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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 8:37:19 GMT -7
Not sure if this is the place to put this......
I have a 4 yr old (soon to be 5) neutered male Dachshund with diagnosis of Compressed Disc with decreased conscious proprioception in back legs. He is not painful whatsoever that I can see -- just having issues controlling his back legs. He has had issues controlling his back legs since I had him --- very very mild -- more slip on hardwood than anything else when running like a nut (his regular activity). Currently if he does not get Previcox 3x a week he loses control of his back legs and cannot walk (has happened 2x before diagnosis was reached as weren't sure whether had leg injury, back injury or something else in beginning) He was a rescue dog from a rescue that obtained him from a pet store where he was deemed "Unfit for Sale" along with his bonded brother. Bill has a major overbite. His brother had no end to his issues -- NO Conscious Proprioception whatsoever, possible mild hydro, organ issues, neuro issues, and mental (behavioral) issues. His brother passed away at 7 months in an accident. Bill is currently doing very well on 1/2 of a 57 mg Previcox 3x a week (MWF). He is allowed to have 1/2 pill daily but am trying to keep him on the lowest possible dose. He shows much better control on Previcox. I had done crate rest at first as took a bit to diagnose him (he was having other issues at the time as well). Currently he is not on strict crate rest but is on limited activity. Was wondering if anyone had suggestions re: helping him keep grip with back feet and what his chances of IVDD are with his compressed disc issues?
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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 10, 2013 8:59:39 GMT -7
Bonny is that correct?…. glad you have joined us on the Forum. What was the date you started crate rest and did you do it for a full 8 weeks. Crating is to allow the disc to heal …. for the disc to form good secure scar tissue. Previcox is what works on inflammation in the spinal cord….pressure to the spinal cord is what causes diminishment of neuro functions. So if the vet is saying there is a current disc episode causing this problem, you would be prudent to crate to let the disc heal. Nerve healing does not require meds. So something is disrupting flow of information from brain to legs and needs to be indentified so you know the correct treatment to give. What is your fella's name? Who made the dx ….. a general DVM vet or a neuro specialist? Did xrays rule out other disease that could mimic disc disease? With all the health problems, I would seek a board certified neuro consultation to pin point what you are dealing with. But til then keep him crated incase this is a current disc problem to avoid retearing of an early healing disc. Another thing to consider when using any anti-inflammatory (steroid or NSAID) is stomach protection. The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not to take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID and there after every 12 hours. www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 13:17:30 GMT -7
No have only done crate rest for around a week and am limiting his activity so he isn't running around at this point but am willing to do strict rest if necessary-- he is getting around very well at this point and not really active at all right now (is currently pretty hot so all 3 dogs are laying around 99% of day. I keep my mattress on floor so they don't jump (no other furniture) and he is crated anytime I am not in the room with him. General DVM diagnosed him (the vet in practice who does lots of orthro work). I could certainly add Famotidine to his regimen... I actually keep injectable Famotidine in my fridge at home for my CHF, kid diz, diabetic dach and am also currently using it on my mom's bladder infection dach as well as it is one of the drugs I am to be giving him. Neuro vet is not within my budget at this time due to financial constraints. Will check with vet about adding Famotidine to his regimen.
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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 11, 2013 8:56:08 GMT -7
Bonny, you will be able to visualize just why crate rest is necessary for a full 8 weeks with this video when you are dealing with a disc episode. The disc is compressing the spinal cord, because the disc is damaged from being born with disc disease.
I'm glad to hear Bill is able to get around indicating nerve damage has not been serious. Crate rest is to allow the disc to heal. An early healing disc with scar tissue still weak is subject to easily retearing with too much movement with the potential for loss of nerve functions. Dogs always do the unexpected…so we have to be one step ahead of them..providing a save place to heal…. inside a recovery suite (ex-pen, wire crate, pet stroller, packNplay.)
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