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Post by tallpkb on Apr 21, 2013 13:29:07 GMT -7
Hello. My name is Elizabeth, and my boy is 5 y/o Taz, a Bichon Frise. Taz has had a couple of fairly minor IVDD episodes over the last year and a half, but on the evening of 4/15, he seemed in pain, particularly his back right leg. By morning, (Tuesday 4/16), he couldn't walk without collapsing after 2-3 steps. Fortunately, we have a FABULOUS state-wide vet surgery center/clinic very close to us. Took Taz in when they opened, 2 hours later. By that point, he couldn't walk at all. Got an MRI, and it showed a complete rupture at the thoracic/lumbar junction. Surgery was done by a vet neurosurgeon (so very fortunate) at 5:00pm. Going into surgery, he DID have pain reflexes in both legs, even though he couldn't use them. He came home on Thursday, 4/18 on the following regime: Fentanyl patch C2 25 mcg on back right leg, Tramadol HCl 50 mg, 1/2 tab q8h, Gabapentin 100mg q8h prn uncontrolled pain, and Acepromazine 10mg, 1/4-1/2 tab 1-2/day prn sedation/anxiety.
When he came home on Thursday, since he pee'd on his own the day of discharge, and was showing hip movement, he did not have a catheter. By the next day, 24 hours after his last pee, I took him back and he was cath'd. He's not eating much, but perhaps drinking a little more than the little bit he's eating. Yesterday he pee'd around his catheter, though he didn't empty. During the night, he woke us up whining, so we took him out, and he pooped. Bet part, he is walking a bit; even more this morning! He is definately weaker on the right. He's sleeping A LOT. Currently, as of today, Sunday at 1:22pm, he's taking: Tramadol 1/2 tab q8h, none of the Gabapentin, and the Fentanyl patch was removed last night before bed. I attempted to give him 1/4 tab of the Acepromazine, because he was quietly whining, tho he fought me on that, so I don't know if/how much he really got. He's been sleeping comfortably, I THINK, for the last 3-4 hours.
I'm so thrilled that he's getting strength/movement back so early. I just wish he'd get to peeing on his own, so the cath can come out, and he will then get the cone off.
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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 21, 2013 15:39:00 GMT -7
Elizabeth, welcome to Dodgerlist. I sounds like Taz is going in a good direction with already taking footsteps. I would ask for the cath to come out. Peeing around the cath does not sound healthy or good at all. And then he won't need the obnoxious cone. He is likely having bladder control come back and you can't tell with a cath in. Why did they not give you a hands on lesson on expressing the bladder.. is he overweight and hard to express? He looks cute as a button in the avatar!!!! I would get the cath out and periodically take him outdoors for the sniff and pee test. The only way for us humans to know if there is bladder control is with the sniff and pee test. Carry outdoors, set on an old pee spot to sniff it. See if urine is then released. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. If urine comes out bladder control is returning. You should do a quick manual bladder express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening. More on expressing the bladder www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmAce is not for pain but as a relaxer, a calmer, a very heavy duty calmer. YOu need to determine why the whinning...does he feel now that he has to pee but can't because of the cath. Is he in pain, do you see other signs of pain to confirm it such as shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? OR..... whining might be a behavior problem.... be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will learn which of the behaviors receive reward. |
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Post by tallpkb on Apr 21, 2013 16:40:53 GMT -7
Thanks, Paula. I also think the catheter needs to come out, but being Sunday, that becomes a problem unless I want to go to an emergency clinic. We have an appt for a cath check tomorrow morning, so I'm planning on waiting til then. Taz is resting comfortably now, and has all afternoon. The surgeon said the manual expression can be tricky to do, and felt that I could handle doing the urine extracting, rather than him having a cumbersome bag. Do people ever have to do manual expression AFTER a cath is removed? I know he is trying hard to pee when I take him outside, based on his actions and face, but I think the cath is interfering with it. He does drip some from around the cath. They said that when that happens, it is a sign that he's ready to pee on his own. Sure hope so!
The picture on my avatar is from an April 2013 UK Bichon Frise rescue's calendar. We call Taz, "Mr. April"!
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 21, 2013 21:26:40 GMT -7
While you are at the clinic be sure to ask them to give you a hands on lesson on how to express. It isn't hard to do, it just takes practice. Paula posted the link with information and a video. That way you will be prepared to help Taz if need be. Hopefully he will be able to urinate on his own..
It would also be a good idea to have him checked for a Urinary tract infection because they are common with the use of catheters and also common in dogs with IVDD..
Let us know how his vet visit goes. Sending healing wishes to Taz..
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Post by tallpkb on Apr 22, 2013 20:24:17 GMT -7
The appt went well. We decided to cut back on his pain meds a bit, since he's still not eating a whole lot, and he doesn't seem to need the pain meds every 8 hours. We're going to go with twice a day (Tramadol). It's just soooo hard to get him to take the Tramadol, because he can smell it in whatever I put it in, even chicken or cheese. The cath is out, and he is peeing on his own. Horray!! I'm having a hard time right know, because of lack of sleep, and knowing what lies ahead with the crating and beyond. How we're ever going to restrict him from jumping onto the couch (so he can look out the front room window ALL DAY is beyond me.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 22, 2013 20:59:41 GMT -7
Here is a link to making your home back friendly for your Taz. These ideas may help to ease your mind about the days after crate rest. In the meantime take one day at a time. I know how overwhelming it is at first.. I felt that way too when Tyler had his surgery and in the days afterwards. It did get better and he is recovered now and you wouldn't know he had back surgery to look at him now. He's active, happy and healthy. Taz will get there and so will you.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmI am so glad the catheter is out and I am sure Taz is too. Take a deep breath and try to get as much rest as you can. |
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104 
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on May 22, 2013 15:16:52 GMT -7
Don't know if this will work with the Tramadol for Taz or not, but my doxie wouldn't take her Tramadol with peanut butter, cheddar cheese, lunchmeat, etc. but then someone on this board mentioned cream cheese and low and behold it worked. Tramadol is very bitter, they don't like the taste and when I had to put it down her throat she would foam at the mouth and shake her head. I think it is worth a try, especially if you like it too. Sounds like Taz is doing really good after his surgery. Keep us updated on his progress. Always good to hear positive results  |
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