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Post by Carie & Chewie on Dec 26, 2017 5:47:22 GMT -7
Hi my name is Carie Ann I have a 14 pound Yorkie I took him to the emergency vet on November 11 for limping on her left paw and neck pain they gave him predisone and tramadol and was symptom-free after we stop the steroid the symptoms came back [Dec 11] so they put him back on the prednisone and Gabepentin and did an MRI they said there is lateralized C-5 C6 disc herniation causing mild left ventrolateral lateral cord compression but moderate radicular compression this disc herniation appears to be an acute or chronic condition this is a very mild disc herniation at C 4for C5 and C6 and 7 both of which are not causing significant compression .so they said root nerve compression. On steroid and Gabepentin he is symptom free. We started crate rest the day of mri dec 11 but today when we decreased the steroid to every other he started to knuckle today but no pain so gave him the 2.5 dose of steroid. He is doing acupuncture three times already and doing another Friday. I was so frightened when he was knuckling and falling over. An hour past and was standing and walking but occasionally knuckling but not as much. Please help please. I have 8 weeks of cage rest to avoid surgery due to the one neurosurgeon saying they would have to go through back of neck and terribly painful surgery. Again on 2.5 mg predisone and 25mg of Gabepentin twice a day he is symptom free. Please help pleas
[Moderator's note: please do not edit 14 lbs. MRI nerve root compression and crate rest as of 12/11 Prednisone as of 12/11: 5mgs 1/day for 5 days as of 12/25: 2.5mgs 1x/day til 1/5 appt due neuro diminishment: knuckling, no pain Gabapentin 25mg 2x/day Pepcid AC 3mgs 2x/day ]
Moved to the forum: I also give him Pepcid with steroid
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Dec 26, 2017 7:11:49 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Carie Ann. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your dog to get back to enjoying life whether immediately walking during the short 8 weeks of conservative treatment it will take a disc to heal or waiting on more nerve repair - IVDD is not a death sentence. Find out why that is true: www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm Do know that neck injuries can sometimes take longer to heal than back injuries. And sometimes several courses of Prednisone will be necessary during the course of treatment. We do need more information from you to be sure we're offering the correct advice. 1. You said that crate rest started on 12/11. So crate rest was not started prior to that date? If that's the case, then unfortunately nothing that was done prior to 12/11 can count as the crate rest is the most important part of conservative care. Please give us more information as to the exact dates of crate rest and if it's been consistent with you carrying him in and out to potty with only a very few steps allowed at potty time. 2. Please fill in the list of meds so we have an exact record. 14 lbs. Prednisone 2.5mg ??x/day 11/11, symptoms returned after stopping; started again 12/11, taper 12/16, started knuckling Tramadol started 11/11 - stopped Gabapentin started 12/11 25mg ??x/day Please include the all-important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive against not eating, vomit, diarrhea, bleeding ulcers by giving doxie weight dogs 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory. 3. What is your dog’s name? 4. Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)? 5. Does the acupuncturist come to your house or do you transport your Yorkie to their office? Does your Yorkie lie still while getting acupuncture. The less movement of the spine while on conservative care, the better. Transport to a vet involves risk of too much movement and it may be best to hold off on acupuncture until the damaged disc in his neck completely heals with 8 weeks of strict crate rest. Think of the crate as a cast for the spine, only out to potty and then back in to heal. 6. Is your dog calm in the crate or does he move around a lot, which would make a difference in the healing of the disc? There are several other things you can do to help a neck injury heal, such as softening hard kibble, raising food/water dishes. More here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htm7. Let us know you are on the same page about crate rest. The hallmark component of conservative treatment is the crate rest part. With little blood supply discs are much slower to form good scar tissue than it takes a blood rich broken bone to heal. That 6 weeks of a cast for a broken arm to heal is similar to the recovery suite being a kind of cast for the disc. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks provides limited movement to allow good strong scar tissue to form. Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times. Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/slingwalk.jpg8. Is there still currently pain? ◻︎ restless, pacing, can’t find a comfortable position ◻︎reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎shivering-trembling ◻︎yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎slow or reluctant to move ◻︎tight tense tummy ◻︎arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to pain of moving jaw with a neck disc or pain of back disc ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎not their normal perky selves Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose of correctly Rx/d pain meds. "There is medicine and there is healing. Healing requires rest and comfort, and all patients should be kept as comfortable as possible. Studies have shown a correlation between less pain and faster recovery from illness, surgery, or injury." Barak Benaryeh, DVM, DABVP. Identifying Pain in Geriatric Patients. Veterinary Team Brief. NOV/Dec 2015. ☐ Why Chiropractic is not recommended for pain for an IVDD dog www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm9. Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood? While we are not vets we do have much to share with you - things we have learned from the neuros and other professionals who Dodgerslist consult with, our own personal experience with IVDD plus observing the many, many thousands of dogs who pass through this Forum and what their vets prescribe. We can help you to interpret what you observe and make sure you relay the important feedback to your vet quickly to get speedier help for your dog. You will see we point you to invaluable background info to read. The reason is that with this particular disease, knowledge IS most definitely the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win. Many vets know IVDD and some are new to it. You can play an instrumental role in working with the vet you have hired when you bring the best command of this disease to the table. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmHealing prayers for your Yorkie.
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Dec 26, 2017 8:25:38 GMT -7
Chewie is eating and drinking and pooping normal. He eats boiled organic chicken and grain free kibble that I just started softening today. Crate rest started 12/11. He is calm in crateHe sees a neurosurgeon and dvm.he takes 2.5 predisone daily . And 3mg of Pepcid and 25 mg of Gabepentin twice daily.we drive to acupuncture but is wrapped in blanket and held no movement in car and lays quiet for procedure.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 26, 2017 10:24:17 GMT -7
Carie, it is unfortunate that crate rest was only started on Dec 11 when the relapse to the disc was likely caused by too much movement. Let us know you are on the same page now about the need for 100% STRICT rest 24/7 for the full 8 weeks, only out for a very, very few footsteps at potty time. Laser can help control pain and help nerves heal---- Your are reporting Chewy does not have either uncontrolled pain nor neuro deficits or the knuckling is already turning around to seldom. Better is that meds do the job of pain control to avoid an ALWAYS risky potential to the early healing disc any time a dog is out of the recovery suite. Potty times and only the most essential of vet visits that can't be handled over the phone are the only times to risk the possibility of again re-damaging that early healing disc.
Reporting "symptom free", does that mean you see no signs of pain, no neuro deficit of knuckllng currently? OR is there still some knuckling? Currently you see none of the below signs of pain when having to move at potty time or to reposition himself in the recovery suite on a relatively low dose of Gabapentin and only this one pain med on board? ◻︎shivering-trembling ◻︎yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎slow to move ◻︎tight tense tummy ◻︎arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ holds front leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎ not their normal perky selves
Can you fill us in on the dose of Prednisone given on Dec 11 AND how many times a day to give? Does the vet know you started Prednisone today? If the vet Rx'd it, for how many days did he say to give before trying another test-for-pain Prednisone taper?
Somehow, I see that you registered to join our Dodgerslist Forum AND also registered to start a Forum of your very own. That is why you got that rather strange letter from Proboards. Don't worry, just ignore... no need to begin your own Forum! LOL.
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Dec 26, 2017 11:07:54 GMT -7
He has no knuckling. No pain signs. Neck seems a little tight when I massage but moves it freely. They put him on the 2.5 mg of predisone once a day . He had 5 mg of pred for five days on dec 11 then after five days was 2.5 every day for five days then 2.5 mg every other day and that third day he started to knuckle and that was yesterday so they said give him 2.5 yesterday and in an hour knuckling stopped. Today no knuckling due at 6 pm for 2.5 said to stay on it till we see the vet thursday for acupuncture and decide when to taper off. This is devastating heartbreaking frustrating. He is my world. I need him better . I do t want him to have this painful surgery. He wags tail gets up on own walks on own pees and poops on own. And again has no signs of pain . Just lays in crate and watches me and we go out to potty every few hours then I carry him back in. I am frightened. I feel defeated . It’s only been since 11 in crate. Is it normal to still have these issues off the predisone.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 26, 2017 13:11:14 GMT -7
Carie, you are in a scary place right now. When there is not a good understanding of how the treatment works, no understanding of when to politely say no thanks to harmful advice, perhaps challenging to get your observations clearly across to the vet....well, you are, indeed, in a hard spot. We all have learned the need to learn about our dog's disease for those very reasons! PREDNISONE It won't take long to get up to speed, if you have a mind to. Basically no one knows how long use use pred. Often it will take 2 or more courses (taper days do not work on swelling) totaling 7-30 days before all swelling is gone. So nothing unusual..the pred taper revealed not all swelling was gone! So hence the need for a 2nd course. Please do read the entire article here so you understand how to discuss backing off or stopping pain meds during the test-for-pain Prednisone taper. Pain meds on board during a red taper just delay YOU from getting an accurate read on the existence of painful inflammation: How prednisone works during a disc episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmMASSAGE The key to conservative treatment is understanding just how critical limited movement of the neck and the back is. 100% STRICT rest 24/7, only out of the recovery suite for a very, very few footsteps at potty time. - No massages - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no meandering at potty times. - avoid car transports when possible to handle things with a phone call PAIN A neck that has tight muscles sounds like some pain to me. Typically with a neck disc there are three sources of pain. So thus most often there will be three different pain meds each working on a separate kind of pain. Right now gabapentin is prescribed for nerve pain. Chewy is on a light amount for a 14lbs dog. Muscle contraction pain is very typical with neck discs too. Methocarbamol is the pain med used to help relax muscles. A general analgesic is also usually on board...Tramadol. LASER or ACUPUNCTURE With mild symptoms that Chewy has, one must weight the potential risk of a transport to the disc vs. staying at home inside of the recovery suite where the disc is fully protected from too much movement. If the acupunture is being used as a pain reliever, would not the safer option be to use the more typical aggressive pain med combo described above... a 2-3way pain reliever combo? A safer idea is a mobile vet who will come to your house for acupuncture after you are seeing implementation of an aggressive pain med approach needs a bit more help. But first I would discuss with your vet to be more aggressive to get pain fully in control with pills. Pain meds have a short half life and likely especially with a neck disc will not give full relief 24/7 unless they have been prescribed for prompt every 8 hours doses. MEDICATIONs Vets who know IVDD, try to limit vet visits when an owner is capable of reporting signs they see at home to give the vet the ability to adjust meds as necessary over the phone. 2.5 mgs Pred 1x/day for 3 days is not a very long course. See if you can possbily opt for reporting pain signs, any neuro diminishment by phone on Thurs. Then see if the vet feels it a good idea to start a pred taper and stopping or backing off all pain meds over the New Year weekend when your vet may not be open? PLAN B With any taper, it is always good to have worked out in advance a "PLAN B" should pain re-surface at night or on the weekend when your vet is not open. Could be an emergency RX script you could fill at local 24 hr pharmacy or some extra pills at home til the vet opens again. An ER visit is very expensive, a "Plan B" is free! Pain= another course of prednisone + all pain meds, Pepcid AC back on board. No Pain= pred goes to conclusion...just finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal. Knowledge will be your power to quell your own fears and fight the IVDD enemy for Chewy. I encourage you to learn all you can in the next several days by checking out each of the links. You will find a quick overall summary + links to give you the in-depth knowledge that an IVDD pet savvy parent demands. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmBookmark a thread to receive an email alert when someone has replied 1. Go to your Profile> Profile Edit > Notifications: checkmark BOOKMARKS 2. Go to the "Conservative" Board: checkmark your dog's thread, then use the ACTIONS button to select bookmark
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Dec 26, 2017 18:07:20 GMT -7
Ok so day 16 in crate rest 24/ 7 only out to pee and poop Gabepentin 25 mg twice daily Predisone 2.5 mg once daily until vet says to try and taper again Pepcid ac 3 mg every 12 hours Asking vet if acupuncture can be done at home I have a bottle of tramadol that I have not needed to use I will ask about the muscle relaxing pain med to be added to the review regime??? I can’t express how thankful and blessed to find u and help I need for my little angel
"Added to regime" not review sorry mistype . Is there anything else I can be doing for Chewie? Supplements or anything else???
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 26, 2017 22:18:06 GMT -7
Hi Carie, Welcome to the forum! These are the special things you can do for Chewy to help him with his neck disc episode. dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htm Important to avoid car trips unless it is absolutely necessary. Any time Chewy is in the car to put him in a carrier to protect him. To avoid back moving during transports, pad out the carrier or crate's extra space with rolled up towels/blankets to prevent body shifts during braking or cornering. Make sure the carrier is seat belted in so it can't shift while you are driving.
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Dec 28, 2017 10:29:39 GMT -7
Is cosequin ok to add as a daily supplement. Chewie is in day 18 of strict crate rest with predisone 2.5 mg once a day Gabepentin 25 mg twice a day And Pepcid ac twice daily 3 mg Chewie is 14 lbs He has no signs of pain He can walk and stand and pee and pop on own and eat regular The only times he showed sign of knuckling on front left when we decreased the steroid to every other day the herniatiin is on the root nerve not on spinal cord . We put back on every day pred and that knuckling went away in under an hour.sonwe are not tapering any time soon. He used to be pred 5mg but now only 2.5 and doing perfect so again is cosequin ok to give
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 28, 2017 10:50:12 GMT -7
Hi Carie, good to hear no pain on Prednsone 2.5mgs once a day.
You can avoid typing and save us some repetition in reading. The date that crate rest started is at the top of this thread in the subject line "Carie's Chewy 12/11 Conservative NECK— Yorkie" ...so we are able to track the number of days since crate rest started.
Also we keep the med list current whenever you post a change to meds. So far the last update about meds was the addition about Pepcid AC. Do you have a neuro appt today, Dec 28 to discuss prednisone?
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Dec 28, 2017 11:14:42 GMT -7
Said not to Bring him in today just stay on pred 2.5 mg once a day will see doctor next Friday and will tell me when to taper. Also can I add cosequin supplement as well ??
[Moderator's note: please do not edit 14 lbs. MRI nerve root compression and crate rest as of 12/11 Prednisone as of 12/11: 5mgs 1/day for 5 days as of 12/25: 2.5mgs 1x/day til 1/5/18 appt due neuro diminishment: knuckling, no pain Gabapentin 25mg 2x/day Pepcid AC 3mgs 2x/day ]
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 28, 2017 14:21:25 GMT -7
When To Start Supplementing?
I would ask your Vet about whether to start Cosequin or not.
It is best while a dog is on any prescription medications while recovering in crate rest, not to add any supplements that could cause any confusion about the culprit should gastro-intestinal problems develop such as vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, or even gas. Supplements can cause those too and it would be important to be able to definitively identify the cause quickly in order to take actions to treat the problem. After all IVDD medications have been stopped, some supplements can maximize healing during this critical period in recovery.
The Key is Proper Balance
Ultimately, your dog will get the proper amount of vitamins and minerals by providing superior nutrition. Feeding your dog the best nutrition you can afford provides the building blocks to health and well being because the best quality vitamins and nutrients are those that come in unprocessed food. We believe the best option is to redirect money that would be spent on supplements to purchase a higher quality food. Here’s why: vitamins and minerals are best absorbed by the body through foods in their natural form which are more bioavailable rather than pills or synthetic supplements.
Be sure to discuss all supplements and dosages with your vet. Ultimately, the best scenario is to work with a holistic vet in concert with your regular vet.
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Dec 28, 2017 15:22:48 GMT -7
Thank you can u suggest some brands of unprocessed foods . He currantly eats boiled chicken mixed with grain free dry kibble by Frohm
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 28, 2017 21:50:55 GMT -7
Carie, This link has a lot of info on how to choose a dog food. Please wait to change his diet until after crate rest is over. Fromm's has many different varieties to choose from and I have fed some of them in past. They are a great family owned company.. dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htm
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Jan 5, 2018 14:16:33 GMT -7
Update at acupuncture today. Chewie will receive acupuncture at the home instead of travel. Also they are keeping him on the predisone 2.5 mg once a day and keeping Gabepentin 25 mg twice daily and the Pepcid .
[Moderator's note: please do not edit 14 lbs. MRI nerve root compression and crate rest as of 12/11 Prednisone as of 12/11: 5mgs 1/day for 5 days as of 12/25: 2.5mgs 1x/day for 10 days, 12/44 knuckling returned on taper as of 12/24 : 2.5 mgs 1x/day for ? days, then test for neuro/pain issues Gabapentin 25mg 2x/day Pepcid AC 3mgs 2x/day ]
He is showing no signs of pain at vet today. No sensitive areas. Still on crate rest . Walking normal.out of crate for potty breaks only. Peeing pooping and eating normal. Holistic doctor at vet would like to incorporate herbs but will contact me when they come in and let me know what they are. The acupuncture is done every two weeks to help with nerve healing .any suggestions moving forward.? I have bowls raised for eating and drinking also all food is softened and no chew toys or treats.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 5, 2018 15:11:40 GMT -7
It is great that Chewie is doing so well. Acupuncture at home is definitely safer for Chewie.
Raising the bowls and softening the food are a very good way to keep Chewie away from too much movement.
Do you know why he is staying on the meds? Does the vet think there is still inflammation of the spinal cord?
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Jan 5, 2018 15:29:00 GMT -7
When we tried to taper on Christmas Eve he was knuckling on front left leg on Christmas night so indicates compression on nerve and inflammation still present. But hour after giving the 2.5 pred dose knuckling was gone. Said tapered too soon. Mri showed disc protrusion to left causing compression on root nerve causing front leg weakness and knuckling..so said with neck can take longer to heal. Possible more than 8 weeks. Cuz they constantly move neck. Said nerves take long time to heal and to stay the course of 4 more weeks of crate rest . Only out to potty. He lays quietly for acupuncture sometimes sits quietly but mostly lays.
[Moderator's note: please do not edit 14 lbs. MRI nerve root compression and crate rest as of 12/11 Prednisone as of 12/11: 5mgs 1/day for 5 days as of 12/24: 2.5mgs 1x/day; 12/25 knuckling returned on taper as of 12/25 : 2.5 mgs 1x/day for 30 days, then test for neuro/pain issues Gabapentin 25mg 2x/day Pepcid AC 3mgs 2x/day ]
12/11MRI they said there is lateralized C-5 C6 disc herniation causing mild left ventrolateral lateral cord compression but moderate radicular compression this disc herniation appears to be an acute or chronic condition this is a very mild disc herniation at C 4for C5 and C6 and 7 both of which are not causing significant compression
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 5, 2018 16:56:53 GMT -7
Carie for how many days is he to stay on Pred 2.5mgs once a day, then another test for neuro/pain issues?
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Jan 5, 2018 17:59:17 GMT -7
See them again on Jan 23. He will be on the 2.5 mg pred [for 30 days!] until the herbs the holistic dr ordered come in. And then they said will discuss what next. Said to stay on 2.5mg not to change yet
The doctor coming to house on 23
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Jan 19, 2018 8:26:49 GMT -7
Update Chewie is now every other day with predisone 2.5 mg . Still on Pepcid still on Gabepentin 25mg twice daily. The pred taper started Jan 14th vet coming to house Tuesday for acupuncture and reassess. Eating drinking peeing pooping walking normal. No signs of pain . It’s coming up soon 8 weeks .still on 24/7 crate rest only out to go to potty. No knuckling of front paw since dec 25. Hoping after the steroid is done there are no recurrences of pain or stiffness or neuro . Praying....I need a plan of rehab after the crate rest. I printed out your recommendations and will show vet Tuesday. Any suggestions moving forward or recommendations .i know he will never do stairs again or jump on or off any furniture and no tug toys. I read the never to do again page .What about car rides and running??? Thank you
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2018 10:10:32 GMT -7
Carie as you approach graduation day on Feb 5th, we'll have more info for you.
Why is Chewing on pain meds that prevent you from getting a clear and prompt assessment during the test for pain prednisone taper?
Car rides are fine as long as you have him in a pet seatbelt or inside of a crate to prevent him from jumping over seats, etc. Running along a beach or jogging with you is good exercise, it is the zig zag running with sharp turns that may not be wise.
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Jan 19, 2018 10:35:31 GMT -7
They thought it would keep him calmer and rest more being on the Gabepentin. He is not really taking it for pain. How do I wean him off of that. It’s 25mg twice daily . He is quite calm in cages I have throughout house . He’s never alone. I took a leave of absence until he is well.should I stop the Gabepentin ?
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
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Post by Mary & Mila on Jan 19, 2018 11:50:04 GMT -7
Hi Carie, I was just reading your post, my dachshund had a neck IVDD issue last summer, and like your yorkie she was treated conservatively, it did take a long time, to be honest it was more like 11 weeks of crate rest as opposed to the normal 8. But it's not forever and so worth it in the long run. Neck issues are so much more difficult to treat, the dog is constantly moving it's neck, and discs don't get much blood supply so healing is very slow and like your yorkie my dachshund was on gabapentin too for quite a while, in the end it was more to keep her relaxed and calm, which it did, and she was also on 25mg a day. You mentioned car rides in your post, I found a great harness, made by this company www.dachshunddelights.com/Hug-A-Dog-Harness-in-Fabric-Mesh_p_776.html they are for dachshunds, but in the photo in the link there's a king Charles wearing one, so with your dogs measurements they may be able to help you, or at least point you in the right direction. I use one for my dog in the car now and the seat belt goes thru the loop, you can opt for the loop as an extra, I've added a photo to show you what I mean. And just to let you know, after the crate rest my dog was fine, no problems, running around like new, but of course no jumping/climbing. I'm sure Chewy will be fine as well and you'll have happy times ahead.
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Jan 19, 2018 12:16:42 GMT -7
Thank you so much. This has been the scariest event in my life. I love him dearly and it’s been so trying. I am with him round the clock and to keep him as quiet and as calm as possible. Mainly laying next to him so he sleeps most of day. Only goes out to pee and poop. Then back in suite. Just so scared of when the pred is stopped to be symptom free. It gives me so much hope to hear your kind words. That he too can heal. We live in the suburbs of Philadelphia pa and are working with his main vet a neurologist and holistic vet . Prayers and hope for full recovery. Thank you again
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 19, 2018 14:19:36 GMT -7
Good to hear that Chewey is doing well. It may be that all the swelling in the spinal cord is gone and the pred had done its work. We don't know if that is the case while pain meds are being used. We don't want our dogs to take a steroid any longer than necessary. That is why we suggest stopping or lowering the dose of the gabapentin along with a taper. Some vets stop the gabapentin all at once and some taper. Your vet will tell you which he prefers.
If an issue arises with pain occurring more time on all meds is needed. Some dogs may need to be on small doses of meds for quite a while but stopping or tapering the gabapentin according to your vets instructions and watching carefully will tell you that,
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 19, 2018 15:16:19 GMT -7
I'd like to chime in about selecting a harnesses which is suited for an IVDD dog's disease. The Hug a Dog is a good harness, but not designed for an IVDD dog's needs. I think the same concepts will also be appropriate for a harness for car rides after graduation. During conservative treatment, the dog is best transported in a crate with a blanket to pad out any extra space so the body will not shift during braking or corning of the vehicle. Limited movement of the spine (neck and back) is all important to getting the disc to heal. Take a look at the features you want in an everyday harness for an IVDD dog and apply those to a sturdy harness for use with a vehicle's seat belt. There are lots of companies who make everyday harnesses. Like fitting blue jeans to our own bodies, it may take several tries to get a harness that works for your dog's body. Here are some starter links to check out: • Sure-fit Harness www.pawmark.com/products.php?cat=367• Puppia Soft Harness www.puppiaus.com• Noodles & Friends www.noodleandfriends.com/Dachshund-Harnesses-s/1814.htmThere were not so many harnesses out there for use with the vehicles safety belt when I bought mine many years ago. So you'd need to do some investigation what's available today. I have the ROADIE Canine Vehicle Safety Harness for my dachshunds. There are enough adjustments that the fit is good. The dogs can't get their short little legs out of the harness. And the harness itself is very sturdy, far beyond an everyday walking harness. Here is a start to your investigation and comparison shopping with the Ruff Rider Roadie Car Harness: ruffrider.com
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Jan 23, 2018 11:55:03 GMT -7
Update ...the vet came to House today chewie had acupuncture done and sat quietly and laid quietly for whole procedure vet recommends the steroid 2.5 mg every two days to be given now.... instead of every other day to wean him off even more he’s completely off gabapentin and all other medications except the Pepcid and predisone. Walking normal eating normal pooping peeing normal. So now fingers crossed with the pred taper. Vet said no painful spots on him anywhere. He showed no signs of pain.
[Moderator's note: please do not edit 14 lbs. MRI nerve root compression and crate rest as of 12/11 Prednisone as of 12/11: 5mgs 1/day for 5 days as of 12/24: 2.5mgs 1x/day; 12/25 knuckling returned on taper as of 12/25 : 2.5 mgs 1x/day for 30 days, then 1/23 test for neuro/pain issues Gabapentin 25mg 2x/day Pepcid AC 3mgs 2x/day ]
[taper dose: ] Pred 2.5 mg once every two days He was 2.5 mg once every other day for ten days so they now changed it to every two days They tapered from once a day to then once every other day for now he is once every two days
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Post by Carie & Chewie on Feb 3, 2018 13:44:22 GMT -7
Chewie is now on 2.5 mg pred every theee days. Vet coming to house Tuesday and that will prob be last dose of pred since he got the steroid Friday.Still on Pepcid. He has been eating drinking peeing pooping normal no signs of pain and no knuckling. 8 weeks is Monday. Just need advise moving forward. He started the pred every three days on 30th.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 3, 2018 14:21:08 GMT -7
Chewie is doing very well. No signs of pain or knuckling. Excellent news.
I agree that the vet will probably stop the pred when you see him next. He had done a long taper.
Is Chewie still on the gabapentin?
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
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Post by Mary & Mila on Feb 3, 2018 14:23:12 GMT -7
Hi Carie That's great news about Chewy, eight weeks in the begining seems like such a long time and long way to go but now that time is here. Happy days. Just one or two things really to watch for after crate rest, one is that Chewy takes it easy, he won't know the difference so he'll be counting on you to watch out for him, he should be left back to normal very gradually, with very small walks for the first few days, a few minutes at a time to start with. Blocking furniture and keeping him from climbing and jumping are important as well. Baby gates and ramps are great for making your home safe for chewy - that's if you haven't done that already. Here's a link on life after crate rest www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmDelighted for both of you kind regards Mary
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