffer. He seems to not be in pain after medications. His breathing doesn't seem to be labored but DEFINATELY don't want him to not be able to breathe. He has lost anal tone and this happened a couple of days ago. He loves his laser light and holds it in his mouth while being supervised. I rescheduled his appointment for tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. He hasn't started the gabapentin yet b/c they had to send it to a compounding pharmacy and it should be here tomorrow. Please any suggestions?  |
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 11, 2013 21:31:38 GMT -7
Deonna,
Sending prayers and hugs for you and Bobo. I hope it is not Myelomalacia but it sounds like he has several of the symptoms. Glad he ate for you today.. You are doing your best for him in a very difficult situation. He knows you love him no matter what..We will be with you in spirit tomorrow..
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 11, 2013 21:38:49 GMT -7
Deonna, we are all in Bobo's corner hoping this is not myelomalacia developing. You have the symptoms to verify with a vet. Can you take his temperature, I would not wait til 10 but get him in asap even if it means the ER vet if he has a fever. Loss of anal tone means you can see an opening into the rectum as the anus is no longer tight.
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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 12, 2013 12:21:54 GMT -7
I wanted to thank everyone for the information shared with me. Bobo didn't have such a good outcome. He is in doggy heaven now. There is no other place he could be because he went through so much in his short little life and was such a good, good boy!! Last night he was uncomfortable but I stayed with him all night. I wasn't sure of my decision when I went to bed but prayed that I would wake up with the right answer. I feel that he was suffering and we didn't think he was going to recover once he couldn't even sit up without falling over. I have learned a few things unfortunately at his expense. I will NEVER attempt to go to a regular vet for something I suspect is a back injury! I will NEVER accept seeing an intern and I will ALWAYS be more of a voice for my dog who doesn't have one immediately. I feel somewhat guilty and am trying to find every reason why I shouldn't have put him down today. Such as eventhough he had all the other symptoms, he didn't have a fever. Oh, he could have gotten better..etc. etc. etc. I miss my boy so much and don't even feel like being with the other dogs. I prepared for this for my oldest dachshund but can honestly say I wasn't prepared for him to go!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 12, 2013 12:55:32 GMT -7
Deonna, we don't know why this disease happens, and we all don't know why tragedy happens in our lives. We just have to believe it is for a reason that will at some point become clear...after all life is a journey of learning and applying what we have learned. When we know more we can do better. I am so very sorry you don't have Bobo by your side. He did not leave you, he just changed worlds and now he forever remains in a safe and warm place... your loving heart and your memory... he is now watching over you. Choosing some sort of action can help during these grieving days. On behalf of Bobo, a legacy of helping to educate about IVDD. 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.htmThere is a lovely website called the Dachshund Memorial Garden where you can pay tribute and even place a photo. Many touching poems to help in this time of grief: www.dachshundmemorialgarden.comJoin a pet grief group for support: www.dailystrength.org/c/Pet-Bereavement/support-group. Warmest of ((hugs) and my sincere condolences to you. |
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 12, 2013 14:24:57 GMT -7
Deonna, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my Duncan two weeks ago today. Its still hard, but I try to take one day at a time. Do hold onto the others. They will definitely comfort you.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 12, 2013 14:49:19 GMT -7
Deonna, My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry about Bobo. He would not want you to feel guilty. He would want you to go forward and give your love to your other dogs. Hope this poem will comfort you. From: Rainbow Bridge: 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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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on Apr 12, 2013 16:32:17 GMT -7
Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts. I believe I was able to do today what was necessary for my Bobo because of all of the information provided to me in this forum. Linda, I am sorry for the loss of Duncan. I do hope that one day we are able to see our pets again! Thank you again everyone for helping me make an informed decision about Bobo. I would be more than happy to help distribute any information concerning IVDD so that hopefully others will know what and how to deal what they could face, if that horrible day should come.
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pam
New Member
Posts: 21
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Post by pam on Apr 13, 2013 21:33:03 GMT -7
So sorry for your loss! Just remember there is no pain in doggy heaven.
Paula Can i ask what you are talking about when you say a packet to give the vet?
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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 18, 2013 14:56:22 GMT -7
My thoughts and prayers are with you..just remember, you did the best you could for Bobo, and he loves you no matter what..(((hugs)))
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derobe16
New Member
Bobo was not a graduate. He passed away.
Posts: 26
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Post by derobe16 on May 6, 2013 10:10:10 GMT -7
It hasn't even been a month yet and I can't help but wonder if I did the right thing. I read everyone's post and the updates on facebook about how people's dogs get better but it takes a while after the injury for it to happen. I really didn't want him to suffer but I am just not sure I didn't give up on him to soon. I am so full of what IF's! I wish I would have taken him Friday immediately to the neurologist. Luckily for me it was never about the money for me but even with that being the case, it wasn't enough to save him.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 6, 2013 10:39:16 GMT -7
Don't torture yourself with what ifs. You made the best decision you could based on the situation at hand. I say this knowing full well how hard it is. We put our beloved lab Daphne down 8 months ago after receiving a liver cancer diagnosis. She was in such pain. Yes, we could have prolonged her life with surgery and chemo, but having lost another dog slooooooooowly a few years ago, we just couldn't do it again. My husband insisted that we not put her or ourselves through it. I would give anything to have her with us still, but I'm learning to make peace with it.
It sounds as though myelomalacia had taken hold of your sweet Bobo. You gave him a gift by stopping the pain. He'll always be in your heart. Share what you've learned with others. That's the best way to honor him. Be kind to yourself. You made your decision with love.
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