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Post by busterjames on May 10, 2013 0:10:49 GMT -7
My dachshund is showing signs of a ruptured disc and my vet says it is likely a ruptured disc. I noticed his behavior change on Sunday May 5. I took him to the vet the next day May 6. He was prescribed an antiinflammatory and steroid on Wed. May 7. He can move on his own and walk, but it seems he his feeling more pain because he cries when I set him down to go to the bathroom. He can still urinate and poop on his own. I'm getting nervous. I have been keeping him in his crate at all times now other than bathroom breaks. What else should I do? Surgery is not an option due to costs if it came down to it. Is crate rest the best option? Are his symptoms severe? Why does he cry when I set him down and how to I prevent him from feeling the pain when I set him down? Thx Dave
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 10, 2013 6:10:01 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist! My name is Sherry and I've been on Dodgerslist for years now and had two dogs go through this. One had surgery and one did not, both fully recovered. Hang in there. The most important thing to remember is that this is a process, no instant recovery here so breathe and realize it's going to take some time. Is your Dog's name Buster? Can you be more specific about his symptoms? How did they start and what is he experiencing now? Has your vet prescribed any medications for him? Please give us names, doses and frequency. If he is on a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) he needs to also be on a tummy protector such as Pepcid (famotidine). This can be purchased very inexpensively at any Walmart or other such store over-the-counter. Before giving it to your dog you need to call your vet and just ask if it's ok. Many vets do not see the importance of this medication so do not ask if it is "ok" rather phrase the question as "Is there any health reason why my dog cannot take Pepcid?" Give your dog 5mg twice daily about 30 minutes prior to the steroid or NSAID. Another helpful way of protecting the stomach is to give the steroid or NSAID with food...give it at mealtime. Is he still eating and drinking normally? Crate rest is very important in healing your dogs back. 100% strict crate rest means in the crate at all times except out for potty breaks on a leash and harness...collars are hard on the discs in the neck so use a harness. Using a leash is important so he cannot roam the yard at will or suddenly dart off at something he sees that is interesting. Carry him from the crate to a usual favorit potty spot, put him down, stand still and allow him only the area the leash will allow to do his business. Encourage him verbally to do his business. It may take him some time to catch on but eventually he'll understand he can't wander. Give him 5-10 minutes and if he doesn't go take him back to the crate and try again later. During crate rest there are not baths, no cuddling time, nothing but potty time. Does his poop still look normal? No blood, normal color? This is the link to our IVDD101 page. There is tons of excellent information here for you and it's all easy to find. Some if it relates to surgery so you can skip that at this point. But the disc disease info and crate rest info is important for you to read. You are your dogs advocate as he has no voice and no way to educate himself and care for himself. Read up and become knowledgeable about his condition. Feel free to ask questions about anything that isn't clear. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWe've all been through this before and we know what you are going through. As I said above, most importantly right now breathe, relax and know that this is a process with no instant cures. But it is possible for your dog to have a full and happy life after crate rest is over. Hang in there! |
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Post by busterjames on May 10, 2013 10:54:20 GMT -7
Thanks for the response. Yes, his name is Buster and he is approximately 5 1/2 yoa. He was adopted from a shelter when he was two. He has had no medical problems since the adoption until now.
Buster started showing symptoms on May 4 or 5. He just wasn't himself. Walking "gingerly" and not wanting to walk up stairs.I really knew something was wrong when he cried while going poop on the morning of May 6.
I took him to the Vet immediately and he was prescribed Prednisone 5mg 1 tablet twice a day and Robaxin 500mg with 1/4 tablet two times a day. He was walking still and had full mobility in both legs. However, Dr Steve Feldman did notice is left rear leg was not responding as good as the right one. He would pick up his rear end and bend each foot back slightly to see how well Buster brought it back. The left leg was a little lethargic, but not completely limp by any means.
Buster was prescribed the meds on Wed May 7. He actually didn't get meds on the inital visit. Since then he has not improved, but has deteriorated either. The one change was in his pain. He would cry when I would set him down to go to the bathroom. He could still stand up and walk and also go poop and pee on his own. He went in for a check up before the weekend today May 10th. Doc said he was in more pain and was prescribed Tramadol 50mg with a 1/4 tablet twice a day.
Buster is still eating and going to the bathroom. No discoloration in feces. It seems normal. He is drinking water still as normal. Doc is hoping the pain subsides during the weekend. He is suggesting an xray/MRI if things don't improve. He also seems to be more on the surgical side of treatment. I'm skeptical after reading up on IVDD.
I will be calling Dr Feldman and asking about stomach balance issue. Does anyone know of a specialist in the Denver,CO area for dachshunds or IVDD?
I will check in and post any updates. Thx
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Post by Pauliana on May 10, 2013 11:45:14 GMT -7
Hi Dave! Welcome to Dodgerslist! Board-certified neuros (ACVIM) and ortho (ACVS) surgical specialists can be found at University vet teaching hospitals. You can locate others in your area here: www.acvim.org [neuros] www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/DiplomateDirectory/ [orthos] Even if you are not considering surgery at this time a specialist's advice can be invaluable as they are usually more experienced at dealing with IVDD. Here is a link that tells how to choose a Vet for Buster. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmHere is a video that shows you how to lift and carry Buster now that he has IVDD. Keep an eye on his pain levels now that he is on Tramadol and Robaxin twice day. Tramadol is a short acting pain reliever and it usually takes 3 times a day for it to be effective. In the meantime see how he is doing on twice a day and call your vet if you see he is still in pain. He can't heal until his pain is under control. Here is a helpful article that discusses both surgical and conservative treatment plans and compares the two treatments towards the end of the article. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmWhile he is on Prednisone you will see his thirst increase and he will need to potty more often, around every 3 hours.. Everything will be ok with Buster, it just takes time to adjust to a new routine and get used to caring for him now that he has IVDD. There is still a great quality of life in store for him after his recovery. Please read some of our dogs success stories to see it does get better with time. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htm |
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Post by Linda Stowe on May 10, 2013 12:37:31 GMT -7
Hi Dave, I have a friend who has Dachshunds in the Denver area. There is a Patricia Luttgen in Lakewood who is a boarded neuro and is very good. There is also Dr. Stephen Lane at VRCC. My friend says Dr. Luttgen is more hands on and better at follow-up. Dr. Lane is a very good surgeon but once it's done hes not as available. Dr. Luttgen is also considerably less expensive.
Hope this helps.
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Post by busterjames on May 10, 2013 23:57:05 GMT -7
Thank you Pauliana and Linda. I am doing my best right now with Buster. Dr is trying to get his pain under control so he can start healing up. I hope the tremadol kicks in and he isn't hurting.
He's still able to move fine on both legs just gingerly. Anyone know how much an xray/ MRI cost?
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 11, 2013 6:27:59 GMT -7
The x-ray doesn't really make a definitive diagnosis as x-rays show bone and other dense tissue not soft tissue like a disc...unless they have the very newest of machines which can take a better picture of soft tissue. So if money is an issue it's a waste on some level, discuss this with your vet. The MRI does indeed give a great picture of the disc but again is generally done prior to surgery so the surgeon can determine exactly which disc is offending and needs repair. Either of these tests at this point won't change your course of treatment since you aren't considering surgery so this is a conversation to have with your vet. A good starter question will be something like "If we do the x-ray/MRI what do you expect to see that will change the way you are treating Buster?" It does make logical sense that Buster's doctor wants information but under the circumstances it won't change the course of action so it's extra money that you could possibly use toward acupuncture or another therapy that would assist in healing Buster's back.
The costs of both these tests can vary widely depending on the area of the country and even your specific vets office.
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Post by busterjames on May 14, 2013 1:05:52 GMT -7
Update on Buster. He has been in a lot of pain since May 5th. I have continued strict crate rest but today there seemed to be a set back. He was able to use both back legs when going outside to use bathroom. In the evening he went out, and his back left leg was limp. He just sat there and didn't go to the bathroom. However late evening we tried again and he did go pee. His back leg is completely limp though...is this a setback? Conservative treatment is our only option so I didn't rush him to an ER Vet. One thing I have noticed is since he lost the use of his leg, it seems the pain has eased or he is just not showing the signs as much.
He hasn't cried or whined when picked up/or set down like he did the first week. What do I do now that his back left leg seems to be paralyzed? His back right still seems like it has sensation/movement.
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 14, 2013 7:07:23 GMT -7
I would still contact your vet. If you can then contact a specialist as they have the most experience. Even if you aren't planning on surgery care of dogs with back problems is what they do so they will give you the best treatment. I see some names were give above.
One of my dogs was once on oral steroids and had a little set back and he was give a steroid shot and continued the oral steroids longer than originally planned. You can't do this on your own obviously but just saying you need to keep in contact with your vet as there are options. My vet raised Dachshunds and has studied the back problems and such so I've gone to her for their back problems until the one needed surgery, though she wasn't afrain to contact K-State by phone if they had a question. However, if I were at all uncomfortable I'd take my dog right to a specialist myself. We as humans are their only advocate, their only way of getting the proper care. A regular vet has so many varieties of animals and so many illness in animals, it's not an insult if you seek a specialist.
By the way, the reason it effects on leg first is because generally the disc will bulge to one side of the spinal cord. It can ultimately bulge enough that it impacts both legs and sometimes it bulges in a way that both legs are impacted at the same time but usually it's one leg first.
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Post by busterjames on May 14, 2013 18:22:16 GMT -7
I spoke with Dr Feldman. We have agreed to continue strict crate rest as long as Buster is able to relieve himself. Which is my next question...I have tried to set up the crate like its recommended. He is still going to the bathroom, but can't control it so he's going in his kennel. Any recommendations on disposable pet pads I can put in his kennel?
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 14, 2013 18:36:41 GMT -7
The fact that he's having accidents in his crate is something to investigate.
Either he needs to go out more often...steroids can increase thirst which in turn increase the need to urinate so they need to go outside more often. Is he still on the steroids?
The other possibility is that he isn't controlling his own bladder. If he isn't controlling his own bladder then the urine in the crate is likely overflow and his bladder is full. If that's the case you need to learn to press on his tummy to squeeze the bladder and empty it for him. Ultimately this is a pretty easy thing to do but it takes a demonstration or two to get the hang of it so your vet will need to show you.
How is Buster's pain at this time? Does he shiver, shake, cry, whine, seem to have difficulty getting comfortable in the crate, eating and drinking ok? Any of these can be signs of pain.
Can you also update us on his current meds?
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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 14, 2013 18:48:00 GMT -7
Dave, while on pred you will need to take him out to potty every 3-4 hours IF he has bladder control. Are you taking him out that often and he still is leaking in his bedding? Can you specifically tell us that when you take him outside he sniffs an old pee spot and then releases urine? Passing the sniff and pee test lets us know he does still have bladder control. We do not recommend diapers as it causes its own problems. Plus dogs abhor having feces and urine near them. Does Buster leak on you when lifted or are you finding urine leaks in his bedding?...those are the tell tale signs that you would need to manually express his bladder every 2-3 hours while on pred. Do you have his mattress enclosed in a trash bag, then layered with a pee pad. Then a fleece bottom sheet tucked in all around. That should help with an occasional accident. Do you now have a stomach protector on board? 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to Prednisone? Buster does not need any GI tract problems of bleeding ulcers on top of this disc episode. Is his pain now fully under control dose to dose of his pain meds (Tramadol and Robaxin)? No shivering/trembling, yelping nearing the next dose? Tramadol has a short half life of 1.7 hours and often does not control pain unless prescribed every 8 hours. So your vet still has other options if pain is not yet fully controlled... do let us know. More info on pain control www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on May 15, 2013 14:06:36 GMT -7
Hi Dave, I'm Maureen. You can get the disposable puppy training pee pads at places like Wal Mart - they work fairly well to wick urine away from skin. The pee pad protectors that are used in human hospitals are awesome - they are really big and can hold alot of liquid, you can get them at medical supply stores. When Stevie was on the full dose of steriods I had to take her out every 2-3 hours or she couldn't hold it, we were lucky that she never became incontinent and would raise the roof when she had to pee. Hope that this helps, keep in you in thought and prayer  |
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Post by busterjames on May 16, 2013 7:13:25 GMT -7
so an update on buster,he has lost control of his bladder as of last night.it is to the point where I was changing out his bedding in his crate every 10 to 20 minutes. He said he is still on his medication but we have decreased the steroid 21 today and now I'm going to try every other day but that is not appear to change what has happened with the loss of his bladder control. Everything has been very manageable up to this point with a lot of difficulties but still manageable. I don't know what to do about this the vet told me there's nothing they can do there are no other medications and it just means that he has lost the ability to control his bladder. It seems like his condition has worsened every few days and I just don't know what to do now he won't sleep in his kennel because when he leeks urine he tries to move around and get away from the urine. Any ideas on what if anything I can do?
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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 16, 2013 7:58:45 GMT -7
Dave, all is not lost. What you now need to do this am is get a hands on top of your hands type of lesson on manually expressing the bladder. While on the steroid you will need to express every 2-3 hours so that he stays dry. Once off of the steroid you can more easily move to every 4-6 hours. The overflowing bladder has to be stopped. As Sherry mentioned is not healthy for two reasons.... bladder infections will happen in a matter of days. The other is the bladder tone will be ruined so that when the brain can again connect, the bladder will not function properly. Please review the video and tips before your lesson this am. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm I would be good if Buster had 1/4 cup water or so before the lesson so you have something to practice on. The nerve damage that has caused loss of bladder control can reverse... with time nerves can regrow/regenerate. Have you seen any hint of pain during the taper off of pred? If there is any pain, that means Buster needs to get back on the orig dose of Pred for a bit longer asap now? What is the exact dose in mg and how often of Pred you are now giving? Did you ever get Pepcid AC on board to protect his stomach? We look forward to this additional information so we can be of better help to you. Stay strong, you can help Buster!!! Let us know how the expressing lesson goes this am. |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on May 16, 2013 8:07:25 GMT -7
Can you set up a recovery suite with an ex-pen or confined area? It's a bit bigger than a kennel, so that he has room to move out of a urine soaked area. Consider getting some pee pads too - it really can help. There is grating that you can get for the bottom of crates too - it raises the dog up about an inch of of the floor so that if they pee, they aren't stuck laying in it - they are pretty hard though. I also bought some heavy duty flannel sheets - when folded to fit Stevie's crate they ended up 8 layers thick, this worked like an old fashioned diaper did, pulling moisture away and they were easy to launder. Get a hands on lesson from your Vet or Tech on how to express his bladder, this will help too, so that he isn't always leaking. I know how frustrating this all is, look for improvement as the swelling in his spine goes down. Keeping you in thought and prayer |
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 23, 2013 8:35:30 GMT -7
Dave, I saw your post on Facebook saying being single it is a challenge to care for Buster by yourself and you are looking for some help in the Denver metro area.
Once Buster is off of steroids he will be able to stay dry more like every 6-8 hours. Then his care would be much the same as before the disc injury.
Can you tell us where he is in the steroid taper.. is he off them now?
Can he still wag his tail with joy at seeing you or when you do some happy talk to him?
Fill us in on your care challenges, so we all can brain storm with you.
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Post by busterjames on May 23, 2013 15:14:38 GMT -7
Buster is off steroids. He still has bladder control issues but today I saw some improvements as he was told to go potty and went somewhat on his own with some help.
the reason I am reaching out for help is Buster was adopted when I was with my girlfriend and he was adopted for her and not me. She has since moved on and I work 4 10 hour days and I feel like I am NOT providing as good of care as someone else could. I do the best that I can considering the circumstances. I was only reaching out for help in case there is someone out there that could do more for Buster than I can.I understand the purpose of Dodgers list and you guys have been more than exceptional in providing quality advice and care. I will continue doing my best but if there is any recommendations for sites/resources for possible new owners for Buster I would appreciate them.
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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 19:04:27 GMT -7
Dave, most rescues are pretty challenged with these economic times. Here is a directory you can look through. www.lacroixtees.com/fb_directory/animal-rescue/I hope that it turns out that Buster can remain with his last family member, you. Now that he is off steroids and pain meds as well? he should be able to potty every 6-8 hours. Are you able to come home at lunch? The focus of crate rest is still limited movement but with your long work hours, it may be necessary to use an ex-pen where there can be a small pee pad place away from his mattress. He is not showing any more signs of pain now that he is off of the Steroids and pain meds? The good news is bladder control is starting to return! I would still continue to do a quick express check til you are satisfied he can fully empty his bladder himself. Please do stay in touch as we want to follow Buster's recovery and give support to you. You are doing a good job in his care…Kudos to you! Some ideas to mull over while Buster is recovering…. you might be able to hire a vet tech who would be willing to give Buster a lunch potty break… ask around at your vet's office. Also with summer coming up, you may have a teenager or a youngster family member who would come for a lunch potty break on the four days you have long work hours. Let us know your specific challenge to see if we can help you brain storm. |
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Post by busterjames on Jun 20, 2013 10:17:44 GMT -7
hello. I just wanted to give an update on buster. He has shown signs of improvement over the last few weeks. Especially, the last few days. He has regained bladder control and is able to go hours in his crate without going. I have noticed his tail has started to wag quite a bit. I have also noticed a lot more energy from him. I guess I have a few questions and we would like to start by asking if this isnormal in the improvement process. what are the next steps for him?do I continue with the conservative crate rest past 8 weeks or does Buster need to start any sort of rehab?
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Jun 20, 2013 10:25:47 GMT -7
Thank you for the update on Buster. It is food to hear that heis nerve function is slowly returning - love the tail wagging Nerves take a long time to heal. there are passive exercises that you can do with him www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmand the exercises to get him muscles moving again after crate rest is done are on this site too (I can't find my link - grrr) You have done a wonderful job caring for Buster all by yourself - way to go!! |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 20, 2013 11:39:39 GMT -7
Wonderful news about Buster! Sounds to me like wonderful progress. If he continues to do this well I don't see why he can't go off crate rest on the 8 week graduation day. But I would crate him when you leave the house or when no one is there to supervise. Maureen gave you a wonderful link for the passive exercises.. Please check out this link for tips for after crate rest is over. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htm and also here are some tips for making your home back friendly! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm |
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Post by busterjames on Aug 5, 2013 18:13:11 GMT -7
So here's just another update on buster. He is continuing to improve slightly. He is now standing up on his own at times and trying to walk. He can only talk a step sometimes, most of the time he stands up the legs are wobbling and criss crossed. He continues to wag his tail and has no problem with bladder control. Occasionally he has trouble with his bowels, but overall he usually indicates when he has to go. i took him to the vet to get his nails trimmed and he whined when being clipped on the front but he couldn't tell the vet was clipping the back legs. Not sure if he has deep pain sensation or not. I crate him at night and when I work. When I'm home he's out of the crate. I am wondering if it is ok for him to scoot around the apartment or if that can cause potential injury. He wants to walk around and I've thought about wheels but I want him to heal and walk without. Other than basic exercises at home, should I be doing anything else for him? Should i take him to a Specialist for therapy? If so, what are the costs? if he needs wheels, where can I find reasonably priced ones? Is it possible he may never heal or that it may take more time like weeks or even months?  |
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 5, 2013 20:03:14 GMT -7
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