cathy
New Member
Posts: 8 
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Post by cathy on May 5, 2013 6:59:24 GMT -7
Hi everyone. I was so hoping I would never have to post here again. I don't know if anyone remembers Quincee. He had his first bout with IVDD in late 2011. He recovered so well. But on March 26, it reared it's ugly head again. He is on week number 6 of 24/7 crate rest. I recognized right away the signs and my vet got him in immediately. He started on prednisone that day. 5mg tab 1/2 twice daily and then the taper down. I also started the pepcid and he was given tramadol. I also started him on the canine whole body support again. He's done with all meds, he's no longer in pain, but I don't see much of an improvement. I can't remember from the last time when he started to show improvement but it seems it was before the 6 week mark. When I take him out to potty his back feet are still knuckling. I am using a sling. He never lost control of his bowels or bladder and he has been able to wag his tail throughout, non of which happened the first time. There's so much I can't remember, when is it safe for me to start acupuncture. That seemed to help so much the first time. I'm becoming discouraged and have even started looking into carts. I think I need a pep talk. Thanks everyone. I forgot to mention. Quincee is a dachshund
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Post by Pauliana on May 5, 2013 8:08:49 GMT -7
Hi Cathy! Welcome back to Dodgerslist and to our new forum! So sorry to hear that Quincee is again having a disc episode. Acupuncture and laser light therapy are excellent complementary treatments for IVDD. They both stimulate the nerves to heal and reduce pain and inflammation, and acupuncture has the additional bonus of inducing a state of well-being. These treatments can begin asap, as long as you can safely transport your dog to and from the appointments (crated). You can ask your vet for a referral to a holistic vet that does acupuncture and laser light therapy, or you can search for one in your area here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ Also read this: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htmJust as a refresher on IVDD please check out our website. You will be back up to speed in no time. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm and www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmDon't be discouraged, there is a GREAT chance that acupunture and/ or laser light therapy can help! Sending healing wishes over the miles! |
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 5, 2013 9:23:58 GMT -7
Cathy, 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks is the key to letting his disc heal which is the focus during the 8 weeks. Nerves can take much longer to regenerate....think in terms of months. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest. At the end of 8 weeks, then you will be in a better posisition to assess his neuro functions and see where money would be better spent... on rehab such as under water treadmill or a wheelchair while waiting on more nerve regeneration.
Both acupuncture and Laser light therapy can be started right away if in your budget to hep kick start nerve to repair as Pauliana recommended. Don't loose hope.... nerve healing demands our patience. The important goal of being pain free means as soon as the 8 weeks of STRICT rest is over, he can get back to enjoying family life again while waiting on nerves to heal.
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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 May 5, 2013 9:29:32 GMT -7
Hi Cathy, Just wanted to let you know, I'm feeling your pain and you are NOT alone.. Prayers going out to you and your FurBaby...and many (((hugs))) too..  |
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cathy
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by cathy on May 5, 2013 9:33:51 GMT -7
Thank you everyone! I'm still learning how to post and recieve replys so bear with me. I'm not very computer savey.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 5, 2013 9:44:08 GMT -7
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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 5, 2013 10:06:44 GMT -7
Hi Cathy, We are going through a second IVDD episode too, I know how discouraging that can be. Keeping you and Quincee in thought and prayer. |
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cathy
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by cathy on May 6, 2013 7:36:21 GMT -7
Thank you! At least I'm not the basket case I was the first time it happened. I cried for 3 days! Always hid in my bedroom so Quincee wouldn't see. I know they can sense that. I think the fact that I have another doxie, Fritz, that also needs my love and attention helped, along with the wonderful people from dodgers list! Thanks to all of you for the education and support. You're all awesome!
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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 May 6, 2013 11:10:27 GMT -7
Cathy...you sound like me...I had NEVER been thru this till this year,,,I thought I was gonna lose my mind...read through MY post if you wanna read "basket case"...OMGosh, I was a MESS. Thank God for this site and the members, they are the only reason I'm not in the looney bin..And now we have 1 week to go till Angel is off crate rest and I am a nervous wreck, but we will settle in a New routine". I'm sure...Many (((hugs))) and continued prayers for you and your FurBaby.. |
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cathy
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by cathy on May 21, 2013 7:02:36 GMT -7
Today will be Quincee's first day off crate rest but unfortunately he's having emergency dental surgery for an abcessed tooth. I just got a call from the vet about his labs and his kidney functions are very elevated. The vet said unfortunately he can't tell me if he has 2 mos or 2 yrs but it is definately critical. This poor little guy just can't get a break. I'll keep everyone posted. Please say a few prayers for my Quincee. He needs all the prayers he can get |
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Post by Pauliana on May 21, 2013 8:48:03 GMT -7
Lots of prayers for Quincee on the way, for his dental surgery and for his elevated kidney functions. Please do keep us posted.. Comforting thoughts and hugs for you too!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 21, 2013 8:53:56 GMT -7
Hey, Cathy, congratulations for sticking to the 8 weeks. So sorry to hear Quincee is having added problems now :- ( Hope the dental goes smoothly and the vet will be extra careful. While under anesthesia the muscles which support the spine are lost. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/precautions.htmlHoping the vet will be able to give you some help with the kidney problem. You may want to do you own research and find a kidney group. |
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cathy
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by cathy on May 21, 2013 11:12:17 GMT -7
That's a good idea. I spoke with the vet before his surgery and reminded him of Quincee's back issue. I have 100% trust in my vet. I've been with him for 37 years. He's awesome. Thanks so much for the kind words and info!
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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 May 22, 2013 7:21:45 GMT -7
Praying for Quincee, and sending you (((many hugs))), hoping to hear from you soon.
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cathy
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by cathy on May 22, 2013 8:25:59 GMT -7
Just updating everyone on Quincee. He is walking. It seems like the weekness is in his rt leg. I'm following the quidlines and working back into walking slowly. He's just always been a little ram rod..lol and even though I've been keeping him on his leash walking breaking him into walking again, he just wants to take off. He is flopping alittle from side to side but he is able to pull himself up. I just worry the flopping is going to re-injure his back.
I know this is off topic but want to update quickly on his new dx of kidney failue. He is in stage 3. There are 4 stages. As of right now, no meds. He is now on the kidney diet and will have labs drawn again in 6 wks. The vet said there is no doubt that this is what will take Quincee. He said unfortunately he can't give me a life range. It's different with every patient but we now know he's got it and will do everything to slow the progression. This has all been so sudden because 1 yr ago his labs were all normal. So that's where we stand.
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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 May 23, 2013 6:57:08 GMT -7
So sorry about the kidney disease..Treasure the time you have, don't dwell on it though. Praying for many, many happy times. give it time, and take it slow, it sounds like Quincee is doing well. Many (((hugs))), and prayers coming your way.. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 23, 2013 10:08:48 GMT -7
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cathy
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by cathy on May 29, 2013 18:06:24 GMT -7
Quincee is still flopping back and forth but what's odd is that he does better when he runs. Now when I say run I don't mean I just let him outside to go for it. This is when I let him out of his crate in the living room. It's like he bounces both legs as he runs and they stay completely upright with no buckeling or anything but I worry about the "bounce" that he does. I hope I described it well.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 2, 2013 7:48:03 GMT -7
Hi, my dog Goosie does the same thing when he runs - he sort of "hops" with both back legs at the same time. I think it is because his reflexes kick in when he starts to go really fast. Not much you can do about this. You can control it while he is on a harness and leash, but when he's loose, not much you can do. You could try acupuncture to stimulate his nerves further. I found that after my dog's acupuncture treatments, his movements were much stronger. Also, swim therapy can help strengthen his muscles - use a life jacket and tempt him around the pool with a treat or toy (get in the pool with him to do this so you can ensure he doesn't dip under).
Best of luck, ~Lisa
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