blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19 
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Post by blassom on Jun 12, 2013 13:31:21 GMT -7
I am new here and haven't a photo to post yet. I have a 5 1/2 yo male Doxie. He had 2 surgeries ...Dec 2011 and May 2012. Today he is "tip toe" walking and seems "drunk". Crosses his legs when he walks. I have seen this before in him in Dec 2011 and May 2012. I put him on crate rest today, but his crying gets to me. I can't afford a 3rd surgery. I had to leave the room because my heart breaks for him. I plan to do 8 wks crate rest this time. The other 2 times I didn't have a choice, but have the surgery done. He was 90% down the 2nd surgery and had no pain response. Well, he recovered from that in May 2012. I carried him outside all winter. Now it's Spring and I open the sliding glass door and out he hops. He has done that a few times in the last few weeks. I try not to blame myself. There is nothing we did wrong as doggie parents. IVDD just runs in the breed. I pray that I can do 8 weeks or crate rest and not give in. I might have to leave the house if he keeps crying....
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 12, 2013 16:07:55 GMT -7
Hang in there.. we are at week 1 and still at the crying stage. It stinks but you can do this!!
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 12, 2013 18:33:42 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Paula what is yours? I'm sorry to hear Ollie is having another disc problem. Crating at once is what protects the spinal cord from more severe neuro deficits….good job on being observant for the signs. We'd like to support you more….can you fill us in on a few details: -- Just so we are on the same page are you doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty in this manner: …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM)? -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not 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 anti-inflammatory. -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood? -- If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html-- Whining is definitely quite irritating. Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will learn which of the behaviors receive reward. -- Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best to calm dogs. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other brands than those listed below may be available in your area… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html [pheromone diffuser] with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based with 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo www.bachrescueremedypet.com Plain Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) with no additional medications added. Buy at your grocery store or pharmacy. Get the dosage from your vet. The wrong dose can have dangerous side effects, so your vet needs to prescribe the proper amount for your dog. Have you seen the overview on the phases of healing…. is it a very good refresher on a disc episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm |
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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 12, 2013 18:36:23 GMT -7
Hi, I'm Maureen. I am so sorry to hear that your little guy is having another IVDD episode. Conservative treatment is a perfectly reasonable treatment option, and you can get herbal calming rememdies ( they are posted on this site) or even a mild tranquilizer from the Vet if you have to. Remember to try to ignore his fussing and reward him when he is being quiet and settled- he will catch on (says the lady that had to leave the room because the fussing was making feel soooooo guilty) Are you going to get some anti-inflammatories and pain killers from the Vet. Don't forget to ask about a stomach protector like Pepcid too, you can buy that over the counter at the drugstore. Keeping you in thought and prayer  |
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blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19
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Post by blassom on Jun 13, 2013 5:25:24 GMT -7
No pain, poops and pees like he was before. He is not on any meds. Only thing I noticed is he was walking on his tip toes. He was not falling down. Just preferred to be up on his left toes. He runs like a mad man before I crated him.
After a wrestling episode with our mini he did the tip toes thing. Of course I got scared and put him to bed (his crate). I am so glad I crate trained him as a puppy.
I just noticed he has trouble going in and out of his crate. It's a high step up into the crate. Was wondering if anyone has a solution. My daughter said a wedge place in front of the crate like a ramp. Does anyone know where to get that?? He seems fine this morning.
Thanks everyone,
Eliza
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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 13, 2013 10:17:27 GMT -7
Something is causing discomfort (pain) as evidenced by trouble going up a step to his crate. "tip toe" walking, "drunk" crosses his legs sound like nerve compression caused weakness. Have you taken him to the vet to be diagnosed?
Make a ramp by cutting foam with a serrated knife into a wedge. How high is the step up?
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 14, 2013 5:17:41 GMT -7
Let me k ow how you and Ollie are making out with the harness.. Thinking I might take the one I got back. Hope you two had a good night |
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blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19
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Post by blassom on Jun 14, 2013 10:55:31 GMT -7
Ollie is still the same. Not favoring his left feet at all. He now holds it up and sometimes crosses it over his right. I know it's nerves and reflexes. I came home to find my husband had let him out of his crate and into the X-Pen. I think Ollie should be in his crate at all times unless he needs to potty. I will prob end up calling the vet at some point today just to see what she says. I know she doesn't have training in IVDD to the extent we need it, but maybe she can give him Tramadol or something.
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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 11:06:23 GMT -7
You are right about the crate rest - 8 weeks, only out to potty. Reminding your husband is a good idea. What medications and what dosages is Ollie taking now? Eating and drinking okay? Peeing and pooping okay? Keep us posted , we will do anything we can to help you out Keeping you in thought and prayer. |
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blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19
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Post by blassom on Jun 14, 2013 11:09:09 GMT -7
Something is causing discomfort (pain) as evidenced by trouble going up a step to his crate. "tip toe" walking, "drunk" crosses his legs sound like nerve compression caused weakness. Have you taken him to the vet to be diagnosed? Make a ramp by cutting foam with a serrated knife into a wedge. How high is the step up? The step up in about 1/2" high. I placed a blanket in front of the crate for now. I have him on crate rest and I just called the vet who is prescribing him Tramadol 50mg. 1/2 tablet every 8 hours. I guess even when we try to do our best it's not good enough. Thanks When I pick him up he uses his front paws to push away because he wants down. This can't be good for his back either. He just doesn't understand. Dachshund are kind and loving, but also stubborn! |
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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 11:15:35 GMT -7
Your best is ALWAYS good enough! Don't get down on yourself - we are all learning as we go. Believe me I know this - Stevie slipped on a wet patch on the floor 5 weeks after finishing her first 8 weeks of conservative treatment for IVDD, and had to go back in the crate for another 8 weeks. I have never felt so guilty. We are currently 7 weeks done this second round, and I now have an extra rug to put down on that friggin' floor. We live and learn.
The blanket to fill in that step up is a great idea ( and easy to clean if you have to)
They may be stubborn, but probably think the same things about us-haha. After all the pushing with the front feet (Stevie does it too sometimes) is their way of trying to show us silly stubborn humans that they want down, and think that we are too dense to get it
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 14, 2013 13:37:47 GMT -7
Bad weenies they need to listen to their mama's! If Fred gets his front paws on the ground when I try to put him in the crate he ain't going in. He fights it all the way and thinks he is better. Hang in there..you're doing everything you can. |
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blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19
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Post by blassom on Jun 14, 2013 14:55:21 GMT -7
Thanks!!! I posted somewhere earlier...I went to the vet and they game me 50mg Tramadol 1/2 tab every 8 hrs. I have 20 doses and if I need more they said to call. I am go grateful for everyone today that has said a kind word. I discussed my plan of 8 wks crate rest and they agreed. I have noticed that while Ollie is eating he has a hard time on the wood floor so I will be getting a durable rug for that area. I will see about posting a photo of his current digs soon |
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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 15:50:47 GMT -7
Good idea with the rug. I got a bunch fairly cheaply at Wal-mart - I just take them outside and hose them off as needed |
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blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19
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Post by blassom on Jun 14, 2013 17:44:47 GMT -7
A video of Ollie chewing is Kong filled with peanut butter. You'll see his hind legs are stretched out in front of him. This is how he sits after his 2nd IVDD surgery.
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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 14, 2013 18:03:13 GMT -7
Eliza, in keeping with the 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks, Ollie should have his bowls inside the crate to eat and drink water. There is always a chance when they are out of the crate for the unexpected to happen setting back the early healing disc. I bet you already have stuff around the house to make this attached bowl set up. |
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blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19
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Post by blassom on Jun 14, 2013 18:07:41 GMT -7
well, as a momma it's not 100%. I take him out potty ALOT....I did look at this set up. I will do it tomorrow. Need a trip to the Dollar Tree for a dog bowl.
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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 14, 2013 18:14:43 GMT -7
Out at potty time is a must…. as long as you limit him to a very, very few footsteps to get the job done….no sniff fests. LOL
With the attached bowl holder you could just use another plastic container such as cottage cheese size for the food and another for the water…. nothing fancy or costly needed with this project.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 14, 2013 18:16:27 GMT -7
Go Ollie!! Thanks for sharing the video!
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blassom
New Member
Ollie seems to be doing better.
Posts: 19
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Post by blassom on Jun 15, 2013 9:47:53 GMT -7
Well, it seems Ollie is not so good today. He went out on his leash and once he was on the ground he took off running. I tried to keep up with him, but the leash is only so long and Ollie took a tumble. He is now in his crate, but he seems to be getting weaker in his back legs. So, I have a question. I have looked all over the site and still about confused about this...if he looses his ability to stand but is not in pain do I just continue conservative treatment or take him to the ER??
Ollie is Grade 3 markedly paraparetic (weak/wobbly), but is able to get up on his/her own.
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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 15, 2013 17:46:10 GMT -7
Call the Vet if you are concerned for sure. Sounds like a bit of a setback from his wipeout, but there is no increase in pain which is great. These little dickens can move so fast when they are feeling good.
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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 15, 2013 20:23:30 GMT -7
Eliza, at potty time you stand in one spot and Ollie may only take a very, very few footstep to get the job done that the 6 foot leash allows. I found a solution better than using a leash and harness + sling at potty time that you may find works better for Ollie. Set up an ex-pen in the grass or some of that poke in the ground garden edging fence. That way he has a both a physical and visual barrier to let him know there is not going to be any sniff fests going on at potty time.   Ollie has lost some nerve function due to excessive movement. During conservative treatment it is imperative to do all you can to limit the movement of his spine… Here are some good ideas on ways to limit movement with the proper size recovery suite: crate vs. ex-pen. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm |
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 17, 2013 6:30:24 GMT -7
Wondering how you two are doing and hoping Ollie is doing better.
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Post by aak & Pookie on Jun 17, 2013 8:02:39 GMT -7
I leave the house when my dog starts to cry. I think him seeing me and not being able to get out makes him more stressed out. I do give him bones to chew and that helps with his anxiety (to chew).
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