Lori's Gizmo 6/11 Surgery Shih Tzu

Hi Lori, Welcome to Dodgerlist's forum.

Can you answer some questions for us.

Have you got Gizmo crated now 24/7.
Is his pain in the back or neck?
Does he still have bladder and bowel control.
Can you tell us when you last seen the vet.
I know you are thinking about surgery. Is that still a possibility.
How long has he been on the Dex and is this the first taper?

Give us some more information on all meds he is taking.

We know how terrible this is for the both of you. Hang in there and lets see if we can get the pain under control.

Lori, I seen on another FB page that you called the ER vet. Let us know if putting him back on the Dex helped.

Lori, its not unusual to need more then one taper. Are you still planning on going to the neuro or vet on Monday?

When did he actually start having a problem and you put him on Dex?

Hi Lori, Welcome to Dodgerslist!

I saw your posts on Dodgerslist Facebook page. Gizmo is a Shih Tzu isn't he? 

In order to help you, how long has Gizmo been on Dexamethasone?  It's been given to him to take care of the inflammation and swelling from his Disc episode.  This was the first day of the taper.. The fact that he was in pain on the first day of tapering shows he is not ready to begin tapering yet.  SWELLING of the spinal cord may take anywhere from 1-2 weeks and with some dogs more like a month on a steroid to resolve the pain caused by inflammation during conservative treatment. Let the vet know the first day of tapering didn't go well and ask for another course of Dex and begin the taper later when he directs.. Just because the first taper didn't go well it doesn't mean it never will, it just means he needs more time on the Dex.

What are the dosages and the frequencies given of Codeine and the Gabapentin?  Tramadol is more commonly given for IVDD, you might ask the Vet if you can switch from the Codeine to Tramadol. The pain medications are given to mask the pain and that is their main function in IVDD. It's the Dex that does the work of easing the swelling and inflammation..

Also while he is on the Dex, he should also be on Pepcid AC to prevent stomach problems. 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

What was the date that Gizmo first saw the vet and was prescribed his current medications?

Please let us know what what the Vet says..  I have a Shih Tzu named Tyler.  His experience with IVDD is detailed on the link in my signature line below.

Healing wishes for Gizmo!

Hi Lori
It takes some dogs more like a month on the steroid before the swelling goes down in the spinal cord. The fact that he is in pain when off the Dex means he is not ready to taper yet.  It really isn't unusual to have to begin the taper again later. Give the DEX time to work!  Have you discussed with your vet about putting Gizmo on Pepcid AC to protect his stomach?? 

In order to help you, what is his dosage on the Tramadol and Gabapentin and the DEX as well as the frequency given??  

Please tell us what the dosages and frequencies given of Gizmo's medications. We are at a loss to help without knowing this important information. 

Dexamethasone is commonly used for several weeks or even months at a time to get a chronic process under control. It is important that the dose be tapered to an every third day schedule once the condition is controlled. The reason for this is that body will perceive the presence of these hormones and not produce any of its own. In time, the adrenal glands will atrophy so that when the medication is discontinued, the patient will be unable to respond to any stressful situation. An actual circulatory crisis can result. By using the medication every other day, this allows the body's own adrenal glands to remain active.

Please read through the link for further info on Dex. www.marvistavet.com/html/body_dexamethasone.html

Pepcid AC® (Famotidine)

Famotidine is a newer generation antihistamine used to suppress stomach acid production with fewer drug interactions and it is especially important with Gizmo on Dex to protect his stomach.. Dex is the strongest of the Steriods and it is imperative to protect his stomach from Ulcers or stomach bleeding..

Please continue your IVDD reading at this link so you can advocate for Gizmo as a confident Captain of his healthcare team.. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm 

Can Rimadyl be taken in place of the Dex?

Thanks Paula. Yes Gizmo is on famotidine every day while using the dex. Thanks for this information. I just don't know how we are going to make it without the Dex and don't know how we are going to me it WITH the Dex. Ugh. This is beyond frustrating :-(

Hi All,

After trying conservative treatment for 5 weeks my Gizmo finally had surgery yesterday. Thankfully he is doing ok but as you all know we have a long road to recovery ahead. In fact the surgeon said that once he went in Gizmo's back was much worse than he thought. He had spine/disc surgery. Nothing on his neck. At any rate I have purchased an ex pen for his recovery. He is about 20 pounds. Can someone please tell me what kind of bed to get him? I see you wrote an egg crate or memory foam bed but the ones in the store are so big and there won't be room for his wee wee pads. I can buy a small memory foam bed but they only seem to have the cuddler beds and I'm not sure that having him curl up is a good idea. Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Lori,

How long does Gizmo have to stay in the hospital?  Glad his surgery was successful and wish him the best in his recovery..   Please let us know what medications the vet sends home with him.. and here is a list of discharge day questions to ask. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm

Lori, Just checking. How is Gizmo doing?