suzanne
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3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55 
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Post by suzanne on Jun 5, 2013 21:41:50 GMT -7
My name is Suzanne McDonell and my babies name is Bandit McDonell. I am looking for anyone who might be able to help in any way possible. I have a 4 yr old little boy doxie that has just become paralyzed in his back half and I am trying to find someone who can help me with getting him his back surgery, acupuncture, and a rear end wheelchair. I have very minimal funds and can't afford very much, but I want to give him the quality of life he deserves! He has so much life in him and just wants to run and play like he has always been able to do before. Now he is just depressed and sad all the time! Can anyone please help me make his life happier!
Thanks Greatly And GOD BLESS,
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 10, 2013 9:26:36 GMT -7
The true effective stomach protection is the Pepcid AC 30 mins before the giving of Prednisone. It takes Pepcid AC about 30 mins to begin to stop extra acids from being produced. Prednisone is a drug that causes the body to make more stomach acids. Extra stomach protection is to administer Prednisone also with food, a meal. I'm glad you are not giving much rice and chicken as that is not the balanced nutrition he needs right now…his kibble provides the vitamins and mineral his body needs to make all repair jobs with this disc episode. So if you can stop the rice and chicken or just not give more than a teaspoon on top of his soaked in broth kibble that would be best if that is an enticement to eat. Rice and chicken diet is for upset stomachs and only for a couple of days to give the body time to get back on track. Just to give you an idea…. a 20 lbs dog normally drinks 3-4 cups of water a day. The water is a combined total of both the moisture in their food plus what they drink from a bowl. I hope you can take a deep breath and relax yourself. Not only would this be good for you but Bandit too. You know how smart he is. He's watching you and picks up on all your emotions. Don't want him thinking his leader is harried or upset and therefore he'll translate that things are not going well and he too should be uptight. Take a deep mind-body relaxing breath… skip past the ad for this helpful tip I use myself: video.about.com/altmedicine/2-Minute-Relaxation-Technique.htmHow's Bandit doing with this whinning in the crate… somewhat better? |
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 10, 2013 15:31:52 GMT -7
The Dr. put him on white rice and boiled chicken to be gentle on his stomach while taking his meds and to ensure him to eat. He is on Pepcid AC 1/2 hr before food, the Pred just after he has eaten his food to make sure it is easier on his stomach. He is doing very well right now, adjusting nicely!
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 11, 2013 15:08:52 GMT -7
I am slowly weening him off of the Tramadol and so far he doesn't seem to be in any pain! I don't know if my idea worked or if it was just coincidence, but I took one of his stuffed animals and wrapped a shirt I was wearing around it and he actually slept all night long for the first time last night! I hope it continues to work, we both greatly need the sleep! And if all goes well, we may be able to take him to get acupuncture very soon!
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 11, 2013 15:53:11 GMT -7
Is the tapering off Pred also coinciding with the backing off of Tramdol to have a clear picture of what the swelling status is now.
Great tip, Suzanne on one of your worn shirts for Bandit's comfort!
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 11, 2013 16:57:00 GMT -7
The Pred is still at its reg level I just want to see if he is in pain and still needs the Tramadol or if the Pred is narrowing things down on its own, and so far, it seems to be doing it's job well, he is in no more pain at this point! I am not sure to keep him on the Tramadol at least once or twice a day or if it is needed, I am waiting for a call back from the vet at this point.
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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 12, 2013 8:53:47 GMT -7
When the pred is also on a taper, then you will have proof if all the swelling is gone. Let us know what your vet said.
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 12, 2013 12:55:41 GMT -7
Vet said to continue the Tramadol as long as the Pred! That it is a very mild med! At least I know he isn't in much pain if any, better this way so not to take a chance, just need to get more, about out!
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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 12, 2013 18:19:42 GMT -7
Let us know then, when the vet guess it may be good to start the taper of Pred AND the backing off of Tramadol to see if swelling is all resolved. Tramadol is a very short acting general pain reliever. It is good to understand each of our dog's meds. I have the Marvista vet webpage bookmarked myself for looking up meds: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html |
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 12, 2013 21:32:24 GMT -7
I got some advise to not do anything, mainly acupuncture, until after the 100% 24/7 8 weeks strict conservative crate rest, do you agree? It was suggested to me before that I should do it while on the crate rest period, so now I'm very confused!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jun 13, 2013 7:49:14 GMT -7
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 13, 2013 12:35:40 GMT -7
Great, I have made an app and as long as the funds come in as planned, I am going to take him in for his 1st acupuncture therapy Wednesday, May 26th! Please pray for me that all goes well and I can get him in at that time! GOD BLESS You All! Than you all for all your help!
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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 13, 2013 12:41:53 GMT -7
Accupucture has really helped Stevie - was well worth the money spent:)
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Post by Jude & Penny Lane on Jun 13, 2013 13:06:52 GMT -7
Acupuncture has helped Penny, much more than the laser therapy.
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 13, 2013 15:13:05 GMT -7
Thank you all sooooo much, I can't wait to get him in!
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 13, 2013 18:46:21 GMT -7
I have finally put him on Ace, I have no choice, I am losing my mind! The screaming hasn't stoped sine he started his crate rest! Day and night NON-STOP!!!! I am scared though! I'm only doing 1/4 tab 10mg, vet said to do 1/2, I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THAT!! He is already out and reacting well!
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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 14, 2013 11:00:40 GMT -7
How much does he weigh? The dosage for Acepromazine is any where from 0.5mg-2.0mg per kilogram of body weight (a kilogram is 2.2 pounds) a fairly wide range. If the Ace isn't working you can ask your Vet for something else - sometimes Ace can cause excitability, the opposite of what you need. Poor little guy  the anxiety disorder is hard enough to deal with. Keep us posted, we will do anything we can to help you. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs))) |
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 14, 2013 13:42:09 GMT -7
Thank you soooo much! I don't know now, but he weighted 13-14lbs, I'm sure he has lost some weight since! But 1/4 tab, about 2.5mg worked very well and didn't over medicate him!
God Bless
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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 18:30:19 GMT -7
Suzanane, I am so glad that ACE works as it is supposed to for Bandit….and that you have found for him 1/4 of a tab is the right dose. At least you know if you need to move up a bit you have that range already prescribed by the vet. May you have a wonderful night's sleep! :- )
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 14, 2013 18:42:18 GMT -7
Thank you sooooooooo much! We are doing soooo much better now, I am only giving him 1/4 tab once a day, they said 1/2 every 12 hrs, but I don't see that it is needed that high of a dose or that often! He is sleeping through the night by himself! I am so very glad I have you all for support! You guys are the Best! The Best Friends I never had! ;~D
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 15, 2013 21:20:41 GMT -7
I was wondering, would it be good or not if I looked into getting him a back brace for right after his 1st acupuncture session?
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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 15, 2013 21:39:03 GMT -7
We really do not recommend these devices for a number of reasons unless you have an Rx for it and you are working with a boarded specialist who supervises and ensures the proper fit. - getting them on without causing any more pain or damage to the spine is on top of the list of our major concerns. Too much movement to get the thing on is not good for a dog that you are trying to limit movement of the back of in the first place. - Additional muscle atrophy in the spine is another big concern as muscle strength is very important to maintaining spinal health. - Think about the unnecessary discomfort and anxiety caused by having to wear this device Dr. Isaacs comments are here: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/backbraces.htm |
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 15, 2013 22:54:14 GMT -7
Ok, thank you ver much! I gratly appreciate it! I am very concerned, all his muscle is gone in his back half, how hard is it going to be to build that back up, if he get the use back?
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Post by natureluva on Jun 16, 2013 6:40:24 GMT -7
Hi Suzanne, have you taken Bandit for acupuncture yet? Just curious how it went. Acupuncture is a wonderful complementary treatment for IVDD. It stimulates the nerves to heal, reduces pain and inflammation, and induces a state of well-being. It really helped my Goosie to recover after his IVDD episode, and it made him serenely playful and he slept soundly during those evenings. Hope it works well for Bandit. May take a few sessions to see results. Regarding the muscle loss, it can be regained, so try not to worry too much about it. The most important thing right now is to minimize his movement so his disc can fully heal. After Bandit is off his meds, you can ask your vet if you can do very gentle massage and passive exercises to help. Please read the PINK text in this article for more info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmWe look forward to your next update! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 16, 2013 16:49:24 GMT -7
Thank you so much, we haven't gt paid yet to take him yet, but soon. He isn't resting much, still winging out over being in the cage, day and night for over a week! I hope his acupuncture works well for him as it did for yours! Can't wait till 8 weeks is up, want lots of rest and NO screaming!
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 18, 2013 14:48:19 GMT -7
I have found, for some odd reason, that putting a towel or blanket over the front of the cage, even though he can still see my female out the side of the cage, just not me, the door or the rest of the room, he is much calmer and quiet and relaxes! It is very wierd, but is working nicely!
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 18, 2013 18:46:37 GMT -7
Great idea Suzanne! You found a wonderful solution that worked for you! You know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention!  |
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 18, 2013 20:22:59 GMT -7
Lol! That's right Pauliana, thank you!
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suzanne
New Member
3 weeks crate rest down as off Sunday. 5 weeks to go!
Posts: 55
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Post by suzanne on Jun 20, 2013 21:11:33 GMT -7
Just the crate rest and he's starting to get some use of his back legs, just from tush to knees, not feet yet, hopefully with acupuncture he will!
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Post by natureluva on Jun 21, 2013 7:45:30 GMT -7
Excellent news, Suzanne. The magic of strict crate rest is working to heal Bandit's disc! Keep up the great work. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if after a few acupuncture sessions, you notice even more improvement. We look forward to hearing your next update. Best wishes, ~Lisa
PS - I also draped a towel part-way over my dog's crate and it helped him be calmer, too!! Amazing what little things can work.
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the anxiety disorder is hard enough to deal with. Keep us posted, we will do anything we can to help you. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs)))
