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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 11, 2017 7:44:43 GMT -7
Rob & Oliver, thank you for your reality checks - I truly need them! LOL. I am a worry wart for sure. I go to Bellarmine University in KY. It is no problem, I have it listed on my social media so it is no secret. She actually, finally, peed after I posted last. Finally. Luckily I went into work late today but I know she just has to do it on her own time. I am not worried about the mess, I just don't want her to be uncomfortable or to accidentally go and lay in it until we get home. She laid in it for a couple of minutes last night and she cried - she used to have burns from laying in her own filth as a puppy and I am sure she has flash backs. I try to protect her the best I can and I have an issue when I am not in control LOL. I will get better. Yeah we won't let her run around even if she is starting to use her right hind leg (I will attach a photo of her using it! I am so proud!). She was really using it! She even briefly stood up in her kennel and wagged her tail for a while outside - these are new things we are seeing and it is putting me more and more at ease but I know we aren't going to expect a full recovery until her 8 weeks are up. In the event she can hold herself up and use both hind legs again, when can we expect to stop with the sling? Also in the attached photo, the sling may not be how it is supposed to be. I have looked up videos but everyone uses it like this - I have thought about making the figure 8 sling but I am afraid she will accidentally pee on it and if we have to wash it, we can't take her out again until it has gone through the washer and dryer. She seems to be okay with the sling like this, it is an ace bandage, but if it isn't correct I am fully open to hearing thoughts on it. I am just trying to adapt and learn.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 13 lbs Novox as of 8/3 : for 14 days Tramadol 25mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC 5mgs 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 11, 2017 8:30:02 GMT -7
Emily, so glad Jazzy finally peed. Was beginning to think perhaps a urinary tract infection (UTI) might be developing. Sometimes there are no clear observable clues for us to see such as foul odor or change in color. Leaking can be a sign. Holding can be a sign because of the burning sensation. A urine sample taken into a vet for a urinalysis can quickly identify if bacteria are growing. Often it is the dog that gives the first sign of a UTI with their powerful sense of smell, they are licking their butts more than usual because they can smell the infection and maybe trying to allievate any burning pain. So keep a watchful eye out. IVDD is thought to have a genetic component. So if Jazzy has siblings with same mother and/or father, you may wish to institute some changes to your home for them such as blocking off furniture, using ramps: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmIt looks like the sling is causing a fulcrum effect of pulling up on the mid back. A long strip of cloth from an old beach towel, an old sheet can make several slings to have on hand with holes for the back legs. This way the rear only will be supported. Check your thriftshops, Goodwill, etc. I have never tried it, but may be you can cut leg holes in that Ace bandage if is is wide enough? Wash dirty sling in the sink and hang outdoors in the sunshine to dry over the rail. Using soaps/shampoos with a sponge bath can sometimes be hard to get completely out of fur and off of skin. Soap is just a surfactant, water and some nice smelling perfume. Warm water is also a kind of surfactant to relax surface water tension. Try out Marjorie's tip of using decaf green tea. Caffeine is not good for a dog if they lick it. This tip and many other good ones comes from our supply list at the Main Dodgerslist web site. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmMarjorie's tip: boil and cool decaf green tea. Slightly warm to dampen a washcloth. It is mild with acidifying, antibacterial properties to neutralize urine on skin and fur to avoid rashes from urine scald. Daub/blot with washcloth, rinse, repeat til clean. Blot fur dry with a towel. Leaves a clean earthy fragrance.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 11, 2017 8:39:16 GMT -7
I will watch out for any signs of a UTI for sure - she doesn't seem to have one currently based on those symptoms but are there any ways I can try to prevent her from getting one? She is drinking more water than she was but only seems to do so because we keep making her drink it.
I have some old towels and this weekend I will make several 8 figure slings so it won't matter as much if she pees on them. I see what you mean about the fulcrum effect - it doesn't look like her butt is higher when you stand above her but I can see in that photo since it is from the side.
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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 11, 2017 8:42:32 GMT -7
With a dog who has bladder control, the body functions best when it is hydrated. drinking a normal amount of water. This keeps fluids going in th bladder and out on regular intervals. Usually a dog will have to pee every 4-6 hours keeping the bladder healthy.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 11, 2017 9:09:49 GMT -7
Besides the broth cubes is there anything else we can do to make her drink? I have attached water to both of her kennels and i will put water on my finger and constantly touch her nose and mouth with it but that isn't enough. I read she needs around 20-25oz daily for a healthy amount but I am having issues getting her to drink it! This has been our main issue for several days.
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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 11, 2017 9:21:43 GMT -7
Has Jazzy been in the habit to use one of those water dispensers. Mine would never learn to accept water that way. Try the bowl attachment pictures in one of my last posts which is a more familiar way to drink water. Any plastic container, cottage cheese, sour cream, etc that you can punch a hole in to thread string, long twistie tie, etc through to attach inside her suite.
Amt of water depends on a combo of water in food such as wet dog food and their activity. If you feed wet food, then that is part of the daily water intake. She's not outdoors in the heat runing around but indoors where it is cool and she is not doing any physical activity, so she may not be so thirsty. The important thing is to have water available so she can drink when she is thirsty.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 11, 2017 9:24:57 GMT -7
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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 11, 2017 9:44:31 GMT -7
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 11, 2017 11:21:37 GMT -7
Paula, Emily -- I'm going to throw my two cents in for the foam ramps I have. They are excellent, nice moderate increase in grade (upward slope), comfortable to walk up and down, the material provides good traction and they're sturdy so the dog shouldn't fall off it. I agree with paula, nothing with steps. I have them for my bedroom and living room, but right now, ALL RAMPS ARE PICKED UP AND OFFFLINE until Oliver graduates from crate rest. Check it out. www.scampramp.comJazzy is so cute under her blanket.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 12, 2017 5:52:16 GMT -7
Lots of updates. Jazzy began last evening to start using her hind legs though she still cannot go outside without a sling. This morning (8/12/17) I went into her room (yes my dogs have their own room) where she was wagging her tail and even attempted to stand up in her kennel but I told her to calm down and lay down. There were no messes.
Last night at a very late time - we kept taking her outside and she would not potty. At all. My fiancé and I were so exhausted and frustrated and we knew she had to go but didn't want her to go to bed with a full bladder. Finally my fiancé took her to the backyard portion of our backyard. We have a concreted carport area that is fenced in and we keep the grass area closed off with a fence because they like to chase things and never do their business. Well, my fiancé took her out there and she peed. We were so relieved and finally went to bed.
This morning, after she attempted to stand up on her own, we took her straight out to the grass and she was trying to use both of her hind legs though her walk is still far too wobbly to consider putting the slings away. She went pee right away and also pooped within 6-7 minutes. I am so shocked. Jazzy has never liked grass so the concrete area has worked for us. The fact that she will hold it until we put her in the grass is blowing my mind. So I guess I should ask - when it rains, how do you take your doxies out? We are blessed with a carport so we don't have an issue usually.
She is drinking more water. This is remarkable to me as well. We put a tin water bowl in her kennel attached at head height and she seems to like it more than the gerbil bottle. Jazzy hasn't ever had a tin water bowl before so the fact that she likes it more is really surprising but I am not complaining! Now we are sitting here in the living room next to her kennel, drinking our coffee, and not stressing about her not peeing for us. Happy Saturday!!!
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 12, 2017 7:10:49 GMT -7
Happy Saturday indeed! Wonderful signs of nerve healing for Jazzy. Good job on continuing to use a sling until Jazzy is stable enough.
Keep up the good work with Jazzy!
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 12, 2017 8:39:44 GMT -7
Hi Emily. Some really good news there. As for my Oliver and the rain, the answer for me is he will NOT to anything in the rain, maybe if it's a tiny TINY drizzle but in any actual rain, he just stands there quite sad and looks at me and says (ish), "hey, big guy, don't u know it's raining?! Let's go back inside". But humor aside, when it's raining, I don't take him out as it's a waste of time. I've learned who my dog is. I have wee wee pads set up, and he uses them 75% of the time when he has to go, and uses my nice plush carpet the other 25% of the time. Thank gawd for Nature's Miracle (it's a protein based cleaner if ur not aware). So rain equals Oliver doesn't go out for a walk, as he doesn't walk. It's more like a drag, so I let him stay inside.
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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 12, 2017 9:02:39 GMT -7
We walk under the eves of the house on rainy days. If fiancé can hold a large umbrella while you hold the leash/sling, Jazzy may be ok that way. As long as any carpet cleaner does not have soap/detergent in it, Rob's product would be fine. Soap products are very hard to remove from carpet causing mystery stains to reappear. Here is a budget minded tip: Add a hand sprayer to a white vinegar bottle to disinfect and remove the urine ammonia smell from floors, etc. Best is to have two spray bottles, one filled with plain white vinegar the other filled with peroxide . A spritz of each on urine and poop disinfects and completely removes the odor...Blot and repeat on carpet til clean. Vinegar/Peroxide combo is good on linens, floors and other hard surface. Pre test peroxide for color fastness on important fabrics with wool or cotton content. At Costco you can purchase 2 qts hydrogen peroxide for under $2.00 and two 1-gal white vinegar bottles for around $3. Dr. Becker's full article: articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/07/21/vinegar.aspx
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 12, 2017 11:10:24 GMT -7
I just can't believe how great everything seems to be going...just days ago I had stopped eating and stopped sleeping - having multiple panic attacks because I believed that, without the expensive surgery, there was no hope for her. We literally put life on pause and I had to take off work several times. Now, we have gotten so much done around the house and Jazzy has been such a good little baby (especially now that we can finally get her to pee!) and she is gaining strength back. I didn't think it was possible and i am fully aware we still have such a long way to go but I am just speechless that crate rest has helped this much in less than a week. This forum has been a true life saver. It was such a lonely time before I found this.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 12, 2017 11:59:51 GMT -7
Emily -- Very happy for you that you 'get it'. Here are some of the most important things Iv'e learned in dealing with the 3 incidents of IVDD in the past 5 years - last one being 2 years ago:(1) IVDD is a chronic condition, so once it happens, sadly, it is something we need to live with as a possibility forever, but (2) the best weapon that an IVDD dog parent has is information. And, if I may, you have made very quick work of getting yourself up to speed, which is just great. Im like you. Now, I know the earliest signs of a potential incident, and know what to do the moment I see a symptom. For my Oliver, the first symptom he demonstrates is a reluctance to come up his ramps (which he normally bolts up when he runs up to my bed, or to my couch), or to walk while out for a walk. When he puts he brakes on, I need to check out why and always consider this as one possibility and try to rule it out before anything else. There are many reasons for a dog not wanting to move, but I've learned to parse out the difference between all of the other reasons and when there's a discomfort in his little body that he's innately and intuitively trying to protect. Jazzy may have the same or other initial symptoms, but its incumbent upon us to figure out the earliest early signs, and then we can jump into action with conservative treatment and avoid the surgery, which is obviously dramatically more invasive, more dangerous as it is anytime you put a pet under general anesthesia, and the post-op care is potentially much more involved than doing meds and crate rest.
I'm now approaching 4 weeks since Oliver's incident, and he's doing really great, and from my own observation, his movements are definitely looking like 95% at least. But I'll be sticking to protocols and keep him crated/x-penned for another 4 weeks, and have a appt with my Neurologist on September 11th. But when it first happens, I'm in total fear, panic and dread, and like you, completely put the rest of my life on hold as Oliver really did need me full time to figure out a bunch of things for him. I stopped work completely to get things in the right direction but also was simply unable to work dealing with so much anxiety. So I get it, and you're now seeing how much this condition is informational.
Anyway, I hear you about feeling "lonely" during the initial issue. This site has helped me learn what I needed to learn to be able to deal with this matter very proactively and to advocate for my dog by giving me sufficient information to be able to have a real conversation with the vets, understanding the condition, what they're saying and what they're not saying, and to question them and even engage in pushback with them as I find appropriate.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 12, 2017 12:56:29 GMT -7
Rob, I totally get it. I think some people thought we were overreacting. We even had two family members (who know our dogs are our children) to ask if we were planning on putting Jazzy down. It didn't even cross our minds. All I could think about is how in the world we were going to care for her when we had work/school and she theoretically would need a lot more of our time. And I could think about is how my little girl wasn't going to walk again after going through all the crap she had already faced in her short life. All I could think about is how she deserved so much better than us.
Let me clarify, it was not in my mind that we would give her to anyone else should the issue become worse - I was just trying to think about what lifestyle choices we would need to change in order to make her comfortable.
They were the worst days with the worst thoughts and I spent all day trying to find a name for what she had when I accidentally found Dodgerslist.
Your devotion and loyalty to Oliver is amazing. He is so lucky to have you. It pains me to think about IVDD doggies that don't have good dog parents or they have good dog parents that give up too quickly. In the days following Jazzy's "fall" (when her legs gave out) I just got so angry. My fiancé and I ALWAYS do the right thing in life - we believe in karma. We literally do all we can for others and expect nothing in return. And then this happened to us. I was so angry with God honestly and prayed over and over that he just heal Jazzy. Now that I have calmed down I am just so thankful that this happened to us and not say, my brother, who was one of the ones asking if we were going to put her down. Some people just don't view their own dogs like we view ours :/
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 12, 2017 14:28:07 GMT -7
My mother said the same thing to me about a week ago, stating "maybe you shouldn't have to be bothered ", so I put it squarely, "did you just suggest I should kill my dog?" She tried to weesel out of her selfish comment. I told her I'll speak to her in a few weeks. I'd sooner put her down than my beloved Oliver. Anyone who can't understand that dog's or people need some real help and care and devotion sometimes aren't for me. Ugh!!!
Anyway, jazzy is adorable and I'm glad ur such a good parent. Being on this site for about 4 years, I find it interesting the variation of Owner action, knowledge. Willingness or lack of same to get up to speed, etc. The whole spectrum of people show up here.
Anyway, have a good and uneventful weekend. Keep posting anytime anything comes to mind or heart that u want support for. The moderators are likewise mindful of those who are really working and fighting versus those less so, although they're equally kind and giving to all, so I'm sure u have their attention, as u do mine.
Best , rob
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 14, 2017 8:29:46 GMT -7
8/14/17 update: We got the Novox and Tramadol refilled to last us until 8/22/17. At that point, we will be checking for any signs of pain though I am pretty hopeful that there won't be any (just because she is doing so well). We are also, of course, still doing 5mgs Pepcid twice a day. She is getting stronger in her hind legs, still wobbly but noticeably better than before. Yesterday (8/13) she got her first decaf green tea sponge bath and she loved it. She smells so good and she loved the warmth of it. I think we will be doing one each weekend unless she really needs one during the week. Also, it was a lot more simple than a regular bath in my opinion. At first I was kind of dreading it because it sounded like more work than a normal bath but I think it is really going to work for us, for the next several weeks. One thing we are having issues with is that, when we take her out, mosquitoes are so bad in our backyard is there anything that we can put on her that is safe? I heard Eucalyptus Lemon Oil was a good choice for dogs and it is supposedly safe? P.S. tomorrow marks our first full week of crate rest - I feel like each week mark is cause for celebration! [yesterday at 9:53am via mobile Julie & Nala, Ann Brittain, and 1 more like this]Rob you are appreciated! 8/13/17 update: Jazzy is still trying her best to walk on her own and she is doing such an amazing job. She seems to be getting a little bored and sometimes growls and barks until we pet her but she won't leave us alone even if we do it for 30 min straight lol. I'm like, "you have peed. You have pooped. You just ate. You have water. You have a couple of toys. What in the world do you want now!?!" Lol Now our 12 year old doxie has started to limp on his front right paw and there isn't anything visible stuck in it so we are dealing with nursing him to health now as well. The fun never ends. I have to call the vet tomorrow to get Jazzy's medication refilled. We are going to shoot for the goal of taking her off everything on 8/22 - the two week mark since beginning crate rest. She doesn't seem to show ANY signs of pain at this point but I would like to continue it for a little over a week longer just to be on the safe side. She is doing awesome. I couldn't be more proud! [Moderator's note: please do not modify 13 lbs Novox as of 8/3 : for 14 days then test for pain stop Tramadol 25mgs 2x/day Pepcid AC 5mgs 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 14, 2017 9:52:35 GMT -7
Emily, I have the Repel Plant-based Lemon/Eucalyptus Insect Repellant (Deet free) because Consumer Report gave it a very high review. It works! For my nose it is VERY strong. I can image for a dog's super nose smelling ability that this product would be perhaps irritatingly strong to put on their fur. So I don't put it on my dog's fur when sitting on the deck or out for a quick potty. I do a little spritz of the bottle in the air, the mist will stick to grass, bushes, etc. causing mosquitos to leave for some time before another spritz might be needed. Should be long enough for a potty time for Jazzy in her limited area. Note I live in Montana, not the mosquito-laden Southern states. Let us know how it works for you, others might be interested.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 16, 2017 6:23:41 GMT -7
We are still doing quite well - too well, actually. Jazzy thinks that since she feels better she can stand up in her cage and lean her body against the side (like she is climbing) when I get home and she is excited. No doubt, she is going to start getting bored soon. I tried to help her with a broth ice cube (low sodium, no fat, no onion ingredients) and that kept her occupied for a little while.
We celebrated our first full week of crate rest yesterday - part of me feels like these next 7 weeks will go fast but another part of me thinks it will go so slow. The happy part is that her crate rest ends on october 3rd - that just so happens to be my birthday so we will have a day full of celebration!
Of course, as always, I have more questions that I have thought about these last few days:
If no IVDD episodes happen before the age of 7 (since they usually occur in dogs 3-7 years old) does that mean that it won't happen? I am taking precautions now for my other two doxies (one is 12 years old) but I can't help but wonder.
I saw a list that said one precaution is no "killing the prey" toy game where they shake their heads...another was no "rambunctious playing with other dogs" - I was prepare to end the tug-o-war games but how on earth will I stop these two things? Jazzy doesn't normally "kill the prey" but when the do that, they do it all of the sudden without warning. I feel like I would hav to force her to stop playing with toys all together. And as far as no "rambunctious playing" with other dogs...she lives with her biological sister and they play all the time. Sure, it isn't super dangerous but they chase each other and fall to the floor while biting at each other.
Is the "wobbly walk" permanent? She kind of wobbles but she still has a long way to go. I just don't know if every recovery (should she have multiple episodes) will leave her worse off than the last. I just want to be prepared.
How do we know if IVDD might have a genetic component? I am so paranoid now for Jazzy's sister and, again, we are taking precautions but is there much evidence of related doxies having IVDD?
Can IVDD be tested for, especially in young dachshunds?
Are there any known insurance companies that would cover Jazzy at this point?
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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 16, 2017 9:42:42 GMT -7
Emily, often a blanket draped over the top of the suite, down to about eye level when Jazzy is sitting on her butt will help with jumping against the side of the crate. If they raise up higher then they can see anything..that behavior should quickly extinguish. Often the toys with squeakies in them invite the shaking to kill the prey thing. Maybe another toy would not. How about puzzle toys, a kong, a lo cal treat dispensing toy
There is no predicability with IVDD as to which siblings in a litter might be born with IVDD. It is thought to have a genetic component. Research is needed to address so many questions. There is no test for IVDD. So since Jazzy has genetic siblings, would be a good idea to be easy on their backs too. While the usual is 3-7 years old it can happen at any age. One of mine was at one year old and then never another. Another at 18 years old, but that was likley just the normal aging process of disc hardening. Once crate rest is over, we do the best we can to provide a good envirmment. There is a line of keeping them in ubble wrap vs. letting them enjoy their lives. This is one of the very best essays on that topic "Living with the Fear of IVDD" here it is: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/410/living-fear-ivddDr. Andrew Isaacs, DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center also makes some very good sense on fear of IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/Fears%20with%20IVDD.htmWobbly is due to nerve impairment. With time there is a very good chance nerves will self-repair enough to bring back a more normal gait, maybe even a perfect gait! Each disc episode is different. It could be the same disc, could be any one of the 27 discs. The severity of the disc episode can be different each time...so it really is impossible to predict what would happen if there would be another disc episode. Emily when you think of the purpose for insurance, it is to insure against the unknown situation. Like car insurance is for a car accident. Insurance companies bet that your dog will not have a situation and they will then have a profit from your premiums to stay in business. You, on the other hand bet that your dog will have a situation and thus receive a payout when it happens. Well you already know Jazzy has a situation... he has IVDD. The vet knows and has recorded this IVDD information. No insurance company will insure a known disease. There may be one of the companies who will offer limited coverage of a pre-existing condition. Do read the fine print very, very carefully to understand exactly just what you would be buying. ~Compare Pet Insurance Companies "A Vet's Guide To Pet Insurance" www.pet-insurance-university.com/compare_pet_insurance.html
~AARV has a summary of pet insurance coverage for rehabilitation services, current as of March 2017: www.rehabvets.org/_docs/AARV-Pet-Insurance-Summary-030117.pdf
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 16, 2017 9:53:43 GMT -7
Thank you for the information - sorry for having so many questions, I try to think of a list instead of asking one at a time. We are going to take precautions but like the "Living in Fear of IVDD", I don't want to diminish her joys in life and what she loves to do most (which is mainly wrestling with her sister).
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 16, 2017 10:52:36 GMT -7
Hi Emily. I'm glad things are settling down. I'm approaching week 5 of Oliver's crate rest in this, the 3rd IVDD incident. What I want to share is how I've evolved my thoughts, feelings and expectations about how Oliver plays and generally interacts both with people and other dogs in light of the FACT that Oliver has a chronic disease - IVDD -- and once a dog has had an incident, it is always possible to have another in their lifetime. Now, I do NOT dwell or obsess negatively about this fact, it is simply a fact of our lives. That said, I am fully resigned to doing all I can to protect him as best as I can from trying to avoid or minimize the risks of another incident in the future. I do not allow any rough play with other dogs and also let people who try to play with him or pet him in any kind of rough way (people do that sometimes unaware that it could actually harm the dog) know of the condition and to be mindful. This is not to say Oliver is deprived of "normal" play, to the contrary. But I feel it's my job to do what I can to keep things gentler. And that goes especially with other dogs as dogs just play by instinct and wouldn't know if they were potentially going to cause a catastrophy. And this isn't depriving our dogs of anything. I know people might feel that placing restrictions on the ability to do whatever they want is somehow restricting our pets enjoyment in life, but I would wholeheartedly disagree with that. Give them love, give them treats, give them protection -- even from themselves -- and this is the dearest gift u can give to ur baby.
Information is the greatest weapon against future episodes and in dealing with being in the middle of a current episode. And as Jazzy and Oliver improve, while instinctually they have more energy and want to move around more, we need to remain vigilant as the last thing we want, as they're improving is to have a new incident and be back to square one.
😬😬
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Post by Mel & Hunley on Aug 17, 2017 5:51:12 GMT -7
I just realized you were the one of the few I talked to on the Facebook group. I've been so scatterbrained since the weekend and things aren't making much sense lately. But I'm praying for your jazzy! 😊
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 17, 2017 6:13:38 GMT -7
Mel & Hunley thank you so so much. This has been scary but it is so helpful to hear from other people going through it. I am also praying for Hunley's recovery - he is doing so great!
Rob & Oliver I am quite paranoid about "living with the fear of IVDD" but you do make really good points about the quality of life. I don't want her to prevent doing what she loves but I also want to protect her. It is frustrating for sure. How many times had Oliver gone through this total and how old is he? I feel so bad that you have had to return to this page.
I received the pamphlets about IVDD yesterday and I want to thank you all that volunteer your time with Dodgerslist. I am going to give a copy of each thing to my vet and the info in them are so valuable!
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 17, 2017 6:45:09 GMT -7
Hi emily. Let me reply to this:
"you do make really good points about the quality of life. I don't want her to prevent doing what she loves but I also want to protect her. It is frustrating for sure. How many times had Oliver gone through this total and how old is he? I feel so bad that you have had to return to this page."
Let me express this really clearly and from the heart. There is no reason whatsoever to feel badly that I've had to return to this page; I'm quite accustomed to having to deal with this issue and don't see Oliver as handicapped or "broken" in some way. He's just a family member, my little baby who has a medical condition that requires proper care. That's all. But it's taken me having to deal with the matter over time to get th full education on the topic that I have now, so I'm less nervous about ththe whole thing. That said, if you see my current thread (starting 4 weeks ago to the date), I had to really get up to speed on the possibility for surgery as this time he did go down the scale of bad neuro indicators.
. Oliver is 8.5 years old. Had his first bout when he was 5, I think it was twice in a six month period, but they were mild episodes, Oliver responded immediately to conservative treatment, he did not lose ability to walk at all etc. This time he did but given my familiarity both with the condition and my dog (remember, know one knows the subtleties and small movements of Jazzy better than u do) I was able to appropriately "push-back" on the neurologist's recommendation to perform surgery, and rightly so, as he is now at 100% clinically speaking and did in fact NOT need the surgery to get to this level of healing. As for whether Oliver might feel he's being somehow "deprived" of a more active life, when I think that way I remind myself that I'm just projecting as dogs DO NOT have those type of thoughts. Only people do. I feel I have a responsibility to oliver to make sure he does not jump off couches or beds like Underdog, and he is not being deprived of a full happy life. Again, those are people adjectives. As long as I give him love and affection and treats and healthy food and water, they're fine. And I consider that showing my love means to restrain Oliver from engaging in activities which are or could possibly lead to a new activation of the IVDD. So, there's a learning curve to this, and I feel very strongly that I owed it (and still owe it) to him to know the issues regarding medications, the issues regarding treatment in general, and after Jazzy has been through this first bout, I would say what I consider most critical is to remain mindful of the earliest signs and symptoms, since we know that the earlier you detect a new activation (and hopefully it will never happen again, but it's always a possibility) the easier. And better will be her recovery. And I don't live in fear of a new activation. Actually let me put it another way, I don't perpetually live in fear but I do remain on-guard and vigilant, always. But I consider that part of my caring for Oliver, just as I take care of feeding him and walking him and protecting him in general. Takes time but you're taking great care of jazzy and she's very thankful for it.
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 18, 2017 7:49:34 GMT -7
Rob, I hope I begin to be in the same mindset as you are. I think time will tell as far as that goes. Sorry I don't ever have more to say in response to your posts; I agree with what you have to say and I am thankful that you have shared support and your own personal stories with Jazzy and I. All I can say is that I just believe it is going to take some time. All I can do right now is to not show Jazzy any fear or stress.
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Post by Rob & Oliver on Aug 18, 2017 8:00:11 GMT -7
Hi Emily. Please don't worry about responding lengthy or short or whatever. Just be yourself, no one is judging here, just trying to pass on our knowledge and experience. And yes, time is the healer, not even the meds -- They just help Jazzy get some time under her belt to begin he healing process internally. One comments on not showing her how u feel. I understand the point in concept but our dogs are all instinct and emotional connection, so they'll pick up on ur feelings. Which is fine. Don't worry about that, she knows ur concerned about her and thus love her. Ur doing GREAT for Jazzy!!! Keep up the good work!!!
And today for me and Oliver is 4 weeks of start of strict crate rest. Half way home. Woo Hoo!!!
Best wishes, keep posting, hope u and jazzy have a nice, uneventful weekend.
Rob
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Post by Emily & Zeus on Aug 20, 2017 8:55:25 GMT -7
We are still doing well but I was under the impression that, by now, Jazzy wouldn't need her sling outside when she goes potty. Should I be concerned? Her butt isn't necessary falling over but her hind legs with kind of slide out from under her...
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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 20, 2017 9:01:09 GMT -7
Emily, all sounds normal. The focus on conservative treatment is all about getting the disc to heal. You may or may not observe the full nerve healing you'd like to see in such a short time of 8 weeks it takes the disc to heal in. Nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal..could take months rather than days/weeks to see self healing.
Use the sling to protect the back. The sling is there and available as back up should legs slide out from under her. Keeping the butt from falling over, from twisting the back is protecting the early healing disc from damaging all the healing that has thus far been accomplished.
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