PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 11, 2016 14:33:57 GMT -7
Larry, your reports make my day. It is always amazing how much the body can self repair itself. Your updates allowed us to visualize that nerve healing happening as it took place. You are a wonderful doxie dad in your devotion to Sniddles nursing care. Good job!
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 11, 2016 16:31:48 GMT -7
Thanks so much. I am going to try to update as much as possible. I hope it helps someone else! Sniddles has been more active since cutting back on the pain killers. He wants to run and play. 6 more weeks of this is going to be tough!
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Post by Ann Brittain on Dec 11, 2016 17:58:36 GMT -7
Hang in there! It's hard to keep a doxie down, but you'll be so glad you did when Sniddles is healthy and back to his busy life.
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 11, 2016 19:18:24 GMT -7
I do have a question. Sniddles takes his last dose of Methocarbomol in the morning. Is 10 days enough/normal or do I need to get in touch with the vet to get more?
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 11, 2016 23:13:38 GMT -7
If Sniddles is not having muscle spasms anymore, he might be able to do without Methocarbamol. Be watchful if he starts acting like he is having muscle spasms alert the Vet that you need more but from what you have been saying it sounds like he may be ready to go without it..
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 12, 2016 7:51:49 GMT -7
We are going to try it without the ▼Methocarbomol. I can get more from the vet tomorrow if tonight doesn't go well. Sniddles went out this morning and peed and pooped on his own. Yay! Hopefully, I will get to see some leg movement next. I am ultimately happy with his recovery so far. Even if he never regains leg movement, he can get a cart and have a great life. How long is Myelomalacia a concern for? I read two weeks, but wanted to be sure.
[15 lbs Prednisone 7.5mgs on 12/1 as of 12/2: 5mg 2x/day for 4 days, then taper below anti-inflammatory dose. Gabapentin 100 mgs 1x/day Tramadol 25mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC 5mg 2x/day]
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 14, 2016 6:02:44 GMT -7
Sniddles had no accidents yesterday, he has also started using the sling. He does move the back legs like he is walking, but has a ton of knuckling and is unable to place his feet, so I have to adjust him constantly. He has done well coming off Methocarbomol and I have reduced the Tramadol to once a day. He is going to the vet today for laser and acupuncture. He is getting bored with crate rest now. He is still refusing to drink straight water, so I am still making broth to trick him.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 14, 2016 6:45:59 GMT -7
Great to hear that Sniddles is moving his legs when sling walking, Larry. He's come a long way in such a short time.
Where is he at this point in the taper of the Prednisone? Current dosage in mgs and frequency given and date of next taper?
As you know, any time out of the crate is a dangerous time for a dog going through an IVDD episode. Be sure to pad out his crate in the car well with blankets/towels to prevent him from jostling around when you turn corners or stop the car. And be sure they don't move him too much during the treatments - the less movement, the better.
Keep up the good work with Sniddles! He's doing great.
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 14, 2016 10:16:14 GMT -7
He is on the last taper now starting today. So,[predisone] 2.5 mg once a day for two weeks. He is very still for the vet. The vet said that Sniddles was one of the most exceptional dachshunds he has ever seen and he loves working with Sniddles because he is so good. The vet also said he was glad that Sniddles isn't fat at all and that it will be helpful in his recovery.
The vet was pleased with Sniddles progress. He said that if Sniddles walks again, it would definitely be wobbly and that he might do good with a cart. Next week, the vet will teach us how to use the tens unit at home and then we will move to acupuncture and laser therapy every two weeks, which is welcome because my pocketbook is empty! The vet said deep pain was great in the right leg, but not in the left leg. He also refilled the Methocarbomol and told us to use it as needed.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 14, 2016 11:43:54 GMT -7
Larry is Sniddles now off of the gabapentin and the Tramadol? There is no true test for pain on the pred taper when pain masking pain meds are on board. The reason why to know soonest if pain is fully gone is that pain is caused by spinal cord swelling. Delaying finding if there is still swelling means nerves may not be able to start self repairing or that more nerve cells will die making it more difficulty to grow to the deep pain sensation point. You will want to observe for any hint of pain to alert the vet so that Sniddles could get back up to the level of pred that does the work of resolving swelling. Taper days do not work on swelling.
Truly it is so early in the nerve healing department, that no one would have the ability to tell you what the degree of nerve healing will be in the future weeks, months. We just have to wait and see what mother nature and Sniddle's body will do.
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 14, 2016 13:07:14 GMT -7
He took 1 gabapentin yesterday and 1 tramadol. So far, he has had nothing today. The vet said to taper the pain meds slowly.
Sorry, all pain seems gone, he has just been relaxing in his crate. No signs of pain at all.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 14, 2016 14:54:04 GMT -7
Great that there is no sign of pain while off all pain meds during the pred taper. It indicates that the swelling in the spinal cord is resolving.
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 16, 2016 20:01:06 GMT -7
Sniddles stood up on his own today and was wagging his tail! He fully has the hang of his sling and now I have to stop him from moving too much and too quickly. He is still having a lot of knuckling and is very wobbly. He did move his left leg when I tickled his foot, so I am hopeful that he is getting some feeling back.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Dec 17, 2016 0:26:53 GMT -7
Wow, that's great news. Obviously your great nursing care is paying off. Go Sniddles!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 17, 2016 8:28:51 GMT -7
Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord as you are observing with Sniddles! Go Sniddles, you are on a roll! 1. √Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. √Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. √Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. √Leg Movement, and then √ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 17, 2016 9:23:51 GMT -7
He definitely has pain sensation in his right leg. I am still unsure about his left leg. When he was last at the vet, the vet said that it seemed that he had a lot less in his left leg. I am hopeful though because he does move the left leg when I tickle his foot. If he doesn't have sensation in his left leg, would he still be able to walk eventually?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 17, 2016 14:07:16 GMT -7
Sniddles already has Deep Pain Sensation. We know this because he has bowel and bladder control and can move his legs and stand on his own. It is common for one leg to be weaker than the other. When my Frankie was recovering one leg was noticeably weaker. When he was relearning to walk that leg would always knuckle more and move more slowly. Frankie can now walk and even run for short periods. But that one leg is always a fraction behind the other when he is moving. It gives him a funny gait. Sometimes people ask me if he is dancing! This is only Frankie's story, many dogs on this list have recovered without any residual weakness in one of the legs.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Dec 17, 2016 19:22:32 GMT -7
My Nala's right leg has always been weaker since her first IVDD episode. They learn to compensate if this happens. I think she walks like a bow legged cowboy! LOL.
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 21, 2016 10:50:47 GMT -7
The vet saw Sniddles yesterday and was pleased with his progress so far. Sniddles had laser therapy and tens therapy. He is knuckling less when he potties with the sling. The question I have is do I continue with the sling if/when he begins walking? And if I am always using the sling, will I notice if he can walk on his own?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 21, 2016 11:08:58 GMT -7
The sling is to keep a wobbly dog from tipping over, helps to keep the back aligned. If Sniddles could walk you would see him attempting to move his legs in a walking motion--- even if wobbly or knuckling
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 23, 2016 16:44:19 GMT -7
I just wanted to share this because I am so excited. I was out pottying Sniddles and his back left (the worse one) foot knuckled and HE CORRECTED IT!!! I am beyond thrilled.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 23, 2016 17:37:51 GMT -7
Larry, isn't the most exciting thing when you can witness the body self repairing nerves. What a Christmas present for you and for Sniddles!
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Post by Julie & Perry on Dec 23, 2016 17:39:53 GMT -7
Yay Sniddles!!😄😃😂
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 24, 2016 9:08:13 GMT -7
Has anyone here heard of the Assisi Loop? It is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy. I just happened to see it and was just wondering about it, not sure that it would help Sniddles, but I haven't seen anything about it here.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 24, 2016 9:28:06 GMT -7
Yes, an Assisi Loop can be used as a supplemental treatment during conservative care. I personally don't have any experience with it, but I know one of our other moderators does use it with her dog so she may be able to give you more info on it. Check with your vet before using any supplemental or alternative treatment.
Great news on Sniddles correcting his knuckled paw!!
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 25, 2016 22:22:40 GMT -7
Larry, I used the Assisi Loop with my Tyler. He was afraid of it at first and it took some time to get him to be receptive of it.. Eventually he really liked it and it seemed to relax him so he would rest better.. It is supposed to have an anti inflammatory effect as well as pain relief but shouldn't replace the medications.. It can be used for many different ailments.. I have used it on Tyler during a mild disc episode as well as when he had an ear infection and once I used it when he was having an anxiety issue and it did help. The treatment sessions last for 15 minutes and then it turns itself off. To get one you need a prescription from your Vet..
I used it on my knee once when it went out on me, and it did relieve my pain. Comparing it to Laser therapy, I think Laser helped him to heal faster but I do think there are some positives with the Assisi Loop..
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 26, 2016 6:13:25 GMT -7
Thanks for that information. I will ask the vet about it. Sniddles took his last Prednisone yesterday. Do you think we are too far along at this point for the loop to be of use?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 26, 2016 14:46:29 GMT -7
Is Sniddles now off of all pain meds too? Pred's job is just to get swelling down in the spinal cord.
Nerve damage is something the body self repairs with time. Getting a kick start with laser light energy can get the body's process going. It would be best to discuss the merits whcih would be better for Sniddles..
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Post by Larry & Sniddles on Dec 26, 2016 16:44:44 GMT -7
Yes, Sniddles is off of all medication now. He is getting laser therapy, tens therapy, and acupuncture (sometimes electro acupuncture). I was just wondering if the Loop works best at the beginning of the episode or if it is even worth looking in to at this point.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 26, 2016 18:12:17 GMT -7
Larry, seems to me all the therapies (lazer, tens, electro acupuncture) you are currently doing cover all the bases in an effective manner.
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