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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 2, 2017 11:31:02 GMT -7
Hi Dodgerslist Community, I have found this community to be so supportive already. It was really the first place we looked for help with Timmy's recent diagnosis of IVDD. My name is Kay and my dachshund's name is Timmy. He's 5 and a half years old. He is a standard dachshund, although on the small end.  We found out that Timmy has IVDD on Friday (the 30th) when he was suddenly unable to walk that morning. In retrospect, he had shown sign of IVDD before Friday, but we thought he was being stubborn (loss of bowel control), or just tired (reluctance to jump, go up and down stairs). There were other things, but nothing very alarming until he suddenly couldn't walk outside to use the restroom. We took him into the emergency clinic that morning, and they took x-rays, made a tentative IVDD diagnosis, and advised crate rest with some pain medication. However, after resting in his crate for the day, he deteriorated quickly. By the afternoon, he was completely paralyzed from his waste down. I took him in again in the afternoon, and the vet recommended surgery. We had disc surgery done that evening for a herniated disc. He was released from the clinic yesterday at around 10:00AM after being with them for about 36 hours. He is on crate rest right now, and there seems to be some pain. He is shivering/trembling a little bit. He has been whining fairly consistently, but I think it's because he does not very much like spending all his time in the crate. He has been moving around in his crate a little bit, especially to burrow in blankets using his nose. He did this immediately when we got home from the vet, which is a very typical Timmy behavior. Timmy weighs about 14 pounds. He is on a 1 Meloxicam 2 pound 1x per day dose of (4:30AM), Tramadol 50mg 3x per day of (4:00AM, 12:00PM, 8:00PM), and Prazosin 2ml 2x per day of. He also has a Fentanyl patch as of 1/1 9am (12mcg) He is eating and drinking normally. He has not had a bowel movement yet. Timmy can wobbly walk. He can also wag his tail, which he does especially when seeing the other two dogs who live in the house. He is crated upstairs away from them to keep calm and quiet throughout the day, but I allowed them see each other when I took him to potty this morning and that really made his tail wag. He was reluctant to get his bladder expressed, even by the vet technicians. I took him in to get it expressed last night, and this morning he was able to urinate on his own with me holding the sling to support him. The pee got all over the sling so my next step is to try to understand how to do that better.. but I am really glad he's making progress. |
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,539
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 2, 2017 13:09:36 GMT -7
Kay, welcome to Dodgerlist, we are glad you found us. Sounds like Timmy is well on his way to a good recovery of his nerve damage already! If you believe there is pain, the vet needs to know today. No reason for there to be any post op pain when meds can easily be adjusted. --- Usually two or more signs of pain help to confirm: shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, can’t find a comfortable position, Arched back, pinned back ears. Holding leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky interested in life selves. Never have any patience at all with pain. When meds are correctly dosed for your dog’s body, pain is covered dose to dose and when having to move such as at potty time. --- Fentanyl patches: There is a delayed onset of effect when using the patches. In dogs it takes about 12 hours to achieve good pain relieving dosages.The effective life of the patch is about 3 (72 hours). Do let us know when the patch was applied. If you and the vet conclude there is some post op pain still, let us know what changes to the med list is made. 14 pounds Meloxicam 2 pound 1x per day Tramadol 50mg 3x per day Prazosin 2ml 2x per day of. Fentanyl patch as of 1/1 10am ish? (12mcg). The proof of bladder control is being able to sniff an old pee spot in the grass and then making a decision to mark/release urine there. When Timmy is acting like he is going to pee, the sling needs to be slacked so that it is not pressing on the bladder as that would be similar to expressing the bladder. Let us know the details you observe with the test. If being isolated works for Timmy that is fine. Most dogs, however, prefer to have the recovery suite in the middle of the family room activity. What type or recovery suite do you have: wire crate, wire expen, plastic airline type crate? Check with your vet about proactive protection of the GI tract while on Meloxicam. Stress, change in routines and NSAIDs like Meloxicam all cause extra stoamch acids. Pepcid AC suppresses the extra stomach acids that anti-inflammatory drugs cause. So we follow the vets who are proactive in preventing nausea, vomit, diarrhea, blood stool, bleeding ulcers from progressing to life threatening perforated stomach lining. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episode 5mgs 2x/day and giving the anti-inflammatory with a meal for added protection. Get Pepcid AC at the grocery store but FIRST do ask your vet in this particular way: Is there any health reason (heart, liver, or kidney) my dog may not take Pepcid AC (famotidine)? Know all about your pet's meds, reading IS important: www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html and marvistavet.com/famotidine.pml |
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 2, 2017 14:15:33 GMT -7
I went ahead and called the vet per your recommendation. I'm sure that he has pain when walking/standing, as he definitely started to shiver. I also notice the holding one leg up, although it's the leg with the patch so not sure if that contributes to his feeling unstable. Whatever the case, we're following up this afternoon.
You are correct that his patch was applied 1/1. It was probably applied around 9AM. We're scheduled to have it removed on Wednesday (1/4) evening.
Sounds good. I will try that. He definitely was interested in sniffing around his old pee spots. I need to set up the small potty yard, as he really likes to go for adventures to find the best spot.
Because the other dogs are very hyper and barking, it gets Timmy riled up, too. He's even gotten a bit riled from the bedroom. I've been able to be with him all day for the first two days after the surgery, but we may try changing the location to the living room when I'm back at work. I am just concerned that he won't get quiet rest if he's trying to keep up with the pack. Thoughts?
Timmy's in a wire crate. I referenced your detailed instructions on the website, actually, so it's got the memory foam pad, fleece blankets, and pee pads. I tried to roll up some blankets but he just unrolled them so he could get wrapped up in them. I instead put in a little memory foam pillow so that it's a little smaller. I also had originally take the top off, but he seemed interested in escaping so I put it back on so I could have piece of mind.
On his original blood work, Timmy did show high levels in one of his liver markers. He was borderline high, so the vet said that she would still prescribe the Meloxicam and Tramadol. I didn't know to ask about something to protect the GI tract, so I'll consult my home vet about that today when we go in for a post-op check up.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,539
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 3, 2017 10:48:59 GMT -7
Kay, the rowdy type of behavior that is not advised for a dog on rest is jumping against the sides of the crate, etc. Barking is annoying for sure but not rambunctious. So you will have to observe while you are at home and make the decision which room is best for Timmy while you are at work. From our supplies list is an idea to monitor Timmy with a mobile device if you have an old extra one: __ Monitor your dog with IOS or Android devices: www.presencepro.com , www.cam2pet.com/en/__ Music Hours of Relaxation Music for Dogs Great for people too! Here's the playlist for all 70+ "tunes" : ; 10 hours of calming rain sounds: Let us know what the vet thought about pain existing and what changes to the med list he may have made. |
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 6, 2017 6:22:28 GMT -7
I took Timmy to see our regular veterinarian on Monday evening, and he reassured me that Timmy is doing well, and that he doesn't seem to be in any pain. I've continued to keep his medications as usual.
By this time, we're now almost one week after surgery, he's no longer on his Fentanyl patch. He stopped Meloxicam yesterday. He will be using his Tramadol and Prazosin until tomorrow.
He is getting slightly better with crying in the cage, particularly when I am not home. At bedtime, he's adjusted to the new routine, so that's a relief.
His appetite and attitude seem normal.
In the evenings, I move him to a crate in the family room so he can be around us while we eat dinner, and he seems to be happy with that!
Potty is almost back to normal. By Wednesday, he was able to express his bowels on his own, with a little support from me so he didn't topple over while he walked a few steps to find a good place. He's been able to urinate on his own since Monday. I haven't used the sling since the first day when he peed in it, and find it's much more effective just to trod with him to support his stability.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,539
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 6, 2017 10:27:57 GMT -7
Kay, what a nice update! Timmy is progressing in a very positive way. How are his back paws, do they knuckle under or can he place them correctly on the ground?
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 7, 2017 22:39:53 GMT -7
He seems to have uneven strength/mobility with his back legs. The right leg seems more responsive right now, and there is some turning inwards with the back left leg. I think it's knuckling? I've never heard that term -- but seems to describe what I'm seeing. He is able to put his weight on both back legs, but it's intermittent, and seems to be his main cause of instability when he's outside to potty.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Jan 8, 2017 7:43:34 GMT -7
Glad to hear Timmy is making progress. Buster favored this left hind leg after surgery because the herniation occurred on the right side of his spine. His right leg has improved a lot, but is still weaker than the left. The good news is that he has learned to compensate for the strength difference and gets around quite well.
Best wishes to you and Timmy for a great recovery and return to normal life.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,539
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 8, 2017 15:38:23 GMT -7
Knuckling is nerve damage where the dog can't sense if his paw is incorrectly on the ground. As the nerves self repair eventually the dog would be able to place the paw correctly on the ground.  |
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 8, 2017 19:12:14 GMT -7
Thanks for the information. I'll be on the lookout for that when he's walking. I think that I've seen this happen, but as I said, intermittently. It's good to know that it can improve over time.
Is it recommended that dogs begin PT after surgery right away, or is there typically a rest period before that can begin?
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Post by Pauliana on Jan 8, 2017 23:16:20 GMT -7
Hi Kay!
What did your surgeon recommend for PT? Often if a dog can wobbly walk, the PT can be the short walks at potty time. If they didn't make any suggestions ask them as only they know what they saw during the surgery. Tyler's surgeon wanted us to do short 3 minute walks several times a day..increasing it one minute every few days..
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 9, 2017 17:12:23 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana
The surgeon provided a number for a PT, but didn't give me any exercises to do with him while he's recovering. I will be seeing them again on the 14th to get his sutures removed, so I figured I would ask them this weekend.
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 14, 2017 16:09:13 GMT -7
Timmy had his sutures removed today. The surgeon was enthusiastic about Timmy's progress, and while he did recommend PT, he said it wasn't necessary as Timmy is making great progress. He said Timmy could walk assisted on a harness for 15 minutes 4 times a day as at home PT. I walked him a bit this afternoon. He's recovering well, and it's only two weeks out, so I'm feeling very positive about everything.
I will call the PT that the surgeon recommended for consultation, and continue monitoring his progress, and keeping him crate confined. He's actually getting somewhat used to the crate at this point, and as long as he doesn't feel totally abandoned, he settles down after about 10 minutes of crying.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,539
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 14, 2017 17:35:53 GMT -7
Kay, good to hear the surgeon was very pleased with Timmy's progress. Let us know what the PT person recommends as therapy.
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Jan 28, 2017 18:08:18 GMT -7
Timmy started PT on Wednesday, 1/25 of this week. His physical therapist determined that he's favoring his front left leg, but it's not too far out of the norm. She explained that typically dogs hold their weight 60% in the front, and 40% in the back, so it's 30/30/20/20. Timmy is currently 34/30/19/17. She gave me a few exercises to do twice a day, and said he can go on constant walks (not meandering potty breaks) for 5 minutes, and then every week, if he's doing well, an extra five minutes. I'm doing holding the front paw (alternating) 3x on each side; having him stand and then poking him along his side to support his balance/core strength; sit to stand with the back legs doing the standing; and head twists to support spine strength (I'm sure these all have proper names, but that's how I understand them  . He had his second appointment today, and did 8 minutes in the water treadmill. We will do the at-home PT every day, and then he has four more appointments every Saturday through February. He has his last check with the surgeon on February 11, which is coming up in a short two weeks! I'm surprised that it's been four weeks since his surgery. I feel like it's been ages, but also that it's gone by really quickly. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,539
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 28, 2017 18:35:29 GMT -7
Kay, when you next go to underwater treadmill therapy, see if you can lower the camera to Timmy's level so we can see what the back legs are doing. The water treadmill therapy is known to be excellent for relearning the art of walking. Sounds like Timmy is going to have a find recovery with your devotion to his exercises and with time and mother nature's help.
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Post by Kay & Timmy on Feb 13, 2017 18:42:40 GMT -7
We are now six weeks post-op! I can't believe how quickly the time ended up passing. I remember thinking at the beginning of this journey that six weeks was forever. Within a couple weeks, we settled into new routines, and Timmy even (sort of) began to enjoy being in his cage. On Saturday, we met with the surgeon again for his 6 week post-op visit. The surgeon was happy with his progress, his ability to walk and be mobile, and we do not need to return! So that is exciting. Although Timmy is restricted from jumping on or off couches, playing with the other dogs, and walking up and downstairs, he's supposed to return to his previous level of physical activity gradually within the next six weeks.We had our fourth PT session on Saturday as well. He was walking in the other direction (13 minutes this week), so you can get a good view of his back legs. His back right leg continues to knuckle occasionally when he's standing, and he definitely prefers to put weight on his left leg. The physical therapist did a couple exercises with him, and he definitely has feeling in that part of his leg, so it may just be something that continues to strength over time. We are continuing with our PT exercises at home, and we will have two more PT sessions this month. We are now walking up to 10 minutes outside each day, being careful to go at a slow pace so that he doesn't "bunny hop" and uses all four of his legs. |
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Post by Pauliana on Feb 13, 2017 23:19:39 GMT -7
Happy crate rest graduation Kay and Timmy! Timmy has made great progress!  He is walking very well in the underwater treadmill! Thanks for sharing the video! If you would like, here are some ideas to help others with IVDD dogs. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We wish we did not have to hear of another dog that was put to sleep because of disc disease nor one denied the correct principles of crate rest to help them heal. --- You've been there, and are doing it....if you see another member on the Forum needing support or information share what you know to be true or point them to one of our many IVDD articles. The "search box" on each page makes quick work to find the right helpful link: www.dodgerslist.com/-- "Share" our FB/twitter/ posts to widen the reach of IVDD knowledge www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist twitter.com/DodgersList -- We have a store where you might find something you absolutely need! Our earnings go to paying for our webpage and literature to hand out. www.dodgerslist.com/store.htm-- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htmEnjoy many happy years with Timmy! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,539
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 14, 2017 8:22:50 GMT -7
Kay, how nice to see Timmy walking so well, placing his paws on the treadmill. Glad to hear you have the information to gradually increase his physical exertiioin over many weeks time. Check out our after crate rest article which includes things like how to teach four paws on the floor, how to use a ramp and more: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmIf you haven't already, here are some some home modifications to reduce the stress on the 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.htm
State: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: |
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