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Post by sandym on May 13, 2013 13:51:18 GMT -7
Hi my name is Sandy and I came home yesterday to find my doxie Strudel paralyzed. I took her to ER vet last night and then to her regular vet today. My regular vet sent me to talk with a surgeon and est 3000-5000 doallars with 50/50 chance of recovery. I am a single person and that is a lot of money. I am going the steriods and crate rest route for now. Please don't judge, I have 2 other doxies and I have to be able to pay all my bills. I am trying to figure out how to express her bladder as at the vet her bladder was not full. I tried earlier and couldn't feel her bladder. She just drank some water so I am hoping I will be able to feel her bladder in a little bit. If she ends up not recovering where would I be able to find wheels for her? She is only 5 yrs old and i love her soooo much.
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Post by Pauliana on May 13, 2013 14:14:01 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Sandy! Please let Strudel know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will be. With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmDogs CAN heal using strict crate rest for 8 weeks..Here are some of our success stories. C after the title means they used conservative care like you are doing. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmGive her the 8 weeks on crate rest before trying a wheel chair. It's important not to try it until her disc that is compressing her spine heals. She may not need one after recovering and if she does, Eddie's Wheels comes highly recommended. eddieswheels.com/In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? 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)? -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC.
-- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail due when you do some happy talk? -- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration. Find a holistic vet here: ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm |
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Post by sandym on May 13, 2013 15:33:07 GMT -7
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? I don't think so as she has no feeling at all in her back legs.
She is on predisone 5 mg 2 x a day for 5 days - had her first does today, then 1 x a day fo 10 days and then 1 x a every other day til it is gone (30 tablets). She is also on tramadol 3 x a day and methocarbamol 3 x a day even though she has no feeling at all in her back legs I am following directions. She may eventually get the feelings back and need the pain pills and muscle relaxer.
Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? She can not squat or release urine. I have not found any wet bedding yet. She is drinking water but has not went to potty yet. I tried to express her bladder but it is still not full enough I am going to keep trying every few hours to express it. I am going to try to do it with her on her side as I saw on this site. Eating and drinking OK? She is drinking and eating fine and her poop is normal. Thanks
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Sammy
New Member
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Post by Sammy on May 13, 2013 19:43:58 GMT -7
Hi sandy! You came to the right place. I got slapped in the face with all this new info about IVDD as my wire haired doxie Harvey became paralyzed Friday morning. It's a lot to absorb but there's lot of support an info here for your little baby! Hope all is going well!
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Post by Pauliana on May 13, 2013 20:11:08 GMT -7
If you continue to have problems expressing, it's a good idea to go back to the Vet and have them teach you hands on.. It takes practice and before you know it, you will get good at it. Since she is on Prednisone, her thirst will be increased and her need to urinate will become more frequent..Every 2 to 3 hours. Did you watch the video? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm |
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Post by sandym on May 14, 2013 4:09:48 GMT -7
She finally peed last night - she was in her crate and was whining so that is a good sign that she is feeling. I do believe it was overflow but at least she went. It also seems as if the steriods are working some as she is now feeling some pain.
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 14, 2013 6:55:24 GMT -7
If she was whining and then peed I would not say that was overflow but rather she knew she had to pee...she had sensation and the ability to hold it and then released it willingly. I'd guess she has bladder control.
Also, when you say she is now feeling pain do you mean she now seems to have discomfort? If so it is important to contact your vet for pain medications. Tramadol is commonly used and often also a muscle relaxer is prescribed. It would not be unexpected that she would experience pain even though she cannot use her legs. The hope is that the steroids relieve the pressure from her spinal cord and as the nerves heal not only does she begin to be able to use her legs again but the nerves sense pain again. Such is life...the good with the bad. But it's healing so we take it and get them through.
Are you keeping her crated then...in the crate at all times expected when you taking her out to potty?
Hang in there. Keep us posted on how she's doing.
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Post by Jude & Penny Lane on May 18, 2013 20:07:25 GMT -7
We have a cart from Eddie's Wheels in NH for our 10-year-old Rottweiler, Roxie. It's well made and easy to use. Once our Penny Laine gets past this disc episode, we will be getting one for her, as she has very bad hips and cannot walk very far at all.
This is a difficult path we are on, but we too chose to forego surgery and are trying to wait it out by taking the conservative route. I get really scared at times but the people on this list help us all the way, including giving us great advice and a lot of encouragement.
Good luck with Sandy.
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Post by Sally & Vinnie on May 19, 2013 8:50:17 GMT -7
Hi Sandy! I too am the owner of multiple doxies, three to be exact. Vinnie went down like Strudel in Jan. 2012. We opted for surgery and he was given a 50/50 chance. Sadlly, he has not regained deep pain and we have to express him. BUT, his quality of life is terrific! We got him a wheelchair first from dogs to Go and recently from Eddies Wheels. He is a terror when tooling around! He also can move very quickly by dragging and is extremely strong in the front legs and chest! He loves swimming in our large soaker tub or in nice weather in our wading pool chasing his ball round and round. Early in April, our middle Doxie, hitch started to show signs of back pain. Immediately put him on crate rest and saw the vet for meds. We are starting week 8 tomorrow and he is doing very well. Just learning to live with this frightening disease and keeping informed. Thinking of you and Strudel and wishing you healing !
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Post by natureluva on May 19, 2013 8:57:50 GMT -7
Sandy, how is Strudel doing? Is his pain well-controlled? I noticed you didn't mention that he is taking a stomach protectant, such as Pepcid AC, to protect him from internal bleeding due to the excess acid the steroid produces. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) is 5 mg given 30 minutes before each dose of steroid.
How is his bladder control? Are you noticing whether he can wag his tail to exciting things, such as being given a treat or a knock at the door? I am trying to determine his neurological status. Usually, when neurological functions return after a disc injury, they return in this order:
1. Deep pain sensation
2. Tail wagging ability
3. Bladder control
4. Leg movement
So watch for those things in the coming weeks and months. It can take months for nerves to regenerate - I speak from experience - it took my dog 11 months to walk again after his disc injury. Just keep in mind, the most important part of conservative treatment is the 8 weeks of strict crate rest. It is time and limited movement that heals the disc while the meds mask the symptoms.
Carts should not be considered until after the 8 weeks of crate rest are completed. At that time, you'll have a better idea of what type of walking ability Strudel may have.
Please keep in touch and let us know how things are. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by sandym on May 29, 2013 19:18:53 GMT -7
Hi everyone - sorry to have not been back on - been busy taking care of Strudel in addition to work. She is in no pain and I did get some medication to help her stomach. She still has no leg function but is cleaning herself so I know she has some feeling. I took her last Saturday for acupunture and have another appt for this Saturday. She is full of life and a happy girl. I noticed today that she has some redness on her belly like diaper rash - I know they can develop bed sores but this is redness no open wounds but I don't want that to happen. Would it be OK to use A&D Ointment and or Baby Powder to help with this? I hope to get advise and not criticism on taking care of my baby. I love her with all my heart and I am doing everthing in my ability to care for her, I am a single woman and have to work during the day. I rush home as soon as I get off work to take care of her.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,610
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Post by PaulaM on May 29, 2013 19:32:50 GMT -7
Sandy, sounds like things are going in a good directions for Strudel.
Do you believe the red rash could be from urine scald? Then I would try to find a barrier ointment that does not contain any zinc such as Aquaphor or Sudocream as well as others on the market. Zinc can be poisonous and you say she is licking herself. Bed sores happen from constant pressure on the boney parts of the body from lying around…so I don't thing that is it as she can turn and move in her crate.
Do make sure the licking does not become compulsive or biting or chewing of legs, etc. FYI and awareness: Everyone has experienced numbness or pins and needles tingling in your legs when sitting in a bad position for too long a time. Your dog can be feeling abnormal nerve sensations that are mild pins and needles to quite painful burning, on-fire feeling that makes them bite to stop the pain. These are abnormal signals explaining why a paralyzed dog can feel this neuropathic pain. Immediately put a e-collar on or a lengthwise folded towel and secured closed with duct tape. Get to a vet for a medicine that can help to control these very painful sensations. The name of the drug is called gabapentin.
What meds is she currently on… exact name, dose in mg and how often you give them. Has there been a recent change in the dose and frequency of the steroid.
Have you seen her wag the tail when you enter the room or when you do some happy talk to her?
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Post by sandym on May 29, 2013 19:55:06 GMT -7
Strudel is now on 1 1/2 steroids 2 x a day the vet that did the acupunture upped the dosage. She has been on this dosage since last Saturday. I have not given her ant pain pills or muscle relaxers per the vet as she is not in any pain. I will get her the ointment that you suggested if I can find it tomorrow. Thank you!
She can not wag her tail at all
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,610
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Post by PaulaM on May 29, 2013 20:10:29 GMT -7
What is the exact name of the steroid and how many mg do you give 2x a day? The reason to give steroids is to get the inflammation/swelling down in the spinal cord. When there is a taper off of the steroid is the time to assess for pain. If there is no more pain, then the steroid goes to completion of the taper and no meds at all are needed. Steroids do not cure nerve damage. That is something the body self repairs o ver time. Why is your vet continuing with steroids if there is no pain, no inflamamtion, no swelling? These meds carry with them adverse side effects to organs. Once benefit has been achieved staying on them just invites adverse side effects with no benefit of reduction of swelling to be gained. Something to discuss with your vet and get an understanding of his prescription. Peeing more is a temporary side effect of steroids, but may becausing leaking in her bed and the rash you spoke about. More information on the inflamamation healing phase of this disease: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm |
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Post by sandym on May 30, 2013 2:36:45 GMT -7
Predizone is the steroids - I mentioned that in a previous post I believe. He wanted to up the dose to help inflammation and I will ask him on Saturday about the dosage.
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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 30, 2013 20:36:27 GMT -7
Have you tried pee pads in her crate to absorb urine and wick it away form her skin. If she destroys them the way Stevie does you might want to try flannelette sheets. I got some of those and when they are folded they make a mat about 8 layers thick. The thick flannelette pad acts like a diaper does (an old fashioned diaper)to pull urine away from skin - it does leave a damp spot but not a soggy wet one. I found that they really helped. Unscented baby wipes are also great to wipe her skin if you think that urine is getting on and causing trouble. I hope that this helps a bit. You are doing a tough job all alone and I admire your determination to do what is best for your baby. Keeping you in thought and prayer.
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Post by sandym on May 31, 2013 3:37:00 GMT -7
I have both paper pee pads and cloth pee pads. I bought the aquaphor but she is licking it off and that actually made her sking more red. Thanks for the advise and comments
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Post by sandym on Jun 1, 2013 14:09:59 GMT -7
Strudel had her 2nd acupuncture treatment today - the vet lowered her ▼ predisone dose to 1 pill 2x a day for inflammation. He said that the next 3 weeks are crucial and wants her on this dosage. He did lower it from 1 and a 1/2 pills 2x a day. If this acupuncture treatment or the next doesn't help that she most likely will not ever walk again. But he does believe in Miracles and one could happen for Strudel. I am trusting this vet, he also gave me some special bacterial soap so I can bathe her 2 x a day. Lather the soap on her and let it stay on her hind quarters for 15 minutes and then to rinse her off - this is to help with the sore that I mentioned above which has gotten worse also gave me an antibiotic - Zenquin - 1/2 a 25 mg pill a day. I looked this up on the internet and it is good for bacterial infections such as skin and soft-tissue infections and urinary tract infections. He said it wasn't due to me putting the aquaphor on her as allthat that is is petroleum jelly - wish I knew that was all it was because it was pretty expensive and I could have used vaseoline. I am taking this one day at a time and she is a very stubborn and happy girl - very aware of what is going on. Thanks for all the support .  |
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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 Jun 2, 2013 9:31:38 GMT -7
Our Stevie didn't even attenpt to move her legs until after 5 weeks of cage rest the first time she had an IVDD episode. Don't give up- the swelling is still going down, and no one knows how she will respond in the upcoming weeks. There is ALWAYS a chance.Keeping you in thought and prayer |
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Post by sandym on Jun 3, 2013 2:50:21 GMT -7
Three weeks ago yesterday was when Strudel became paralyzed. It seems a lifetime ago - I am keeping my other two daschunds in the basement when I am at work and sleeping. I used to let all three sleep with me but can't bring myself to let the others sleep with me and Strudel not being able to join. Strudel loves me so much and the times that I have went on trips she is the one that mourns me. I love her with all my heart - she has feeling and can feel when she has to pee or poop but no feeling in her legs at all. Her sore is geting better slowly - the medicated soap that I leave on her 15 minutes 2 x a day has seemed to help some and also the antibiotic - Zenquin. I don't have the name of the soap with me at this time - it is in the other room. Thanks everyone!
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Post by natureluva on Jun 3, 2013 9:45:18 GMT -7
Hi Sandy, you may wish to ask your holistic vet about doing electro-acupuncture. It is stronger than regular acupuncture. Just let the vet know if Strudel has any pre-existing conditions such as seizures or cancer. How is she doing with crate rest? A pet stroller is a life saver during and after crate rest. It is easier to lift a dog out of a pet stroller than it is a crate, and you can easily wheel the dog from room to room to be in the center of family activities. If the dog is off all medications and in no pain, you can wheel him/her out the door for a stroll on smooth surfaces in quiet areas. Dogs get a lot of mental stimulation out of strolling! Two things though - you can't leave a dog unattended in a pet stroller and the interior has to be big enough for the dog to completely stretch out and turn around in. You can find pet strollers on Craig’s List or eBay and on many pet supply websites. Here is an article on strollers: dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm As Paula mentioned above, be sure to keep an eye on Strudel's licking. She may be trying to keep herself clean, but she also may have neuropathic pain. This affects a dog's genital/rear legs area and causes them to lick excessive or gnaw/bite at the pain. Some dogs have been known to mutilate themselves if the pain is not treated and an e-collar is not put on. If you think there is a chance that Strudel may have neuropathic pain, ask your vet for the medication, gabapentin (Neurontin) and get her an e-collar (some dogs tolerate the inflatable circular ones better than the traditional cone ones). Also, have you seen Strudel release urine on her own? Is she squirting urine when you pick her up or having accidents in her crate? If so, she definitely does not have bladder control. Basically, a dog without deep pain sensation does NOT have bladder control. The bladder will fill up to capacity and overflow by reflex. This can cause loss of bladder control and urinary tract infections. At your next vet visit, you should probably ask them to do a urine culture to determine whether an infection has started. And if you think she does not have bladder control, please get a hands-on bladder expressing demo from your vet and watch the expressing video here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Here is how to pick up and carry an IVDD dog (support both ends and keep the spine aligned): youtube.googleapis.com/v/kyD2IW5m0qY We look forward to hearing how Strudel does in the coming weeks. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by sandym on Jun 3, 2013 10:25:15 GMT -7
Her acupuncture is using electricity. I am sorry that I didn't mention this.
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Post by sandym on Jun 7, 2013 3:36:59 GMT -7
I just wanted to let everyone know that Strudel went to the rainbow bridge on Monday afternoon. I am heartsick but know that I did everything possible for my girl and she is now running and playing waiting for her momma  |
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Post by natureluva on Jun 7, 2013 6:47:34 GMT -7
Oh Sandy, I am so sorry to hear this. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. RIP Strudel. :-( ~Lisa
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goosey
New Member
Did her halo this morning an tried to get her bladder empty no sucess she is eating now
Posts: 32
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Post by goosey on Jun 7, 2013 13:44:57 GMT -7
So sorry to hear Sandy it's losing a family member and very hard your in my prayers.
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ts123
New Member
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Post by ts123 on Jun 7, 2013 14:14:16 GMT -7
So very sorry to hear of your loss, Sandy. Many thoughts coming your way.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 7, 2013 19:48:09 GMT -7
How heartbreaking! Strudel will always be with you in your heart and she will be watching over you from rainbow bridge.. |
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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 Jun 7, 2013 19:50:29 GMT -7
I am so very sorry for your loss - run fast and free little Strudel, you will meet again at the Bridge.
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