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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 2, 2017 4:45:55 GMT -7
1) Her name is Waffles. She is about 6 years old. She weighs about 41 pounds. 2) she is a mixed breed dog. We were told terrier mix but really we don't know. My name is Abby. We are in NJ. 3) we went to a 24 hour vet who said she has a slipped disc based on the physical exam. Her back paws do not flip back when bent. 4) We saw the vet 8/1 around 10 pm. Started crating 8/2 5) she is still in pain this am. Will see how she is 1 hour after pain meds. She ate when we held the bowl up for her. She hasnt taken any water or peed. 6) 8/1 at 10pm given steroid and pain shots. 200 mg Gabapentin started 8/2 am, given twice a day. 20 mg prednisone to be started 8/2 pm then 2x a day for 5 days then a tapering schedule 7) she cant move her back legs or maybe just a little. Very very little weight bearing. 8) she hasnt peed nor wet the bed yet 9) she eats when we hold food up to her. Hasnt pooped yet.
I'm overwhelmed with all of this. Ive never had to be a caregiver human or canine and I am so nervous. I cant tell if suggestions on setting up bedding and pens in specific ways have to be done to the letter and if I will do it right. I'm sickened about the decision of spending 6k on surgery or letting her go if it comes to that. I am racked with guilt.
Moderator notes, please do not modify [41 lbs Name of Steroid shot on 8/1 Prednisone as of 8/2: 20 mg 2x/day for 5 days Gabapentin 200 mg 2x/day ]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 2, 2017 7:47:21 GMT -7
Abby, you will get through this. Right now things are not yet right for Waffles, you do not yet have knowledge about disc disease. First things first...the pain must be in full control. Call your vet or was it the ER vet where there is now a folder for Waffles and his disease/treatment. Anyone at that clinic can go read Waffles file. So advocate on the phone for meds to be adjusted. Normally it will take 3 different pain meds to address each of the sources of pain. These meds do not stay in high enough levels in the body unless they have been prescribed for every 8 hours. --- Tramadol as the general analgesic every 8 hours (3x/day) --- Gabapentin for nerve pain 3x/day --- Methocarbamol for muscle contraction pain 3x/day Pepcid AC (famotidine) is a must to counter act the damage of stomach acids. Steroids (the shot, prednisone) cause extra acids same as stress of pain change in routine. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episode for is 0.44mg mg per pound every 12 hours. Get at the grocery store but FIRST do ask your vet in this very, very particular way: Is there a medical/health reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC (famotidine)? Understand your pet's meds, knowledge IS an important safety factor: 1) www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html and 2) marvistavet.com/famotidine.pmlWhen meds are on board and pain is in control dose to dose withint 1 hour or less, you would expect full pain control right up to the next dose of pain meds.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 2, 2017 11:14:43 GMT -7
Pauline. Tx for your reply. She got the pain shot last night from the 24 hr vet. And when we saw her in pain it was before we gave her a pill. I have an appt with my vet tomorrow eve and I will definitely ask about this other meds and the pepcid.
My concern is that she isn't putting any weight on the back legs and didn't pee when we took her out. She peed as my son brought her in. 1) Is it just too soon with the steroid/pain med to see improvement? 2) Is it possible she can recover without surgery? Vet last night said 70% chance of recovering. Neuro surgeon I called to get balloark price for mri/surgery/recovery said only 5%, he quailified it as he hasn't seen her. We are not going to spend the 8-14k for the surgery. 3) How long does it take til we know if she is going to make it?
4)When she is awake in the crate should I be spending lots of time petting her or just leave her alone? 5) any links to give me hope for the first 5 days?
Also, I only knew she was in pain as she yelped when we carried her out to pee. This afternoon she didn't yelp but she wasn't happy being carried. Not sure if that is the same thing as pain. She is sleeping peacefully so I don't think she is in pain and don't want to disturb her. That's why I said I'd wait til tomorrow. 😳
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 2, 2017 12:42:13 GMT -7
Signs of pain that simply may not wait for med ajustment until tomorrow evening for a vet appt. are: shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, not eating due to painful chewing or too much general pain, can’t find a comfortable position, Arched back, pinned back ears. Holding leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky interested in life selves. Never have any patience at all with pain. When meds are correctly dosed for your dog’s body, pain is covered dose to dose and when having to move such as at potty time. Currently she is medicated lightly at gabapentin 2x/day. Not likely to give fully round the clock pain relief. Gabapentin has a short half life and the reason with a disc episode pain meds are very typicall prescribed for every 8 hours (3x/day). Call into your own vet, today, now. Ask in this very, very specific way if there are any health issues that Waffles may not take the acid suppressor Pepcid AC (famotidine). If there are no health issue, obtain Pepcid AC at the grocery store. What is the exact name of the steroid shot on 8/1? Not all vets know the two treatments ( PTS is not one!) This is why you must know IVDD to protect her from those giving any type of well meaning but harmful advise. Your best bet is gaining an understanding of disc disease, how the treatments work, the expected timeline for each of the four phases of healing during conservative treatment is at this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm As you have time in the next couple of days, do follow the links provided to give you the indepth IVDD knowledge Waffles will counting on you having. Knowledge is the power to monitor his treatment, to put your mind at ease. Being in the dark with little understanding is, indeed, quite a scary situation. For right now when pain is in control, the stomach protected, put on a big smile and in a happy voice let Waffles know he will be getting back to a happy family life again once his disc has healed. The reason is you are on it. reading and learning. Soon you own mind will come to know it IS in the cards for Waffles to enjoy many happy years ahead with your family no matter how many months it takes for very slow healing nerves to self repair. As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. √Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. √Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. √Nails/toes scuffing floor 4. √Paws knuckle 5. √Weak/little leg movement, √can't move up into a stand 6. ? Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) 7. Bladder control is lost 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost 9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation. Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Precious hours can be lost with a general vet who gets DPS wrong.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 2, 2017 13:23:53 GMT -7
Abby, I've been there too and it is absolutely overwhelming at first. Focus on getting Waffles comfortable with the right pain meds first. You may have to be persistent and forceful. Some vet's aren't familiar with IVDD and how painful it can be. They tend to undermedicate. I found it necessary to be pushy! Crating, which you're doing, is also very important. Good for you. Some use a regular crate. I found a pack and play to be best. If you're interested I can send you tips on how to set up. Pretty easy. With crating mainly you want your dog to rest, minimum movement so they can heal. It's fine to reach in and pet them, give attention, and keep them in the area with you. Just not to get excited or out of the recovery suite. When taking potty you can snuggle and interact too. Don't listen to dismal doctors outlooks. I've seen conservative crate rest work wonders. My dog has been rear leg paralyzed 3 times and come back. Go to main website, www.dodgerslist.com, and read up under IVDD 101. Being educated at this point is crucial. I took bad advice early on, even from medical professionals, who didn't understand IVDD because I didn't either. Surgery isn't the only answer. I've done both and can truthfully say I've seen good results with both. Put to sleep is not necessary!! Don't let anyone tell you it is. Hang in there. Waffles will still have a good life.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 2, 2017 13:36:18 GMT -7
I definitely understand about reading up on it but I am in information overload (My first child is leaving for college in 3 weeks and I am in info overload on that too) and need to take things in chunks. I will give the vet a call re pain meds.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 2, 2017 13:48:39 GMT -7
It does seem overwhelming at times. When my Frankie had his disk episode I was a nervous wreck. You can read only what is relevant at the moment on the literature page to keep from being overwhelmed. As your time permits you can read more. I am posting the link here for your easy reference. www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmLet us know what the doctor recommends for Waffles pain. We will be anxious to hear.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 2, 2017 14:28:44 GMT -7
Also, there's a 10 minute overview at the IVDD 101 site. I understand. When my dog was diagnosed I had just moved and broken my ankle. When it rains it pours!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 2, 2017 16:07:17 GMT -7
Abby, would you confirm about bladder control. Does Waffles leak on you if lifted? A usual sign of loss of bladder control Is her bed dry of urine? Bladder control is prooved when you can observe her sniffing an old pee spot in the grass and then she makes the decision to release urine there? Our entire treasure trove of IVDD information for browsing with much information in living with an IVDD dog after crate rest, training, etc is over is on our
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 2, 2017 18:25:57 GMT -7
Tx for chunking info down. She isn't peeing in the bed but is peeing as lifted in the sling. She pooped in her bed, then skootched off it and barked til we saw it. I bought an exercise pen so I can lift her out more easily and so I can expand it to sit with her. Adding ✚Tramadol 50 mg twice a day starting tonight.
[41 lbs Name of Steroid shot on 8/1 Prednisone as of 8/2: 20 mg 2x/day for 5 days Gabapentin 200 mg 2x/day ✚Tramadol 50mgs 2x/day]
Oh and we can't tell about the sniffing a spot and peeing again because she can't walk. 😞 When we take her out she isnt interested in anything. I think she just expressed her anal glands in her bed. Is that a loss of function too? Ugh. Geel like she will never gain control. It'sonly day one but I can't stop carastrophizing.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 2, 2017 20:35:52 GMT -7
That's soooo easy to do. I've done it to. Try to go day to day.
Set short term goals. Example:Today I'll call the vet about pain meds. Tomorrow I'll check on how to set up recovery suite.
Take care of yourself too. Take care of Waffles and then sit down to a good meal, exercise, take a bubble bath ECT.
Ask for help. Enlist neighbors, friends, and family.
Anytime post here. I burned their ears off! Everyone here has an IVDD dog and are always happy to help. There is no question too small, gross, or dumb.
IVDD is a marathon. Pace yourself and in a short time you'll be amazed how far you and Waffles have come.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 3, 2017 1:11:10 GMT -7
I say this as I am crying. I am not a person who can sustain the lifestyle of a dog who cannot walk. If it comes to that, does this board have a section/support for choosing to put a dog to sleep? If she has passed the stage of no DPS and I know I cannot do surgery, how long do I wait to see if she will recover? Is no DPS the same as having no pain?
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 3, 2017 2:21:27 GMT -7
Hold on. Way too early to make permanent decisions. Don't give up. It looks overwhelming right now I know. My dog has been rear leg paralyzed 3 times and recovered with crate rest. Give it time.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 3, 2017 5:04:19 GMT -7
Please don't be thinking of giving up on Waffles, Abby. She needs time to heal. I was told by my Jeremy's vet three months after he went down (he lost DPS and all use of his legs with no bladder/bowel control) that he would never walk again but he did walk three months later and I continued to see improvement in his walking for over a year. Nerves are very slow to heal. Think more in terms of months, even a year or more. But heal they can. IVDD is not a death sentence. Even if Waffles doesn't regain the use of her legs, she can still have a good quality of life. The reason Dodgerslist was started was to help educate people that IVDD is not a reason to put a dog to sleep. So no, there's no section on Dodgerslist to support you in any decision to put Waffles to sleep just because she can't walk. My Jeremy accepted his inability to walk much better than I did. He was happy as long as he had love, food and a place to sleep. I was the one who struggled with it. But I was just getting used to our new routines when he did start to walk again. www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm I don't want to add more of a burden to you as I can see you're completely overwhelmed but it does sound as though Waffles may have lost bladder control (which can return with nerve healing). It sounds as though the sling is causing pressure on her bladder, which is expressing the urine. The only way we humans can tell if a dog has bladder control is to carry the dog to a spot where they've peed before, support the hind end by the hips (not under the belly), let them sniff and see if they can release urine. If they can't, then they need to have their bladder manually expressed. So please do try a sniff and pee test ASAP. If Waffles can't release urine on her own, then you'll need a hands-on-your-hands demonstration today on how to express her bladder. There is more information on this page about expressing for your review prior to a demonstration by your vet. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmI do know how overwhelming this all can be. I felt like I couldn't handle it but my love for Jeremy got me through it. Please give Waffles the time to heal and a chance to continue to live her life with her family. It will get easier. Getting her pain under control today will also help ease the stress so be sure to speak to the vet this morning. Prayers for you all.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 3, 2017 5:08:53 GMT -7
I cried many times seeing my Frankie laying there paralyzed. It was heartbreaking. I think we all felt that way in the beginning. Learning to take care of our paralyzed dogs takes time and can seem overwhelming. In just a little while, you will have learned how to do this and caring for Waffles will become much easier. Dogs without DPS have recovered neuro function even without surgery. But nerve healing takes a long time. We need to think in terms of months not days. There is sometimes confusion about DPS as it is really hard to determine if it is present. Only a board certified specialist has the experience necessary to determine if there is DPS, a ACVIM or ACVS specialist. Regular vet will sometimes get this wrong as the signs are very subtle. I agree with Julie, that vets can sometimes seem pessimistic in their prognosis. I think it is because when our dogs are better we don't see the vet as regularly. Deep Pain Sensation (DPS) is not the same as the dog being able to feel pain. A dog with no DPS can feel pain and will need pain medications if he is showing signs of pain. Is Wafffles pain now under control with the 50mg of tramadol 2X a day? I am posting again these signs of pain to watch for so you will have them easily available; shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, not eating due to painful chewing or too much general pain, can’t find a comfortable position, Arched back, pinned back ears. Holding leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky interested in life selves Can Waffles wag her tail in response to happy talk? If she can DPS is present. At this point in time, it seems as if Waffles does not have bladder control. We suspect this because she is leaking when lifted. When a dog loses the ability to empty the bladder, the bladder will become overfull with urine and then the urine will leak out. This is just like pouring to much water in a cup. A dog whose bladder is left to overflow is at risk of urinary tract infections (UTI). It is also possible for the bladder tone to be damaged so that the bladder can not work normally even when bladder control returns. To avoid these problems, which can become serious, we pet parents need to learn to express the bladder. All this means is that we use pressure to overcome the sphincter muscles and push the pee out. We have a video that shows how this can be done, but it really takes a hands on lesson from the vet to teach you how to do it. Learning to express can be tricky. There is a steep learning curve. Many of us had to learn it and with practice we did learn. Once you have become proficient at expressing, it will become much, much easier to care for Waffles. Here is some info on expressing to review before you get the hands-on lesson from your vet. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm#bladderexpressYou can also express for poop. Poop can be a mess but it does not cause the health issue that an overflowing bladder can cause. Here is some info on expressing for poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm#poopPlease do not hesitate to ask any question on Dodgerslist. or even just vent if it helps We have all been through exactly what you are going through and we know how hard it can be. We also know that we can get through the first horrible days and emerge on the other side. You and your dog will have a good quality of life again. It just takes some time.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 3, 2017 7:37:42 GMT -7
I will see what the vet says this afternoon. I can't tell if she is in pain or just frustrated/bored.
The sniff bladder test is impossible for me to do as it has rained here since she last peed. And she can't bend her head down to sniff. She just sits there or hangs as we support her in the sling.
This is as much a quality of life thing for me and the family as it is for her. It falls on me as I work remotely from home.
I feel trapped already. We are supposed to go to a bbq Sunday and be away 5 hours. Is it ok to leave her in the crate that long? I will look to see if I can find a dog walker with experience with slings and bladder expression. We are taking my son to college and will be away all day. I cannot rely on the neighbors that used to let her out. I just don't know if I can do this much hand on.
If we do decide to not hold on for months I will look to others for support. Because I've been reading here exclusively I have a skewed view as to whether others take a different route. I need some sleep. . Oh wait, she finally put her head down and eyes are closed. Nap time for me.
Oh and she isnt wagging her tail. And I don't believe the things I've read that they don't care if they lose ambulation. She is frustrated she can't do what she normally does, walking under the table when we eat, watching the street from the back of the couch. Maybe it takes time for them to forget what they once were able to do.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 3, 2017 10:12:05 GMT -7
Abby, there is good information on the internet and some bad misinformation about IVDD. So it falls for each of us to responsibly vet internet information. Dr. Nancy Kay DVM, ACVIM: "Just had a look at Dodgerslist- fabulous work! ... One of the things I lecture about to veterinarians is teaching their clients how to become responsible internet surfers. I would love for every board certified surgeon and neurologist to know about your site." is just one among the supportive comments we get from professionals. You can browse to see who we align with regarding IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/index/education.htmWhen one of our children is sick, then we may have to cater to their needs, adjust our schedules some to help them get well. That is what a caregiver does. Waffles, needs your help, now to give her a chance to heal her disc. Once that happens, she will be able to get back to enjoying her home and family life again. Right now she is in your hospital at home. Have you ever visited a friend in the hospital...were they happy to be there? No, most people do not like being in the hospital. I image Waffles does not like your hospital either. Help her to know all is good and that she will get better with lots of smiles and happy talk. Waffles watches carefully your every move, your body language to understand her world. If you are upset, then Waffles will feel she may be at fault or something bad is going on that you, her pack leader, is upset about. Make sure Waffles is always getting positive vibes from you. Cry out of her sight, go outdoors if you must. Dogs are creatures of routine and people as well. Until that routine is established, new things are unsettling. For us it means we have to think about every little thing...all that takes more energy. With new routines established, life become much easier...you just do, you don't have to think "how" to do anymore. We can learn from dogs to think in the moment. Dog's don't dwell in the past and they do not have the ability to imagine the future as humans can. The past is history and we learn from history how to manage things better at some the future time. The future is not here yet, so that leaves treasuring the moment, being able to recognize and be thankful for all the many good things that are happening. I have found this little technique helpful to me to stop my brain from venturing to the catastropy and back to the now. Sounds simple just breathe, but breathe in a specific way at your desk, in your car:
Life is a journey. No matter where you are in the travels, live in the now. Each moment has a gift to be enjoyed no matter how cloudy the day might seem to be. Dogs live in the moment, we can learn a lot from them!
~~ It sounds like pain is now in control with the addition of Tramadol. Kudos to you for getting that on board! Do know there is still potential for alot more pain med adjustment IF, if you would see any sign of pain surfacing before the next doses of gabapentin and tramadol ~~ Your son is at home to help as you establish routines and get in the groove. ~~ You work at home, avoiding the stress other owners have to leaving work at lunch time to check on their patient at home. ~~ You have obtained an ex-pen to use as a recovery suite. I found that kind of suite the best for my back and ease of caring for my dog. It really is quite a flexibly thing to use right now and after crate rest to block off where Waffles should not go in your home.
Options you might consider for your up coming events. ~~hiring a vet tech to care for Waffles for the day on a weekend. Many would like the opportunity to earn extra $$ and you would have a person who knows how to express and be careful with the damaged disc. ~~Board her at the vet's clinic for a long day. While waiting on nerves to self repair, dogs just get on with the business of life, enjoying life to the fullest. New routines become the new normal and do not impair having a zest for all that life has to offer.
Hang in there, you do have everything you need within yourself to care for Waffles, and allow her to rejoin family life for the many happy years ahead. We look forward to hearing how this afternoon's vet visit goes and what the vet thinks if this is a neck disc or a disc in the back. Let us know too that the important acid suppressor, Pepcid AC (famotidine) is on board.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 3, 2017 11:03:11 GMT -7
i know she takes her cues from me so now Not only do I feel bad for being upset i feel bad for not keeping it from her. i gave her pain meds 45 min ago, as it was 8 hrs. I read the signs of pain but I honestly can't tell. She has been barking nonstop for an hour. I have to work. I get that this is all new and we will find a routune but I dont know what to do. Ignore her? Get in the pen with her? I think that is a bad habit. Once she starts moving around a bit the pen wont work as its not sturdy enough and i cant fit in the crate.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 3, 2017 11:08:26 GMT -7
Abby, barking is not pain. But it is most certainly annoying behavior. 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 to give the "calm" sign to your dog. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will see they get rewards for four feet on the floor, quietly sitting, etc. 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 such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price. If need be until calmers become effective, don't hesitate to ask for a short prescription of Trazadone to quickly help Waffles be able to relax in her suite.Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider: --Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13043 --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/ Use a diffuser with one oral calmer from below: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 3, 2017 11:43:29 GMT -7
I will ask the vet about the calmers. I went and sat with her but barking continued. I put on some classical guitar for both of us. Slinged her outside to pee. I held her up and felt her belly and lo and behold her bladder was full! I did my best based on the video, tho used neither technique as was one handed, and got two separate streams to come out. I will get the vet to show me. She is now curled up dozing. She hasnt curled up since this happened. She must have been barking cuz of the pee. Phew. Dont know whether to cry, nap, work or all three. Tx.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 3, 2017 13:30:42 GMT -7
That is excellent that you got two streams of urine out. You can use any technique that works for you when expressing. The vet should also be able to give you some good tips.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 3, 2017 16:21:17 GMT -7
We saw the vet. He said he doesn't think she is in enough pain for it to be a slipped disc, maybe an FCEM, a stroke of sorts in her spinal column. Nonsurgical Treatment is the same. Crate rest 24/7. She is paralyzed and will need to have her bladder expressed. He showed me how to do it. Anyone know of some sort of contraption I can hang the sling on so I can have two hands to express? She is a 40 pound dog. He said give it 2-3 weeks and see how we all are doing. We probably won't see vast improvement in that time. He was ok with the pepcid ac and continuing the pain meds. We now need to find a vet tech to come to the house or board her for when we will be away. Can inagine it will be more than the $30 a day we are used to. Anyone have any suggestions for food puzzle games that are actually a bit challenging or other ways to stave off boredom? She isnt too interested at the moment but may become more. Tx.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 4, 2017 7:43:47 GMT -7
Abby, when you express, would you be able to kneel down in the grass? That way you can position Waffle's butt against your thigh, allowing both hands to express the bladder. If Waffles has long legs you might be able to remain standing as you lean her butt against your knee/thigh to support her that way. Here is another idea: www.handicappedpet.net/helppets/viewtopic.php?p=48480What dose in mgs is Waffles on Pepcid AC. Are you giving that dose every 12 hours (2x/day)? Did the vet give you a prescription for Trazadone or another to help Waffles relax in her suite? IF, if Waffles is not an aggressive chewer and can calmly lick contents from a Kong, then you might give this a try. Soften slightly her a portion of her kibble meal with some lo-fat, lo salt broth. Put the softened kibble inside of a Kong and freeze it. This way she will have to work for at least some of her daily meal(s) and it will take her quite some time to get the food out.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 4, 2017 10:46:51 GMT -7
Tx I hadnt thought if kneeling on the grass with her on my leg. I will try that. The pepcid is once a day I think she was only barking cuz she had to pee. She is v calm today. I like the kibble frozen soup idea.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 4, 2017 10:51:10 GMT -7
Abby you're doing great caring for Waffles. It took me week's to successfully express my dog. And as you learn Waffles cues, such as potty time, it'll get easier. Healing thoughts and prayers for you and Waffles.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 4, 2017 12:27:07 GMT -7
Tx. I wish the emerg vet had told me to start it right away!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 4, 2017 13:12:49 GMT -7
In the beginning, when I had to express my Frankie, who is over 60 pounds, I ran into the same issue that you are having. I needed both hands for expressing, but also had to hold him up. What I did was position myself kneeling behind him and put my hands between his back legs. I could then support him on my forearms while I used my hands to express. This was probably not ideal, but it worked until he had regained enough strength to stand while leaning up against me.
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Post by Abby & Waffles on Aug 4, 2017 19:10:27 GMT -7
The last few times we went to express her bladder we gave a little squeeze until she started to pee then we stopped squeezing and she continued to have a nice long stream. Is that a sign of anything? I've been reading a lot into things. Like when we stand her on her back legs and the right one seems to hold her up instead of collapsing. Does that mean anything? Sigh. She just peed and is resting comfortably. Off to bed I go.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Aug 4, 2017 19:39:23 GMT -7
It sounds like nerves are beginning to heal to me! Great job with Waffles. You guys are moving in the right direction. Woohoo!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 5, 2017 8:17:41 GMT -7
Abby, Nala is right there really seems to be nerve healing going on. When bladder control starts to return, a dog may not be able to start a stream yet. So your first seeing if she can sniff and start a stream is the thing to do. If she can't start the stream, then you express to get her going. When the stream stops, be sure to express trying to find out if she has been able to void all the urine. That is your trying to feel if the bladder is quite flat.
Can you fill in the missing information so we are up to date on the med list: -- The name of the 8/1 steroid shot should be on your invoice. -- Pepcid AC 20 mgs and TWICE a day (2x/day) is the typical more aggressive stomach protection during a disc episode.
41 lbs Name of Steroid shot? on 8/1 Prednisone as of 8/2: 20 mg 2x/day for 5 days Gabapentin 200 mg 2x/day Tramadol 50mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC ?mgs 1x/day.
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