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Post by mannyb on Jun 1, 2013 12:14:47 GMT -7
Hi,
I am frantic. My baby Shilo is 6 yrs old and the drs say she may have no other choice but to have back surgery. She was on Metacam (1.5mg) for 7 days but it didn't help her. Now she is on Prednisone (5mg) for about 20 days. She is also on Gabapentin (100 mg) every 12 hrs and Tramadol (50mg) every 8 hrs for the pain. I am also giving her Pepcid (5mg) a day.
She has been like this for about 4 weeks now. No improvement. She is on strict bed rest. I carry her to where she likes to go to the bathroom and I carry her back. I do not let her walk, or play. Her hind legs still have some control, but they are far too weak for her to carry herself around. I still see her beautiful little tail wag, so I'm grateful to that.
I am so heartbroken. I feel so useless to helping her. The operation for her back is $8,000. Which I don't have but am hoping to raise enough money so that at least she can have the operation and do a payment plan of some sort with the vet. This is so hard for me. I feel lost and confused. I have been out of work for 4 yrs and this little angel has been there with me everyday. She saves my life everyday.
I have so many fears and worries about her. I don't know what to do. I thank God that she isn't dying and seems to be in good health otherwise, but my fear is constantly there about losing her. I am a mess.
I wanted to post on this site to see if I can get some words of wisdom or a shoulder to cry on. It's hard to see my girl like this. She is my life.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 1, 2013 17:08:04 GMT -7
Manny, welcome to Dodgerslist. We are glad you are here. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Shilo to get back to enjoying life after recovering. What can make a great deal of difference is your own self education. Knowledge is the best defense in fighting and winning with this disease. Reading others posts on the forum can be of comfort. But the meat of what you need to know is on our main web page. A very quick way to get up to speed on meds, how healing happens and when for each of the phases is the "Overview: the essentials" yellow button. Then work your way through the rest of the orange and blue buttons to complete your education. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWhen was the switch between metacam and prednisone? Was there a 4-7 day washout? What was the start date of Prednisone. Has there been any recent reduction of prednisone. How many times a day do you give 5mg of Predisone? Because she can move her legs and wag the tail with happiness, there is a good chance she can with time repair the nerve damage. With nerve damage think in terms of months for regeneration of nerves. Don't give up any hope at all! --What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD? -- What was the date you saw the vet and 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? We guessed it might be May 4. -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood? We look forward to learning more about Shilo. |
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Post by mannyb on Jun 1, 2013 17:39:11 GMT -7
This Entire thing started on May 8th. She was on the Metacam for 7 Days. She had about a 10 day washout. The Prednisone was started on May 29th, so she is on her 4th day today. She takes the Prednisone [5mg] every 12 hrs for the first 10 days, then once a day for 5 days, and then one every other day for 5 days.
Shilo is a miniature Dachsund. I did not get a specific diagnosis, since the MRI was $2000 but the Drs say that with her condition and the symptoms at hand it is a very high chance.
I took her the moment i saw her wobble. Which was on May 8th in the morning at about 9am. By 10 I was at the vet. By 11 I was told to go to a neurologist and did that by 12. I tried not to waste any time to get her help. Once I took Shilo home she was on strict bed rest.
I'm not sure if there is any pain. She never displayed any sense of pain even when she wasn't on her meds. Drs. say that she is very stoic and only time they saw she was in pain was when he pressed on her very hard. She has no trembling, or shivering, never yelps, she tries to move her back legs and i see her trying, but she can't get them to fully move.
She is eating normally drinking more water than usually, a side effect of the Prednisone I am told. No pooping issues, although the first few days she wouldn't go, and now it seems that it is getting back to normal.
Thank you for replying to me.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 2, 2013 8:17:17 GMT -7
Manny, you are doing a good job in caring properly for Shilo!!! Hang in there she will be back enjoying family life with you after completing all 8 weeks of crate rest. Her nerves will self heal more…but be prepared to think in terms of months and weeks rather than in days. So glad to hear your vet practices safe medicine with the washout between switching from the NSAID to the steroid.
Have you started your reading program on our main web page…education will give your spirits and emotions a lift to know that Shiloh will cross this bump in the road of life. She's going to need to see you as her pack leader telling her with confidence that everything is going to be OK… because in your heart you do know that.
Please stay in touch, as let us know how things are going especially as the Prednisone begins to taper.
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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 Jun 2, 2013 9:11:18 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen. You have done a great job getting the help for Shilo that she needs. The fact that she can wag her tail is an excellent sign - don't despair, she can recover from this with conservative treatment, but you have to be strict about the cage rest for 8 weeks, only out to potty and with her back supported in a sling to hold her back legs up(a scarf works well and is usually long enough so that we don't have to stoop and hurt our backs!) We are all here for you - like Paula said, get on the reading page and learn all about this disease, that way you can help educate your Vet too. Keeping you in thought and prayer.
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Post by mannyb on Jun 3, 2013 8:56:51 GMT -7
Thank you for the replies. I appreciate it.
I have so many questions. I've read all the information on the site. I was thinking of changing Shilo's food to something more nutritious for her. She is current on dry food, Beneful. I'm sure that doesn't have the nutrients she needs to heal.
I am also having major concerns about the Dr and the Vet Hospital. I don't know if they are the best place for my baby. They have been incredibly supportive, but if she is going to have to get surgery (which I am terrified about) I want to make sure that Shilo is going to one of the best. I know that there are supposed to be some amazing vets hospitals in NYC (NYC Vet Specialists & Animal Medical Center). But don't know if I may be overreacting and just not thinking straight.
I know I need to be patient and calm and keep Shilo as comfortable as possible. But we are approaching the 5th week, and I see no real change.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 3, 2013 9:30:35 GMT -7
Hi Manny, here is a link to help you with transitioning Shilo to a new food: www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/ However, please note that while she is on crate rest is not a good time to make a food change, because if she has gastric side effects, it will be difficult to tell whether it is from the food or from her meds. Best to wait until crate rest is over. Just a tip, my Board Certified neurologist and holistic vet recommended giving one sardine (plain, packed in water only) per day for lunch. Sardines are rich in Omega fatty acids and help control inflammation. A good holistic vet can give you more advice on diet and supplements. Here is an article on supplements: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Supplements.htm This is just my opinion, but I think $8,000 for IVDD surgery is possibly the highest price I've ever heard of. I live in Mass, and my dog's surgery was $4,500. Please call other Board Certified neurologists or orthopedic surgeons in your area to get quotes. You can search for other doctors here: www.acvim.org/websites/acvim/index.php?p=3# and www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/DiplomateDirectory/. If finances are an issue, consider applying for Care Credit. They offer no interest or low interest financing for veterinary costs. You can apply online and be approved the same day! Here’s the link: www.carecredit.com/faqs.html. Also, for meds, keep in mind that Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores have a generic drug program, and you can get a 30-day supply of some drugs for $4 each. Walmart has TraMadol in the correct dosage for our dogs and also Prednisone. Target may have Methocarbamol. So, you can ask the vet for a prescription and take it to the store and have it filled. Just tell them it is for a K9. Here is a Generic Med List: genericmedlist.com/ Acupuncture and laser light therapy are excellent complementary treatments for IVDD. They both stimulate the nerves to heal and reduce pain and inflammation, and acupuncture has the additional bonus of inducing a state of well-being. These treatments can begin asap, as long as you can safely transport your dog to and from the appointments (crated). You can ask your vet for a referral to a holistic vet that does acupuncture and laser light therapy, or you can search for one in your area here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ Is Shilo's pain well controlled? Does she still have bladder control? We look forward to hearing more. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 3, 2013 9:48:11 GMT -7
Manny what changes are you expecting? The changes that should be taking place during conservative treatment are: 1) the pain is fully under control… is that the case? 2) on the taper off of pred and the backing of of pain meds there is no pain occuring…. is that the case? 3) the disc is able to heal because you are committed to 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times… is that the case? 4) nerves can be healing, but you may not observe anything YET as it can take several months to a year for nerve function to return Surgery does not cure nerve repair and neither does conservative treatment. Nerves heal on their own time schedule. When learning all of your options for a board certified neuro (ACVIM) also consider nearby bordering states where due to less government taxes they may be able to charge less than in New York. Here is what members have reported in the past: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgerycosts.htm |
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Post by mannyb on Jun 3, 2013 9:48:47 GMT -7
I love this site. It is amazing. I was in complete darkness about this disease before. It has helped me calm down a little...a lttle. I agree with the food. I was just trying to think of a way for her to get more nutrients to help her heal better. I will def try the sardines. She loves reg food. I will look into that site for after crate rest. Unfortunately finances are a major issue which is the reason for my high anxiety. I am unemployed and have no money what so ever. So the thought that money is what keeping her from being happy is literally killing me. I have applied for Credit Care but have been denied. My parents had a Care credit account but since my father's retirement he used it for dental. This was 2 weeks before Shilo got sick. I want to do the laser light therapy and acupuncture, but again I am unable to afford it.  Thank you for recommending Walmart. I get Shilo's Meds there since there is one relatively close to me. I live in North Jersey and I do agree it seems expensive, but every Vet that I contact for a quote wants me to bring her in to see her. I have reached out to about 2 Vets in NJ and 2 in NYC. I can't afford the $170 for each visit for them to give me a quote. I feel trapped by my financial situation and she is suffering due to it. Thank God, she still has her bladder control. She still wags her tail at me. I think that the pain is well controlled. I am giving her Gabapentin(100 mg) ever 12 hrs and Tramadol (50 mg) every 8 hrs on the dot. |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 3, 2013 15:12:57 GMT -7
Please read this, I think it will help you to feel better. www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmShe can heal with crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks.. It's the lack of movement that heals the disc. Medications will mask the pain and the steroids eliminate the swelling. Once the Prednisone and pain medication taper starts, you will be able to see if the inflammation has been eliminated. If she is pain free then, she can do without medication for the duration of her crate rest time.. Remember healing is not instant.. Nerves heal at their own rate.. Lisa's dog walked after 11 months, some walk after a few weeks and some after a few months and some dogs have a happy life on wheels like Paula Milner's Clark. He is such a happy dog. I love watching his videos. He is not the least bit unhappy!! Don't give up hope at all. Your dog IS happy because she has your love. To a dog, happiness is based on love, food, special treats and your loving attention. They don't care how they get from point A to point B. They don't look at things the same way we do.. Dogs care about what they CAN do and not what they can't do. They do the best they can with what life hands to them.. We can all take a page from their book.. Your Shilo loves you, money doesn't mean a thing to her Money helps, yes indeed but you can treat his IVDD conservatively.. Many dogs have recovered just that way without surgery. Please read some of our success stories..read the stories with the C after the dogs name. Those dogs were treated conservatively. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmMany of us don't have money... we just do the best we can with what we have to work with. |
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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 Jun 3, 2013 17:39:27 GMT -7
You are a great dog Mom and she is NOT suffering because of you! Many of us have opted for Conservative treatment for financial or other reasons and it is a perfectly reasonable treatment method - you are not denying her anything, so stop beating yourself up. Like Pauliana said -love is what matters to them. You can do this and we will help you any way that we can. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs)))
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Post by mannyb on Jun 14, 2013 20:13:08 GMT -7
Just wanted to post a quick update on my baby Shilo.
Right now we are on the 17th day of the Prednisone (1x a day). She is still on the Gabapentin (2x a day) and the Tramadol (3x a day). *I also need to make a correction, Shilo is taking 25mgs of the Tramadol, not 50.
I'm not sure what if anything it(pred) is doing for her. I am not sure what to be looking for when I try to figure out if the inflammation has gone down or if it's same. I know that some days are better than others.
Yesterday she would moan would I picked her up. It was a really raining humid day, so maybe that just aggravated things.
Today, she seems better, But I don't know what to look for. I know her belly isn't tight, and she tries to move. The Pred does make her pant, which is disturbing to me. It's been 6 weeks since she has gotten sick. I see no change in her. Thank God she remains the same and has not gotten worse. But I am still very upset. I've read that it can be 6-8 weeks for anything to possibly happen, if not longer. But my concern isn't that she can't walk on her own right now. I'll carry her to the ends of the world if need be. My concern is the inflammation. I don't know if the Pred is working and if it doesn't, then where do we go.
Today is also Shilo's 7th Birthday. I have been blessed with such an amazing gift. She has given me so very much, more than I could possibly know how to express it. I wish I could be of more help to her. I know she looks to me for love, which I give her completely. But I can't stand the thought of her being in pain.
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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 Jun 15, 2013 18:01:08 GMT -7
Try not to worry too much, nerves can take a long time to heal - think months. My Vet said think in terms of 9 months, and there has been a wonderful uplifting posting from Chewy's Mom that he has started moving his legs- with strength- after 14 months! Our Stevie didn't even try to stand for almost 6 weeks with her first IVDD episode. The prednisone works to reduce inflammation and that can take along time too. You are right to be concerned about any signs of pain, but it sounds like you really being vigilant about that too  Happy Birthday to Shilo and hugs to you! |
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Post by mannyb on Jun 15, 2013 18:38:02 GMT -7
Thank you for the responses. Every time I am feeling lost or having an anxiety attack I am glad that I can come here and you calm me.
This is the first time we have ever gone through this, so I am very scared all the time. The slightest thing she does that is out of character I panic. I may be overreacting, but what can i do.
How long should the prednisone start to work? She is almost done with them and I'm still not sure if it's worked. She has 5 left. I pray that it has worked but again, I have no way of telling. Do you think that the dr will give her another cycle of the Pred?
I have tried to be very vigilant. I am unemployed so I have not left Shilo's side for more than 30 mins. And even then I panic. Although today seems like a good day. She doesn't seem to be in pain. Thank God. I just spend most of my time worrying about her being in pain. It's an unbearable thought.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 15, 2013 19:19:02 GMT -7
Hi Manny,
Sorry to hear about shilo. I can hear your fear and aniexty. My baby freddie and I are in the same spot. After 4 visits, xrays and full blood work we are financially maxed. it's one of my biggest fears I won't be able to make him better because of funds. It is a horrible feeling. Just know that your shilo is very lucky to have a mama like you. I don't know much about IVDD as this is mine and freddies first bout of it but there are people that care. Hang in there and be strong.
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Post by mannyb on Jun 15, 2013 19:37:14 GMT -7
I'm sorry to hear that you and Freddie are going through the same thing. It's a very difficult thing to deal with. This site has been simply amazing for me. The people, the information everything is so helpful.
I was lucky that my vet has not charged me for the follow up visit, she told me she wants me to save my money in case Shilo needs surgery. She also told me she would rather her not go through the surgery as it is painful and difficult for her. Things I don't want her to go through either. I have to make a follow up call with my vet on monday and see what we need to do. I was reading something things on supplements but am not sure Shilo can take them with the meds she is on right now.
Is your baby on meds? The thing that I mostly am told is patience. It all takes time for them to heal, and they may never walk the same. Which I'd be fine with as long as there is no pain for her.
Be strong for them, as they have always been strong for us.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 15, 2013 19:43:24 GMT -7
Manny, Some dogs require two weeks to a month on Prednisone.. The only way to tell if it has worked on getting rid of the inflammation is to do a taper of the Prednisone and stop the pain medications.. If during the taper Shilo isn't in pain, then it worked and she can do without Prednisone and the pain medications.. If she IS in pain then a new course of the Prednisone would be started and she would need to go back on her pain meds. The best thing to do is to talk with her Vet and see if they want you to begin the taper. Make sure you have a back up plan set up with the Vet to reinstate the medications if need be.. Do not worry, if she has problems on the taper then get her back on the meds and try the taper again another time. It is not unusual to have to taper more than once.. and if it works out the first time, that's wonderful!! I know all about the stress and worry of a much loved pet with IVDD and all that goes with it.. My little guy, Tyler is doing great now 5 months after his episode.. but it was a big roller coaster ride from start to finish.. I was a complete basket case but Dodgerslist helped me through it.. Keep on reading up on our main website... the best defense is knowing the enemy and believe me, the more you know the better.. I had a lot less panic when I knew what to do and not to do. www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm#uptospeedOh by the way here is the lifting video in case you haven't seen it. |
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 15, 2013 19:54:34 GMT -7
So true how they are strong for us! Sounds like you have a nice vet. Fred has been on prednisolone 5 mg once a day. He also takes famotidine 2x a day and tramadol. Fred never yelped just shivered then started wobbly walk. First he was put on rydmal sorry not sure how to spell it..but it didn't work and Fred was getting worse. First 2visists the vet never said to crate him..just let him rest..finally I took him to see my moms vet and he set us right..put Fred on steroids and told me to CRATE him. Fred canwalk and iis showing improvements but it has been nerve racking bumpy ride so far. I have made mistakes from lack of knowlege. I love my dog as I know you understand..he goes everywhere with me. He is my buddy and snugglebunny. Anyhow today wasn't so great cause he tried to chase a lizard and pulled on his harness.
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Post by mannyb on Jun 16, 2013 20:00:36 GMT -7
The more I read up on this disease the more I realize that surgery is not a must as I had thought. There are ways to help them get better. I am terrified everyday, but it's just me being a concerned parent. I have 4 doxies, 3 babies that Shilo had 2 years ago. It was not a planned thing for me, but I do feel very blessed to have them all. It's a huge responsibility and I really don't have a life but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I try to stay as positive as I possibly can since they can always sense what mood you're in. I'd rather her not feel the anxiety I am having, so when I feel like i'm gonna lose it, I walk away and take many deep breaths. They are my babies....and Shilo is my first dog ever.
Today felt like a good day. I noticed that her left hind leg is a bit stronger than her right. She tries to walk on her own, but still falls over sometimes. Well, almost falls over, I never let her fall. I know it's a process...and this will take some time. Pain is the only thing that i am mostly concerned about. She is a very stoic dog and never tells me she's in pain. She displayed no signs of pain before she started to walk wobbly...and even now, she rarely shows any pain unless I carry her...where she'll let out a little moan. The strength Shilo has is astonishing. And it is because she has always been so strong for me that I refuse to allow myself to break apart in front of her. She deserves all of my strength, energy and love. I will not disappoint her.
Some days will be better than others...but i've realized that this may be harder on us than it actually it on them. We have so much to learn from them
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Happy Birthday to Shilo and hugs to you!
