lisah
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Posts: 17 
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Post by lisah on Jun 26, 2013 12:07:13 GMT -7
Hi my name is Lisa..i have a cutie patootie mini doxie name Coco..shes gonna be 5 in July..our first experience with this disease occured in Oct.2011..she was put on prednisone,methocarbomol..and tramadol..she ended up paralylized for about 3weeks or so..no bladder/bowel control went to specialist but could not afford surgery..continued crate rest and meds..went to bed one night got up next morning..she was standing and walking..finished crate restriction and she was fine..2nd episode was in August2012..this time she was down after 5 days with meds and in crate ..the paralysis lasted close to 6 weeks but once again she fought to walk..in late September she started rehab..laser treatment and underwater treadmill..after first time with laser a dramatic change happened..every week she became stronger and stronger she was about 90%normal..running playing..built a ramp off of deck no stairs..treated her like glass for a long while continued rehab..flash forward to june 20th2013..she was quiet for most of the day..went to pat her she yelped made her rest and when got back from dinner we set up the crate and started her on prednisone methocarbomol and tramadol..shes been doing well since still walking normally is in the crate exept for potty times..im doing this on my own as i know the vet will tell me to do exactly what im doing..if things go downhill of course will take her in..ive called and told them [vets] whats going on and what im doing for meds..i have her rehab lady coming to my house tomorrow for her laser treatment so as not to move her too much..id appreciate any feedback anyone can give me..thank you
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lisah
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Posts: 17
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Post by lisah on Jun 26, 2013 13:34:33 GMT -7
Meds shes on...initially i gave her 1.1/2of prednisone 5mg tab the first night i noticed something amiss..called the specialist that same night and basically since they didnt see her kinda hedged and hawed but where i started it they gave me some direction to go with...as of 6/21 i started her on 1tabx2 which i have done now til today..i will started ▼weaning in the morning to 1/2tabx2 for 6days..then1/2tab once a day for 6days..then every other day for 6doses..i have had her on pepcid since Saturday morning 5mg once a day..shes eating great going pee and poop on her own outside..i also have her on tramadol 50mg 1/2pill x3..no breakthru pain at all..methocarbamol 500mg..1/4pillx3....im being vigillant with crate rest only letting her walk outside to do her business we go slow down the ramp(shes collared and leashed) she does her thing we come right back in to her condo as we like to call it..im just taking things day by day..
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 26, 2013 13:52:40 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Lisa! Sounds to me like you have things well under control having been through this 3 times.. You did all the right things! It's so wonderful you have a rehab lady that comes to your house to do the laser treatments!  There have been some changes on our website so please do take a look..http://www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm Will keep Coco in our thoughts and prayers! |
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lisah
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Posts: 17
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Post by lisah on Jun 26, 2013 14:13:57 GMT -7
Thank you Pauliana this is such a great site!i didnt know about it the first two times and felt there was no support groups out there..im learning new things which is awesome.. thank you also that you're keeping Coco in your thoughts much appreciated  |
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Post by Yvonne & Billy on Jun 26, 2013 16:11:34 GMT -7
Hi Lisa!
My name is Yvonne and I am going through it the first time with my 4 year old baby boy Cocker Spaniel, Billy.
Bless your heart for being such a sturdy pillar for your baby Coco. You are an amazing mommy!!!
Hang in there. This too, shall pass. =)
Sending positive thoughts for you and your baby~~~~~~
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lisah
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Post by lisah on Jun 26, 2013 16:37:48 GMT -7
Hi Yvonne so sorry to hear about Billy  Since this is your first time i know your scared,worried all the time and basically a wreck! Just try and think positive(i know its hard sometimes)give Billy tons of loving and you too will muddle thru..thank you so much for the kind words.i didnt think we'd get thru the first two times but meds crate restriction and Cocos determination was all we needed if you need to talk shoot me a message...keeping Billy in my thoughts |
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 26, 2013 18:41:34 GMT -7
Hi Lisa, I'm so sorry about your Coco baby. We are going through our first episode and with paralysis. Your story put hopeful tears to my eyes after our vet visit today. I was told he will not walk again by our vet. We are on day 11 of crate rest. We have also started acupuncture. I see little improvements that my Dr doesn't!! We are staying positive though! Healing vibes sent your way!
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lisah
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Post by lisah on Jun 26, 2013 19:09:04 GMT -7
Hi Jochs so sorry to hear about your dog..i wouldnt put much stock in what the vet said..first time for us we were told the same thing but Coco had other ideas..second time we were told theres nothing more the vet could do and gave us information for a dog cart well again showed us all she didnt like that idea...im just going by my experience but i massaged her legs with light flexing probably 5-6 times a day telling her id get her better..with love and patience i have a feeling your little one will get better thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts anytime you need a sounding board im here |
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 26, 2013 20:20:33 GMT -7
Thanks Lisa! We do message with Tucker. Even the accupunctureist said its a good thing to remind them they have legs there.
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lisah
New Member
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Post by lisah on Jun 26, 2013 21:11:26 GMT -7
You're very welcome Jochs..
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 26, 2013 21:17:14 GMT -7
My name is Jen I hope your baby feels better soon!! You have a fighter on your hands  |
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lisah
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Posts: 17
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Post by lisah on Jun 26, 2013 21:22:23 GMT -7
Nice to meet you Jen...thank you again for warm wishes...our babies are both fighters healing vibes going to you&that sweetie |
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lisah
New Member
Posts: 17
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Post by lisah on Jun 27, 2013 3:08:59 GMT -7
Just a little update..today is day 7of crate rest..shes still upright and mobile wheww.. no neuro deficits usually by now she has gone down(hopefully not jinxing anything)i start weaning today im a nervous wreck..i have her rehabist coming today for her laser..this woman has become my friend,my sounding board,my rock in the last 8 months..she has been Cocos cheerleader from day one i couldnt do this without her i just pray this time is just a little bump and we can continue onward after 8 weeks and get her back into laying in the sun and hanging with her sisters.. |
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Post by natureluva on Jun 27, 2013 6:33:54 GMT -7
Hi Lisa, thanks for the update on Coco. Sounds like she's doing well. You know the drill...if you see breakthrough pain, that means a longer course of meds (including the steroid) is required from the vet. Please let us know how things go! Fingers crossed! ~Lisa
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lisah
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Posts: 17
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Post by lisah on Jun 27, 2013 7:06:59 GMT -7
Hi Lisa thank you so much!actually called the vets today with an update on Coco...i had questions but they cant answer because they havent seen her..im doing this on my own its not my first go around i just feel why should i spend money for them to tell me to do what im doing.dont get me wrong first sign of trouble we're so there ..its seems both times she was stressed so much and wiggling to goto the vet it made it worse so im keeping on course..
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 27, 2013 11:28:39 GMT -7
Glad to hear Coco is doing well. The reason that it IS a good idea to go in for an initial diagnosis when you suspicion it might be a disc problem is that there are other diseases that mimi disc disease….so that is the reason to get a hands on exam and a diagnosis from the vet. You are right conservative treatment is not rocket science…. once you have a confirmed diagnosis, the meds to bring the swelling down and relieve pain and crate rest to let the disc heal is what it takes.
It would be a good idea to always attach a leash to a harness and only use the collar like a neckless to just hold the tags.
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lisah
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Posts: 17
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Post by lisah on Jun 27, 2013 14:32:03 GMT -7
Hi Paula thank you for your well wishes i get what you're saying about it might be something else..ive thought more about it im just waiting a few more days to see if she stays up im very paranoid about transporting her right now.the first two go arounds were so tramatic for her and myself..i do harness her usually but didnt want the extra weight on her back im just playing it too safe i guess..laser went ok once we got her calmed down shes not used to my rehabist coming to the house lol ill update tomorrow.. |
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Jun 27, 2013 21:19:18 GMT -7
Hugs to you and your Coco |
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lisah
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Post by lisah on Jun 28, 2013 2:30:20 GMT -7
Thank you so much stevieluv |
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lisah
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Post by lisah on Jun 28, 2013 4:40:00 GMT -7
Day 8...Things here are still good shes still walking normally.. no neuro deficits.. no breakthru pain.. appetites great.. potty breaks are going smoothly..she really doesnt want to be crated anymore but oh well i tell her im the mommy lol im a firm believer in the laser treatments and the underwater treadmill..i think having 8months prior to this episode has definately helped her not go down..still taking things day by day and crossing fingers |
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 30, 2013 14:41:49 GMT -7
A wonderful update! So glad to hear and thanks for keeping us in the loop!
Pets to Coco!
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lisah
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Post by lisah on Jul 1, 2013 12:28:29 GMT -7
As i sit here and type this im sobbing and my heart has broken into a million pieces...my sweet Cocobean has been freed of her pain..up until yesterday shes was absolutely normal still hadnt seen neuro signs had her pain managed and she was still walking normally..this morning has been a rough one to say the least..ive made the greatest sacrifice and gift of love to release my baby to run and play painfree forever..we've taken quite a journey her and I ...i was there when she came into this world,bottle fed her and her 4siblings,watched as she grew to an awesome dog and companion..we've journeyed twice together thru this horrible disease when everyone gave up on her..i know it can be managed and have done so with building a ramp off the deck,made sure no jumping on and off of furniture,made sure of no excessive rough play with her sistes..u just dont
know what can happen..i was there when she left this world this morning telling her i love her and run and play baby with the Angels...You will be loved and missed forever my lovie Cocobean! I wish everyone on this site a healthy recovery for all your sweet babies...
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Post by Mel & Coco on Jul 1, 2013 16:43:48 GMT -7
So sad for your loss...but, you did your best...and sometimes the "best" is not easy...I'll light a candle for her crossing over the Rainbow Bridge....Mel
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lisah
New Member
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Post by lisah on Jul 1, 2013 17:39:57 GMT -7
Thank you Mel i really appreciate the sentiment
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 1, 2013 18:29:13 GMT -7
I am sorry for your loss, Lisa. Can you tell us if the pain appeared on the taper off of pred, were additional pain meds used, increase in dose or frequency and still the pain was not helped? This turn of sad events is just so sudden and unexplained.
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lisah
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Post by lisah on Jul 1, 2013 19:06:45 GMT -7
Thank you for your condolences Paula...yes we were on the taper of 1/2 of predx2 today would have been day 6..other meds had stayed the same but was in and out all weekend so was gonna start backing off of pain meds also today seeing as vets office was open and if a problem arose i could get her there quickly..i dont know if it was because of the previous episodes and this one being her third attributed to her sudden decline i made this heartwrenching decision because i personally believe she wouldnt have bounced back from this no matter how strict or observant i was in conservative care..i chose to release her from pain we had 8great months of painfree freedom which she and I enjoyed immensly..at some point you just have to say its time ive exhausted all resources i had available and gave her the best life i could have...
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 1, 2013 20:20:13 GMT -7
I am so very very sorry for your loss. Run fast and free little Coco, your Mommy loves you so very much and you will meet again at the Bridge. (((hugs)))
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lisah
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Post by lisah on Jul 1, 2013 20:40:41 GMT -7
Thank you stevieluv for your condolences much appreciated
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Since this is your first time i know your scared,worried all the time and basically a wreck! Just try and think positive(i know its hard sometimes)give Billy tons of loving and you too will muddle thru..thank you so much for the kind words.i didnt think we'd get thru the first two times but meds crate restriction and Cocos determination was all we needed if you need to talk shoot me a message...keeping Billy in my thoughts 
