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Post by Scott Squared on May 30, 2013 16:04:48 GMT -7
Hi folks! I’ve been lurking around the boards and website since November and figured it was finally our time to introduce ourselves. My name is Scott (Little), my partner is Scott (Big), and our little guy is Kiko. Kiko is about 5 years old, give or take (his age was unknown when we rescued him). He’s a bit of an oddball but we wouldn’t have him any other way. Kiko is part Dachshund and part Jack Russell. He has the coloring and markings of a JRT but the stretched out back and achondroplastic characteristics of a Dachshund. At first we thought we were going to be getting by easy with a mix-breed. As it turns out, his JRT attitude and Doxie build don’t get along very well. We knew in the beginning that care was going to need to be taken with his back. We made sure he had steps for use on the taller furniture and put up gates on the stairwells so he couldn’t barrel up/down unattended. All seemed to be going well until late October when he became less active and showed signs of slight muscle spasm in his side. We had just had his glands expressed so we blew it off for a couple days assuming he was uncomfortable from that blow to his ego. Come Monday morning, he was showing signs of actual pain so we took him into our primary vet and they made the diagnosis of probable IVDD (lumbar). He was placed on Medrol and Robaxin, instructed to severely limit activity, and we were provided with info for a local 24 hour ER and Neurology center should he have a sudden change or loss of function. At that time, he was a little weak on one side (not lifting his leg high to urinate) but other than that, just uncomfortable. He completed his Medrol Taper (we tapered his Robaxin at the same time) and continued crate rest for approximately 4 weeks. He was his old self and back to keeping our lab in line after the first week so we’re thankful this was a minor episode and went back to our lives as before, only with more care and less jumping. Fast forward to May 1st. I noticed he was reluctant to come welcome me home from work one morning. After 30 minutes, he finally came to say hi but we obviously not himself. I then noticed the telltale muscle twitch in his neck and immediately crated him, dosed him with some left over Robaxin, and called our vet for an appointment and another Medrol taper. Our vet confirmed our suspicion and provided us with the standard scripts as well as info on a different neurology practice that he now recommends. He also indicated that neck IVDD issues are slower to respond to conservative treatment and to consider laser and additional medications if he shows any signs of obvious pain. We knew how to play this game so we returned home with our guy and began that sad separation known as crate rest. Everything was going according to plan until 2:30am exactly two weeks later. I heard a few whimpers from the crate and peeked around the blanket to find him hunched up, nose to ground, trembling, and unable to lift his head or walk out of the crate. A pushed my terror deep inside and tried to comfort him (he loves his ears rubbed). Eventually he was able to exit the crate but I was sick to my stomach seeing him like this. I woke Big up and we were off to a local 24 hour ED/Neurology center closer to home (the first one we were referred to for his back). There he was examined and provided with an injection of Dilaudid and a script for Tramadol and Neurontin every 8 hours. We opted not to have a neuro consult at that time and with that practice for personal reasons and returned home to continue conservative treatment with added pain meds and even scheduled a round of 6 laser treatments with our primary vet. The laser and meds had Kiko feeling pretty good. In fact, I would venture to say he was his old self, only miserable to be crated full time. Two weeks later, we attempted to taper his meds from every 8 hours to every 12 hours. That did not go well. It was at that point we decided to contact Dr. Isaacs and Dr. Galle at Dogwood. We are blessed to have them and their practice in our neck of the woods. On Tuesday morning, we took Kiko out to Dogwood where he was amazed and stupefied by the gigantic squirrels they had out there (goats, chickens, horses, rabbits). I was immediately put at ease by the lack of clinical feeling there. Kiko was seen by Dr. Holahan, the neurology resident and was immediately taken back for a pre-op anesthesia workup, MRI, and surgical decompression of his spinal cord due to a C2-C3 herniation.
We went in that morning expecting to be bringing Kiko home. We didn’t expect everything to move so quickly and it kind of knocked us for a loop. We were driving away from Dogwood with an empty carrier and woudn’t see our little guy for several days. That was a tough pill to swallow. We stayed local for lunch in case the MRI showed something non-surgical but ended up staring at our lunch plates and not eating. I’m sure you all are quite familiar with that feeling. We were expecting it, but didn’t have a chance to prepare for it. First step, buy a bottle of wine! WOW! Sorry to drag this out. Anyway, Kiko did amazing with surgery and recovery. He gets to come home tomorrow at 1pm!!! We are so excited to see our little guy again. I guess I’ll cut it off here and continue later on as an update after he comes home. Here he is 24 hours post-op and quite sleepy from his medications. He had to have a little extra to snuff out his JRT attitude. =) *picture provided by Dogwood staff  Thanks for letting me share! Little |
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 30, 2013 18:28:46 GMT -7
Aww, bless his heart. I too have a Doxie mix. Polly is standard dachshund mixed with chihuahua. 23 lbs of muscle and attitude.
You've been through a lot. It sounds like you've had excellent care. Kiko is a lucky boy.
You'll get lots of support here for post surgical care. The next six weeks may loom long now, but once you're done it will seem like it flew by.
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Post by Sherry Layman on May 30, 2013 18:58:56 GMT -7
Wow! You do have your hands full with that mixed breed. How fun but how challenging. I bet you do love that guy!!! He's cute, even drugged. So, if you've been lurking on the site for so long have you found the page with all the great links? Here's our IVDD101 page, tons of great info for every stage of IVDD. www.dodgerslist.com/You'll get instructions from the surgeon when you pick him up tomorrow. Crate rest is part of post-op recovery but likely the surgeon will tell you Kiko can have some limited activity, generally it's a few minutes of very easy walking a couple times a day but see what you are told. As often as you've been through this you've probably already got a great crate set up but there is a page with suggestions if you want to check it out. One thing I noted that you'll want to change is that you had steps for your taller furniture. This is a common mistake so don't feel bad but ramps is really what Kiko needs for the furniture, those dog steps are still jarring on his back. Be sure you are always using a harness rather than a collar anytime Kiko is on a leash, collars stress the discs in the neck. Let us know what the surgeon says tomorrow and how Kiko is settling in. Glad you've introduced yourselves and hoping for a smooth recovery for Kiko! |
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Post by Linda Stowe on May 30, 2013 19:52:16 GMT -7
Hi Scott(s) Thanks for posting Kiko's story. Dogwood is our favorite clinic too. Both Dr. Isaacs and Galle are great surgeons. Glad you found them. Be sure to let us know when he gets home and what they recommend for aftercare.
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Post by Scott Squared on May 31, 2013 12:45:15 GMT -7
Well, our little guy just got home from his stay at Dogwood and has happily settled into his crate for a nap. Because of his more lateral herniation, they chose to do a hemilaminectomy and decompression with a dorsal approach. He's got a pretty amazing incision running from his head to his shoulders. We've taken to calling him Frankenweenie. <- I'm confident that we're not the first ones to do this. HA! He's been discharged on 2 weeks of strict crate rest and the usual suspects as far as medications go: Tramadol, Gabapentin, and a Prednisone taper. Additionally, we were provided with a 10 day supply of Ace ( Acepromazine) if we need it just to keep him on the down low. So far, he's happy to be home and resting comfortably. We may use the Ace twice a day vs. three times a day. He does really well crated at night so sedation then isn't going to be an issue. In two weeks we go back to Dogwood for a follow up appointment and to have whatever staples taken out that haven't already fallen out. Looks like he has one or two that won't last too much longer.  Once again, thank you all for your input and info. It's proven to be quite valuable for us (as well as the others who lurk around the boards without posting). OH! And Sherry, we've already made the ramp conversion. We actually have ramps or simply blocked off access. My dad even got involved and built a 12 foot ramp off the deck. Now we just need to work on fencing the sides to make it a "no-fly" zone. Little |
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 31, 2013 13:24:48 GMT -7
I remember gasping at the sight of Polly's incision. She was our Frankenweenie for awhile, too.  . Once the hair grows back in, it will all but disappear. You'll be amazed. Polly just has a little stripe down her back. |
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Post by Scott Squared on Jun 3, 2013 6:08:15 GMT -7
Kiko couldn't be happier to be home and we couldn't be happier to have him back.  He's doing pretty good with his continued crate rest. We've relocated the crate so he has a view of the room and and period of sunshine to lay in. He's a fan of finding any sliver of sun on the floor and flopping down in it. We know he misses his sun lounging because during a few potty breaks, he's decided to just sit down or lay down in the grass. We now have a small wooden bench in his potty patch so we have somewhere to sit if he decided to take a few minutes to enjoy some sun. I'm a little paranoid about letting him sit there too long because of the large bald spot on his neck. Our boy has never really been a wild and crazy guy. He's very laid back for having some JRT in him. However, he does LOVE his rabbits and squirrels. We we're both shocked by a bunny that darted out from the lilies in his potty patch. He must be feeling better because he tried to dart after it. Then he was quite verbal about not wanting to be in his crate after realizing he had furry friends in the yard. Thankfully, we have the Acepromazine on hand. We've only used it 2 times in the last 4 days... I feel bad for sedating him because he's such a pitiful sight when he's doped up, but I know it's for the best. He really needs to lay low in order for his spine to heal since he had a hemilaminectomy. Has anyone done any post-surgical laser treatments to help with healing? Is anyone aware of any contraindications for laser treatments when surgical staples are still in place? I'll be calling the our local vet in a few hours but was curious if anyone had any feedback on this subject. Little |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 3, 2013 8:29:27 GMT -7
"Clinicians at UF's Small Animal Hospital began using the procedure routinely after results from a year-long study showed the laser's effectiveness in patients with intervertebral disc disease... The study is the first ever to compare dogs with intervertebral disc disease treated postoperatively with lasers to dogs not treated with lasers, Schubert said. He called the results "revolutionary." veterinarypage.vetmed.ufl.edu/2011/09/19/laser-treatment-helps-dogs-with-spinal-cord-injury/ [UF Vet] Let us know what your vet says. |
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Post by Scott Squared on Jun 3, 2013 12:52:21 GMT -7
Let us know what your vet says. Paula, Thanks for pointing out that article! =) For the record, our primary vet said that the staples question comes up a lot. There is absolutely no contraindication to using laser when staples are present. Additionally, a veterinarian called me back from the LiteCure company that makes the Companion Laser (which my primary vet's office uses) and also said that the staples were no issue at all. I was quiet surprised to hear from them so soon! We had purchased a round of 6 treatments for Kiko a few weeks back. He was getting a lot of relaxing benefits from the laser and they helped reduce his painful muscle spasms for 12-24 hours or so. We ended up having to cancel his last treatment because of the unplanned surgery. I'm looking forward to taking out little guy in on Wednesday to have them use the laser on his incision to help with pain, inflammation, and healing of the traumatized tissues and muscle layers. Thanks again for your feedback. Little |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 3, 2013 20:43:03 GMT -7
Glad to hear you have confirmation that laser therapy is used even before the staples come out. I hope Kiko will again find good benefit with the laser light therapy.
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Post by Scott Squared on Jun 14, 2013 16:59:26 GMT -7
Well, Kiko had his 2 week post-op/follow-up appointment today with Dr Isaacs and Dr. Holahan at Dogwood. We now graduate from strict crate rest to a modified plan. He'll still be crated most of the time, but now we can linger out in the yard a little longer on potty breaks. Tonight, we got to spend some much needed lap time out on the deck. We'll increase our time away from the crate (while on a leash) over the next few weeks. Maybe go for a short walk in a few days after he has some time for his incision to heal a little more. In two more weeks, we'll relocate the crate to an "out-of-the-way" location so he can still access it when he wants (will still be crated at night and when we're gone). Then we'll start our new life without steps, furniture, jumping, or excessive horseplay with Cassie our Lab.
He's thrilled to finally get those staples out! Although, the itching is really getting to him. He managed to partially open about 1-2 cm of his incision last night. The docs aren't too concerned with that right now. A little antibiotic ointment and a close eye for now. I've been tempted to wrap his back paws to prevent scratching while we're sleeping but I think he would just chew his paw off to remove that wrap. =) Hopefully having those staples out will ease some of the itching.
2 weeks down, 2 to go!
Is it wrong that I'm kind of hoping all this crate rest has been prophylactic for any iffy discs elsewhere in his spine? =)
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 14, 2013 18:51:06 GMT -7
Hope the anti-biotic will have Kiko's skin feeling good again. Often during the 6 weeks of crate rest, walking is the PT surgeons prescribe, they did with my dog as well.
Sounds like you have a good plan to make your home back friendly as is possible and encourage activities that are less stress for the back.
Crate rest works to allow time for a disc that has developed tiny cracks and is bulging or one that has torn to form good secure scare tissue. A bulging disc as well as a disc that has torn is quite painful, so don't believe Kiko has any in that state that need crate rest. This is a nasty disease in that there is no predicting at what point a disc will be prematurely aged enough to no longer be flexible and cushion the vertebrae. Some dogs have only one disc episode their entire life while others have multiple. All we can do is be educated to notice the first hints of a disc problem--- pain (shivering, trembling,yelping, reluctant to move) and crate at once to protect the spinal cord. Then get vet help for meds to get the swelling down and give comfort from pain during the 8 weeks it takes a disc to heal on conservative treatment with the hope surgery can be avoided.
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Post by Scott Squared on Jul 10, 2013 12:20:19 GMT -7
So our Kiko has officially graduated from his 6 weeks post-op course and has been gradually reintroduced to everyday life (with a few lifestyle changes). We were finally able to give him his first bath since April! It was a happy day for all! =)
With that, something we noticed today. Kiko has stopped shedding. 100% stopped. No hair in the drain, no hair in the towels, no hair in his bed, no hair anywhere! Kiko has never been shed-free so this is a quandary for us. I've been doing some research online and can't find any reputable info.
Has anyone ever had this situation crop up? Could the weeks and weeks of steroids possibly have put a temporary halt to his shedding?
Interesting....
Scott =)
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Post by Scott Squared on Jul 10, 2013 12:35:06 GMT -7
Well, Kiko is a post-op graduate! =) He got his first bath today and all is right with his world again. He even stopped shedding? Haven't figured that one out yet. Hmm.... His incision gave us some trouble and he managed to pull some sutures up, but our primary vet took care of that and he has finally healed. Now we begin life anew. =)  Oh, and our deck is officially a "no-fly" zone. A rolling gate across the main steps and a ramp and swinging gate on the side steps.   |
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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 Jul 10, 2013 13:49:38 GMT -7
I wouldn't worry about it unless his skin or hair coat seem to be having problems...strange though |
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 10, 2013 20:14:32 GMT -7
Happy Graduation day Kiko!!! Looks like you are well on your way to your careful new normal. Enjoy!!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 12, 2013 9:21:34 GMT -7
Congratulations on Kiko's graduation. Thank you so much for sharing the photos on how you made your deck back friendly…. what a great solution!! Don't be a stranger… you can help others just starting the scary IVDD journey, give them inspiration.
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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 Jul 12, 2013 16:25:30 GMT -7
Congratulations - and thank you for sharing pictures of the modifications that you made to your deck!! |
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. Once the hair grows back in, it will all but disappear. You'll be amazed. Polly just has a little stripe down her back.
