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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 6, 2016 17:04:04 GMT -7
1 Baxter is a smooth red dachshund in New York who is the spunk of our family. He turns 12 on the 11th. ☆ 2 Baxter 'went down' Monday evening, 8/1/16, and we went to the vet, X-rays showed some space in between some discs in his back ☆ 4 Baxter does not seem to be in pain, in fact even the day it happened he was wagging his tail when he saw me (he lives with my parents about an hour away). He has yelped several times when picking him up after his first round of acupuncture and movement to his limbs (should we be doing this?! The vet also said to use his tail as a handle and I just didn't like the sound of it...) he is himself other than the fact that his 2 hind legs do not want to work. One seems to be a little more limp than the other when we try to stand him. I ☆ 5 How much does your dog weigh? 13 pounds☆ 6 [13 lbs] Prednisone [as of 8/2]: 5mg? (That may be the amount in the bottle) 2x a day for 5 days, once a day for 5 more days. Gabapentin 1.5-2mL mg every 12 hours ☆ 7 he cannot walk, his back legs are not working  he did a supported stand at the vet. When stretching we saw him move them a bit. He moves them back (right more so) when we pinch them to check for feeling or sometimes when we do the bicycle motion (again, should we be stretching his legs while he's laying like the vet said?) he has wagged since day one. ☆ 8 the first day he did not go at all and had some leakage. It appears he is peeing when we find him whining and bring him out. He has pooped outside, but it's hard to tell if he just doesn't have to go or if he is controlling it. I had him ouside and I pickeD him up and he had a few pebbles today, he has gone while supported for my dad. ☆ 9 eating and drinking fine. Did not the first 12 hours but is very excited for food now. Poop appears ok. My vet recommended acupuncture so we began Friday, 4 days after he went down. He did not like it. But he completely a session with the electro stim. I'm hoping this helps. Again, the vet said to move his legs and help him stand and use his tail as a handle to help this but I can't see that being good for his back? It's heartbreaking to see him unable to move his legs, but it is a relief to see him being himself. Any help or advice would be welcomed. I am so happy to see the success some have had |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 6, 2016 17:50:23 GMT -7
Britanny, welcome to Dodgerslist. I'm sorry that you have learned Baxter was born with disc disease (IVDD). There will be many happy years ahead living with an IVDD dog. One of the very best things you can do for Baxter is to get up to speed on IVDD so you can protect and care for him during this disc episode. While we are not vets we do have much to share with you. Things we have learned from the neuros and other professionals who Dodgerslist consult with, our own personal experience with IVDD plus observing the many, many thousands of dogs who pass through this Forum and what their vets Rx. We can help you to interpret what you observe and make sure you relay the important feedback to your vet quickly to get speedier help for Baxter. You will see we point you to invaluable background info to read. The reason is --- knowledge IS most definitely the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win. Many vets know IVDD and some are new to it. You can play an instrumental role in working with the vet you have hired when you bring the best command of this disease to the table. For right now it sounds like he may still be in pain if there are yelps. Two or more signs of pain can help you know if a call into the vet to get pain meds adjusted are needed. Let us know too what you observe especially since it appears the pred taper has started: ◻︎shivering-trembling ◻︎yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎tight tense tummy ◻︎restless, can't find a comfortable position. ◻︎arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move ◻︎looks up with just their eyes and do not move their head and neck briskly. ◻︎holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎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. -- Could you double check his prescription for a bit more accuracy to help us best understand Baxter's situation.Prednisone as of 8/1: 5mg is the dose? 2x/day for 5 days,then test for pain taperGabapentin, please double check 1.5-2mg does not seem right. is it a liquid or a pill. What size is the tablet in mgs. do you cut the tab or give the full tab? ?mgs is each dose of gabapentin?Has the test for pred taper started, looks like it is to begin today 8/6? Rule of thumb is: pain = swelling = more time on anti-inflammatory, pain meds and Pepcid AC needed. You will want to understand more fully how pred works with a disc episode should another round of Pred be needed due to observing pain on the taper:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm
Can you tell us if Baxter can pass the sniff an pee test. That is he is carried to and from the potty place and set down on an old pee spot. He sniffs and then makes the choice to release/mark there. Leaking on you when lifted or finding urine leaks in bedding would be signs of loss of bladder control.The hallmark component of the conservative treatment is all about protecting the spinal cord by limiting movement of the back. Preventing the vertebrae from moving is how the disc can heal and hopefully prevent a surgery if too much movement does greater damage to the spinal cord. So you can play an instrumental role in assuring Baxter will be a good candidate to recover under conservative treatment!!--- No bicycles, no pinching any toes, no tail walking. just inside the recovery suite for 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks.
-- Allow a very, very few limited footsteps at potty time. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep the back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on! ![]() ☐ Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite in far right column- see the pink box: www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm While on pred, we follow those vets who are proactive to protect the GI tract from the extra acids pred causes...all in an effort to avoid a potential bleeding ulcer. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episode is 0.44mg mg per pound every 12 hours and giving the anti-inflammatory with a meal for added protection. Get Pepcid AC at the grocery store but FIRST do ask your vet in this particular way: Is there any health reason (heart, liver, or kidney) my dog may not take Pepcid AC (famotidine)? Know all about your pet's meds, reading IS important for all your dog's meds: www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html and marvistavet.com/famotidine.pml It won't take much to bone up and get up to speed on IVDD. Follow the button that pertains to the situation now at hand, conservative treatment. As time permits in the next days, do check out all the colored buttons on this page for many happy years ahead of living with an IVDD dog. Today you will want to click the YELLOW button "Conservative Treatment: Overview essentials" at this link: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm |
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 6, 2016 18:13:09 GMT -7
The gabapentin is 1.5-2ml liquid. It was very late when we were prescribed the prednisone, he refused to eat that first day so we started the next, tomorrow will be the first day to taper. The bottle just says 5mg, 20 tablets. I'm worried now that the vet suggested the tail and rom exercised. She pulled his tail to adjust his body after his acupuncture. Should I find a new vet? 😞 Or should I just tell her next time we go to not do that?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 6, 2016 18:30:20 GMT -7
Britanny you are in charge of your dog and are the one hiring the right vet for the right disease. If your vet is open to learning what you have learned in our collection of IVDD information, then he is a good one to stay with.  There is good creditable information on the web but then websites that are not. Make sure you know where you are getting information from. More about Dodgerslist: www.dodgerslist.com/index/education.htmWe do not expect our own physicians to know every disease about the human species. Our family doctor will often refer us to a specialist. Vets are awesome people. Not all vets can know every detail about every disease for all the many species (cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, farm animals, birds, etc they treat.) Then they practice many specialties in the course of a day: pediatrics, dentistry, surgery, internal medicine. Is it surprising, that keeping current and indepth knowledge of each and every disease for every species is probably not likely? But you can very quickly get up to speed on just one disease that is very significant to you and Baxter. Hope on the pred taper tomorrow you will not see any hint of pain surfacing. If you do your vet will likely Rx another course of Pred and try another taper. It is typical that the vet also backs off or stops the pain masking pain meds (gabapentin) so that there is a quick and clear test on whether another course of pred is needed. Which did your vet want stopping or backing off of Gabapentin for tomorrow? |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 6, 2016 18:37:31 GMT -7
Hi Brittany. I'm Julie. Before Baxter got IVDD did you like your vet and have a good relationship with them? If so stay but you will need to educate them. General practice Vets are like family doctors. They know a lot about a lot but aren't specialists. So you will have to become the expert on IVDD so you can work with your vet. Dodger's List has free material you can get to share with your vet. Until then definitely speak up, in a nice but firm voice whenever something is done with Baxter you feel isn't good for him. He is depending on you to be his advocate. Read, read, read. Knowledge is power. If you weren't happy with your vet before I would start looking around. Ask friends/family. Dodger's List has a section for finding a good vet. I saw a book at the library called " Speaking for Spot" that was helpful also. Best healing wishes.
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 6, 2016 19:04:46 GMT -7
The prednisone it says to taper, they will be calling tomorrow. It's a new vet. The lady I saw there was our first time because she was the one that specializes in the acupuncture. They were very loving, which is nice. But I will speak up and if it isn't well received I will start looking. Next time we go out I will see if he sniffs and pees. He has not had any leakage today. He's sound asleep right now. I keep thinking I'll wake up and I'll see him running over to me and this was all a nightmare 😞
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 6, 2016 20:59:42 GMT -7
Wow do I know that feeling! Just remember to take it one day at a time. IVDD is a marathon so you have to pace yourself. Baxter will pick up on your feelings so act happy and relaxed around him. As long as his pain is under control he'll start perking up before you know it. Hang in there it gets better. 😀
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Post by Nora & Ricky on Aug 7, 2016 17:48:01 GMT -7
Hi my name is Nora my RICKY is a day behind you. It happened Tuesday August 2
Vet on 8/3 started crate rest 8/3
I'm so worried I'm doing things wrong
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 8, 2016 9:37:55 GMT -7
The vet said its ok to do the pecid,
[13 lbs
Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day
Prednisone as of 8/2: 5mg 2x/day for 5 days, once a day for 5 more days.
Gabapentin 1.5-2mL every 12 hours]
he did have blood work done after he started the pred and his liver was a little high but they did say ok for 5mg 2x a day? I just don't want to do anything that will harm him
Gosh I know, it feels like everything that I do i question, then get sad about, and then I just get relieved he is acting like himself, and then it cycles again. He still can't move his back legs but is acting very Baxter-like and is happy and that's the most important thing. I hope your Ricky is making slow progress everyday and I will be thinking about him and sending positive vibes. It's so hard to see our little ones like this and not be able to take the discomfort or
Change in them away
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 8, 2016 16:35:26 GMT -7
Britanny, good job in getting 5mgs of Pepcid AC on board 2x/day. Giving the pred with a meal with provide extra stomach protection.
Hope to hear there will be no pain surfacing on the test-for-pain taping of pred. If there would be alert your vet right away and he'll likely give another short 5-day course and then try another taper. But we have our fingers crossed that just one pred course will have completed getting all painful spinal cord swelling taken care of.
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 9, 2016 14:09:20 GMT -7
I feel like he is twitching a lot, he could be dreaming but is this something to be concerned about? Or is this his nerves coming back? Its not isolated to his rear, I see his head and front paws twitching too while laying
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 9, 2016 14:50:13 GMT -7
It doesn't seem like a muscle spasm does it? If it is just twitching and there are no signs of pain, I would not be concerned with it.
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 11, 2016 19:36:31 GMT -7
So happy to report that Baxter is now able to stand (albeit for a very short time) with his hind legs  . He turned 12 years younger today and it was such a great site to see him more aligned, his feet where they should be and that stance, even if for a second. The incident happened 8/1, making it 2 weeks on Monday of crate rest. He is getting stronger and it is getting harder to keep him entertained and quiet while in the crate or keep from moving when going outside. So thankful for the helpful tips here and will keep everyone updated. Baxter goes for his second round of acupuncture tomorrow and we hope to have more progress. I honestly didn't think he was going to be able to use his legs again. They were completely useless to the point where he was stepping on them, and the first day or two he did not have control of his bladder. He is going regularly and letting us know when he has to go outside. Time, love and the right medications along with the crate rest have done wonders so far and it's only been 10 days |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 11, 2016 22:54:31 GMT -7
Hooray!! Such good news. Crate rest works.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 12, 2016 9:26:44 GMT -7
Britanny, is Baxter now off of Pred fully, off of all pain meds? If so it will be time to start some very, very light range of motion and massage.... let us know so we can share how that is done.
Did Baxter move himself up into a standing position?
Happy birthday Baxter!
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 12, 2016 19:53:31 GMT -7
He has tomorrow with the pred and then he's done! Even better, today after his second acupuncture session. he took steps!!! I almost cried, I never thought he would walk again. Now he will be even harder to keep distracted but it is such a happy problem to have!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 13, 2016 10:16:26 GMT -7
Britanny, that is just the most wonderful news, taking a few footsteps on his own, what a birthday present he gave back to YOU! IF he can now move his legs himself, you will not need to flex his knees (ROM) or massage the back legs in a very gentle way. Let us know what you think...here is the info to keep in mind the very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage will be necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment once off all pain meds and no more signs of pain The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk . www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm |
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 18, 2016 2:27:22 GMT -7
Baxter has made so much progress in the little time since the accident. I honestly can't believe it. I just keep thinking back to that first day, his back end completely limp and not being able to go to the bathroom. He no longer needs support when going to the bathroom, he has taken steps several times and is just doing so well. This Monday will be week 3 and he has his 3rd acupuncture session this Friday. I truly feel this has made a huge difference, as after that appointment he took his first steps, and when we went into the appointment, he was hardly bearing weight with assistance. Will keep everyone updated.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 18, 2016 4:16:54 GMT -7
I'm so very happy for you and Baxter, Britanny. His nerves are healing beautifully. Be sure to hang in there for the full 8 weeks of strict crate rest to allow the disc to also heal and form scar tissue. You're doing a great job of caring for Baxter. Your encouragement of others is also greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work! |
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Sept 3, 2016 19:39:27 GMT -7
Baxter is doing so well. He walks with a little limp but it is amazing how much progress he has made. We are a week and a half from completing crate rest and every single day I am thankful for the support and guidance receieved from Dodgerslist. ❤️
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 3, 2016 21:50:02 GMT -7
Hi Brittany I am so happy for you and Baxter and all the progress he has made.. His walking will get even more steady as the days go on! 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk. 3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test. Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine. 4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. <Baxter!5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. See how close he is??  |
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Sept 4, 2016 12:50:59 GMT -7
He's at 6 We deter him from moving a lot but he walked out of his 2nd acupuncture appointment and tried to run out of hai third lol but he's listening and resting but is almost at 100 percent besides a little limp in his weaker leg. It's amazing |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 4, 2016 13:24:19 GMT -7
Britianny, do mark your calendar for Sep 26 graduation day, eight weeks from the start of the disc episode on 8/1.
At acupuncture are you there to pick him up right way so there is no way he could possibly be walking out or trying to run. Is the Acupuncture person allowing him to walk?
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Sept 5, 2016 20:01:12 GMT -7
They [acupuncture] were encouraging him [walk] to but we talked to them. He isn't going every week anymore. Thank you for the date reminder it looks like I was skipping ahead
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Dec 20, 2016 17:08:38 GMT -7
Just wanted to update on my Baxter! He is doing wonderfully. He has a little 'quirk' to step but he is good as new. It is such a relief. I am so hankful for this site. We just go our calendar (featuring our little man) and cannot thank everyone enough for their support. We will forever be grateful.
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 20, 2016 21:01:31 GMT -7
A very happy belated graduation to you and Baxter.. Great to hear he is doing so well and you are enjoying your Calendar with Baxter in it! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 21, 2016 8:18:25 GMT -7
Brittany, wonderful news on Baxter's neuro functions having self repaired from not walking to "good as new." Good job in seeing to his care which gave Baxter the opportunity to heal so nicely. It warms my heart to see so many of our Forum family in the calendar. Thank you Brittany for supporting the work of Dodgerslist in a way, I bet, you did not think of. The calendar celebrates “Living the Life” despite IVDD. Youngsters to seniors…. including our most senior family member, Pogo, at 18 years old. My veterinarian has saved each year’s calendar so his overwhelmed and fearful clients can see pictures 100’s of IVDD dogs for hope & inspiration. Everyone take a look at Dodgers beautiful family members in this year’s calendar and put hope in your heart and a smile on your face: www.cafepress.com/dodgers_list.2017436832We invite each of you reading this post to place a photo in the Dodgerslist photo gallery for the next calendar. Get your camera out and send in your JPG. LOGIN to Dodgers Photo Gallery: www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/ username: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14 Or you can email (owner's name, email addy, dog's name + photo caption) to : photogallery@dodgerslist.com  |
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Post by Britanny & Baxter on Aug 11, 2017 3:39:33 GMT -7
It has been a year since Baxter fell. He is doing wonderfully, and is celebrating his 13th birthday today! Just wanted to say thank you again, without the help of dodgers list, I'm not sure we would be celebrating today.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 11, 2017 4:43:17 GMT -7
Happy birthday, Baxter! So glad to hear he's doing well, Britanny. So good to hear from you!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 11, 2017 10:57:18 GMT -7
Britanny, give your Baxter a hug and congratulations on his 13th birthday!! We do love periodic updates. It is helpful to new members to see dogs can live a happy, healthy and pain free life after a disc episode.
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he did a supported stand at the vet. When stretching we saw him move them a bit. He moves them back (right more so) when we pinch them to check for feeling or sometimes when we do the bicycle motion (again, should we be stretching his legs while he's laying like the vet said?) he has wagged since day one. 
. He turned 12 years younger today and it was such a great site to see him more aligned, his feet where they should be and that stance, even if for a second. The incident happened 8/1, making it 2 weeks on Monday of crate rest. He is getting stronger and it is getting harder to keep him entertained and quiet while in the crate or keep from moving when going outside. So thankful for the helpful tips here and will keep everyone updated. Baxter goes for his second round of acupuncture tomorrow and we hope to have more progress. I honestly didn't think he was going to be able to use his legs again. They were completely useless to the point where he was stepping on them, and the first day or two he did not have control of his bladder. He is going regularly and letting us know when he has to go outside. Time, love and the right medications along with the crate rest have done wonders so far and it's only been 10 days 
