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Post by moosesmom on Jun 19, 2013 7:05:31 GMT -7
Well where to begin.....LOL
My Moose is a 17 week old Golden Retriever. Had a freak accident about May 25 with signs of IVDD only we didn't know that. Main symptom at that time was pain and Moose's unwillingness to move. Vet and I just thought it was a shoulder injury from a tumble. He was on Meloxicam for 1 week.
Fast forward to June 13. Moose seemed totally recovered from injury. I took him over for a play date with another dog. (I will feel guilty about that for the rest of my life!!!) He took a tumble and started screaming.
Neck arched and not wanting to move. To the vet we go. My vet is out of town so another vet takes xrays and tells me he has a pinched nerve and to put him back on Meloxicam. At this time his in not using right front leg and right rear leg. He is unable to hold himself up unable to sit. No mention from vet about this, I am just told to use a raised dish to feed him. (Which would be great is he was able to stand). I ask that xrays are sent out to be read by radiologist. I take him home and in the morning make another appt with a different Vet clinic for a second opinion.
This vet is excellent does a full exam. Puts him on Sulcrate 2.5mls q8h. Prednisone 15mg OD x 3 then taper dose 7.5mg x 3 day then alternate days x 3. Robaxin 250mg q8h x days.
orders crate rest. I wish I could remember report from xrays but will find out this afternoon.
So today is day 6 my regular vet is back and we a going there is afternoon.
Moose is moving front and rear legs now. He is able to support himself but still weak in both limps. Really no pain expect for the odd squeak now and then.
I really don't know what I am doing posting on here other than looking for some support. I feel so guilty because of my stupidity my puppy future is so uncertain.
Thanks so much for listening it really helps just to know that others have gone through this.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2013 8:13:23 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist! My name is Paula what is yours? Being a large breed AND being a young puppy, makes it rather uncertain if this is intervertebral disc disease. IVDD is a disease of prematurely aged discs in breeds with short legs (chondrodystrophic breeds). Did the vet discuss the possibility of FCE? X rays would be used to rule out other disease that can mimic IVDD such as fracture, tumors….as xrays best show hard tissue such as bones, not soft tissue of spinal cords and discs. IVDD requires 100% sTRICT rest 24/7 only out for potty for a full 8 weeks. FCE is requires a different treatment, so it is important to have the proper diagnosis. www.avsspecialists.com/client-resources/articles/fibrocartilagenous-embolism-fce/sevneurology.com/articles/fibrocartilaginous-embolismwww.facebook.com/pages/Dogs-with-FCE-and-other-disabilities-support-group/272330082790230?fref=pb [support group] Do be watchful for GI tract issues with the switch from a NSAID to a steroid (Meloxicam to Prednisone) without a 4-7 day washout. I would ask in this particular manner… is there any health issue that would keep my dog from taking Pepcid AC (famotidine). Two stomach protectors (sucralfate and Pepcid AC) would be a prudent idea as both Meloxicam and Prednisone cause extra stomach acids which can result in bleeding ulcers or worse. There are other things you can help right now such as acupuncture and/or laser light therapy to excite the nerve cells to regenerate and bring back function. If this is FCE then there is not the need for 100% STRICT crate rest as it would be with IVDD ….so that you could also investigate underwater treadmill therapy. Let us know if your visit this afternoon confirms IVDD or possibly FCE. Hang in there it does sound like Moose can recover his nerve damage now that he IS able to move his legs!!!! |
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Post by moosesmom on Jun 19, 2013 9:35:45 GMT -7
OMG talk about fixating on my dog. Bad manners. My name is Tracey. Thanks so much for you information I did not even know about FCE. I am so glad that I posted here before I went to the vet. Moose's symptoms sound exactly like FCE. I will let you know what my Vet says about this.
Regarding the washout period Moose was on the Meloxicam from May 26 to June 2 so he was off it long enough.
My Vet does acupuncture and I will be talking to her about that. Thank you so much for the information, I will
keep you posted.
Tracey
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2013 10:23:52 GMT -7
Tracey, thanks for clearing up the dates of use between the NSAID and the steroid. Do let us know what your vet diagnoses at the visit today. Moose is such a cute little boy
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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 10:29:49 GMT -7
Hi Tracey, my name is Maureen. No great advice - just a "hi" and hope that the Vet is really helpful to you. Keep us posted  |
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Post by moosesmom on Jun 19, 2013 13:16:52 GMT -7
Well back from the Vet. The Vet is unsure and does not want to rule out something wrong with him genetically.
Due to the fact that he has had two injuries in such a short time. So crate rest and I will have to travel with him to get an MRI done so we know what exactly is going on.
I will let you know more when I do. Unfortunately the nearest MRI is 6 hrs driving away so hopefully she will be able to arrange something quickly.
Thanks for your support.
Tracey
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2013 14:12:39 GMT -7
Our thoughts and heart are with you Tracey. It would be prudent, indeed, until you are certain this is not a damaged disc issue, to do strict crate rest. The rest is to avoid vertebrae as he is moving to further push on a suspected bad disc causing in turn more spinal cord damage. Here is the information on strict crate rest for disc damage: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmWe'll be waiting to hear what the MRI reveals. |
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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 17:37:14 GMT -7
Prayers and good thoughts coming your way |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 19, 2013 20:06:28 GMT -7
Hi Tracey, lots of prayers and healing thoughts going out to your dear puppy Moose! Please do keep us posted on what the MRI results are..
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Post by moosesmom on Jun 20, 2013 5:35:11 GMT -7
Thanks so much I will keep you updated. Hopefully the MRI will be soon because he is really feeling
good today. Hard to keep a puppy quiet. I am using Rescue Remedy to help. Don't worry he is on Strict
crate rest and I will not give in. He is too young to risk any more damage.
Tracey
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 22, 2013 17:47:09 GMT -7
Hi Tracey!
How is Moose getting along? Has he had the MRI yet?
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Post by moosesmom on Jun 23, 2013 4:28:14 GMT -7
We are leaving today to Minneapolis for the MRI. We have appointment with the Neurologist on Monday at 1030 and then the MRI is Tuesday. Hopefully the test will show it was an FCE so Moose isn't stuck in his crate for 8 weeks. He is feeling so much better using both feet really well. Still on crate rest but I am using a lease outside for him to do his business. Trying to keep movement to a minimum....so hard with a puppy.
I will let you know how everything goes. Wish us luck.
Thanks,
Tracey
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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 23, 2013 10:15:47 GMT -7
Keeping you in thought and prayer |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 23, 2013 14:22:53 GMT -7
Sending luck and prayers on the way with you and Moose! Let us know how it goes. We'll be thinking of all of you!
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Post by Jude & Penny Lane on Jun 26, 2013 13:11:40 GMT -7
Tracey, please always remember this: As dog lovers, we do what we do in the name of love. If we make a mistake, it's just that - a mistake - and that is simply what humans do. Please don't blame yourself for making errors with your handling of your dog. We all do it at one time or another.
Praying that your pup will be okay.
Jude, A Master of Disaster (LOL)
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Post by moosesmom on Jun 29, 2013 17:21:15 GMT -7
Well you are going to have to move us over to Surgical. Moose had his MRI and it showed compression of C1 do to a malformation. Long story short MRI was on Tuesday, Moose had a dorsal laminectomy of C1 and cranial portion of C2. He was put in a soft cotton brace on his head and neck to minimize movement and stabilize his neck. He was in ICU overnight and to the regular ward the next day. Today(Saturday) he was discharged and we made the 6 hr drive home. So happy to be home. So now he will keep the brace on for 2 weeks and then it will be removed. He is on crate rest for 8 weeks with hope of a full recovery.
Yahoo, at least now we know what was wrong with him. So 8 weeks crate rest with a puppy will not be the easiest thing but we will get through it. Thank you all for your support and prayers.
Tracey and Moose.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 29, 2013 20:09:53 GMT -7
So happy to hear that Moose is through surgery and is now home. It is good to know the cause wasn't from disc disease but from a malformation that has now been surgically repaired. Treatment is basically the same with crate rest and medications..
What medications did they send him home with?
LOTS of healing wishes for Moose and I am so glad he has a full recovery in sight!
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Jun 29, 2013 20:14:22 GMT -7
A malformation IS good news. No worries about further disk disease. I'm sure you must be very relieved.
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Post by moosesmom on Jun 30, 2013 3:52:51 GMT -7
Moose was sent home on Rimadyl 25mg every 12 hrs for 14 days and Trazodone 50 mg Give .5 or 1 tablet
every 12 to 24hrs as needed to keep him calm.
This morning he is full of energy, it is going to be a long 8 weeks. Believe me I am not complaining. I am happy see him feeling better.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jun 30, 2013 6:32:02 GMT -7
Wishing you a speedy recovery baby Moose!!
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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 30, 2013 8:05:00 GMT -7
I am so happy that you got to the bottom of his problem and that it was able to be fixed- wonderful news! Heal up fast baby Moose and try not to make your Mom crazy for the next 8 weeks. Please keep us posted on his progress |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 30, 2013 11:51:10 GMT -7
Make sure to have Pepcid AC as part of Moose's medications to protect his stomach from the NSAID Rimadyl which is notorious for making excess stomach acid. Ask your vet this way:" Is there any medical reason why my puppy can't be on Pepcid AC to protect his stomach while on Rimadyl?" If there isn't we follow vets who are proactive in protecting their stomach rather than waiting for an ulcer to develop which Moosie definitely doesn't need now.. Lets keep your pup protected!
Keep watching him for signs of pain and if he does show signs let your Vet know right away!
Happy he is doing so well!
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Post by moosesmom on Jun 30, 2013 18:48:25 GMT -7
I will definitely find out about the Pepcid AC. Thank you so much to letting me know. Moose is getting stronger everyday. Today he was outside in his crate all day and now he is so tired. Back to work for me tomorrow it will be our first day apart since he was hurt.  My Husband and my Daughter will be home to look after him. Take care everyone and have a great night. T |
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Post by moosesmom on Jul 1, 2013 10:41:24 GMT -7
Quick question would it be okay for Moose to use a ramp to go up and down instead carrying him down the stairs.
He is alreadty 35lbs and will be growing quickly for the next two months.
Thanks so much.
T
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 1, 2013 19:49:44 GMT -7
My understanding then is that the surgeon indicated Moose does not have intervertebral disc disease? Instead, what was pressuring his spinal cord was a malformation of bone? I assume the operation cut back the malformation so it would not press on his nerves and cause the pain in his front leg? If that is the case then there is no disc to heal, but there is bone and muscle tissue to heal. So using a ramp, then would be ideal. He, of course, needs to still take it easy as he goes up and down the ramp. A harness and leash would put you in control incase he has an idea to dart off
Let us know how he is doing today, he probably just slept all day while you were at work!
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My Husband and my Daughter will be home to look after him. 