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Post by jochs311 on Jun 15, 2013 14:17:02 GMT -7
Hi. I am new to this forum. I am also very new to IVDD. Thursday night our boy Tucker seemed to have a belly ache. His belly was tight and I thought he was a little bloated. He was also really lethargic. He didn't want to do anything. I thought he would have been better in the morning. Well he did seem a little better. I went to work but worried about him all day yesterday. I rushed home hoping he would meet me at the top of the stairs to take him out. He didn't. I ran upstairs and he was in his bed. As soon as he went to take a couple steps to me his rear end collapsed. I immediately called our vet and took him in. He said that he has a slipped disk that is pinch8ing the nerve against the spinal cord. I had no idea that the tight tummy he had was helping the pain in his back. The vet gave him a shot of cortisone there and gave me prednisone to start tomorrow morning. He told me to give them a call on Wednesday to do a follow up. I feel so awful. Tucker is also now on strict crate rest. I am happy to have found this forum to educate myself on this!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 15, 2013 19:38:11 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Joch, is it? I'm glad you see the importance of really digging in and learning…that is going to be the best protection for Tucker. In the early days of learning our dogs have IVDD, everyone needs a shoulder to lean on while getting things figured out, dealing with emotions, getting up to speed on meds, what disc disease is, etc. Reading puts you in the position of an educated leader of the health care team.... to discuss confidently various issues from medications to recognizing if suggestions of activity would be harmful to the healing disc. Start on our main website with "Overview: the essentials" yellow button it will give you the degree of understanding you need right away…. as time permits continue to read all the orange buttons and the blue button "Disc Disease 101 core readings" to complete your education. Here is the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWe'd like to better support you, can you fill us in on these details: -- Are you doing the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty in this way …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around 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 is referred pain? -- 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. I'm a bit concerned only a steroid was given and no pain meds. Do note the typical meds used with IVDD and advocate for Tucker if you are seeing signs of pain: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm-- Currently can Tucker move his legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood? -- With 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.htmlLook forward to learning more about Tucker with your answers.
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 16, 2013 7:59:38 GMT -7
Hi Paula, I'm Jen. I'm from NY. Thanks for your response. Tucker is on strict crate rest. Only out to potty. The Dr. gave him a shot of Azium SP 4mg while there and gave me 10mg prednisone once a day until Wednesday. I have to call then with an update. They will adjust the dose then if he is responding to it. Or discuss other options. I just started the medication this morning so far no tummy issues. I do have Pepcid if he needs it though. He can move his legs a little. When we go out I set him down and run to get my other dog. He has walked a bit to follow me but his rear gives out after a few steps. He does wag his tail when I baby talk to him and sniffs around a little when I put him down.I then put a wrap around his belly to hold him up as he does his business. So far he has only peed for me no poops. The vet said he will poop when he has to. I'm thinking it may hurt to poop so he trying not to. As far as pain goes he doesn't seem to be in any unless I lift him out of the cage and until I get him in a comfy position in my arms. He is eating and drinking normally. He is a rescue so I don't know any history on him other than the last year that he has been with us. we have a vet locally that does acupuncture so I plan to make an appointment with them ASAP.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 16, 2013 9:33:17 GMT -7
Jen, a couple of things to address….. Pepcid AC is to be proactive not waiting for stomach acid caused nausea, bleeding ulcers. We see far too many dogs having the well know side effects of steroids…make sure Rocky is not one of them. Get Pepcid AC on board and then keep your vet in the loop on Monday. Place to learn about your dog's meds including Azium (Dexamethosone) www.marvistavet.com/html/famotidine.html Strict rest means at potty time he is on a 6 foot leash and harness and sling and your ONLY focus is on Tucker…no other dog. You stand in one spot and Tucker may only take a very, very few footsteps to get the job done. Leash and harness are to control speed and darting off. Extra movement can damage the weak and early healing disc scar tissue. The sling is as back up incase the rear starts to fall over…keeping the spine aligned is important in regard to lessening the movement of the vertebrae. When you lift him what do you specifically observe that he is in discomfort? Yelps, shivers/trembles? Prednisone is NOT a pain reliever. The expected results with pred is to get swelling down in 1-2 weeks. Typcialy pain meds are given so an animal is not in discomfort while swelling is being resovled. More about pain meds: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmThe purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal… in fact there is no time limit for nerves to heal. Tucker has a good potential to heal with conservative treatment if you can commit to 100% STRICT rest 24/7 and only a very few footsteps at potty time. Reading will help to ensure you understand the enemy and win avoiding te dangerous pitfalls for those who do not know this disease..…do visit the main Dodgerslist website for your self-education: www.dodgerslist.com/Keep us updated… I know you will do all you can to give Tucker a good environment to heal his disc.
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 16, 2013 15:03:18 GMT -7
Thank you so much for your wealth of knowledge. This is going to be much easier now that my husband is home. He was away when this happened. Tucker is on strict crate rest 100% unless to go potty. Yesterday was better but today he is crying a bit. He usually loves to be in there but, 24 hours is rough. I am a trainer so it is easy for me to ignore the behavior. I will definitely start the Pepcid in the morning before he gets his prednisone. My vet said to give it if he has an upset tummy. He said some dogs take to it better than others. I am going to have to call and see why he didn't give any pain medication. Tucker doesn't seem to be in any pain. No trembling or yelping no stiffness. When I lift him he just takes a second to get comfy in my arms. My crate opens from the top so I try to pick him up as level as I can. He doesn't yelp he just moans a bit while we find a comfy way to carry him. I have him on a harness and a hold him up with a towel. He doesn't want to move at all really when we are out there. He did finally poop! Yay!! It was a good normal poo too! He really seems to be acting like himself just he can't use his rear legs. Which is progress from a couple days ago (before I knew the signs). He didn't want to do anything. We have had 2 episodes with him going to bathroom. once was a pee yesterday and he had a little poop when my husband got home in the crate. We have to return to work tomorrow so I am prepared to come home and have to change bedding. I have him on just a soft mat not anything too plush. I am going to put in a garbage bag and wrap it with another blanket. I read fleece is best. I think I have one. One question I have is if he messes in the crate and gets mess on him, if I can't bathe him what can we do? I will Keep you posted. This is like my diary on his progress. We have positive thought that he will get better.
Here is Tuckers set up setup.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 16, 2013 18:24:00 GMT -7
Not wanting to move when outdoors, or really anytime is suspicious of pain. Discuss pain relief meds with the vet in the morning: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmNice recovery suite! Looks like the right size for Tucker.
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 16, 2013 19:27:49 GMT -7
Last time I took him out he really wanted to roam. I did not let him. Held him back to only a few steps. He pooed again too. Normal. He is knuckling over a lot though and has very limited movement in the rear. He is acting like Tucker though without the use of his legs in the crate. Him and my husband have a huge bond. My husband is sleeping next to the crate and Tucker can relax. He put his shirt in the crate and Tucker loves it snuggles with it. It really relaxes him. Unfortunately Jerry has to leave again for work. I hope having a piece of him will keep him calm.
Thanks about the suite. He is also doing great about letting me know he had to "go". It sucks though because I have to return to work in the morning.
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 18, 2013 17:16:07 GMT -7
Update: Day 4 Strict crate rest. Since he has started the 10mg prednisone with 5mg Pepcid on Monday he has lost bladder control. He poops normal though. He drinks a lot of water. I haven't been home the last two days because of work and am a wreck while there. I am so happy my son will be home early and able to watch over him for the rest of the 8 weeks. He has no mobility in his hind end. He really wants to explore when we go out. I will not let him though. This is tough on us all. He just sits there and stares at me and whines a bit. I have made an appointment with an acupuncture Dr. Unfortunately it's a week from today. She said she will call if anything changes with her appointments. Other than the mobility loss and bladder loss Tucker is himself. He shivers a bit when we carry him out. We hold him as steady and aligned as we can. As soon as he is down with his sling he really wants to roam. He sniffs in the spot I let him and pees. I am so anxious for his appointment next week. I have to call my vet tomorrow with an update. I hope we are doing everything right for him to heal.
It's been a couple days and we haven't gotten much support here sorry to be rude but its been a couple days and just wondering why no one wants to help. Except Paula. With bladder loss I have his bed in and wrapped in a garbage bag with wee wee pads on top. It's accidents constantly mostly drips I think throughout a couple hours, I hate having to take him out all the time to change that pads. Is there a better way?
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 18, 2013 20:02:22 GMT -7
Hi Jen! Have the Vet or Vet tech teach you how to express Tucker when he needs to urinate. Once you learn how and get some practice doing it, he should stay dry between expressions.. Here is a video to give you some tips prior to your lesson at the Vet's office. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Tucker will also be more thirsty on the Prednisone and as a result will have to urinate more often. Expressing every 3 hours during the day will help keep him dry.. Less urine is produced during sleep but be sure to express him right before you go to bed and when you wake up to avoid accidents.. It's a good idea to take his water away when you express him before bed. Here is another link that tells how to take care of a dog without bladder control. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IncontinentDown.htmThe moderators here are volunteers and each of us have busy lives and work.. I dash in here when I have time but always have lots going on here at home, with my own dog that has IVDD, other pets and company coming in and out and lots to do here on Dodgerslist as well, it's not that I don't want to help..
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 18, 2013 20:30:03 GMT -7
Thank you so much! I know we all have other things going on. It's just been a couple days and I see others posting on others threads. I am totally new to this and it's tough. I just need the "it's going to be okay". Today is the first day that he looks comfy sleeping. He is changing from left to right in the rear to sleep. I just need to know I'm doing the right thing. I still have breakdowns about it.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 18, 2013 21:04:06 GMT -7
Hi Jen, It's all a big adjustment dealing with the early days of IVDD and there is a lot of emotions, stress and worry all mixed together.. It's especially hard when you have to work and have the worries of being away and wondering how Tucker is doing.. Glad your son is coming home to help out. I am sure that will be a big relief! It looks to me like you have the perfect crate set up for him and that you are doing everything right. You get an atta girl from me for sure! Instead of bathing Tucker when he has the accidents, use unscented/sensitive skin baby wipes to clean him with. Tyler stared at us too when he first went down with IVDD. We woke up suddenly on January 28 and he could no longer move his legs.. It was a roller coaster from start to finish but he is recovered now and in the midst of his careful new normal. Our vet told us to treat him like a fragile, precious treasure and we do that every day. He still has fun with what he can do and he thankfully realizes he can't do some things and to wait for help. Believe me as long as they have love, a dog can cope with IVDD and still have a wonderful life and so can you!!! www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 19, 2013 7:29:35 GMT -7
Hi Jen, My name is Stacy and I'm new to IVDD as well. My dog Fred started shaking about 3 weeks ago. Anyway I just wanted to extend some support to you as I tend to freak out over him on a regular basis. It is so scary not being sure of what we are doing and if we are not doing enough when they totally depend on us. Hate seeing the pups on pain. We are just starting week 2 of crating..it has been a rough go around being that I was doing many things wrong. He has shown improvement since I started taking advice from here Oh..and potty pen works awesome for us..Fred kept pulling on his harness and hurting himself. Potty pen only allows him to move very little. Hang in there..sounds like you got this..prayers to you and Tucker.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2013 10:11:39 GMT -7
Jen, thank you for reposting, we did drop the ball and I apologize. Usually if there is a good informative reply the rest of us try not to duplicate by also responding unless there is additional information in a effort to keep down the volume of postings on this busy Forum.
Can you specifically tell us if he is leaking on you when lifted in addition to finding urine leaks in his bedding indicating loss of bladder control and the need to manually express the bladder.. With the prednisone IF he has bladder control you will need to let him potty every 3-4 hours. IF he does not have bladder control, then you would need to express his bladder every 2-3 hours as you are learning a new skill.
The proof he has bladder control is that a dog can sniff an old pee spot in the grass and then release urine. Please let us know Tucker's status. And if you are expressing him is he now staying dry in between expressing sessions.
Let us know you DO have Pepcid AC on board as a stomach protector. If you are still seeing he is reluctant to move…then what pain meds were added? Wed, today, was the day to assess Prednisone, let us know if there is to be a taper or to continue abit longer. Pain = swelling = need to continue pred a bit longer.
Hang in there with Tucker….. and know for sure after crate rest he will be back enjoying family activities no matter the degree of nerve healing at the end of 8 weeks.
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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 19, 2013 10:25:46 GMT -7
Hi Jen, my name is Maureen. I am so sorry that you felt alone. I know how devastating having your dog stricken with IVDD is. You are doing a great job. The t-shirt for him to snuggle with is such a good idea! Like Paula says - if he sniffs and pees then he has bladder control - maybe not great, but definitely there and that is a great sign Please keep us posted, we are all here for each other, and truly want to help out any way that we can (((hugs))) Keeping you in thought and prayer.
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 19, 2013 16:44:35 GMT -7
Thank you so much everyone. I called with an update to my vet and they want to keep him on the 10mg Prednisone until we see the acupuncturist next week. He is on 5mg of Pepcid a half an hour before he eats and gets his prednisone in a little hot dog piece . He munches it right down! I have just started a quarter tablet of Tramadol this evening. My vet keeps telling me if I am really worried about pain to admit him to the hospital. I feel that he can't be comfortably recovering if he is in pain. I really don't want to do that. I do not want him in that stressful environment while trying to heal.I think I may start looking for a new vet that's a little more versed in IVDD. I have a friend who has a Doxie and had Tramadol on hand. He gave me some. He said to start with a quarter tablet every 8 hours. As far as his bladder. He is leaking a little bit when picked up. Yesterday he peed the whole time as I was trying to take him out. We did not have an episode like that today. The vet said that it is more likely just his bladder filling up faster from the higher consumption of water because of the prednisone. He is going in his crate and I have been expressing to help relieve him fully because of the restricted movement he has. He does sniff outside and goes. Poop has been normal the whole time. He still shivers in a little pain when lifted out of his crate. Other than that he doesn't seem to be in too much pain. He finally seems comfortable when he is at rest. I think this is good new but today when I had him out he wants to roam but today he actually sniffed and tried to roll over and scratch his back!! I caught it before he could and would not let him so we had to move to a spot where he wasn't encouraged to roll. Another good sign is that I think I saw him start to move his right hind leg a little. A very very tiny bit but it made me feel so good!!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 19, 2013 16:57:20 GMT -7
I ended up switching vets..the first one just told me he needed to "rest" so for the first week he roamed the house and got worse. He also just told me that Fred should have been better by now. Second vet told me to crate him..then he told me to crate him again to make sure I heard. Vet said for 2 weeks..we are doing the full 8. Keep hanging in there good news on the leg yay tucker!
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Post by natureluva on Jun 19, 2013 17:10:01 GMT -7
Hi Jen, it is true that steroids make a dog drink more and pee more, but a dog who is having accidents in the crate and squirting urine when picked up likely does not have bladder control. He could have some, but definitely not all. Therefore, your job (and your family's job) is to make sure that his bladder is fully expressed 4 to 6 times every day. Can you and your family get a hands-on bladder expressing demonstration from a vet (preferably one that is well-versed in conservatively treating IVDD)? Also, please watch our expressing video if you haven't already. Expressing is easy and convenient, but does take practice: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm The most important part of conservative treatment is the 8 weeks of strict crate rest. Minimizing movement of the spine 24/7 is what heals the disc while the meds mask the pain. Acupuncture and laser light therapy are excellent complementary therapies for IVDD. They reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate nerve healing, and acupuncture induces a state of well-being. Glad you are looking into a holistic vet! As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable course of neurological deterioration: 1. Pain 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle (loss of proprioception) 5. Legs do not work (paralysis, dog is down) 6. Bladder control is lost 7. Tail wagging with joy is lost 8. Deep pain sensation When nerve healing occurs, often it follows in the reverse order, so DPS will return first, then tail wagging, then bladder control, leg movement, etc. So watch for these neurological functions in the coming weeks. If you are seeing leg movement, that is an excellent sign. Continue with the strict crate rest so his disc can fully heal. The best way for you to help Tucker is by learning about his disease. Here is a brief tutorial on IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.html . If a dvd is more your style, we have an excellent one available for only $3 including shipping. It's great to have on hand to show to family/friends/petsitters so they will know what they can and cannot do with your dog and how they can help: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Feel free to read through some of our Success Stories to get an idea of the various recoveries of IVDD dogs. Dogs with a C next to their name have treated Conservatively, like Tucker is: www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmWe look forward to hearing how Tucker does throughout crate rest! Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 19, 2013 17:26:35 GMT -7
Just chiming in to add a link on how to find an IVDD vet.. There is a link within this article for finding a Neuro or Ortho Vet in your area with this expertise.. Neuro and Ortho Vet's handle pain issues all the time and they are wonderful at treating IVDD and see many cases of it in a day so they are a lot more experienced with it. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmLet the Vet know that you are now giving Tramadol, they need to be aware of everything Tucker takes. Tramadol is a short acting drug and needs to be given every 8 hours to be effective dose to dose. The best place to get your prescription filled is at Walmart or Target for $4. Just let them know it's for a canine. They also carry Prednisone at the proper dosage for a canine. genericmedlist.com/www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.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 19, 2013 17:33:54 GMT -7
You are right to find another Vet, one that will help you with pain control. Any pain is unacceptable, and to tell you that you have to hospitalize him in order to get pain control is BS (actually I wanted to say something really bad there). You are so right about pain control being necessary for optimal healing. Don't take that nonsense (insert another bad word there) you are right! Get loud! Be insistent! You are your dogs best advocate! Don't take no for an answer. Please let us know how things are going and if you can find a new Vet. Keeping you in thought and prayer.
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 19, 2013 18:11:45 GMT -7
Thanks Stevieluv!! I used to work for this vet years ago. The one Dr there is wonderful! The other not so much. He is good but just tries to rush you. I have an appointment with a veterinary accupuncure Dr next Tuesday. She was booked this week I really can't wait to meet her and check out the hospital.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 19, 2013 20:41:58 GMT -7
Hi Jen,
Let us know how the acupuncture appointment goes for Tucker. I wish her lots of healing from it!
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 19, 2013 21:14:53 GMT -7
Day #5 SRICT 24/7 bed rest except to potty or change bedding ( which everything is right next to the crate): Tucker is not doing the sniff test. I have been expressing now ( I worked for a vet and know how to do it). Poops are good though. He has a bed wrapped in a garbage bag to stay comfy with wee pads on top. We keep a shirt of ours in there to comfort him. Day by day we are seeing little signs of improvement.
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Post by natureluva on Jun 20, 2013 7:46:56 GMT -7
Awww...love the picture!! Look at that little baby all snuggled up. :-)
We look forward to hearing how acupuncture goes. I'm sending good thoughts and healing vibes Tucker's way. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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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 20, 2013 10:10:07 GMT -7
What a cutie! We found that accupuncture helped so much - hope it does for your little guy too
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 20, 2013 14:56:50 GMT -7
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 20, 2013 18:10:29 GMT -7
Thank you so much everyone. Tucker's pain seems to mostly under control. He doesn't shiver anymore when picked up out of his crate. He was really good at the rest last night Tonight not so much. He just keeps staring at me and and crying. I will pet him a little while on there but he keeps bugging me to. i just close it up and talk to him and tell him everything will get better. We haven't passed the sniff and pee test but he did hold it as I took him out after work and did pee a little on his own when I put him down outside. I helped a little to make sure he was empty. time to go potty.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 20, 2013 19:13:00 GMT -7
He is absolutely precious! Love the pic.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 20, 2013 19:21:23 GMT -7
Jen, things sound very promising. Is his prednisone now tapered (reduced down) from 10mg 1x a day? If Tucker can hold his urine til you carry him outdoors, it sounds like he has bladder control or it is returning…so good thing to do that quick express check until you are sure he consistently fully voids. The whining to get attention can be 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. You can also look into some calmers to help Tucker relax in his recovery suite. Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. 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. 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 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation Other brands may be available in your area… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label. Keep your reports coming, we love to hear how Tucker is progressing!
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 20, 2013 19:56:51 GMT -7
Thanks to much for the encouraging words Paula. The worst part is..is that I'm a trainer/ behaviorist. I know ignoring is best. I really try. It really opens the door a little to what my clients go through even though their dogs are in crate training not rest. I'm very optimistic that we are moving in the right direction. The Dr still has him on the 10mg of prednisone once a day until we see the accupuncureist on Tuesday to see what she says. I've got him on 25mg of Tra madol every 8hours as per my vet. Since I told him I need pain Meds and NOT admittance to the hospita for pain! Too much stress there! ! I got the Tramadol from a friend and told them ( the vet) I'm doing it tell me how much! I just can't wait until Tuesday. I keep hearing that the accupuncure really works. I have finally stopped crying and I'm determamd to make this work!! Positive thoughts!!!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 20, 2013 20:18:28 GMT -7
Jen, kudos to you for advocating strongly for pain relief and having none of that check into a hospital stuff. It would not be a bad idea to go ahead and see who you can hire as a more knowledgeable IVDD vet to be part of Tucker's health care team. It makes all the difference in the world to have the support of a knowledgable vet and be working with that person on behalf of Tucker.
How much does Tucker weigh? Is his pain now fully under control dose to dose of the Tramadol. There is still much more in an IVDD knowledgeable vet's arsenal to control pain if needed. So do not have any patience with pain. Pain should be under control in a matter of an hour and thereafter fully dose to dose of pain meds when they have been correctly prescribed.
Jen, don't be hard on yourself, you have been handed a very overwhelming situation, the treatment is new to you, new routines. Now with knowledge under your belt, you truly know you can make this work!
Acupuncture does work to not only help with pain but to also kick start the nerve cells to begin regenerating. We all look forward to hearing about the tuesday vet visit.
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