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Post by James & Brie on May 15, 2017 20:01:58 GMT -7
Our little Brie who will be 3 in Aug. was operated on Thurs the 11th at a Vet. Teaching Hospital. The surgery involved the T11 to T13, she's very anxious so they suggested we shouldn't visit again. We saw her on Sat.13. This has been very hard for us, as I imagine it is for anyone else in a similar tragedy. She really wasn't ready to see us and with her being medicated, she probably didn't recognise us. She tried to bite me. But that's ok as it showed she still has some spunk. I am not sure what grade she has been given. They haven't told me, as I had to ask what vertebrae required the surgery. But from trying to learn about IVDD I imagine maybe 1 or 2, hopefully 3. We were told that Brie showed some signs of movement in her left hind leg. We are keeping our fingers crossed, but we'll accept whatever condition she's in and love her even more. We know this will be a long journey, but we love her so and we hope to get some insight from other pet owners, and or professionals as to how's & why's, do's & don'ts in trying to give Brie the best when she comes home. Our home has been so empty, and she has suffered so much. It's hard and I will need some TLC till she's back, so I'll probably be posting about everything, but willing to give kind feedback when & where needed.
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Post by Pauliana on May 15, 2017 21:22:03 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, James, so sorry to hear your little Brie had to have surgery.. My Tyler had surgery 4 years ago and I remember how scared,nervous I was. I missed him so much but was so excited to welcome him back home when he was discharged.. We will help you learn to take care of Brie as she recovers from her surgery.. Did they tell you when Brie could come home? You must have lots of questions in your mind. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns to ask your surgeon for discharge day: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmThis page is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmSee if there are any things you can do to make post-op crate rest go smoother with these very useful tips and ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm and www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmIf anything in particular we can help you with or you want to know more about do bring it up, let's talk! I am moving your thread into the surgery forum. All you need to do is reply to this post to continue the discussion on Brie's very own thread.. The unknown is simply too scary a place to stay in. Are your ready to get up to speed on all things IVDD and fight the IVDD enemy? Excellent page to start with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Are you ready? Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmPlease keep us updated as you learn more about Brie from the surgeon...
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Post by James & Brie on May 16, 2017 20:20:29 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana, I just now got on the computer today, that's a small miracle in itself, as i've been getting lost in my computer since this horrific nightmare began. I am ready to get involved in all of the special links you have made available for me. It's nice to know I now have a connection with people who can relate to our feelings, but more importantly, can help us with what we need to know and do to be ready for our baby BRIE. I mention we & us in here because I am married, but because of my wife's, (Helga), own health issues she won't be involved with computing. We both are scared & worried and just not handling this well, we miss our baby so. We rescued her and I keep thinking she must think we abandoned her. I keep finding one of her toy's or a treat she had hidden for later, so there is a lot of crying right now. Well I better start reading. Thanks again for giving us your time and encouragement.
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Post by Julie & Perry on May 16, 2017 20:53:59 GMT -7
Hi James. Welcome to Dodger's List. So sorry your Brie has IVDD. My dog has had surgery as well. I'm sure you're still in shock. The more you learn the more you and your wife can help Brie. Channel your energy into getting ready for her to come home. She'll look to you and your wife for how to react and she'll need you to be strong and positive. Try not to expect too much at first. It can take weeks or months to recover. Be prepared that Brie will have a shaved back and stitches. It will get better. Just take it a day at a time. Healing thoughts and prayers.
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Post by Pauliana on May 16, 2017 22:38:38 GMT -7
Hi James, Glad you are reading, that's the best thing you can do right now to get ready for Brie to come home when the time comes! It helped me to keep busy getting Tyler's recovery suite set up while waiting for him to be released. Much like this: dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm. Tyler still loves his recovery suite and it is still set up for him to go into as he wishes... Hopefully soon your Brie will be back home, and getting lots of tender loving care from you and your wife.. Look ahead to your continuing journey with her.. You will have lots of happy years to come.. Have you gotten any more updates from the Hospital on how Brie is doing? Healing thoughts and prayers!
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Post by James & Brie on May 18, 2017 23:11:59 GMT -7
Well It's been a week today since Brie's surgery. We receive 2 calls a day from where she's been kept. And our morning call was encouraging, she's doing better with staff, she's very shy, and she ate all of her breakfast. A good sign. My wife and I went and bought memory foam, pee pad's, for human's, fleece blankets and throw's, (no cotton's). Bowl's we can adjust to the proper height. Everything to welcome home Brie and make her as comfortable as we can. Then we waited for our second update of the day, it came. It went kinda like this, "We are concerned with Brie's recovery. It's been a week now and she isn't showing any signs of improving, just doesn't respond to DP and by this time you see some signs with their leg's twitching or moving. We need your OK to do another MRI on Brie, so we can be sure she didn't rupture another disc, and if not we can possibly see what's causing her to not recover. It could just be inflammation and we could give her steroids to help with that". Like the 1st time I was confronted with this question, I replied, yes, whatever it takes. Of course there is no good answer here. She'll either live the rest of her life with wheels or we operate again and I start dipping into my 401k. At this point my tear ducts are also drained, but we'll deal with it. We just want her home. We just Love our little member of our family. We were close to extinguishing this nightmare, but it has refueled. But we're up for the fight. Have to be.
I've been reading a lot of these posts and noticing a lot of dog's going home within a week. The ones that don't, most everyone who replies to them mentions the fact that it could take at least a couple of weeks before the nerves start repairing themselves. Does anyone out there believe our Brie's Dr.'s just might be jumping the gun with their decision to run another MRI? I also can't understand why I don't seem to have half the information others seem to have on this forum. Am I not asking enough questions? Did others get paper work stating all the facts, such as type of injury, what kind of surgery, the qualifications of the surgeon, prescribed meds., her weight when she was admitted and what it is at today. I also read about updates from the surgeon. Most of my updates come from people who are looking after & working with Brie on that day. She's our baby and I'm spending a ton on her, would do it again, yet we feel left out in the dark. I don't want to get upset on top of everything else. It all hurt's so very much and now I'm confused. Plus my Wife has early stage dementia and I have to keep explaining where Brie is, what's wrong with her, and again tonight, " why did we buy all of this bedding and what for". I will really have to keep any meds out of sight. Sorry I put that out there but I'm getting overwhelmed. I've survived Cancer twice & beat HepC. So I'm tired, but I will do everything in my power to save Brie. She's my first dog and I Love her to death. I just need a little support and info. Thanks for your site and for listening.
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Post by Julie & Perry on May 19, 2017 6:31:02 GMT -7
Hi James. Boy do you have a lot on your plate! So, has Brie been in pain that can't be controlled or regressing neurologically? If so yes do another MRI. Otherwise no. It can take weeks or months to see progress. When are they planning to release Brie? Dogs recover better at home. I'd call your surgeon and request a phone consultation ASAP. Have your questions written down. Best wishes.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on May 19, 2017 8:59:02 GMT -7
James, it does so very often take 2 weeks before all the temporary surgery caused neuro setbacks to resolve. Then at 2 weeks you'd have a better idea of the direction of healing. Do not bankrupt your retirement account so that you put you and your wife in jeopardy and then may have money issues giving Brie normal care any dog needs. So assess your financial ability and do not be pushed to over extend yourself. MRI are $1500+ and another surgery, well you know that cost. So if surgery is not financially feasible, it is not of use to have a very expensive MRI. Conservative treatment is very low cost of meds only if this would be another disc. May it is not another disc, maybe it is just that nerves have not had time to self heal yet. Normally we ought to think in terms of months not days/weeks for nerve healing. Some dogs will have the ability to walk the day after surgery while others need more time. No one can tell you the timetable, not even the surgeon. You can read about the usual order in which nerves self repair, but again there are no dates when that will happen. Here is the link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmIt is typical that the surgeon may not call you with daily reports.. Often it is the vet tech who is in direct care of the dog who will make that call to you. So all is normal in that department. As always you can tell the vet tech you would like to speak with surgeon or leave a message with the receptionist at the hospital asking for the surgeon to call you. You have a lot on your plate. So it is important that you take care of yourself. Emotions can really take a toll on a person. So it will be important for you to note all the good things you see during the day. Even the tiniest of good things...note it and smile! --- You got Brie surgery! --- Brie is out of pain at the hospital! It may be time for her to come home! So concentrate on reviewing how to express a bladder. That way you will get more out of the hands-on-top-of-your-hands type of expressing lesson www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmNext call the hospital back today. Tell the receptionist you want to talk with the surgeon about getting Brie discharged today or asap. Tell him if Brie's pain is fully in control with pills now, you want to bring her home. Each day of hospital stay is too expensive for your family! A vet doesn't know if you don't explain your finances. Dogs always do a lot better at home with familiar smells and those they love around them. Tell the surgeon you have reviewed how to express videos and you are ready to learn from him with his hands-on-top-of-your-hands lesson. Let us know what date the surgeon is going to discharge Brie. Know that you can return to the hospital if it is not too far away to get a refresher expressing lesson from the vet tech AND you can also go to your local DVM's clinic if closer more pointers on expressing from his vet tech. Pauli gave you the link to making you list of discharge questions. I know you've been very occupied with everything. So here is the list again just in case you missed the list: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htm
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Post by James & Brie on May 19, 2017 18:31:22 GMT -7
Waiting, again. We'll get the call in about 2-3 hrs.. I'm just a mess. But, just look at that picture. I won't refuse her. We'll be OK.
I've been reading, bought the DVD and have learned, unless you have a breed that's prone to this disease, and you were aware enough, to look into way's of preventing injury, well it's just heartbreaking and hindsight. Because how would one know that when you first see these signs you should take your dog to the vet in a crate. When your suddenly hit with the reality that your dog is dragging her legs, my thought's other than freaking out, were to get her to the vet's as soon as possible. That's where it get's confusing. Because we took her to the vets hrs. earlier because she was shaking and we noticed she couldn't straighten out her tail. We didn't have an appointment, so they were going to evaluate her to see if she required emergency care right away. They checked her vitals and asked if we wanted to schedule an app. for the following day, assessing she didn't require emergency care. I said no I want one for today. That was around 12:30 p.m., the app. was made for 3:30 p.m. So we went home and worried. By 3:00 p.m. she was dragging her legs behind her and we scooped her up and went to the vet's, still freaking out and still unaware of crating her. When we got to the vet we were only holding Brie, thinking that was the best we could do for her while waiting and were not called in for a good 15 min. After taking Brie it wasn't long before they asked us in and informed us of the prognosis. They told us a Neurologist was waiting for us and we should leave immediately. So off we went, having about an hour's drive ahead of us, and still unaware of the fact that she should be crated with her injury. Looking back I have lot's of questions. And of course if I had this literature? But who knew. I just got off the phone and I decided to go with another MRI. I have to. I love her.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on May 19, 2017 18:59:06 GMT -7
James, it is always the case that when we know more, we can do better.. Not every vet knows IVDD in depth and may miss the importance of conveying to.an owner how so very important crating is with a suspicion of a disc problem. That is why we highly encourage each owner making a commitment to read, learn, absorb all you can about IVDD. This puts you in position to best protect Brie right now and during the many happy years ahead.
What breed(s) do you think Brie is?
We'll be watching for your next update to see what the MRI reveals.
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Post by James & Brie on May 19, 2017 19:17:02 GMT -7
We were told when we rescued her that she was a spaniel/russell mix.
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Post by Pauliana on May 19, 2017 21:45:12 GMT -7
James,
Keeping you and Brie in my prayers.. It takes about 2 weeks for the surgical swelling to go down.. and like Paula said that is when you start to see the direction healing will take.. Each dog is different in how long it takes them to heal nerves.. I hope the MRI reveals that there isn't another rupture.. that it is merely the surgical inflammation that can be resolved with a steroid..
You have your hands full, don't worry about the past now...Take it a day at a time..What you are learning now will help in the days ahead.. Let us know what the MRI reveals..
Take care...Prayers on the way! Pauli
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Post by James & Brie on May 20, 2017 2:48:38 GMT -7
James Mullen 3 hrs · Brie had another MRI today. The concern was there was either another ruptured disc or there were still remains from the earlier rupture, they had no other reason as to why she wasn't improving. On the other hand not all dog's respond to traumatic spinal injuries in the same way. I've read cases in support forums, (Dodgerslist.com), no not those Dodgers, where a dog goes home in 1 or 2 days and by weeks end they're trying to walk. Others, it can take a year or more to regain full walking capabilities. And then others are paralyzed yet live a long, happy life. The results were "no further damage and nothing indicating pressure on her spinal cord". I was overjoyed with those results. Now it's a case of learning how to express her bladder (helping her pee) and applying strict crate rest, for 6 wks. She'll be coming home sometime next week and we can start nursing her back to health. She has a long way to go and may never regain full use of her hind legs or bladder. If she has to have a set of wheels, maybe we'll rename her. Maybe something like, "Ben Her". Keeping fingers crossed and just trying to stay positive now. Her seeing us all stressed out won't help her at all. Glad I didn't cash in my chip's. Her chip's. This isn't over by any means , but I just want to say that Helga & I appreciate all the prayers and concerns that were shown to us. It helped us a lot during a most trying time in our lives. I'm sure Brie would ditto that if she could. Took this post from an earlier post on FB.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on May 20, 2017 7:31:21 GMT -7
James, I'm glad to hear of the positive results of the MRI. Nerves can take such a very long time to heal. My Jeremy had a severe disc rupture resulting in paralysis and loss of deep pain sensation requiring emergency surgery. It took 3 months for him to have the slightest movement in his feet and then another three months before he was wobbly walking. I saw improvement in his walking for over a year after the surgery. He had a cart for a short period of time but left it behind. They can come back from this! There doesn't seem to be any reason for Brie to remain in the hospital any longer so I do hope that she'll be home with you soon. Please let us know what meds are prescribed when she's released and what PT is prescribed. I found these post-op exercises to be very helpful in getting my Jeremy's legs moving again so do run them by the surgeon to see when she'd be able to start any of them. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmHealing prayers for Brie and prayers for strength for you and your wife.
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Post by James & Brie on May 22, 2017 20:28:35 GMT -7
Went to see our Baby Brie today. We haven't seen her since May 13. We also wanted to discuss her discharge, which hopefully, will be tomorrow. We were quite happy to see Brie again, as her anxiety prevented us from seeing her. It seems their prognosis for Brie is darker than one would like to hear. Then again, their job's as Vet's requires they don't beat around the bush, and they deal with these types of injuries their whole career. But to someone who's never had a dog of their own, the prognosis that your little buddy, who is not even 3 yet and who you've developed an everlasting love for in a just a short time, of maybe never being able to walk or relieve her bladder on her own, again. Man, it hurts. If I hadn't found this site I have no idea where I would be, emotionally, right now. I do know I would be in the dark about everything I need to know, to prepare myself for her return to her family. I have her suite ready and have watched the video's, showing me how to express Brie's bladder. Which will only help when I'm put to the task. From what I was told by the vet who stood in during the surgery, the original surgeon is on another case now, was that they don't believe Brie will ever regain the use of her leg's, bladder, or tail. Right now she still has the catheter in and they are going to discuss the matter of what to do. They mentioned something about getting together with my vet. so he would be up on what's going on and I could work directly with him, since we're an hours drive from the hospital Brie's in. They said they would get back in touch with me tonight. Still waiting. Despite the reality that after Brie's 6 week crate rest she probably will get fitted for a chariot and I will forever be expressing her bladder, I will never give up hope that she may someday regain feeling in her lower extremities. If she doesn't, then from reading on this site and other links, connected to this site, I know that her life can and will be one that's full of love and happiness. We love Brie and really appreciate the help and the support shown to us, for Brie. I'm sorry we couldn't donate more than the little we have so far. Right now we're pretty much tapped. 11 day's hosp., 1 surgery, 2 MRI's, and she's still there. She's "FAMILY". What are you gonna do?
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Post by Pauliana on May 22, 2017 21:57:09 GMT -7
Hi James!
So glad you got to see Brie today.. I know how much you have missed her! She will get such tender care from you when she gets home and she will heal so much better at home with her family. That much I know!
One thing to consider is Brie is not listening to the dire prognosis.. She will work on healing the best way she knows how.. Dogs don't think about what they can't do but what they CAN do.. Here on Dodgerslist we have heard of so many Vet's saying that dog will never walk again and they do go on to walk weeks later, months later and one over 3 years later... Nerves can and do heal.. The ones that don't walk again are quite happy to use a chariot as you said.. Where there's a will and love, there's a way!
We will be here for you!!
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Post by Julie & Perry on May 23, 2017 6:17:21 GMT -7
James, I can't tell you how many times I've been told my dog wouldn't walk again. She still is! Yes I do need to express but once you get it down it's truly easier than going outside. Brie will be OK one way or another. Unless the surgeon has a really good reason, push to get Brie home. Make sure they show you how to express and have you do it. Since they're far away I'd also make sure your vet can help you. You're doing a terrific job.
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Post by James & Brie on May 23, 2017 17:12:30 GMT -7
I don't know what to do? Trying to expressing my dog. My vet was supposed to be there for me. Can't get an appointment till tomorrow. This is my last hope.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on May 23, 2017 17:44:24 GMT -7
James, there is no danger, do not panic.
When is the last time (date/hour) she has been expressed?
What are the names of all meds she was sent home on? Dose in mgs and how often you give each.
You do not need an appt with your local DVM vet. Just go there and ask for help from the vet tech. You may need wait, but they will fit you in, it is not necessary to see the vet to get a refresher expressing lesson. Techs know how to express. If you are concerned you can also go to the emergency room (ER) now at some expense of course.
Tell us where you are having a problem so we know more how to help you: ~~ Are you able to apply pressure to both sides of the tummy area? When the bladder is quite full, it is very easy to express as slight hand pressure will cause release of urine. In fact just the act of lifting a dog with a full bladder very often will cause leaking on the person.
Expressing is a matter of physics. Knowing how much pressure to apply so that the thightly closed spinchter muscle is overcome and lets urine out. The body has a safety mechanism (reflexes). When the bladder becomes filled to the point of over stretching the bladder, reflexes take over and let some of the urine out. You don't want to make that a habit over days, because the urine reflexes do not release can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Did you get a hands-on-top-of-your-hands type of lesson from the neuro or his vet tech?
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Post by James & Brie on May 23, 2017 17:54:21 GMT -7
Once I found I couldn't find the bladder. I went straight to the vid's and learned something I hadn't known before. All 4 of the different demo's shown are performed on a male dog? Brie is a female. When at the hospital I did bring this subject up, about expressing Brie, and when I asked for a hands on, the tech felt first and said she was having a hard time finding the bladder. The thinking was her bladder was empty due to the catheter which was just removed. They told me about the discussion the surgeon had with my vet earlier and I was to give him a call if I had problems. I called them when I got home, still wanting that hands on demo I was expecting. I guess my vet is too busy today. Really, I pleaded with them, surely this doesn't take that long, and the consequences are dire. Tomorrow, really. I'm really>>>>>>>>>
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on May 23, 2017 18:26:04 GMT -7
I know how mifted you must be. Brie will be ok til you get the lesson tomorrow. Hope it can be early in the morning soon after they open. The names of meds can make a difference about urine production. Would you be able to tell us the name of each med, how many mgs for each dose and how often you are to give it? What time did you pick Brie up at the hospital? Then we'd have a general idea of when the catheter was removed. The Dodgerslist video shows an illustration of female anatomy. One of the ladies IS expressing a female dog (Frankie).and where you would expects to push on the bladder. The tips work for either male or female. I would not express over the toilet until much later. Just put Brie on a pee pad and express on the floor. Here is the Dodgerslist video: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm
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Post by James & Brie on May 23, 2017 18:32:43 GMT -7
I just got your reply while I was typing. Here are the meds: TRAZODONE HCL TAB 50MG (TEVA); GABAPENTIN CAP 100MG (ACT); PREDNISONE TAB 5MG (ROXAN). She got discharged at 12:38p.m. and her catheter was removed around 12:00p.m., so it's been around 6 hrs. Back to the Meds. TRAZ. : 1/2 Tablet by mouth twice a day. Every 12 hrs.; GABA. : 1 Capsule by mouth 2-3 times daily as needed.; PRED. : 1/2 Tablet by mouth twice a day (every 12 hrs.) w/food for 2 wks. Then give 1/2 Tab. once daily for 5 days then give 1/2 tab. every other day for 5 doses. Then discontinue.
[13.7 lbs Prednisone 5mg tab as of 5/23: 2.5mgs 2x/day for 14 days, then taper Trazodone 12.5 mgs 2x/day Gabapentin 100mg 2-3 x/day Pepcid AC ?]
And it's off to emergency. We'll talk some more when I get back. Thanks Paula!
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Post by Pauliana on May 23, 2017 22:09:39 GMT -7
Hi James, I hope you found some help in expressing at the ER. Don't panic, you will be able to express her, it just takes a hands on your hands lesson so you can feel the right pressure to apply. Sometimes a refresher lesson is needed...That's how everyone learns and the videos help too... You will learn how just be patient with your self, it is a new skill you are learning.. It takes a week or so to get used to taking care of your little patient.. How many times per day are you giving the Gabapentin 2 or 3? Does her pain seem to be under control? These are the signs of pain: 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, restless, can't find a comfortable position. Ears pinned back, arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves ? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose of correctly Rx/d pain meds. If you see pain between doses the medications need adjusted and that be arranged over the phone.. Yes always give Prednisone with a meal but it is important to protect Brie's stomach...with Pepcid AC.. All anti-inflammatories (steroids or NSAIDS) can damage the stomach and other parts of the gastro intestinal tract. Proactive vets don't wait til there is nausea, vomit, diarrhea leading to serious bleeding ulcers from the extra stomach acids a steroid causes. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episode for doxies is 5mgs 2x/day (0.44mg mg per pound every 12 hours.) Get at the grocery store ( it is the same as what people use for heatburn)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? Know all about your pet's meds www.marvistavet.com/pharmacy-center.pmlwww.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html ===============
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Post by James & Brie on May 23, 2017 22:12:49 GMT -7
You got me on that one Paula. Frankie is a female. Where as I was referring to the ScoutHouse video's. So, yes I panic'ed and took Brie to emergency, where they showed me the process. Man, was I off base on expressing, no wonder Brie was scolding me. Then the big surprise came. She, the vet tech, said ok you can take Brie home now, saying this with a big smile. I replied, Thank You so much, do we need paperwork for the lady up front? Where as she said, no it's on us, we're glad we could help. And if you need to come back for a refresher please do any time. Except for when I got to pick up Brie earlier in the day, that was the first time since this ordeal began, 12 days ago, that my heart seemed to swell with joy and spread through my body. I haven't been able to find nor remember how good that feeling is for a while. My heart has taken a beating lately. We will get through this though. I'll talk to you again soon. I'm not going anywhere. Tomorrow we'll be busy with a physical therapist. He is aware of Brie's case and want's to begin with her as quickly as possible. More decisions. For myself I feel if I put this off, it wouldn't be beneficial for Brie. So I'll go talk with him anyhow.
I gave Brie a Gaba. today around 6:00p.m. and that was all. She received her other meds at 8:30p.m. It say's on the label 2-3 times as needed which tells me that in between taking her meds every 12 hrs. there is an extra pill for pain. Knowing the signs for pain will help in providing it for her at the right moment. It must be scary raising children?
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Post by Julie & Perry on May 24, 2017 0:13:46 GMT -7
James, so glad you got help. Expressing can be tricky at first. It's kind of like riding a bike. First you think you'll never get it. Then once you get comfortable it seems so easy. Be patient with yourself. You're doing great. Once you and Brie get into a routine things will settle down. Best wishes.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on May 24, 2017 8:09:07 GMT -7
James, that is the first I've heard of ER giving serivices away for free.... you did great in getting there and getting the instruction you needed. Good work!! Prednisone will cause a dog more thirst and this will mean you may have to express the bladder every 2-3 hours to keep the bladder from overflowing due to reflexes. I think most of us have gone back for a refresher...where you would express in the vet's clinic and the vet tech checks your work gives more tips, etc. So do not hesitate to get another lesson if you need one. The proficiency level you seek to obtain with your new skill is that you can feel the bladder so you know when you have voided it (the bladder feels really, really, flat). The other part of sucessful expressing is timing the sessions. While on pred 2x/day for 14 days (two weeks), you'll like be expressing every 2-3 hours. When tapering and off of pred you can move the expressing to every 4-6 hours and even every 8 hours. Do you have Brie's water bowl attached to her recovery suite?
What is Brie's weight? Do you have Pepcid AC on aboard now with the use of Prednisone? 5mgs 2x/day?
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Post by James & Brie on May 24, 2017 12:23:17 GMT -7
Yes! Have to buy a scale! And no! I phoned them twice to talk about the Pepcid and other concerns. Still waiting. The bank messed up my account . So I'm headed there. Then I go back to the Hosp. for PT. I will ask them then. My wife can't drive anymore. And I can't, bless her heart, trust her around Brie, at all. This is going to be hard. Gotta go. ~~~~~~
UPDATED: Private message made 5/25/17 3am MST moved to the Forum on behalf of James
Hi Paula! I've expressed Brie's bladder 3 times since I've gotten home from the PT's meeting I had today, which was 5:30p.m. I asked them there if they would show me hands on because I was afraid I wasn't getting that much urine out in the morning. They said ok, we'll call you in when it's time. But again that never happened. They said once she started it was too late. "I" have to get better though. It seems as though I get the initial push and then I can't get anymore.
This is all pretty scary stuff for me and my wife is to the point where she just get's in the way. She can't understand why Brie has to stay in the crate. I cook all of our meals now because, well, she can't, so my time is lessening. I have a large plastic bowl in which I set Brie's hind legs in with a pee pad inside when I express Brie's bladder and we just spent 40 to 45 mins. looking for it, after she cleaned it last, wanting to express Brie again. I finally found it in our broom closet.
I guess what I am trying to say is, I'm tired. I'm sorry I chose you to rant to. But you seem honestly concerned about Brie and I'm worried about everything going on with her. Am I expressing her bladder enough, am I picking her up correctly, am I giving her enough food, has she poo pooed in her crate, why is she growling at me, why is she barking at me after I try to express her? I'm trying to be gentle. And I get no help, because my wife can't remember what to do. Even if she just did it 20 min's. ago. It's not her fault. She would have been right on it before she got dementia.
I asked about the Pepcid, twice. They both pretty much told me the same thing, "we usually don't recommend it unless their showing signs, vomiting, not eating, etc." They also said they wouldn't recommend Pepcid if there was a problem. I think I'll drop in to the vet's tomorrow to get a hand's on refresher, since I still haven't had one. I would hate for something to happen to Brie because I couldn't help her. When you say every 2 hrs. do you mean I should set my alarm for every 2 hours? Sometimes I feel so alone with all of this, but someone has to be Johnny on the spot. If we need something from the store, I have to carry the crate out and she'll wait with Brie. I'm sorry, I just started writing. Hope you don't mind. Your Friend Jim
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 24, 2017 13:01:02 GMT -7
There are several ways to post pictures. You can upload your photos to a server. Then the JPG's address can be copied and pasted right into your post. Or upload it to the Dodgerslist Photo Gallery here: LOGIN at: www.dodgerslist.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4username: Dachsie password: dodgerslist14 Or you can email (owner's name, email address, dog's name + photo caption) to: photogallery@dodgerslist.com
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
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Post by PaulaM on May 25, 2017 8:24:11 GMT -7
Jim, thank you for writing and explaining the difficulties you are facing, this way all of us following Brie's story will be better prepared to provide helpful comments. As you can see I moved your post to here on the Public Forum, Private messages are not monitored as are the posts here on the Forum. We'd feel just awful not being able to respond promptly if a private message would sit unattended for hours and then also the other members would be out of the loop on important information.
Romy gave you our address to submit photos. I believe that will be the easiest option for you. Send your photo and caption to: photogallery@dodgerslist.com
So let's address some of your concerns: ~~ SHOPPING: When you go to the store, there is no need to take Brie with you. She will be just fine alone at home. So that way it will be easier for just you and your wife to go into the store and do your shopping. ~~ EXPRESSING: If you have a smart phone, you can easily set a timer to express every 2 or 3 hours. You will begin to know exactly how often to express as you see that her bed stays dry. Then move up from 2 hours to 2 1/2, then move up to 3 hours. Once Brie is no longer on prednisone, you will very likely be able to increase length of time between expressing to every 4-6 even 8 hours. How often to express is just a matter of see what works that keeps her bladder from overflowing. ~~ REFRESHER LESSON: If you are keeping Brie dry, then maybe you do not need another lesson. If she is leaking between session, that is because you have not yet learned how to fully void all the urine. This is a new skill you are learning, so just like learning the piano you practice and you get more lessons! DO NOT WAIT for anyone to call you for a lesson...that is a crazy idea!!! You go to the vet's clinic WHEN you know Brie has had a drink 1 hour after drinking about 1/8 cup to 1/4 cup water. ~~ EXPRESSING BOWL: I may be a good idea to have two or more containers dedicated for expressing. That way you may be able to avoid a "search" when you need to use it right away. Consider cookie tray with sides, a roasting pan. Once you no longer need to express, give the bowl, tray, etc a really good wash in your dishwasher. The high heat, the bleach in the soap pellet will do a good job of sterilizing. ~~ HOW MUCH DOES BRIE WEIGH? This is imporant information to us in order to base our comments on many topics. ~~ Could you tell us specifics. When exactly are you observing Brie growling at you? ~~ The only information you need to know about Pepcid AC is whether Brie has a heart issue, or liver or kidney problems. There are some vets who just do not appreciate the reason for Pepcid AC. Dodgerslist follows the vets who do understand!! Jim, you do have a lot on your plate caring for two patients. With time caring for Brie will get easier as you feel more comfort in your ability to express. So look forward to relief coming on that side of things!
Do not ever hesitate to write us all here on the Forum. I imagine there are other members having a very full plate too. In my book you are a hero going beyond to make sure you are doing all the correct things for both your wife and for Brie. You are a very special member of your family. Please take care of yourself. Would you be able to inquire at your church, your circle of friends or a call into your community's health care facility about maybe having someone come to your home to donate an hour or two a week to give you a day of relief? Time for you to shop, take Brie to the vet, etc. Maybe a friend or a neighbor would even be ok with picking up some things for you when they are going to the store themselves.
If there other members, with other ideas, perhaps they will share what they have done to manage when the plate is full.
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Post by Julie & Perry on May 25, 2017 8:39:24 GMT -7
James, do you have insurance that would cover some home health care? Or have you tried calling your local social services and asking about resources for Alzheimer's and for caregiver's?
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