|
Post by Debbie & Bertie on Dec 12, 2016 14:55:15 GMT -7
All good news heh Jade .Much love Debbie and Bertie x
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Dec 12, 2016 15:00:35 GMT -7
Hi Paula,
The surgeon didn't really give a specific number of weeks so we're just playing it by ear so to speak. Each time we go they give us more physio to do but in-between times we're keeping her in her crate. It's coming up to 4 weeks post surgery this Wednesday but we think it will be at least new year before they say anything which would take us to 6 weeks. If they haven't said anything by then we'll ask them, but what we're doing seems to be working so far. I wonder if they're doing the same (seeing how she is each visit and taking it from there)?
Edited to add: Thank you Debbie & Bertie xx
Today Jade has been a little bit down and sleeping a lot. She seems to be a little bit stiff and achey and feeling sorry for herself but we think it's because of the amazing effort she put into trying to walk yesterday. When she had the first go on the water treadmill the rehabilitation nurse said for the next couple of days it would seem like she'd taken a step backwards so after trying to walk with the extra gravitational pull that water takes away it's hardly surprising she's feeling it today, so we're not overly concerned but of course we will be monitoring her closely. Lots of massages and strokes and stretches and warm towels and treats of chicken and salmon are being prescribed today.
Today is definitely a 'duvet day'!!
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
|
Post by PaulaM on Dec 12, 2016 18:32:36 GMT -7
Karen does sound like she may have over done use of her muscles. Hope a day or two off will have the soreness gone.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Dec 17, 2016 12:26:49 GMT -7
This is a video of Jade on the water treadmill today. It's her second go - the first one was nearly 2 weeks ago just to see how she got on - and she did so fantastically well! Last time, the water was right up to her chin and just below the surgery scar but as you can see, today it was only up to her armpits. As the water came in she started lifting herself up so her bottom stayed above the water - the rehabilitation nurse is providing absolutely no support, sometimes you will see her hand go between her back legs to stop her crossing them and she looks like she's tickling the back of her legs and knees which she is, to stimulate different muscles. Normally they say they like to do 3 sets of 2 minutes but because Jade was just getting into her stride at about a minute-and-a-half, they gave her 2 sets of 3 minutes instead. The video is just under 7 minutes long but at just after 4 minutes the view changes to a close up of her feet so you can see her placing them on the belt. She still knuckles most of the time but underwater it happened much less - very encouraging! We know this is going to be one of the last things to return but if she keeps going at this rate then hopefully it won't be too far in the future. We (the nurse included) were all so thrilled with her progress . Just a few weeks ago we never thought we'd see this day. Her next session is on Friday 23rd and we can't wait!!! Apologies as I'm no Steven Spielberg and my husband keeps putting his leg into shot, but I think you get the idea.... Edited to add: Jade is safely tucked into bed now with a nice coal fire burning to keep her warm. She's getting lots of massages and treats and tomorrow is definitely a 'duvet day'
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 17, 2016 14:12:14 GMT -7
I love your video. Walking on the underwater treadmill was very good therapy for Frankie. Just like with Jade, the therapist was behind him. In the beginning he would correctly position both Frankie's back legs, then only one of his legs and finally Frankie was able to correctly place both of his own legs. I hope Jade gets the same huge benefit that Frankie got.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Dec 27, 2016 9:50:47 GMT -7
Hi Everybody, I hope you all had a good Christmas and are looking forward to Happy New Years - we certainly are. The good news for us begins with Jade is now off crate rest, woohoo! She had her second underwater treadmill session on Friday 23rd Dec and the rehab nurse was so impressed with her efforts out of the water that she wasn't too bothered about her going on the treadmill at all but she did, and exceeeded everybody's expectations yet again. We even took her shampoo and the nurse gave her a bath for Christmas!! Jade is now able to get herself up from sitting into a standing position repeatedly - it's wobbly, but to me it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. She is also getting better at walking with the sling. We still use it but we're taking much less of the strain - it's almost a 'safety net' until Jade gets more confident at wonky walking outside - indoors she's a little rocket! Her next hydrotherapy session is on Fri 30th and she has weekly sessions booked now until the end of January 2017. I hope to post a couple of videos of her walking out of water later. Wishing you all a Happy New Year, Jade, Jasmine, Karen & Bill xx
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
|
Post by PaulaM on Dec 27, 2016 11:26:11 GMT -7
Karen, congratulations on finishing out the post op crate rest!!! And how wonderful the progress is that Jade is making, very heartwarming. May the New Year bring even better walking ability! Now is a good time to be determining how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. Also check out how to teach four paws on the floor! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmNow is the perfect time if you haven't already to make those home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on her spine in the future. No more stairs, ramps up to furniture, or blocking furniture all together. All those ideas and more are in this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/aftercraterest/furniture-blocker300.jpg
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Dec 31, 2016 11:47:30 GMT -7
Hi folks,
I haven't forgotten the videos, but Jade is a little under the weather this last couple of days. She has diarrhoea (we think a combination of overdoing it and the very cold weather we've been having here lately). However, the good news is that apart from this she is very much her usual self - she's in good spirits, eating and drinking normally and urinating normally also.
She had to miss her hydrotherapy appointment yesterday because we didn't want any accidents in the water! We took her to our regular DVM instead, the same guy who has helped us through all her health problems after the surgery (it's a bank holiday weekend here and we didn't want to wait a couple of days in case it got worse). He has only ever seen her at her worst this last couple of months and certainly never seen her walk, so he was absolutely thrilled when she tottered into his surgery with her tail wagging furiously - so much so in fact, that she is going to be the practices' first 'pet of the month' for 2017!!!
She was given an anti-inflammatory injection (Colvosone)[Dexamethasone] and a 5-day course of oral antibiotics (Metrobactin) [metronidazole] and for when she's finished those, a 3 day course of probiotics (Promax) to replenish all her healthy bacteria after the wipeout of the antibiotics.
She's already a little perkier today but we're still waiting for a nice, solid poop. We've been told not to withhold her food as she isn't vomiting and feed her her normal food. Hopefully it won't be a long wait......
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 31, 2016 13:57:07 GMT -7
I am sorry that Jade is having diarrhea. Did the vet say what he thinks is causing it?
Sometimes when we see our dogs everyday we do not realize how well they are progressing. When someone, like your vet, sees the dog after some time has elapsed and is thrilled by the progress we realize how far our dogs have really come.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Dec 31, 2016 14:12:02 GMT -7
Hi Romy, No, he didn't say what he thought it was but he did say she felt very bloated and from our description of symptoms he erred on the side of a gastroenteritis. We actually now think it may be something she'd eaten, her sister is absolutely fine so we don't think it's a bug. When we took her out for her grass walk on Wednesday evening she suddenly veered off in the direction of some bushes, dragging my husband with her. She likes to sniff and as she doesn't get outside much at the moment we let her explore where we can and as long as she can stand up to it. It was quite dark under there but I caught sight of her licking/eating something and so we pulled her away. We don't know what it was (and we wouldn't like to guess) but she started with the diarrhoea about 24 hours later. Good news though, I've just taken her out for a wee and she had a little walk on the street (with sling, but not really weight-bearing) and when we got to her usual poop spot, she did one, and it was solid . Happy New Year!
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 31, 2016 14:30:31 GMT -7
It does sound like it may be something she ate. In any case she seems to be recovering from it.
It is funny how happy all of us IVDD dog parents can get about poop!
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Jan 14, 2017 13:56:40 GMT -7
Hello Everyone, I'm thrilled to post that Jade is now walking unaided!! YAAAAAAYYYYY She gave us a bit of a fright again on Wednesday when she started with diarrhoea and lots of gas, so another call to the vets and another course of Metronidazole and Promax probiotics. We think she picked something up by licking her feet after she'd been out to the toilet so we've now started washing her feet after she's been and before she comes back in the house. She very nearly missed another hydrotherapy appointment because of it but thankfully she's recovered quickly and we went to the referral centre yesterday for her session on the water treadmill. So, bearing in mind she'd been a bit off colour 24 hours previously, we weren't expecting anything amazing - but boy, did she prove us wrong!! She was still being sling walked on Thursday but when we got to referral centre on Friday evening my husband got her out of the car to take her to the toilet before she went in, turned his back on her for a few seconds whilst he was looking for the sling (she normally stands still at this point) and when he turned around again she had taken herself off onto the grass all on her own. We thought it might be a one-off so we attached the lead to her harness and tried to see if she could get across the car park and into the surgery (minus the sling) and slowly, but actually very surely, she did. An even bigger surprise was that as she walked into the reception area, the surgeon who worked on her was there. To say she (the surgeon) was gobsmacked would be an understatement, in fact she was almost close to tears, and told us how fantastic it was that she was doing so well and so soon (she was expecting it to be many months before anything like this) given not only her age, but the severity of damage (the bruising on her spinal cord). Jade had truly exceeded even her expectations. She asked us if we had any regrets and of course we told her absolutely not. She said she couldn't imagine everything we'd been through as well, and to be honest, and this is what I said to her, it's all a distant memory. With every bit of progress she's made, it makes another little bit of the hard times more fuzzy and more forgotten. Jade still has a long way to go (she still has considerable muscle loss in her bum!) but with time, it should get better and better. It may never be how it was before the surgery, but as long as she's comfortable and able to do all the essentials then we don't care. We're just glad that we have more time with her and she with us. So, as promised, here's a couple of videos...... A couple of weeks ago, whilst she was still being sling walked (Her sister Jasmine is the one on the right) but she was able to stand and take a few wobbly steps indoors on her own: And just this morning, on a slightly more uneven surface and also on an incline- the harness is just to slow her down: It was just the most amazing feeling (I think for us all) to be walking Jade and her sister together again. Many, many ENORMOUS THANK YOUS' to everybody on dodgerslist for all your help and support to me and my husband Bill, Jasmine, and lastly (but most certainly not least) Jade. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 14, 2017 18:00:15 GMT -7
Karen, thank you so much for the videos. It really is exciting to see how well the nerves have self repaired since the mid Nov 2016 surgery, You guys have been so devoted in care and positive for Jade, she is one lucky gal. GO JADE!!! We are so happy we could go through the journey with you all and Jade.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Jan 20, 2017 10:15:59 GMT -7
Hi everyone,
It's been a week now since we stopped using the sling to help Jade walk and whilst she's still doing okay, I'm more stressed than ever!
I guess I'm looking for some reassurance - I know it's only been a week, but I keep worrying every time Jade slips, or trips or if she gets it wrong and ends up on her bum! Some days she seems a bit more wobbly or weaker than others although I don't think we're overdoing it, but I keep worrying that when she does make a boo-boo that she's going to end up doing herself an injury and making herself worse. For instance, when she goes to the toilet she used to place her feet properly with the sling underneath her but now, without it she tends to knuckle on mostly one, but sometimes both paws. She still gets herself up and sorts herself out afterwards, but I worry it's a sign that she's done something to aggravate her injury.
Does anybody get what I'm talking about? I know we need to let her do things herself and that she still has a lot of healing to do, and that the progress she's made in just 8 weeks is remarkable but that's it - she's come so far that I don't want her to do anything that throws all of that out of the window.
I was going to say all of this to the rehabilitation nurse at her next hydrotherapy appointment, but unfortunately the nurse is now off this week and we couldn't arrange another date which means she has to go 2 weeks without one (assuming the nurse will be back in next week), just when she needs it most!
I've watched so many videos of dogs starting to walk again after ivdd, but they're mostly small dogs that when they wobble, or fall, don't have so far to go to end up on the floor. With Jade being a bit taller I watch the positions she gets herself into and it makes my stomach lurch, she can almost tie herself up in knots.
Am I being to over cautious? Bearing in mind I don't have children and so I treat Jade as if she was one of my own and probably worry way too much!!
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Jan 20, 2017 13:21:32 GMT -7
If Jade is still wobbly enough to fall to the side occasionally, then she still needs the sling. The sling isn't going to hinder her healing but it would just be used to stabilize her spine and keep her from falling. A dog recovering from nerve damage is much like a person recovering from a stroke. They need to relearn how to walk properly again. As her nerves heal more, she'll be able to properly place her feet. Plus she needs to gradually build up the strength in her hind end. If she's tired, she won't walk as well. My Jeremy starts the day off great but by the end of the day, he's more wobbly and his legs are weaker.
In my mind, there's no being too cautious. As time goes on, you'll become less anxious but yes, we still need to be careful with our IVDD dogs. Take things slowly with Jade. She's doing great but if a sling can make her more stable, then it should be used when going out to potty or going for a walk.
One thing you can do to help her "feel" her feet better is to gently brush her hind feet along the ground as she's standing. If she's standing with her feet knuckled, gently flip the foot so she's standing correctly. Slow walks with a sling to stabilize her spine will help her learn to place her feet correctly and will help strengthen her hind legs.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Jan 20, 2017 16:22:57 GMT -7
Hi Marjorie and thanks for your quick response.
Perhaps I could have worded it better, Jade doesn't actually trip but more she doesn't always pick her feet up when going up a step (small steps, such as from our back yard into the kitchen) and then sort of stumbles. She does recover herself mostly but sometimes she loses her footing and falls forward a little. We're practicing with her stepping by putting poles (broom handle type) across our driveway and getting her to walk over them, sometimes she picks her back feet up, others she doesn't.
Also, just now and then when she's walking, one of her back legs sort of 'gives way' underneath her - could this just be due to the muscle loss? She's fine mostly but it seems to happen more when she goes from one surface (such as grass) to another (such as concrete).
She places her feet fine when walking, although she mustn't pick them up fully all the time because you can sometimes hear her claws scraping very lightly on the floor. This is usually on the way back from a walk so I put it down to tiredness and again, the muscle loss in her bottom and thighs.
She seems to do some things better with the sling and vice versa. Going to the toilet with the sling, she places her feet properly and doesn't knuckle at all but without it she can't quite seem to get this bit right! However, getting her onto her cushion with the sling is more difficult than without - with it she doesn't even bother to try and pick her back feet up and sort of 'flops' herself down but take the sling away and she makes the effort to at least try and pick them up and sometimes does this really well and gets on her cushion in a very controlled manner.
So, for now it's slow walking with harness and lead but letting the sling dangle underneath her, but then using the sling when she needs the toilet so she gets her feet right. Also, I can bring it into play if she gets tired and starts dragging her feet.
Hopefully she will work out what she needs to do and when. It's like a jigsaw I suppose, and getting her to put the pieces together into something that resembles a picture!
I don't think I'm ever going to stop worrying though.......
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Jan 21, 2017 6:32:15 GMT -7
It's hard to stop the worrying but it will get easier in time.
Some of what you're seeing is from muscle loss and some is from the nerve damage. The muscles will regain their tone as she walks and will become stronger. The nerve damage can take longer to heal.
You should put a ramp over the steps leading into the kitchen. Even small steps can be too much stress on the spine.
The pole exercise that you're doing is very good at helping her to re-learn to pick up her feet. It's also good to walk her on different surfaces, sand, tall grass, concrete, water. And up or across a slight incline.
You're doing a great job with her, Karen. Stay strong and stay positive. And please continue to keep us updated.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Feb 10, 2017 16:10:21 GMT -7
Hi everybody, Jade is now able to walk not only without the sling but also without a lead to slow her down. We discovered that if we took her harness off she wanted to run but if we leave it on she knows we can slow her down so she quite happily goes nice and steady without any input from us. At her hydro session earlier this week she managed 2 x 5 minutes quite easily and the rehab nurse and physiotherapist were so thrilled with her. Whilst she was on the treadmill I mentioned that she doesn't bend her right leg so well (this was her weaker side) . The rehab nurse left the room and came back saying she wanted to try something - a hair scrunchie! She wrapped it round the hock of her right rear leg (not too tight), set the treadmill off again and hey presto, it worked! Apparently it acts as an irritant and the dog tries to lift the leg to 'shake it off'. We have to use it on her leg for one walk a day and it's really helping.
Our only concern is that her fur isn't growing back much. The only bit that has actual hair is the scar (probably because it's been the most metabolically active), and she has a fine dusting of undercoat on her right side but other than that she's practically naked. We've invested in a fleece-lined waterproof coat to keep the chill and the rain off and summer can't come quick enough.
She is still penned in during the day whilst I'm at work but this is to mainly to protect her from her sister who can be a bit boisterous around her. She has plenty of room to get up and move around and we also bought a small camera from Costco so I can keep an eye on her using my phone when I'm not there.
We have been told by the surgeon that she will continue to improve but that whilst she will always be susceptible, the first 12 months are when it would be most likely to happen if it was going to. She will never be allowed to climb stairs, or jump on the sofa again and if we could afford a bungalow we'd buy one. However, she is more than happy to spend her day on her cushion watching TV in the warm house whilst it's snowing/rainy/windy outside. She is truly contented xxx
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 10, 2017 17:04:04 GMT -7
I am happy to hear that Jade is doing so well. She can go back to doing most of the things she did before. There are only a few exceptions:
No more stairs or steps. Use ramps indoors
No more jumping up or down, those activities increase impact on the spine. T
No tug-o-war, pulling games.
No shaking toys.
No zig zag running.
No rambunctious playing with other dogs.
Teach your dog to not pull on the leash
No sitting up or standing on back legs.
Teach your dog to sit down rather than jump
AND keep all four feet on the ground
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Feb 11, 2017 2:01:37 GMT -7
Hi Romy, Thanks for the info. To be honest, Jade didn't do most of those things before she went down - the more sedentary lifestyle was her choice - with the exception of climbing the stairs to sleep on her cushion at the end of our bed, and jumping on the sofa, and both of these are an absolute no-no for her now. I have to admit that I do miss her sleeping upstairs with us, I feel really guilty most nights when I come to bed leaving her downstairs. I would have no problem carrying her upstairs, but I'm more wary of carrying her back down as I'm not very steady sometimes on my own! We always said we wanted her to be able to get up to feed/drink, toilet herself and go for a few short walks each day and she can do all these things. In between times she sleeps on her cushion or lies there watching the TV. We've just started encouraging her to get up and wander around the downstairs of the house again so she doesn't stay on her cushion all the time at home, but the sofa is barricaded off and we've cleared any trip hazards. She's a bit stiff and achey, especially first thing in the morning, but then so am I. It's very cold and damp here at the moment and that doesn't help, especially with her big bald patch. We hope the warmer weather will bring her some benefits not only with her mobility but also her mood - she loves the outdoors - and she can spend more time outside in the garden rather than being stuck inside. She's not miserable, but l ike us humans she's just much happier when the sun shines
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Mar 20, 2017 3:14:34 GMT -7
Hello everyone,
Since my last post Jade had been doing really well - up until a week ago.
Last weekend I noticed she was starting to drag her left paw when walking to go to the toilet, and it would get worse on the walk back to the house (this is only a 5-10 minute walk). Some days she doesn't seem quite as bad as others but it's always there to some extent. She isn't showing any signs of pain and can pick her legs up absolutely no problem to get on her cushion.
She went for her fortnightly hydro appointment on Saturday 18/03 but unfortunately I wasn't able to go as I was working so I asked my husband to get the rehab nurse to come out and watch her walk across the car park to see what she thought. She was definitely of the opinion that something wasn't right and they decided not to do any hydro with her at all that day. However, she did take Jade inside and do some massages and stretches with her and said that as she massaged just above the scar Jade 'flinched' just a little bit, almost like when you've got achey, stiff muscles. She [rehab nurse] doesn't think it's a disc episode but asked us to get her to the vets (regular) that afternoon for some anti-inflammatory and pain medication.
Jade is now back on: gabapentin 100mg/3xday cimetidine ??g/3xday meloxicam 20ml/1xday
She hasn't been put on crate rest but we're keeping her movement restricted and we're trying to sling walk her for her toilet but she just won't have it. She either stands still or if you wait until she starts walking and then put the sling under her she gets very, very wobbly and unsteady and I fear we may be doing more harm letting her walk like that. However, as soon as she's toiletted she's straight back in and on the cushion - no walkies or loitering. She can squat to toilet absolutely fine too.
She's back the referral centre in 2 weeks time to see the physio and see how she's getting on.
Will post the cimetidine dose later when I get home.
[19.9kg [44.78 lb]
meloxicam 20ml/1xday gabapentin 100mg/3xday cimetidine 100mg/3xday
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Mar 20, 2017 5:19:25 GMT -7
Karen, I'm sorry to hear that Jade is having more problems. What did the vet say was causing her pain when you saw him for the prescription of meds? If not another disc, what did he think it was? A rehab nurse is not the one to make this type of diagnosis. Can you get Jade in to the surgeon to be examined ASAP to get a definitive diagnosis? Is the vet you saw for the meds a general DVM or a specialist (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)?
Jade flinched when touched on the back. You've seen a worsening of neuro function with the dragging of her leg. This sounds like another disc has torn or ruptured. Until you get a diagnosis other than IVDD, strict 24/7 100% crate rest must be done to protect the spine from further damage. If another disc has been damaged, too much movement and the disc could tear more, causing more pain and nerve damage. Please strictly crate Jade until a diagnosis other than IVDD has been made and until you're sure this isn't another disc.
Do you feel that the not wanting to walk is due to the sling or is it a sign of pain? Not wanting to move is a sign of pain. It sounds as though she's walking fine other than the dragging of one leg without the sling, correct? If this is a sign of pain, you'd need to contact the vet ASAP to adjust the pain meds. I don't know why the sling would cause her to be more wobbly and unsteady. Possibly it's causing her pain or pressure on the spine. I know when my Jeremy had his disc episodes, if I tried to steady him under his belly, I had to be very careful because if I pushed up on his belly, his belly would push up and press on his spine and would cause pain.
Please also speak to the vet about adding Pepcid AC instead of Cimetidine. Cimetidine was the first generation type of acid controller, has a lot of meds it should not be taken with. Several generations since, famotidiine was developed, 32 times stronger to inhibit stomach acids, longer lasting and very few drug interactions. Cimetidine aka Tagament costs about the same as Pepcid AC (famotidine) at the grocery store, so who would not choose increased protection from stomach acids? We observe most vets do say to give famotidine, and we follow those vets in promoting stomach protection. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep her from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board.
If this is a disc episode, since Jade is still walking, though very wobbly, conservative care is an option for treatment. 8 full weeks of strict 100% 24/7 crate rest. Crate rest with conservative care is much stricter than it is after a surgery. Do everything you can to limit movement of the spine. If you can safely carry her, then carry out to potty with very, very few steps at potty time, carry back in. If you can't carry her, see if she'll go on a pee pad right outside of her crate. Get some dirt with Jade or another dog's pee on it and put it on the pee pad to encourage her to use it. Caster wheels can be purchased and put on wire crates so the crate can be wheeled outside. Do what it takes to limit the footsteps to potty. Keep the recovery suite by the exit door. Make a ramp over steps.
Does Jade still weigh the same? 19.9 kg?
Healing prayers for Jade.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Mar 20, 2017 9:18:27 GMT -7
Hi Marjorie,
The regular vet didn't really give a diagnosis, he prescribed the meds purely for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties in the hope that it would reduce any swelling quickly and we would see some improvement in symptoms.
She goes back to our regular vets tonight for a check-up and to see if any significant change has occurred, which I don't think it has.
Unfortunately, the surgeon who operated on her left the referral centre just a few weeks ago so we can't see her again. Jade is due back in 2 weeks to see the physio and if there is still no improvement despite the meds and crate rest then I'm confident we can see another surgeon there for an opinion.
The not wanting to walk is most definitely because of the sling - take it away and she wants to go like a rocket - obviously we don't let that happen under any account.
We are very happy with the cimetidine. Jade has taken it before when her omeprazole didn't work and she was constantly being sick. Within 24 hours of switching to it she started eating, keeping it down and gaining weight. When she had bloods before her surgery at the referral centre her liver function tests were raised which is why they won't prescribe the Pepcid (we're in the UK), and which we cannot buy OTC anyway. Jade has had no problems on the cimetidine so we're happy to stick with it.
Jade only wobbly walks if we try to use the sling, without it - apart from scuffing her left claws - she's actually very steady, and she is certainly not reluctant to move.
Yes, she still weighs nearly 20kg and I have a bad back, knees and shoulders myself so carrying her is out of the question. I will buy some puppy training pads to try and encourage her to go outside of her pen but until (and if) they work she has to go to the toilet outside, but we're limiting it to toilet only, no hanging around. Everything that needs a ramp has one anyway so we're okay in that department.
If there is any deterioration then of course, we will get her seen asap at the referral centre but we now have 2 weeks of not having to take her anywhere, which combined with the meds and crate rest I hope will allow healing to start taking place. I'm not looking for any improvement, I will just be pleased if she doesn't get any worse.
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Mar 20, 2017 16:54:52 GMT -7
I'm concerned that Jade hasn't had a neurological evaluation yet and I do hope that the regular vet does one tonight and can make a determination as to whether this is a new damaged disc or not. A neuro exam needs to be done ASAP so you know what you're dealing with.
Unless you get another diagnosis, since Jade is showing a worsening of neuro function (dragging of leg), you would need to take the prudent path and commit to 8 full weeks of strict crate rest. Something is pressing on the nerves of the spine to cause the dragging of her leg. That wouldn't happen with muscle soreness and since she does have IVDD, another disc would be suspected. Any time a new disc episode is suspected, a full 8 weeks of crate rest would need to be done. Since she's still walking, she would be a good candidate for 8 weeks of conservative care rather than surgery.
She may or may not show improvement in two weeks. Regardless of whether she shows improvement or not, that does not eliminate the need of 8 weeks of crate rest. It takes that long for the damaged disc to heal and form scar tissue. Nerve damage such as the dragging of the leg can take months to heal.
Unless the vet gives a diagnosis other than IVDD tonight, then of course no return to PT would be advisable in two weeks.
We'll be anxiously awaiting word as to what the vet says tonight.
|
|
|
Post by Karen & Jade on Jul 29, 2017 10:08:31 GMT -7
Hello everyone,
I haven't been on in a while - life has gotten in the way recently - but wanted to post an update on Jade:
From March thru to the end of June Jade had been on and off various pain meds due to being quite stiff and achey. We knew she had arthritis in her front left shoulder from when she was younger and with the injury and the way she now walks it seems to have exacerbated it. She was stumbling nearly every time we took her out to toilet. She was always on a lead and although she would recover I was always on edge when it came to potty time. In varying combinations, she has been on:
Pardale Meloxicam Tramadol Onsior
I've wanted her to go Trocoxil for quite some time now (1 tablet/month - much easier for both of us!) as we have had amazing results with it when her sister was on it for a few years. Finally, a month ago, we got it. Less than 2 weeks after her first dose and she had what was described as 'one of her best' treadmill sessions ever. She's much more mobile and active and hasn't stumbled once since. We're now taking her out more often and for longer and she seems to have got her groove back.
Sadly though, we had to say goodbye to her sister Jasmine just a week ago. It was very quick and not a long illness, for which I am grateful. But after nearly 15 years of being together every day of course Jade is going to feel it, so she is quite down in her mood at the moment. Physically she is getting stronger and we just hope that mentally she can stay the same.
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Jul 29, 2017 11:49:55 GMT -7
I'm so sorry to hear about Jasmine, Karen. My sincerest condolences on your loss.
Good news that Trocoxil has helped Jade. I'm sure you've done your homework on this drug and know that it is a NSAID with the same side effects as NSAIDs taken on a daily basis so there would be the need for a stomach protector while on it. I'm not familiar with it myself but just read that there would need to be a 30-day washout period before switching to another NSAID or steroid so hopefully should Jade ever have another IVDD disc problem, this NSAID would be sufficient to get that type of swelling down.
Thanks so much for the update, Karen. Happy to know that Jade is doing well. My prayers for her and you and your family as you all grieve for Jasmine.
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 29, 2017 13:09:38 GMT -7
I am very sorry for your loss of Jasmine. My deepest sympathy.
|
|