PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 15, 2016 13:31:10 GMT -7
It is not normal to from what I have seen since 2007 that no meds or pain meds alone would cause GI tract damage (stomach with black tarry digested blood; intestines with red blood). It is pretty common that all anti-inflammatory drugs which increase stomach acid added to a dog under stress can cause GI tract damage. Poop is the veterianians guide to the health of a dog, it tells them ALOT. So you can better communicate what you see and discuss things with your vet, here are two links to look over. What You Should Know About Your Pet's Poop
Poop Chart |
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Ryan & Woody
New Member
MALE - Dachshund . mild hrt murmur
Posts: 32 
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Post by Ryan & Woody on Sept 4, 2023 9:51:53 GMT -7
Our guy Woody had surgery a year or so ago and walks well but still deals with a pinched nerve root off and on that causes some weakness/discomfort. We do acupuncture and laser without huge benefit. He doesn't warrant another surgery, but would be nice to help him a little more..
- Anyone had success with hyperbaric oxygen chamber? (Especially for any more chronic cases)
- Anyone tried steroid epidurals? How many shots did you do and when did you see improvement?
Thanks,
Ryan & Woody
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 4, 2023 16:54:00 GMT -7
Ryan, so Woody has had another surgery since 2016? Was the disc in the neck or the back? How often does the discomfort happen? And what are the signs you see? What did the vet or better yet the surgeon tell you. We just want to make sure this is not a new disc episode, that needs STRICT rest to allow what is pinching a nerves to retract and for the disc to self heal so as not to pinch a nerve Conservative vs. Surgical crate rest i.postimg.cc/26dgyWcP/Cons-vs-surgert-chunk.jpg ** |
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Ryan & Woody
New Member
MALE - Dachshund . mild hrt murmur
Posts: 32
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Post by Ryan & Woody on Sept 4, 2023 17:34:18 GMT -7
Yes, he had a second surgery last year for an adjacent disc to the one he had done in 2016, which was now L2/L3.
The surgery last year did not remove the disc [escaped material] as it had adhered to the spinal cord and also protruded laterally. The surgeon thought best to opt for the less aggressive option which was to remove some bone off the inside of that vertebrae to allow the spinal cord more room. Removing the disc would have been more traumatic and riskier to the spinal cord.
Anyway, it did work. But since that disc is not removed, it is [escaped disc material] pushed on his left femoral nerve root. He's had issues with it off and on since the surgery, usually just mild pain which we would fix by adjusting his meds.
However, a recent setback happened 2.5 months ago which has affected his walking a little. Notably he has much less strength and spring, and he rolls his feet over when trying to push off them in stride. However, doesn't have notable pain, although I do think he has some discomfort.
We actually did a steroid epidural [about 8/25] almost 3 weeks ago now [date?] with an MRI, which has confirmed it's that nerve root at L2/L3. The steroid shot has not helped... Debating if we go for a series 2 in the shot or not... But now also considering the hyperbaric chamber as another non invasive option. He doesn't warrant surgery.
Thanks
Ryan
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 5, 2023 10:41:05 GMT -7
Ryan, did the neuro who did the 8/25 steroid epidural and 8/31? called for the MRI, think meds might help? You did not disclose what meds/dose did not help. So sorry if below is repetition. If the escaped disc material pressing on the nerve root is shifting periodically, these meds would be worth bringing up A combo of: Amantadine PLUS the newer Lyrica® (pregabalin) or the older gabapentinWe have heard very little use of Hyperbaric Chamber (HC) on the Forum. IF meds can't provide comfort, then research of veterinary literature on the HC would be prudent. Does rolling his paws over mean he knuckles them under? paw knuckled under
weak, crossing, and nails grazing the floor  ** Dr. Andrew Isaacs, DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center from the Dodgerslist Neuro Corner: "Potential causes related to IVDD surgery include residual compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, and paraesthesia secondary to abnormal healing of the nerve tissue. Sometimes it is difficult and risky to remove all fragments of disk material with surgery. Therefore, when your dog assumes certain positions there is the potential that the residual fragments irritate the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. If the painful episodes are not increasing in severity or frequency, associated with neurological deficits, and your veterinarian is not able to identify any other causes a drug to discuss a trial course of is gabapentin (Neurontin). If the gabapentin helps some, but not adequately, another drug to consider in the same category (but more expensive) is pregabalin (Lyrica)." www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/Randompain.htm |
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Ryan & Woody
New Member
MALE - Dachshund . mild hrt murmur
Posts: 32
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Post by Ryan & Woody on Sept 5, 2023 11:26:26 GMT -7
Steroid epidural was Aug 16.
He's been on meds (gabapentin) for a long time now. He doesn't really exhibit much pain. I'm sure he's slightly uncomfortable at times but no outward showing of pain. He takes 125mg gabapentin 3x/day. He weighs 12lbs.
He's not knuckling in terms of placing the foot upside down, but rather when he pushes off with the foot in stride, it rolls over/knuckles. So it's only knuckling for a half second at the end of a stride, and not all the time but often. It's like there's no power in the stride.
I've found a fair amount of research that suggests Hyperbaric Chamber should be useful in bringing down inflammation around that nerve root.. But was hoping to find some actual stories here from people.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 5, 2023 13:31:33 GMT -7
We haven't heard much from our members about Hyperbaric Chamber therapy, but it seems like more vets are offering it now.
If Woody is getting some pain relief from gabapentin, the newer and stronger pregabalin (Lyrica) might benefit him.
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