Julie's Nala 10/2016 Conservative + ongoing arthritis pain

Julie, the little reminder to us is that yellow icon under Nala's picture---- ROM: no pain, no meds.

That yellow icon reminds us to tell you when off of all meds and you have proof of no pain showing, then for paralyzed legs it would be time to perform some some very, very light least aggressive of range of motion (ROM).

So we look forward to your updates and crossing our fingers there will be no pain showing when off all meds so that you would be able to start some ROM therapy.

When deciding about pain, seeing two or more signs of pain help to confirm it. Having arthritis pain makes yours and vets job more difficult with the test-for-pain pred taper.   Why is she not wanting to bear weight...arthritis or spinal cord pain?  Are you seeing any other pain sign.  You know Nala best, so your vet will be depending on your observations.

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, can’t find a comfortable position, Arched back, pinned back ears. Holding leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky interested in life selves.

Thanks for the update, Julie. I'm glad to hear that Nala is feeling better now. Hopefully the swelling will resolve by the next time a taper is tried and she'll be able to get off some of her meds.

Blessings to you both.

Part of safety in using pred and other meds is a blood test to test the health of organs. When is the last time there has been a blood panel?  Carafate and Pepcid AC are still on board?

Do we have it correct that Nala started prednisone 5mg 2x/day on Oct 11 for 9 days + for 1 day you resumed the anti-inflammatory dose on 10/23?

We will be keeping our fingers crossed that the taper dose of 2.5mgs 2x/day will not show pain surfacing.

It is pretty typical that prednisone at the anti-inflammatory dose is used somewhere in the range 7-30  total days. Days that taper, are days dropping below the anti-inflammatory dose and are not working on inflammation.  It is always prudent to try a pred course of 5 or 7 days, test for pain.  No vet nor owner wants to use pred any longer than getting the benefit of spinal cord swelling resolved.

 

Hi Julie, 
what state do you live? I am going through Similar issues with the vet and Oscar. They are also concerned about him being on it to long, but from what I read every dog react differently to meds. Hoping this round he settles down and the pain goes away. Good luck to you and let me know about the laser I am also reading up on that.

We all have our fingers crossed, Julie! I do hope that you'll be able to wean Nala off of the Prednisone so all she'll need to do is rest comfortably in her crate for the remainder of the 8 weeks.

Hi Mary. I'm taking Nala for a total of 9 treatments 2 x a week. She seemed to be ok with the treatment. I'm hoping it helps. Almost halfway through crate rest and I'm seeing some small signs of improvement. Some leg movement and very comfortable. Hope Oscar is also doing well. They can be crate rest buddies!!

Wow great job Nala!!! Good job to you too Julie. Oscar had his second treatment today. They are giving him three sessions  in a row then we go back on Monday next week for his 4th.  He was very calm today. keeping my fingers crossed that it helps both of them. I have to call vet to get more meds for him tomorrow,but hoping all goes well with his taper this week. The holealistic vet she felt that he was still in some discomfort yesterday but more at ease today. He sleeps really well after the treatment. I so much hope this works for us both.

She's stopped panting for now but it worries me. Am wondering if it's because she's been on the Prednisone longer this time. No signs of pain. Should I continue taper?

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an hour previously:
Since Nala's been doing well on the 1 Prednisone 2x a day for a week, this Monday I decided to try weaning her further. I gave it 1x Monday, skipped Tuesday, and then gave it 1x Wednesday. Tonight she seems comfortable and is chewing on a bone. However, she's panting quite a bit and drinking a lot of water. I'm puzzled as to what's going on. Ideas?

Oscar was panting this morning to after meds. Keeping fingers crossed for Nala and Oscar. 

So glad Laser is helping Nala!  I was very impressed on how much it helped Tyler.  It is a wonderful therapy! 

Keep on getting better, Nala! Tyler sends snuggles! 

Julie, the ability to raise herself up into a standing position could certainly be related to laser therapy and also just time that it takes nerves to self repair. Definately a most wonderful site to see!

Julie, what a good report. Your fine nursing skills have paid off in helping Nala to mend the disc and get the swelling down via meds. Two more weeks and it will be graduation day!

Hi, Julie. It's hard, isn't it, when they're on crate rest and you want to give them treats to cheer them up but shouldn't? Treats, if any, should be low cal carrots, piece of apple or some frozen broth ice cubes to lick. After crate rest and after she's slowly been reintroduced to movement again and built up her stamina and strength, she'll be able to walk around the house more and maybe you could even put her harness and leash on and encourage her to walk more in the house. If you have a local pet store that allows dogs, take her there for some inside walks. Hide and seek games involving nose work are good and can be played inside or outdoors (hide yourself behind a door, hide kibble pieces on a bottom shelf, under edge of rug, sink treats in a saucer of water, or a muffin tin. Roll a ball gently across the floor but avoid her pouncing or stopping suddenly.

Another idea is to cause her to exert more energy, use more calories is to have to do exercises such as sit/stand, lie down/stand up on command several repetitions and several times a day. Also laying down some broom handles or PVC pipe for her to have to exaggerate lifting her legs to traverse the obstacle course will also burn more calories. Dogs love our happy praise, so you may be able to get away with not using as many low cal treats if she will work for praise some of the time.