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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on Apr 14, 2016 10:31:27 GMT -7
Hi all! Well, went back to the vet with Chewy, the rash was less but still want it to do a follow up appointment before we go away. The vet gave me a spray for Chewy's rash 3 times a day. Already 6 weeks of crate rest and the vet thinks he can walk a little and be out of the crate if supervised but For what I learned here I really don't want to do that and rather continue until the 8'weeks are over. Am I doing the right thing, going against the vet on this? I just don't want him to relapsed because he is doing so well . I just don't understand why vet's don't suggest the 8 weeks of crate rest if that is how long it takes for a disc to heal? The vet thinks that Chewy may have some arthritis, that's why she said to keep rimadyl at all times and when I see him lethargic or not himself give him some rimadyl to help him out. The vet thinks r-rays are not necessary for now because they only will confirm what she thinks is going on, told me to stop rimadyl for now and see what happens, she thinks Chewy should be ok now because when she examine him , he didn't have any pain. I notice Chewy have an arched back and ask her why, and that's when she told me he probably have some arthritis and he may feel more comfortable walking like that but she didn't see any legs wobbling. Maybe in the future after the 8 weeks, we can do some x- rays and try to find out if there is anything going on that will cause the arched back.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 14, 2016 15:30:07 GMT -7
Hi Alejandra!
One reason some vets may be reluctant to give a full prescription of time is knowing many owners will not follow through. Perhaps not fully understanding the reason for it, is why people tend not to do it. Observation of 1000’s of Dodger dogs over 14 years, has shown a conservative approach to crate-rest time, results in fewer relapses. Dodgers prefers the safer, more conservative recommendations of neuros and other vets using 8 weeks for crate rest. You are doing the right thing in continuing the crate rest for the remainder of the 8 weeks. Too much movement can cause the early healing disc to tear which would mean more pain for Chewy and more vet bills for you.
There still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, restless, can't find a comfortable position. Ears pinned back, arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves. Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose of correctly Rx/d pain meds. Arched back is a sign of pain, he is holding his back that way to ease the pain.. Dogs don't like to show signs of pain at the Vet. In the wild if a dog shows they are in pain, other pack members may attack them.. It is canine instinct to hide pain.. Arching back is a a pain signal. His pain medications need adjusted. Contact your vet by phone ASAP.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 15, 2016 11:57:02 GMT -7
Looks like the Rimadyl is to stop today (4/15) Your job is to watch for pain. Usually there will two or more confirming signs of pain. Let us know what you observe
◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎shivering-trembling ◻︎yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎slow to move ◻︎tight tense tummy ◻︎arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎not their normal perky selves
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on Apr 15, 2016 20:43:25 GMT -7
Last dose of rimadyl was on 4/13, only 1/2 in the morning. Today Chewy have no more arched back and no signs of pain...rash is completely gone. Happy day, let's hope continues like this.
[15 lbs Rimadyl as of 3/6: 12.5 mgs 2x/day for 25 days. as of 4/6: 12.5 mgs 2x/day for 8 days Pepcid AC 5 mg 2x/day]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 16, 2016 8:23:25 GMT -7
Excellent news of no pain signs. Now all that remains is to complete the rest of the 8 weeks of rest to let the disc heal. Mark your calendary for a May 1st graduation day!
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on Apr 27, 2016 20:05:34 GMT -7
Hello all! We are so excited! Graduation day is coming soon and Chewy is doing great! No signs of pain and back to his normal self, happy and energetic! After crate rest is over, what is the next step? I just don't want him to get hurt again, and of course we will follow the same with Porky because we don't want him to get hurt either. They are very anxious to play together as they always did but we are just concern, how much is 2 much?
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 27, 2016 20:45:29 GMT -7
Crate rest is over, Now what? All your questions answered with this article. When my Tyler got off crate rest, I followed this article: dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmHow to have a back friendly home: dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmDon't let Chewy and Porky play together without direct supervision and don't allow a lot of rough housing. IVDD has changed pack dynamics. When a dog has been sick or is weaker, it is canine instinct to attack the weaker member of the pack.. Naturally not every dog will do this but it has happened. In fact one story we know of.. Both dogs were great pals and siblings.. the family went out for dinner leaving them gated in the kitchen alone together.. The IVDD dog got attacked and badly hurt by his sibling.. When they have to be alone together make sure Chewy is crated for for his safety.. Porky may not harm him at all but it is better to be safe than sorry..
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on May 1, 2016 9:09:31 GMT -7
Hi all! Is Graduation Day !!! So happy and excited. Thank you Paulina for ythe articles and advice , we have learned our lesson with this IVDD illness , thanks God Chewy is walking and now when we go out they are both in their crates safe and as always if is for more than 5 hours, we take them to our dog sitter and she is great at following our instructions and taking care of Chewy and Porky. We have make arrangements all around our apartment for them not to jump in the furniture or bed and I will keep trying for them not to play rought.Thank you so much to all of you for your support thru all of this, this support group was and will continue to be a blessing in our lives. www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/Graduate.jpg
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 1, 2016 9:47:29 GMT -7
Alejandra, great job you have done in caring for Chewy....congratulations on Chewy's graduation day! We love it if members will have a mind to pay forward and help another. We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team in any way that makes you happy. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We wish we did not have to hear of another dog that was put to sleep because of disc disease nor one denied the correct principles of crate rest to help them heal.
--- You've been there, and are doing it....if you see another member on the Forum needing support or information share what you know to be true or point them to one of our many IVDD articles. The "search box" on each page makes quick work to find the right helpful link: www.dodgerslist.com/-- "Share" our FB/twitter/ posts to widen the reach of IVDD knowledge www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist twitter.com/DodgersList-- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
-- We have store where you might find something you absolutely need! Our earnings go to paying for our webpage and literature to hand out. www.dodgerslist.com/store.htm-- Don't forget to add a photo to the gallery and 1-2 sentences. Give inspiration to others just starting a scary IVDD journey. Directions to u/l here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendar
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on May 1, 2016 21:34:53 GMT -7
Hi Paula! I did request the literature for my vet and my dog sitter, I paid the $1.99 thru PayPal for postage but I haven't received anything yet, I am looking foward to get all that information, and I can help other people going thru this. I am already sharing your Facebook post. Thank you again for all your help
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 2, 2016 7:52:26 GMT -7
Thank you so much for joining us to educate about this disease. Is the literature order quite long past due...what date did you order so I can follow up on this?
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on May 5, 2016 20:24:51 GMT -7
I order the literature on March 27, 2016.
I try to add a photo but I don't know why is not letting me do it...
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 6, 2016 12:06:09 GMT -7
LInda, I believe has already send you a send free packet, so you should see that in your mailbox soon. We would LOVE to have you upload a Chewy photo not just for our up-coming calendar but to see him today. A photo need to be uploaded to our server and then you just paste in the address to one of your posts. Here is our 2016 Dodgerslist PhotoGallery: www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/ LOGIN info: username: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14 Let me know what error problem you got or you can also email JPGs and a caption to me at: photogallery@dodgerslist.com ....looking forward to see your JPGs
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on May 10, 2016 8:45:50 GMT -7
Well, the choices I get when I log in are only - album 2014 and 2015 . And when I try to upload the picture, the message is you don't have permission to upload in this album or album doesn't exist [ photo uploaded to the Gallery: www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=3 ]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on May 10, 2016 11:06:31 GMT -7
The "User Galleries" contain the archived 2014 and 2015 photos which are no longer open to adding JPGs. Look down below the "User Gallery" to the " 2016 Photo Gallery" and click on that underlined phrase where you will be able to add a JPG: www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on May 11, 2016 12:13:18 GMT -7
Thank you so much Paula for posting the picture. But, I want to,ask, because I have noticed that Chewy is a little aggressive with other dogs when I take him out... Is that a normal behavior? What should I do! He is fine with Porky is with the dogs out there
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 11, 2016 13:24:05 GMT -7
Has Chewy become aggressive only recently, after his disc episode? Sometimes a dog recovering from an injury realizes he is weaker and more vulnerable and becomes more aggressive to keep other dogs away.
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on May 11, 2016 21:24:28 GMT -7
Yes, actually today was the first time that he reacted to a dog that came near him and I let him go towards the dog because they had played before, but Chewy start barking at him and going after him, thankfully I had him with a harness and a leash. I was walking Chewy and Porky together but I guess I will have to walk them separately if he is going to do this.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on May 12, 2016 5:34:41 GMT -7
It would be best for you to crate Chewy or keep him separate from Porky in another room when you leave the house even though Chewy isn't showing aggression towards Porky. We have had many instances where a deadly attack among best buds could have been avoided by crating. One I recall is of two sisters who had grown up together and never showed any signs of aggression to one another. The two dogs were put in the kitchen while their owners went out to dinner. They came home to find the IVDD dog almost dead from the vicious attacks of the other.
For dogs the inborn instinct about weakness is for survival protection of the pack as a whole. Often these things that can happen in pack dynamics when a dog has been or is sick. 1. The healthy one may try to eliminate the weaker in the pack. 2. For the sick one, now the weaker in the pack to become more protective and aggressive because they know they are weaker now and may be subject to being attacked.
My Jeremy has been attacked twice by dogs whose owners said have always gotten along with other dogs. They seemed to sense Jeremy's weakness even though he walks fairly well. Due to that, Jeremy has become very reactive to other dogs. When walking Jeremy, I try to avoid other dogs as much as possible since I don't know how they'll react to him.
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Post by Alejandra & Chewy on May 12, 2016 9:49:03 GMT -7
Yes, when we go out I always crated them separately and as I said, I am now walking them separate, just because is easier for me this way if Chewy is going to be aggressive towards other dogs, and now I will have to avoid other dogs as much as possible. But, is this going to change and go back to the way it was or will be this way from now on?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 12, 2016 13:32:49 GMT -7
It is possible that over time Chewy sill become less aggressive as he begins to feel like his old self. Other dogs will sense that also.
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