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Post by kathynpooh on Jun 30, 2013 10:03:36 GMT -7
My Dog is Pooh is a Doxie and as been to the vet and is being treated with 5mg of prednisone twice a day and is on crate rest. He has control of his bladder and is having normal bowel movements. He is knuckling some and is walking like a drunk. It started on Friday and we were able to get him to a vet this morning.I was directed to this site by a person on I love Dauchunds on facebook. She said you would help us through this. I am also using essential oils and Reiki as I am a Reiki master. Looking forward to your guidance.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 30, 2013 12:24:54 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, My name is Pauliana, what is your name? Please let your Pooh know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will. With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? -- What is your dog's name? -- What was the date you saw the vet and started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM)? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? I noticed you mentioned the dosage of the Prednisone but saw no pain medications listed and disc episodes are very painful. Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC because Prednisone is notorious for causing stomach acid. Ask your Vet this way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html-- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail due when you do some happy talk? -- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood? Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration. Find a holistic vet here: ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. |
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Post by kathynpooh on Jun 30, 2013 12:55:07 GMT -7
My name is Kathy and my doxie's name is Pooh with is short for Poochini. He started not walking right on Fri but did not seem to have much pain but today he was in a lot of pain. Now He is resting comfortably. He had a shot at the vets not sure what it was but it got him out of pain very quickly and now he is an 5mg of Prednisone every 12 hours. He has good control over his bladder and bowel movements. Poops are normal. Yes Pooh is able to move his tail and legs. He is eating and drinking just fine. I will go and get some pepcid ac right now. Thank you so much. I will keep you posted on his progress.
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Post by Pauliana on Jun 30, 2013 13:15:10 GMT -7
Hi Kathy! I am sorry to hear that Pooh was in pain today. Did your vet send home pain medications for him? He should have.. Please read this link. There is a lot more the vet can do to help Pooh! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm He needs to be pain free from dose to dose so that he can begin healing. It is a good idea to call and ask the vet what was in the pain shot he was given. It's important to know everything that is being given to your dog and to be aware of adverse reactions to each medication. www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlThe dosage of Pepcid AC for a Doxie is 5mg which is half a tablet of the Origingal strength 10mg Pepcid AC. Give the half tablet 30 minutes prior to the Prednisone twice a day every 12 hours. Limited movement is the key to his recovery as well as pain control. Thanks for keeping us posted! Sending healing wishes across the miles. |
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Post by kathynpooh on Jun 30, 2013 14:59:42 GMT -7
No he was not sent home with any pain meds will call and ask about that tomorrow but he does not seem to be in any pain . He is wagging his tail and wants out of his recovery suite but of course that is not going to happen. He is much better than he was this morning. He is resting comfortably. I had him out to pee and he did then I brought him right back in. He had a nice normal poop also. He is starting to act like himself again.
Thank you for all your information. Did get the pepcid ty for the dosage amount.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 30, 2013 15:19:19 GMT -7
What was the name of the shot he got at the vet?
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Post by kathynpooh on Jun 30, 2013 15:32:21 GMT -7
I don't know was so upset I did not ask. I will call and ask tomorrow.
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Jun 30, 2013 20:13:18 GMT -7
Hi and welcome. Keeping your Pooh in thought and prayer  |
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Post by jochs311 on Jun 30, 2013 20:26:20 GMT -7
Hi Kathy, I am Also a fan of I love Dachshunds on FB and was referred from there also. This site has done wonders for us! When we started with crate rest out Tucker was in rough shape. Paralysis, and loss of bladder control. So far with the knowlage I've gotten from this site we are seeing great results. We have started accupuncture and it is working! Tucker is still unable to use his rear legs (its been 15 days crate rest) but we are seeing results! Our vet has given up on him and we WILL NOT!! We see improvements every day! We have found that our accupuncture Dr. has done wonders with him even with controlling his pain. Which my vet didn't seem to want to do. Tucker is gaining bladder control back and is really himself without his back legs. He has however been standing on his own for longer periods of time too. Stay strong I know how hard crate rest is but it is do worth it!! Healing thoughts and prayers sent your way!
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 1, 2013 9:39:51 GMT -7
Hi just wanted to let everyone know that Pooh is doing much better, no pain and he is standing pretty steady. He tried to lift his leg to pee but that did not work out so well. I have him on leash when i take him out good thing because he now wants to try and run. He is eating and drinking well. I will continue massages with doterra essential oils. He loves deep blue and serenity. I wil also continue with reiki . I am going to look for a vet that does acupuncture in Columbus, ohio about a 45 mi drive waiting until i think he is up to the ride. We are only on day 2 it is going to be a long 8 weeks.t
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 1, 2013 10:45:20 GMT -7
Woohoo Pooh just had another normal poop today.Things are going great. Just have to keep telling hubby that he must stay in the recovery suite for 8 weeks. Pooh is already starting to complain some about his restrictions.
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 1, 2013 20:29:03 GMT -7
Great update - way to go Pooh doggie! |
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 1, 2013 20:53:44 GMT -7
Hi Kathy!
Had to keep on Neil too because he kept wanting to let Tyler out of the crate, so I understand what you are going through there with your husband. I not only had to keep an eye on Tyler but on Neil too to keep Tyler where he should be..
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 2, 2013 9:32:11 GMT -7
Hubby is at lone at home today with Pooh and 2 grandkids. I have checked on him twice and he said Pooh is doing well. Looks like he has a little more balance today and does not seem to be in any pain at all. But I think i will have hubby ask for some pain meds when he takes our other dog for he yearly on Wed. I really want to get some xrays after he is out of his crate so i know what is going on exactly. You see i am an xray tech. I have convinced him that crate rest is the way to do. He is just taking him out to pee and poop all is well there. He just gets to take a few steps at that time. A freind at work told me of a vet in town that does laser sx she had it done on her Doxie and he has been good for yrs now and this vet charges around one thousand dollars. I checked into accupuncture and it is 250 to 350 dollar for the first visit. I have a lot to think about and consider. But at least I have time because he is doing so well. Dodgers list has been a wealth of information and I am so glad that it is here. You are all so helpful. I was such a mess on Sunday trying to get him to a vet and it just happened our vet was in for another emergency when we drove by so we went in to him instead of diving an hour with a dog in pain with a bad back. Hubby is going to build some ramps per the instructions from your site. We will have to crate him when we are out of the house because he is a flyer. Thank yoy all for your support I so need it. It is going to be a long 8 weeks.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 3, 2013 9:51:49 GMT -7
Kathy, anytime an IVDD dog has to be put under anesthesia it is a danger time for the discs. The dog's primary defense is dependent upon adequate control over the trunk muscles – this defense is eliminated with anesthesia. Obtaining good quality spinal x-rays requires the dog to be completely immobilized, and this usually means employing a general anesthetic.
Xrays would be used to rule out other diseases that can mimic a disc problem. So since Pooh is responding well to conservative treatment, it really does not matter which disc is problematic…conservative treatment rests all the disc and it is very likely he does have a disc problem and not another disease.
Good job on getting everyone one on board for 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7!
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 3, 2013 10:41:47 GMT -7
Since at this point no xrays. So how do I best advocate for him if I take him to a holistic vet. They want to do blood work and xrays at his first visit. Or should I just hold off till the end of the 8 weeks. Or should I just continue with the essential oil massages and Reiki and not worry about the acupuncture or laser therapy at this time.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 3, 2013 12:46:37 GMT -7
Blood work is always a good thing to verify organ health when on either class of anti-inflammatories (steroids or NSAIDs). You hire vets, you tell them what services you want. Xrays at this point, seem pointless…he is doing well and responding to conservative treatment…so likely there is not a tumor or broken bone, etc. causing symptoms similar to a disc episode. Wobbly walking and knuckling are the result of the spinal cord damage (nerve damage). The body can self heal (regenerate) with time, you can choose to do acupuncture now or after crate rest if you see his nerve damage could use some help to get the cells kick started. When a dog's legs are paralyzed it is important to keep the joints flexible and circulation up in the muscles…so then only the information highlighted in PINK and red numbers would apply. If Pooh does not fight you causing unnecessary back movement, as most dogs who can move their legs do not want you to do range of motion, you could try these: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm |
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 3, 2013 20:41:37 GMT -7
Pooh had a great day. His legs are not wobley any more poops still normal,bladder control good no pain and starting to complain about being in his crate. My husband took our other dog to the vets today for his yearly so he asked the vet if he agreed with my 8 weeks in the recovery suite and he does. He said 6 weeks is good but 8 would be better. I was so glad the vet agreed so my hubby will do it now. I am massaging his back and hind legs with deep blue essential oil blend from DoTerra and giving him a Reiki treatment every other day along with his pred. I got famotidine on board to protect his tummy. I was so scared on Sunday before i found this site. You are wonderful with your advice and online resources. I have learned so much in such a short time. Thank you for dodgers list. This morning when he went out to do his business he walked a little sideways. But no pain and no problems doing his business. What I want to know is what food would be best to feed him after he gets off his med. I started giving him a sardine a day because i read somewhere that the fish oil is good for him. He loves the sardines so i figured it could not hurt what do you think of this. Hi little brother that is a toy fox terrier is jellous of the attention so we try to give them both treats and attention. He also loves the sardines.
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 4, 2013 11:42:40 GMT -7
Kathy, your report is music to my ears! Pooh is walking steadily and not in pain. You advocated and got famotidine on board and your vet is on board with 8 weeks of crate rest to let the disc heal and hubby can follow through now. Things are going very well at your house!!! While on the big gun meds, we do not recommend any change in diet. This is the reason why. If there is gastric distress you want to know the exact reason why. With food changes there can be loose stools that are of a temporary nature and no big deal. On the other hand loose stools can be the signal that Prednisone is having a dangerous adverse side effect and steps have to be immediately taken to get a 2nd stomach protector on board called sucralfate. Feeding a tinned sardine a day that is packed in water is a good idea and can be started as soon as he is off meds. You will want to assess the food you are currently feeding and weigh it against your budget to decide on the best food for Pooh and his brother. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htmIf we have helped you, we'd like to ask you to help us. July is Disc Disease (IVDD) Awareness Month We are trying to get the word out to as many IVDD prone breed owners and veterinarians that disc disease is not a death sentence and that there are two treatments for this disease. If you can, please order some of our free literature to hand out where ever you see Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas and other short legged breeds. Just ask Linda to send you our free literature: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for Pooh should also watch this DVD; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm |
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 5, 2013 5:56:11 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Pooh ison the mend, left rear leg is still showing some weakness other than thathe is doing great he slept on his back last night,that is his favorite sleeping position legs up in the air. Today we start▼weening him off the pred one tab a day for 5 days the a half till gone. He really seems to love his crate. Yesterday i made a people dog den on the floor. My hubby is not happy with that because i had to move my favorite chair to the living room where he says it looks stupid he will just have to live with it lol. Ordered the material to hand out and some to give the vet. Thank you.
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 6, 2013 10:48:07 GMT -7
Hi Kathy. I was re-reading and saw that you are a Reiki master. Have you used any crystals in your work on Pooh? I know that this is 'way out there" for some folks, but I have found that Black Tourmaline in a double cross layout is beneficial for the spine and Yellow Aragonite as a massage wand helps with restoring elasticity to discs ( ref. Book of Stones and Crystal Healing for Pets) If all else fails they really benefit from the healing of the loving touch and special one on one time that goes along with it |
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 6, 2013 12:08:57 GMT -7
No i have not tried crystal therapy. I will ask my mentoring to help me with that . She also sells crystals or can tell me where to get them . And no crystal therapy is not way out there at least not for me. We need to use the energy God gave us.Thank you for the info. Pooh is doing so well he want to run but of course we don't let him. No pain and weening off pred for the next 10 days.A friend was in lily dale when this happened and had healing sent to both of us from the temple. Got to love energy working friends.
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 6, 2013 15:47:37 GMT -7
I have another question. I have a doggie door for pooh and spot. Will pooh be able to use this if we build a ramp down from the door, it is only a 2inch rise on the inside or should we quit using the doggie door because of the pressure on his neck while pushing the flap open.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 7, 2013 7:46:11 GMT -7
I agree with your concern about the flap both needing to be pushed open and the flap landing on his back a bit as the dog goes out the door.
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 7, 2013 17:57:03 GMT -7
Ok we are getting rid of the doggie door when Pooh gets off of crate rest. The weening of of pred is going well , we are on day 2 no pain everything progressing well. Some right leg weakness but walking is pretty steady when out to the bathroom. We are all on the mend .
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 7, 2013 21:30:28 GMT -7
Glad Pooh is on the mend towards her careful new normal. Good sign of not being in pain during the Pred taper!
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 10, 2013 2:26:44 GMT -7
Hi , Pooh is back tohis old self. He is walking steady when out to potty and complaining about being in his crate when we are out of his sight for a few
minutes. Crate rest is tbe key he is on his way to his new careful normal. I made the furniture blockers yesterday. We are making sure his backyard is back friendly for him. A lot of work to get done in 7 weeks. Thank you so much for your support and valuable information.
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 13, 2013 7:10:33 GMT -7
Pooh doggie is comming along just fine. He wants out of his crate so he is being winey . He has 6 more weeks on crate rest. Then we his loving people will need recovery rest. Had us up half the night on Thursday
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 13, 2013 11:46:17 GMT -7
Glad to hear he is doing well. Be aware you might be inadvertently cooperating with Pooh's aspirations as a people trainer. 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, leave the room if you have to. Anytime your Pooh is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon he'll will learn that you are the teacher not him…. as you own the treats he wants.
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Post by kathynpooh on Jul 13, 2013 18:38:41 GMT -7
Ok Paula I will not let him control us . He as been much better today only fussing when he needs to go out. Sleeping in his crate in his favorite position on back with feet up. Good sign I think!! We are feeding him 1 cup of dog food a day and he seems to be good with that . Giving him some beef broth as a treat. Sitting on the floor with my head in the crate when he as been quiet for a while I think he is getting it . Resting equals petting and attention.
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