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Post by nordie on Apr 26, 2013 22:36:09 GMT -7
Ben is a Red mini long hair dachshund. I am not sure if he was diagnosed with IVDD. My wife one morning woke up and noticed he was shaking.
She took him in the following day Apr 20 to the vet and the vet said that he would need surgury 6-7K. He was provided meds (Robaxin) 1/4 tablet 2 times a day and something else (which Steroid??) 1/2 tablet 2 times a day for 7 days, then 1/2 time a day for 7 days, then 1/2 every other day for 7 days .
We found a DYI doggy wheelchair because I was not going to pay the 7K for surgury. I saw a comment that mentioned Dodgerslist web site. Boy was I surprised at the information available at this site.
After doing some reading, I immediately put him in the crate (4/24).
Ben at first was shaking for a few days, then just prior to giving him the peanut butter with pills, a few hours the shaking would stop. He never yelped but no leg movement to some. He now does have a wobbly walk. a few days after meds, he was wagging is tail.
He never showed signs of loss of bowl control and never had an accident. He has been eating is normal. Bowl is normal color.
This is my first Dachshund and I have learned a lot from what was said here. There has been some great recovery stories here and based on there stories, I feel much better that he has a greater chance of recovery. I have taken the doggy steps apart that went up to our bed. He would jump off our bed and I did not know any better. Now I know and If he does recover, big change in the house on what we will let him do.
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Post by christine on Apr 27, 2013 1:53:09 GMT -7
Hi there my name is Christine, what's yours? I'm not a moderator, but I'm sure they'll be by in the morning to offer additional advice. My Lola is on her 6th week of conservative treatment and I know it's overwhelming at first. You're already doing the best thing you can for Ben, learning about IVDD. As you've read on the dodgerslist site - 100% STRICT crate rest, only out to potty and back in, for 8 weeks is crucial to his recovery. Many dogs make a full recovery without surgery and it sounds like Ben is already making progress. Of course there is hope and a wonderful quality of life whether or not your dog makes a full recovery. The next thing is to make sure that Ben is not in any pain. It will be very important to know the exact names and doses of the medications Ben is taking. Robaxin (methocarbamol) is a muscle relaxer and based on the tapered dosage of the nameless medication I would guess it's a steroid, but you should call your vet and get the exact name and dose - it's odd that there is no label. The steroid is an anti-inflammatory. Assuming Ben is on a steroid, you should get a stomach protector on board ASAP. Steroids can cause ulcers and it's best to be proactive and protect the stomach. Try asking your vet if there is any reason you can't give Pepcid (famotidine) 30 min before the steroid to protect his stomach. Most vets also prescribe a pain reliever along with a muscle relaxer and anti-inflammatory. Tramadol is commonly used in combination with methocarbamol and a steriod. Is Ben showing any signs of pain (shivering, yelping, hard stomach, reluctant to move)? Ben's pain should be completely controlled by the medication. If he has any signs of pain you may want to ask the vet to consider adding tramadol. If Ben is wobbly walking on potty breaks do use a sling to support his rear end and keep his back aligned. You can use an old scarf or purchase a sling. If you haven't already, take a look at the information here about the basics of crate rest, including using a sling www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmI look forward to reading about Ben's progress, please keep us updated. Christine |
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 27, 2013 8:37:53 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Nordie! You are off to a great start already reading and becoming educated on IVDD
So happy you are finding the information you need on our website.
As Christine posted it is important to call the Vet and ask what drug is in the unlabeled bottle. It sounds like it could be Prednisone but you need to know and so do we in order to help you. We also need to know the dosage.
What was the date you saw the vet and started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty . 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)? Also don't use the wheelchair cart during the 8 weeks of crate rest. I am hopeful as long as you are dedicated to the crate rest that Ben won't further injure his spine and will continue to be able to walk. This link will show you a video of what happens to spine with a disc herniation.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm
Here is a video on how to lift and carry Ben.
Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html
Let us know how we can continue to help you. How is Ben today and does he seem to be in pain? Yelping, shivering, reluctance to move are all signs of pain. As Ben's advocate communicate with the Vet to make sure his pain is controlled. Once he is pain free dose to dose he is able to begin healing.
Sending healing wishes to Ben over the miles.
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Post by nordie on Apr 27, 2013 10:28:29 GMT -7
It Just so happens that we are going to the vet in a few Minutes. we started on 24 April 2013 with the 24/7 crate. He went to the vet on 20 April 2013 and was given meds then. His Injury was on 19 April 2013 (wife just corrected me).
His leg movement coordination is improving as I need to leash him so he does not walk off the potty area when I set him down to keep him movement mobile.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,610
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 27, 2013 10:46:36 GMT -7
Nordie, do let us know the exact name of the steroid (no label) Ben is on. At potty time you will need to control him from too much walking or darting off. Carry him to and from the potty place and choose one of these ways to restrict the number of footsteps he takes: 1) You stand in one spot and the 6 foot leash limits the number of footsteps. The sling is used as back up should his wobbly legs allow his butt to fall down… you want to keep his spine aligned. The figure 8 sling is often much better tolerated than a scarf, etc, with male dogs. Figure 8 www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/Figure8.jpg2) The other way to limit footsteps is using a fenced 6 foot diameter potty area as both a physical and visual barrier to let them know sniff fests are not an option. Then if wobbly, you just would need a sling. 
Let us know what the vet says, the exact name of the steroid and that you do have Pepcid AC (famotine) on board to protect the stomach.
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Post by nordie on Apr 27, 2013 12:11:43 GMT -7
OK I just got back from the Vet. She did tell my wife about the anti-acid but she did not hear her say that and we will give it to Ben 1/2 hour before the Meds. The No Name is 5mg Prednisolone (cut in 1/2)
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,610
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 27, 2013 15:39:06 GMT -7
Nordie, the taper off of pred is coming up on this Sunday?
Often it takes being at the anti-inflamamtory dose of prednisone for 1-2 weeks or even for some dogs more like a month before all the swelling is gone. On the taper the dose is lowered to less than the anti-flammatory dose and that is the time to assess just how well reduction of swelling is going by observing for pain. Shaking is a sign of pain as well as these other signs: trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy. IF you should see signs of pain, the vet needs to know so Pred can go back up to the original dose.
Rule of thumb is:
pain = swelling = more time on Pred needed.
If there is no pain on the taper then it goes to completion. Then no meds at all are needed any longer. To have a clear picture on a taper, pain meds are also stopped or back off too.
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Post by nordie on Apr 27, 2013 19:37:49 GMT -7
Paula,
Yes Sunday will start the taper. We will keep an eye on the symptoms for pain. Noticed a few hours ago, he was using his rear leg to itch.
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Post by nordie on Apr 30, 2013 17:20:45 GMT -7
Prednisolone has been down to 1 time a day (1/2) since Sunday. No signs of pain. Seems to be using both rear feet when doing his business in his potty area with no limp legs. Still maintaining the 24/7 crate.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on May 1, 2013 8:36:58 GMT -7
Good job!  |
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Post by nordie on May 10, 2013 17:43:30 GMT -7
Prednisolone has been down to 1 time every other day since 5 May 2012 and showing no signs of pain. Full use of back legs I think last week. Still been crated 24/7. Please advise when you believe he can be pulled from the crate treatment.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 10, 2013 19:46:18 GMT -7
Im sure the moderators will advise you to give Ben the full 8 weeks crate 24/7 only out for potty. I know it sounds like forever, but you must remember that discs are VERY slow to heal. Even though his symptoms have improved (hooray!) one wrong move is all it takes to break that healing disc open again. Once you're at the end of the 8 weeks, it won't seem like it was so long. It's time very well spent. There are lots of suggestions on the site for how to keep Ben entertained and happy as possible. Stick with it! You'll be glad you did.
My sons name is Ben, btw. Love that name!
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 10, 2013 20:27:34 GMT -7
This is wonderful news that Ben has made such a great recovery. The crate rest process is intended to heal the disc so that hopefully Ben will not experience another IVDD episode again...though there are never guarantees. It takes 8 full weeks of 100% strict crate rest for the disc to heal even though outward symptoms have subsided. The symptoms you saw were caused by pressure from the disc pressing on the spinal cord and thus messages not being relayed from his brain to his legs properly. Fortunately that pressure is now relieved but the disc inside where we cannot see still has some healing to do. Think of the process of healing a broken bone...initially it hurts like crazy, gradually the pain subsides but the cast must remain in place for several weeks to allow the bone to heal properly. The crate is much like that cast restricting Ben from moving too much so the disc is able to heal.
Eight full weeks from the date you started crate rest Ben can return to activity. It never hurts to do so gradually over a few days since after that amount of time he's lost a little muscle tone and he'll be so excited to get out and go that he may over-do a little.
Keep us posted on how things are going. I'm so glad he's doing well.
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Post by Pauliana on May 10, 2013 20:35:48 GMT -7
Hi Nordie! Ben's crate rest graduation date is June 19th! I know he feels better but dogs taken off crate rest early have a higher chance of relapse and that just isn't worth risking. "When the dog starts to feel better, he still needs to be confined to prevent further extrusion of the disk and sudden relapse with potential for profound worsening of neurologic status." sturgisvet.com/smallanimalclinic/managingdiskdisease.html"Strict confinement is crucial and is considered the cornerstone of conservative therapy for IVDD (the dog is kept in the cage at all times and only taken outside to relieve him/herself). In order to accomplish the goals of preventing further extrusion of the nucleus of the disk and to promote healing of the outer layers (the annulus) of the disk, strict confinement is necessary. Activity can easily push more of the nucleus into the spinal canal and dramatically worsen the neurological status. It is not uncommon to see dogs that have “gone down” after a short course of pain relievers given without insuring that the owner would enforce strict cage rest." Dr Larry Carpenter DVM MS ACVS sites.google.com/site/sturgisvet/small-animal-services/faq-s-about-disk-diseaseBe planning ahead for his crate rest graduation by making your home back friendly to Ben.. Here is a link to help you get started..http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on May 12, 2013 9:18:16 GMT -7
Hi my name is Maureen. The previous posters are not kidding when they talk about how easy it is to re-injure a newly healed disc. Stevie was 4 1/2 weeks post graduation from her IVDD episode that started in January, when she slipped on a wet floor when running into the kitchen. Her top half twisted one way and her bottom half the other, two days later she is showing signs of back pain and difficulty walking. We aren't back at square one physically as she can still wobbly walk, but she is back on 8 weeks crate rest and EOD prednisone for 2 more weeks. Better safe than sorry when it comes to returning to "normal" activity. Keeping you in thought and prayer |
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Post by nordie on Jun 3, 2013 11:57:18 GMT -7
Update: Ben is doing fine and somewhat adjusted to the crate( Not so much whining). He has been off the meds for a few weeks. I can't wait until the 19th of June rolls around so things will be back to normal (crate jail). Thank you for all your support and advise during this trying time. There will be a big change on not allowing him on furniture and beds.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 3, 2013 14:11:51 GMT -7
Nordie,
Thanks for the wonderful update!! We will be celebrating June 19th right along with you!
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Post by nordie on Jun 19, 2013 16:17:16 GMT -7
OK Ben is out of jail. still wobbles when he walks. hopefully this will improve in time |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,610
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2013 16:35:35 GMT -7
Congratulations for sticking through the full 8 weeks of crate rest. Now you are ready to slowly re-introduce him back to physical activity. More explanation plus a sample scheduleL www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmPlease let us know how he continues to do! |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 19, 2013 20:29:49 GMT -7
Nordie, You did it!! I hope Ben enjoys his careful new normal now that he has been sprung from the crate rest! Here is some info on making your home back friendly for Ben! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmPlease do keep us posted on how he is doing when you get a chance! |
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Post by nordie on Jul 8, 2013 19:17:13 GMT -7
Ben is doing good. it seems his walking has improved to normal. Thank you for all the help.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 8, 2013 21:26:43 GMT -7
Happy to hear Ben is doing so well! Thanks for the update!
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 10, 2013 14:05:01 GMT -7
Great news!! |
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