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Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 29, 2017 18:39:45 GMT -7
Hooray!! I'm doing my Snoopy happy dance for you and Oliver! Keep up the great work.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 29, 2017 20:42:36 GMT -7
Such great news to hear Oliver has bladder control and walking better! Music to my ears! I am so happy for you! It's not easy but it is working! Hang in there!
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Jul 30, 2017 5:48:24 GMT -7
Morning everyone. So, yesterday was a good day and today starting out great for Oliver. Carried him by carrier to his pee/poop area and he did a nice pee squat and then peed for about 8 seconds, also did a little poop which is good.
Two things: In checking him this morning before walk and feeding, he had peed a bit in his crate overnight. Not a lot but some. I did q quick switch up, removing the barely soiled wee wee pad and the bit more pee noticeable fleece, and switched it for fresh one's. I now have 4 useable fleece blankets; cutting the 2 throws into 4 "sheets", and ordered one more so will have 6 for swapping purposes.
The second thing I noticed is that he did have a bit of a dribble after peeing, for about 6 feet or so. Im attributing this to being un-housebroken again, not taking him out to his potty area enough -- yesterday was the first day I took him there at all as I was afraid he was too fragile --, and perhaps his bladder is a bit off in some way. Nothing to be alarmed about, not planning on running to the emergency hospital for that, but will see how that changes over the next few days now that he's truly peeing when I take him out. Thoughts?
Thanks and good day to all. Rob
Oliver's doing a lotta barking and whining everytime he wakes up. Does not want to be crated. I'm ignoring this
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 15 lbs Metronidazole 125mgs 2x/day For perianeal hernias: Metamucil daily Trazadone 50MG tabs, 12.5mgs 3x/day ]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 30, 2017 9:09:37 GMT -7
Rob, things sound like pretty normal now. It could be that Oliver does not have 100% perfect nerve repair for his bladder yet and you are seeing some dribble after he pees and maybe the reason for a bit of leakage at night. It also would not hurt to alert your local DVM vet to the dribbling and the small amount of bedding leaks overnight. Some UTI's do not have any signs we can observe, while others may have dribbling, foul odor, change in urine color for us to see. Metronidazole is an antibiotic. But if there is a UTI, it may not be the right match for bacteria. A urine sample and urinalysis can give the poof of whether bacteria are breeding and causing infection or not. On Monday ask your local DVM vet if you can bring in a urine sample or if he wants to collect the sample at his clinic. Verifying if an infection prevents it moving up to the kidneys where it can become a very serious issue. When at potty time when he has peed, then scoop him up in your arms/the carry bag so he may not continue to take any unnecessary detrimental footsteps to the disc. I wonder if you might find the value as other members have about a pet stroller. This way you can use it to get down the elevator out to the potty place PLUS he can stay right by your side during the day as you move from office area to kitchen to living room, etc. Nothing expensive is needed as you are not going mountain hiking over rough terrain, just using on smooth surfaces. Here is more on using a pet stroller as a recovery suite when you are have him at your side to supervise. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htmIt really is a challenge, when dogs feel better. Your being consistent in training is a good thing in not rewarding for unwanted behavior. When you see him doing wanted behavior (sitting quietly, lying down quietly) be sure to give him lavish praise. Is Oliver interested in learning? Mental exercise can tire him out since he is not allowed to physically tire himself out. Dr. Becker, DVM, explains "During your dog's mandated rest time for recovery, her movements will be restricted, but her mind will still need stimulation. Teaching her tricks and games appropriate for her temporary physical restrictions will help relieve boredom." Do choose only the activities that can take place inside the recovery suite and do not cause movement of the back: Find Dr. Becker's "Help Keep Your Pup Happy When She's on Crate Rest" and Dr. Horwitz' video demoing mind stimulation activities on the Dodgerslist "Emergency Crate Training" page: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmRob, it is a very beautiful thing to me so see how dedicated you are to Oliver's disc care and how many new things presented you are implementing. I LOVE that you now have extra fleece sheets handy for quick changes.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Jul 30, 2017 9:46:29 GMT -7
thanks Paula. I do appreciate ur support. I basically move back and forth bet even the living room where Oliver is crated and my bedroom. He's barking right now, sensing we're talking about him 😬😬. As for taking him out, my carry bag has a firm wood bottom (Sherpa brand) with wool on top of that so he is right with me as we walk. A stroller would be easier but perhaps another time. Meanwhile, I took him out again around noon my time (EST) and he wouldn't really walk the few steps and didn't wanna pee. When he doesn't wanna walk it always scares me. I took him back in, where he walked fine and right into his crate.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Jul 30, 2017 14:44:47 GMT -7
Evening. Minor concern. He has been slightly wet under himself (barely noticeable on fleece and on pee pad) and near his Weiner. He kicks there quite a bit but always has. Not sure if it's anything.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 30, 2017 15:35:51 GMT -7
Rob, a dog's nose is much more powerful than our own. If he is licking his penis, then it may be he can smell the presence of bacteria. So one way to rule out the dribbling and the licking is the urinalysis on Monday. Just keep any eye on the lick that is does not become obsessive licking, chewing at any body part. Often with a paralyzed dog that would be a sign of neuropathic pain. Since Olver can walk, not likely what's going on. But always good to know what do to do and be prepared with a homemade e-collar and call the vet for gabapentin dose for this type of phantom nerve pain. Directions + picture: forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/220138-create-your-own-surgical-collar/
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Jul 30, 2017 16:07:41 GMT -7
Duly noted. So, I just took him for his final evening 10 step walk and am happy to report he squatted and took a nice 8 secons pee. Funny, as I'm watching this gorgeous stream of pee (only a dog lover could say that!!), my mind flashed to you and I wished I had something to put under him for a second to collect it.
I'm going to wait till Tuesday to see if this same behavior continues before going back to a vet to get this UTI bacteria test. Surely this is not the emergency the IVDD incident was that I've sweated over for the last 10'days so unless what I've described to one of u that he needs emergency hospitalization, I'm going to have to do my actual profession, which I've had to put on hold for 12 days.
As far as sensing bacteria in urine, this is an interesting point, which i note as right before I took him down for this walk, and right after I took him out of his crate, I always feel the fleece to see if there's been any leakage and felt a tiny pee spot the size of a quarter, no doubt just a couple of drips from his leaky pee faucet. I mention this for, as soon as I just put him back in his crate I noticed him smelling then licking that precise spot. Frankly he always had a thing for licking his wiener and sometimes his own pee so I'm not convinced one way or another it's an issue. But I have that info and if on Tuesday he's doing exactly the same thing, I'll have him checked. Actually, all ur saying is I need his pee checked, correct? So if i can collect a sample, I can just send it to the vet to perform the test, is this right?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 31, 2017 6:29:47 GMT -7
Rob, I would call your vet and ask if they prefer to take their own urine sample with Oliver there of if you can do a clean catch sample to give to them. More information on how to do a clean catch. marvistavet.com/urinary-tract-infection.pml
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Jul 31, 2017 7:58:27 GMT -7
Spoke to my local DVM office who are also good. We both agreed there's nothing, no symptoms which scream UTI but I will do a clean catch and bring in a pee sample one day this week as opposed to subjecting Oliver to being shlepped to the vet as I don't want to trapse him around NYC unless absolutely necessary. Thanks.
Med Update: Metradazole for 2-3 more days than stop. Trazadone is now only "as needed". Back on lactalose 1-3 ML per meal.
[15 lbs Metronidazole 125mgs 2x/day For perianeal hernias: Lactalose +Metamucil daily Trazadone 50MG tabs, as needed ]
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Post by John & Marley on Jul 31, 2017 18:22:05 GMT -7
Spoke to my local DVM office who are also good. We both agreed there's nothing, no symptoms which scream UTI but I will do a clean catch and bring in a pee sample one day this week as opposed to subjecting Oliver to being shlepped to the vet as I don't want to trapse him around NYC unless absolutely necessary. Thanks. Med Update: Metradazole for 2-3 more days than stop. Trazadone is now only "as needed". Back on lactalose 1-3 ML per meal. [15 lbs Metronidazole 125mgs 2x/day For perianeal hernias: Lactalose +Metamucil daily Trazadone 50MG tabs, as needed ] Nice to see that people still shlepp in NY,,,lol...
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 1, 2017 7:52:13 GMT -7
I feel badly. I'm leaving him in his crate for 6 hours at a time, 8 hours over night. He's become resigned to the situation which is good, less barking and whining, at least today. Is this what strict crate rest means? My poor boy. He no likee
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Aug 1, 2017 8:35:01 GMT -7
Rob - yes this is what strict crate rest means...24/7 in a crate for 8 weeks until the disc is healed. I know you feel badly, but he is probably just resting during the time you are not there which is the best thing for him.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 1, 2017 9:32:08 GMT -7
Ugh. He's whining right now. But I leave him there.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 1, 2017 11:50:51 GMT -7
Rob, think of the recovery suite like a cast for a broken bone for a child. Just because the child may complain about the cast, the parent would not remove it until the bone has healed and knitted back together. The same with a disc. There are no meds to heal a disc. Just the limited movement the suite provides, kinda like that child's cast. Yes, there are times Oliver has to come out — such as for potty time and for only the vet visits deemed highly important to health. Because we all know anytime out of the suite can be a danger to the healing disc of too much movement.
Together you and Oliver have made much good progress. Keep up the good job you are doing with protecting his disc. 8 weeks will go by in a blink of an eye compared to the many long happy years ahead with Oliver.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 2, 2017 16:15:32 GMT -7
Is it okay that I leave him crated for 12 hours at a time or more? He's just sleeping right now, but I fed him and then took him out to pee and poop, he only peed. Then back in the crate around 430pm and he'll be there till around 6am. I feel horrible about this.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 2, 2017 16:27:30 GMT -7
Rob, he is getting a break to potty every 4-6 hours during the daytime right? Then he is not in the crate for 12 hours. At potty time he is taking a very, very few footsteps to take care of business which will also keep his joints flexible and muscle circulation up in his muscles. After the few footsteps at potty time, then he's carried back to his recovery suite.
Last drink of the night is two hours before you're going to bed. So maybe that's an 10pm potty break. Then upon awakening at 6am, he goes out for a potty break 8 hours later.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 2, 2017 16:57:03 GMT -7
Roughly, I'm taking him out at 6:30am, 1pm and 7pm.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 2, 2017 20:45:25 GMT -7
As long as he's staying dry then he's good.
I too struggled with guilt.
However, when I cheated on crate rest my dog paid.
What helped me is using a pack and play so I could reach in and pet my dog and interact with her easily.
Some members are able to crate rest their dog at work with them.
Others use strollers, strictly supervised, or multiple recovery suites to keep their pup nearby.
Keep a strong, positive, attitude around your dog about crate rest. They look to us if something is good or bad.
You love your dog enough to give them the gift of time to heal!
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 3, 2017 7:40:35 GMT -7
Julie -- Thank you. I really appreciate the acknowledgment of guilt which has been ramping up the last few days.
Have to take Oliver to my regular DVM to have a finger inserted and manual removal of impacting poop due to his perianal condition and is being thrown totally out of his diet and poop routine. Hate this. And the vet is 5 min away and wouldn't do a house call, unreal. So I have to take Oliver to her at 11:30, and the interaction between this manual finger removal and his back condition remains deeply concerning --although I'm unclear on how much of my fear is bona fide and how much is misplaced -- as I'm always concerned that he does SOMETIMES move around a bit and we all know that we don't want him to wiggle from the discomfort of an anal probe (ish) to the point where it could possibly reactivate his IVDD. Any thoughts?
He's now day 13 of strict crate rest.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 3, 2017 8:47:48 GMT -7
Rob, you will be their with Oliver during the poop removal? You then can speak comforting words to him, hold his front end secure to keep him from wriggling? Just thowing this out....is there a numbing product the vet could use first, then the poop removal? Since you have seen before that Oliver gets wriggly during the procedure, he won't feel anything and be calm?
I would also give the trazadone before leaving home to relieve any anxiety he may have.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 3, 2017 10:01:20 GMT -7
So, we had the anal probe and, like last time, there's residual dribbling from his butt. After the treatment was done, I crated him and went food shopping for 15 minutes and on my way down the hallway to my apt I heard loud barking and a big fuss. Sure enough he had pooped out quite a bit on himself, on the fleece which I tossed as it was pretty bad (I have 5 other "sheets"). When I cleaned the crate I realized he had quite a bit of poop on his feet, between his toes, can this be any worse. Didn't bathe him under a faucet but laid him on the floor and gently whiles out the poop and cleaned him as well as I could for now. I just put him back in the crate. What do you guys recommend to clean your dog when they've pooped on themselves (Oliver is a LONG HAIR) ?
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Post by John & Marley on Aug 3, 2017 10:21:04 GMT -7
I have a Long Hair as well, We got a Infant Tub from walmart, cost like $20.00 has a drain we sit it on kitchen counter and it drains into the sink. its plastic , sits higher easier for you to wash him. ( USE it now when he gets a bath now that he is 100 % ) Also I had a calendar and wrote down when he did his poos , my guy goes on a 24 to 30 hr cycle between poos. I was spoiled when my guy was under 10 weeks of crate rest - he would paw the crate bars to let me know he had to do biz.... www.walmart.com/ip/Summer-Infant-Bath-Center-and-Shower-Blue/26466453
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 3, 2017 10:26:02 GMT -7
My dog is only 13 days into crate rest so I'm not comfortable bending the no bath rules at this time. He has an actual medical condition down there so it's not as simple as timing his poops. But thanks for the thought.
Paula, u just reminded me about Trazaadone so just gave him a dose.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 3, 2017 10:46:40 GMT -7
Rob, the concern with baths is a wet dog, a slippery dog, a dog who wants to do that shake all over when then get wet thing. So during conservative treatment, we recommend, maybe a more tedious but safer to the disc solution. ~~ purchase some cheap washcloths at the dollar store to use to dampen with green tea and then blot body waste from fur. You might go through a stack of washcloths when things are messy. ~~ Trim with scissors fur where needed to make cleaning butt, etc easier. ~~ Brew some decafinated green tea. Cool. Use the cooled tea to dampen washcloth and daub the fur/skin. Or you can put the tea in a spray bottle to spritz on fur. Use washcloth or towel to blot, get new cloth/towel and repeat til best as you can clean the mess. It may take several washcloths and towels to clean a real mess. The tea is mild with acidifying, antibacterial properties to neutralize urine on skin and fur to avoid rashes from urine scald + leaves a clean earthy fragrance.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 3, 2017 15:50:31 GMT -7
Interestingly, I thought about it and had a strong feeling that the bath wasn't the problem -- although the bath can't be as I used to, which was let him stand under my sink faucet and do it that way. I would feel his hind legs etc may not be able to stand for long enough. But a soft bathe in my tub with me holding him, and both of us sitting on a cotton towel, for traction could role find. But I had the feeling the real problem with the bath was the shake off thing dogs instinctively do so, in explaining this to my DVM, she suggested just hold him so he can't do that, even once, and use a blow dryer to dry him completely. I'm gonna Wait another day as he may have further palate poop issues in the next 24 hrs but will do this afterwards. How's my plan, Paula?
Linda, Paula, Romy, Paulina,
Concerned. So, after today's poop impaction manual removal, Oliver leaked and pooped on himself, all around the crate etc. it's now all cleaned up and he's 95% cleaned up. I may give him a partial paw/leg cleaning tomorrow. It's been a heck of a day for him. His demeanor has been OFF since this procedure and his mess and his sitting in his mess while I was out food shopping for 15 minutes. Fed him dinner, he ate it all. And then carried bagged him outside to see if he would pee. When I picked him out of the bag to walk a few steps, he didn't wanna walk, then sat down, smelling near his butt. Now, before all the IVDD thoughts come to you, this is something I've seen before when he's feeling weird about his buttt and or need to poop so he'll just sit back down. I promoted him and he walked as he's been for the past 2 weeks but didn't wanna move again, sitting back down, so I wasn't gonna argue with him and put him back in bag, carried him upstairs and he walked back right into his crate. Discerning whether it's from all the events of today versus any new IVDD tenderness is why I'm even posting, but I don't believe it's his back. It's the anal probing, the removal of poop, his pooping all over himself etc and he was quite upset and barking wildly when I came home from shopping. He's now resting quietly and I'm posting this.
Thanks. Rob
Just took him out for a quick pee, which he did. Back to his normal self from yesterday's trauma. Dogs are resilient, that's for sure. IVDD stable. All stable Thanks.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 4, 2017 4:45:29 GMT -7
Good news that Oliver is doing well after his stressful day yesterday, Rob. Yes, dogs are certainly resilient.
As for baths, it's really hard to stop them from shaking themselves when wet. And a wet dog is a slippery dog. Baths just involve too much movement and risk. I think it would be best to stick with the suggestions that Paula gave above.
I hope you both have a better day today.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 4, 2017 12:54:10 GMT -7
Hey Marjorie. You know what? I'm with you. The funny thing (icky thing) is that he was even a little cleaner today then yesterday so he apparently licked his paws a bit cleaner. So there's that. But I agree. No bath. If necessary, I'll just while him off on the floor with wipes and soapy water and a towel.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 4, 2017 18:06:54 GMT -7
Yep, I totally understand Rob. I've had close friends and family who haven't supported me about my IVDD dog. Some people just don't get it. That's why Dodgers List is so great. Everyone here understands!! I've literally gone into debt to treat my dog. When I adopted her I promised to take care of her and I'll do it or go down trying. We've got your back.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 5, 2017 3:34:36 GMT -7
Admins-- if it's possible to recover and repost my post about my mother from yesterday please do so.thanks
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