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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Jan 31, 2018 16:57:34 GMT -7
★1 Tucker weighs 14.5 pounds - he is currently on Tramadol 12.5mg 2x a day and Carprophen 12.5 mg 2x a day. He did a 7 day prednisone on Jan 18th
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 14.5 lbs Prednisone as of 1/18: for 7 days then taper to test for pain/neuro loss last dose given on what date? Carprofen started on what date?: 12.5mgs 2x/day Tramadol 12.5mgs 2x/day]
★2 What breed? Dachshund What is your dog’s name? Tucker Your name, too? My name is Bradley
★3 General vet consul
★4 What was the date you saw the vet for conservative treatment? Jan 18th, 2018
★5 There is still pain when being picked up, he does tremble, and yelps when moved. He is reluctant to move. Some days he seems to walk a bit of short distance in the backyard to potty, somedays he really reluctant to move. He has always been a snuggle kind of guy unless you got a ball out then he gets super active but other than that you could get him confused with a sloth.
★6 He Eats and drinks fine, coloring is fine. ★7 Earlier this week he was walking, than he started wobble walking yesterday. He will wag he tail slightly when you talk to him, but only after coming home. ★8 He currently sniffs out spots and indicates bladder control. Although while bringing him inside today (1/31/18) he pooped while in my arms inside the house.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 31, 2018 19:30:23 GMT -7
Bradley, welcome. AnY pain, any neuro loss means the vet must be notified at once to adjust meds. Tucker was taken off of the most powerful of the two classes of anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisone). Why? Now is on the less anti-inflammatory class the NSAIDs (carprofen). AND he is worsening in neuro function. This s an emergency, now, tonight, even if it is ER. By all rights Tucker should be switched back to the prednisone. He MUST be on Pepcid AC and should have been all along. A switch between the two classes demands a 5-7 days washout. Was that done? When an emergency of loosing neuro functions a switch may be made if TWO stomach protectors are on board without a washout. Pepcid AC (famotidine AND sucralfate) At ER look for -- three pain meds to each deal with a different source of pain. EACH Rx'd for every 8 hours. (gabapentn, tramadol and methocarbamol) -- Look for possiblity the ER vet will want to go back to prednisone -- A switch requires two stomach protectors (Pepcid AC and Sucralfate) Tucker may be loosing bladder/bowel control. YOu'd need a hands-on-top-of-your-hands type of expressing lesson. First read and view the video at this page to get more out of the lesson: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails/toes scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle 5. Weak/little leg movement, can't move up into a stand 6. Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) 7. Bladder control is lost 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost 9. Deep pain sensation (DPS), the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation . Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Precious hours can be lost with a vet that gets DPS wrong. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about DPS. So if surgery is an option for your family get to a neuro or ortho asap. See photos of the varying degrees of neuro diminishment here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmYour ROAD MAP for understanding conservative treatment, the meds and everything including if and when surgery if this would ever at some point be a consideration for your family. KNOWLEDGE is your power to help Tucker get the right care and treatment: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 2, 2018 15:02:10 GMT -7
Thanks, Paula.
Sorry I haven't been back around to responding to this. Tucker did go to the ER the same night you responded cause I dropped everything and left. I am a retired veteran and he is my rock. Tucker saw the ER Dr. and was walking for him. He gave me one of two options. Sending him home for conservative rest or a neuro consult in the morning. I chose a neuro to consult in the morning. Dr. Winestein of Bluepearl in Overland Park, Kansas called me immediately the following morning with Tucker's status which was the same as the ER Dr.'s and my options which were conservative rest with the option of not recovering or surgery with a 90% chance of fully recovering. I didn't hesitate. I chose surgery. I didn't care cost. I will find a way. My wife and I will find a way. Tucker had surgery around 3pm on Feb 1, 2018, and finished up around 5:30 pm. He had a herniation in his lower lumbar area resulting in a IVDH with calcification. I don't know how much until tomorrow when I get to read the Dr.'s notes. This kind of stuff is now really new to me. So let me give you a bit of info about me .Also I wanted to point out some of the information on the page for Neurosurgery so you can update it. for Kansas - Blue Pearl - Cost Estimate $5200 all inclusive. Dr calls to give you updates which is awesome, its not some nurse or technician.
I am a proud owner of another dachshund, not Tucker, his name is Joachim aka JoJo, that is a result of proper dachshund breeding by Eridox Dachshunds owned by Lisa Emerson in Kansas City that spine test all their loan/breeding dachshund with radiograph testing. Joachim is a result of K0 to K0 mating which means that both mates have been radiographed and evaluated and has 0 calcification of the spine. I have two Doxies from Eridox both are spine tested with zero calcification. On page 40 of the book the Dachshund Spine, ISBN 978-0-9835501-1-2, there is a chart showing how breeding affects the outcome of calcification in dogs. On page 41 is a picture of my precious Joachim as a puppy ( he is 6 years old now ), but Lisa states that he is relatively unlikely to develop IVDD or IVDH in his lifetime.
Lisa has become my wife and I's very good family friend. We help with each other's dogs. She was on vacation in Hawaii and we could not get a hold of her when this happened. That's how I found you and your website through Crusoe the Celebrity cause I knew he went through this a while back. And I am so happy you responded so quickly.
Lisa J. Emerson, Author of The Dachshund Spine, ISBN 978-0-9835501-1-2 Author of and owner of Eridox Dachshunds
Forum owner's comment: There has always been a lot of discussion on calcifications and their relevance to IVDD herniations. One thing to remember is that the herniation does not always appear where the calcification(s) are. There is some research presently going on in the UK and other countries. Many breeders believe there is a correlation and many don't. It is up to everyone to do their own research and make decisions based on reliable published research.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 2, 2018 15:32:55 GMT -7
Please let us know how Tucker is doing when you are updated by the surgeon.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 3, 2018 13:57:38 GMT -7
Tucker came home today, Feb. 3rd, 2018. Since he was he currently residing in an ex-pen with 4 sides only enough room to turn around. He has already tried to stand on his back legs more than once. The surgeon said he believes Tucker is ahead of the game and hopes to make a full recovery. Medications▲ Tramadol 50mg: 1/2 tab every 8 to 12 as needed for pain *last dose was given @ 8 am Omeprazole 10mg: 2x/day Fentanyl Patch, Removed Tues Feb 6th, 2018 [Moderator's note: please do not modify 14.5 lbs Tramadol ▲25mgs 2-3x/day Omeprazole 10mg: 2x/day Fentanyl Patch, Remove Tues Feb 6th] I will be getting a call back on Monday from Dr. Weinstein on when he will be going back on steroids since he was on the Carprofen. Some of the Surgeons notes - Diagnostic Testing: A CT scan revealed a right-sided to ventral extradural compression at L5-L-6 consistent with IVDD
- Surgeon Diagnosis: IVDD
- Surgeon Treatment: Tucker underwent the treatment for a right-sided hemilaminectomy performed at the L5-L6 and extended cranially to include L4-L5 since disc ruptured cranially. Tucker has a large amount of acute disc with a small amount of chronic rupture.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 3, 2018 14:13:06 GMT -7
I am glad that Tucker is home. It seems that dogs always do better at home. Trying to stand so soon after surgery bodes well for more recovery. Is Tucker currently urinating on his own or are you finding wet bedding or leaking when lifted? Are the meds handling his pain? See if there are any other things you can do to make post-op crate rest go smoother with these very useful tips and ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm and www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 3, 2018 17:52:25 GMT -7
Sorry, I failed to mention Tucker was sent home with a catheter. I won't know until Monday the exact date of removal of it as he did have leakage after surgery on being approached. Tucker was scared by a Harley Davidson as a puppy and developed severe anxiety and urinates upon any stranger coming close to him. Over time he has controlled this, but this back episode has reset his anxiety a bit as expected and told the surgeon. But of course, the catheter is for caution.
He seems to be handling his pain well, it is his separation anxiety that he is not handling well. But we expected that.
We have used your post-op crate set up to set up Tucker's abode. We have him in front of a big window with a view of the backyard. He has the view of living room and the kitchen so he can see everything that is going on. He is not more than 3 feet from the back door where he will be going to relieve himself and back asap. Hopefully we have given Tucker the ideal recovery spa that he deserves.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 4, 2018 9:56:44 GMT -7
Bradley, you are a super dad, with your attention to detail to ensure Tucker has such a lovely recovery suite with a great view and all about his home. For how many weeks does the surgeon want for post-op crate rest which will include what he directs for always supervised, slow and controlled by leash and harness at home PT. Some want 4 weeks and depending what was observed during surgery might be 6 or 8 weeks. What is the at home PT your surgeon wants you to do at home? Any of these in the video below? When a dog can move their legs in a walking motion with support of a sling, then the PT might be a walk to and from the potty place. Let us know what your surgeon has directed. Appropriate physical therapy can help maintain the muscles with lost nerve connection. Therapy keeps muscles in optimal condition while in wait to receive regenerating axon terminals. Post-op PT for the paralyzed IVDD dog:
Wonderful news already that Tucker is trying to move up into a stand with back legs!! I bet he may already have some bladder control returning then. So when the catheter is out, let us know the result of the sniff and pee test.Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. Leg Movement, and then 😃 ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmSNIFF and PEE TEST The only way for humans to know if there is bladder control is with the “sniff and pee test.” Carry outdoors, set them on an old pee spot to sniff. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. See if they will release urine on the old urine area. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. You should continue to do a quick express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening. Let us know what you observe. NOTE: When the bladder is full, it fills the entire abdomen area so any pressure should release urine if bladder control is not yet back. You may need to hold the pressure for a little longer than you think you would. As the bladder empties, it gets smaller and can slip away from you. You’ll need to find it again. Sometimes it moves back by the pelvic area. Keep pressing until the bladder feels flat, almost like your hands are touching. For a still wobbly dog a sling helps to keep the back aligned and butt form falling over. Male dogs prefer a figure 8 sling at potty time.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 4, 2018 17:01:31 GMT -7
Thank You. I do have a Ginger Lead mini but it kind of hinders the ability to urinate since it is tucked right behind the penis. I am an engineer by trade so I can make a harness like what you have presented above for my Tucker that I believe will allow him to still urinate.
I mentioned I was a veteran, but I forgot to mention in that I was a disabled medically retired veteran, although I don't have my four dachshunds registered as emotional support dogs through my doctor, they are.
Now for my update on Tucker. He had really bad anxiety last night. All the way up until the about 11 am today. We called the vet to see what we could do, and they suggested a bit of Benedryl could help. His pain medicine has been on exact time. We haven't given him the Benedryl yet, but my nine-year-old daughter came home after being gone all weekend around 1 pm and he calmed down. I think he needed to know everyone in the family was ok. He has been resting peacefully for the past 4 hours looking out the back window drifting in and out.
The surgeon is asking for 6-8 weeks crate rest, My wife is marking of everything as I call it off on our Google calendar.
When he comes back for his two-week check-up, to get his stitches out they plan to give me his at home PT agenda.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 4, 2018 17:39:36 GMT -7
Bradley, doxies ARE indeed a most wonderful emotional support, you have quite a support team with four!
The Benadryl would likely make Tucker sleepy and letting you get a good night's sleep. Hopefully with your daughter back home now, Tucker will continue into the night through to the morning to be relaxed and peaceful.
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Post by Kristen & Molly on Feb 5, 2018 10:55:00 GMT -7
Bradley, I just read your post and I wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and Tucker! We just went through a similar situation 2.5 weeks ago. Our Molly had surgery and is recovering wonderfully. Hang in there...you're in the best place for support!!
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 6, 2018 11:08:41 GMT -7
Thank you, Kristen & Molly Tucker got his cath out this morning. He did poop at the vet's office inside his travel crate and I expected this cause Tucker has pooped at every single establishment that I have ever taken him too. Home Depot, Pet Co. You name it, Tucker has pooped. His anxiety from a puppy has and pooping has never left. But with great relief, it was his first poop since surgery and he does look quite satisfied honestly. He Looks like he can finally get some rest. I plan to do a pee and sniff test with him in a little bit a report back. While I was cleaning him up after his poo episode, I noticed that Tucker was using his wagging his tail in short strides with joy and laying on his side and pushing his legs along like I was playing a bit. His spirit is up, and he is trying to lick our faces when we get close to the kennel. I think he is happy to have his cath out. Last night I witnessed him get up both back legs, still stiff-legged still, and move to the front of his kennel. I have him in a kennel in my room yesterday cause it was a bad pressure day here in Kansas City and I had a bad headache, so he was residing in the same room at bed level with me so he and I could see each other for emotional support. Remember this is the guy that never left my side when I am down for a day to weeks at a time, I can't imagine to fail him.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 6, 2018 14:26:54 GMT -7
Wagging his tail and standing are great signs of progress. Let us know about sniff and pee.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 6, 2018 16:12:40 GMT -7
I tried a sniff and pee test outside in two different spots. In the backyard and on a corner of the street I live he and his sister pee on all the time. He just shivers as it is super cold. He has [not] leaked on on anything of the bedding, a white fleece so I would be able to see it.
Any suggestions? Due to it being so cold outside and Tucker not liking it. He just stands there like a statue. He could care less about sniffing. If I feel for his bladder his abs are tight so I can't feel a thing.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Feb 6, 2018 16:35:46 GMT -7
There are two things that could be going on. If it is really cold and he is shivering in the cold only when outside, he may just want to go home. If he is shivering in the house, check for any other signs of pain. I am listing them here for your easy reference; - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, restless, can't find a comfortable position. Ears pinned back, arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves. If the fentanyl patch was removed today. it could be pain. If he is showing two or these signs it is highly likely to be pain. In that case, call your vet right away and let him know so the meds can be adjusted. If you think he is just uncomfortable outside, you can try a pee pad inside. He is more likely to use it if you get some urine on a paper towel from another dog. What I think is more likely is that he has not yet regained bladder control. A firm stomach can indicate a full bladder. In that case, you will have to help him empty is bladder by expressing. I know that Paula has given you our link to more information on this but I am not sure if you have had time to review it. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmYou will need the vet or vet tech to give you a hands-on lesson how to do this. Learning to do it takes practice also. I had trouble doing it, but with practice I did learn. Also keep trying sniff and pee with the tail wag, bladder control may be returning.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 6, 2018 18:27:12 GMT -7
He moves around in the ex-pen / crate, he shifts views from the back window to the kitchen and front room, he shuffles sides. He doesn't yelp when picked up. He still has his patch until tomorrow. Nothing is out of the ordinary. He doesn't shiver inside. Just when I take him outside in the cold. Sorry, I need to edit my post. I meant to say he "Hasn't leaked on anything."
I will follow JoJo out and on his next outing and get a paper towel of his urine to try, if not I will have my friend Lisa come over and show me how to express as she has done it many time. She has been through this three times and her book "The Dachshund Spine" because she has been through it.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 7, 2018 10:20:28 GMT -7
Bradley, when the vet took the cath out, did he confirm to you that Bradley had bladder control? It would seem that control is back or is coming back as he can give a happy tail wag AND he IS moving his legs.
When bladder control comes back sometimes a dog may have trouble starting a stream or fully voiding all the urine. So this is why you would need to help. --- when the bladder is quite full it is easy to express. Just lifting can cause some urine to come out ON YOU it's that easy. So you would be able to press each side of his tummy and get the stream started for him. --- After Tucker pees on his own as much as he can, then again press on his bladder (express) the rest of the urine out. This takes technique to find bladder as is smaller then and hides back up in the pelvic area. A hands on lesson from the vet or your friend AND looking at the video is immensely helpful. Do that quick express check until you are satisfied he fully voids himself.
Another thing to consider is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Caths can invite infection. UTI's can be painful, burning... making a dog not want to pee cause it hurts. Sometimes we know it's a UTI because of foul odor, change in color, blood in urine. Other times a UTI will NOT show us an obvious signs. This is why a sample of urine and a urinalysis while you wait at the vet's clinic will prove if an antibiotic needs to be on board.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 7, 2018 13:13:32 GMT -7
2/7/2018 Status - I laid out some potty pads, I took Lexie out got a paper towel of her urine. I took JoJo out and got paper towel of his urine. And I took Lavi out and got paper towel of her urine. (By the way, I am attaching a pic of the crew altogether) Locked all the dogs in their respective crates. My wife and I sat Tucker down on the potty pad. He stood on all fours like he wanted to stand. But doesn't try to take any steps. We offer each paper towel to him and he just turns his nose up to them as he doesn't care.
Tucker is not crying, trembling, complaining. He is very alert. The main thing this guy wants to do is snuggle. We know our dog, and he wants to snuggle.
He is crying at bedtime 10ish with Benadryl and his Tramadol. He gets himself so worked up cause he was never crate trained (YES, OUR MISTAKE) and then it happens again in the middle of the night. Well, last night it urinated on his blankets. I changed him out put him on a potty pad and checked for what I could feel for is a bladder. (Today I plan to go see the vet and have them show me how to express his bladder.) This morning, Tucker was whining a bit so I put him on a potty pad, and he just started to go like he did when he was a puppy. He used potty pads as a pup, we lived in a townhome and it was our method at the time. I moved Tucker over to a second one and he went a bit more like he emptied the rest. Then I proceeded to clean him up and move him to his ex-pen. I will keep trying the sniff and pee test.
I know he had bladder control right before surgery cause right when I got him out of the car and put him on the ground he did exactly what a sniff and pee test explain, he peed.
I know persistence is key, Just as this is my first case of IVDD the recovering back and moving him is what worry's me the most. But I am probably just being one of those helicopter dad's you see at the playground.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 7, 2018 13:42:03 GMT -7
Sounds like he has bladder control if he whined and could wait til you placed him on pee pad. Keep putting a used paper towel piece on the pee pad as incentive. And of course when possible, take him outdoors to let him sniff and then make the decision to release urine (that is call urinating) Dog's who don't have bladder control, overflow. That is when the bladder reaches the over stretched point, reflex kicks in to release some of the urine but not all---which invites infections.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 7, 2018 14:15:09 GMT -7
Well, I got him to pee on a potty pad with the scent of Lexie's urine. I figure that is some success, right? But he dribbled before I picked him up as if I was picking up my puppy Tucker. He was wagging his tail as I approached him as if was guilty. This was very common after his occurrence when he was scared by a Harley after I got him. I still have to tell people to let him approach you or he will pee on you.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 7, 2018 14:48:06 GMT -7
Have you tried using a pack and play?
My dog does so much better in them.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 8, 2018 10:34:58 GMT -7
No, I haven't. I have only had him since Saturday. He does fine in the ex-pen unless we go to bed then he howls at the moon. That's why I crate him next to my bed. But then he wakes whines twice a nice. I will run to the thrift stores to see if they have any. Or I can just borrow a friends ex-pen and use it in our bedroom. Make it seem not so crate-ish.
Not much of a change today except we got a way better night sleep. I think that me putting my fleece Columbia Jacket in with him has helped him. He is snuggling with it. Although he has cut back on eating all of his food since we removed the Fentanyl Patch. He still protects it from the other dogs as it is his property except for Lexie who he is bonded with. He goes on potty pads when he needs to go. Still cares less about outside or sniffing.
Now I have a question, Pooping. Last he pooped was Tuesday at the vets office. I know his schedule before all this happened, but now that everything is thrown out of wack, how should I go about approaching this. Should he be expressed? Should I just let him go? I do know if I were put him in the travel kennel and take him somewhere he would go in that kennel.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 8, 2018 10:49:16 GMT -7
Bradley, sounds like you have figured out some things to give Tucker comfort and calmness with your jacket to snuggle with!
Since he has bladder control he likley also has bowel control but he might be a little constipated?? Opiods like Fentanyl and Tramadol slow down movement through the digestive tube. Meaning the longer poops stays in the tube the more moisture is removed from the feces....causing constipation.
He's still on tramadol? You might try one teaspoon of plain pureed pumpkin once a day or one of the alternatives mentioned. Plain pureed canned pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. NOTE: alternatives are really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potatoe. --To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. -- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 8, 2018 14:00:51 GMT -7
If you do try the pack and play, I'd recommend putting a piece of memory foam under the pad provided.
It's pretty thin. Maybe wrap the whole thing in a trash bag to protect it.
You can use deli take out containers for food and water. Just hole punch and use a twist ties thru the mesh.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 11, 2018 11:23:09 GMT -7
2/11/2018 - Tucker Update - He is doing well. Has taken to his ex-pen very well over the past few days. And being crated at night. Was just a matter of days. He is Peeing and pooping outside on his own [?] and using his both back legs. Still wobbly of course. He still leaks when picking him up, but hopefully, he can gain control over time.
He is still on all the same meds. His checkup isn't until the 19th. We did have to switch him to a wet food cause he was turning his nose to his kibble. I will start slowly mixing kibble back in.
But he has really gaining personality back
I will check back in to see if there are any questions.
Feb 8, 2018 at 4:23pm Pauliana and Julie & Nala like this Thank you. I will consider it. I haven't had time to look for a pack and play, but he has been doing well lately in the ex-pen during the day and crate for the past two days. We have wood floors and the ex-pen is on moving blanket that is very easy to slide around if needed. And the crate is at bed level next to my bed. It isn't too bad of a setup to maintain. Like having a newborn all over again I was telling my wife, except you have to take outside.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 11, 2018 14:26:13 GMT -7
Bradley, then outdoors you have observed him sniff an old spot and then choose to mark there? You do not find any urine leaks in his bedding.....just on you!?
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 11, 2018 16:22:37 GMT -7
As far as outside he is sniffing and marking. Also relieving himself when his bladder is full outside. For me, cause I am the one he trusts the most.
However, he will relieve his entire self out of anxiety just as he did when he was a puppy inside if my wife tries to take him out or something really startling happens like the UPS man ignoring my sign on the door and setting off the dachshund alarm system. We worked and worked with him for a long time to get him to stop as a puppy. Thunder Shirts, praise to come to us vs. picking him up and taking him out.
I had a talk with my wife about it. We are going to set up the ex-pen with a staging phase. Since he is able to use his back legs and be mobile, I am going to set up another section with a potty pad and call him into that one. I will still keep it closed off until it is time to go outside, it's better than having to do laundry all the time.
I do find a bit a urine leaks in his kennel at night in the middle of the night when he wakes me up to go potty.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 12, 2018 9:08:59 GMT -7
Ok, I did what I was going to say, We have a window in the living room, the ex-pen into two sections and the opening to it is closest to the back door. Tucker has shown superb improvement in walking so since he has his puppy pee pee anxiety I have him approach us through a puppy pad staging station and to the back door. He is doing 100% better, night and day difference. Now his boredom is kicking in since he knows can move outdoors to pee. He has about 80-90% control of his walk. Balance while standing is iffy. But we haven't even got to therapy yet. And he is already leaps and bounds where I expected him to be. He even lifts his leg to pee. I am amazed. His recovery is phenomenal. But at the end of his journey, he is spoiled cause he will sit down and wait for me to pick him up. But pretty sure this is a good thing not to overdo it.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,567
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 12, 2018 10:29:29 GMT -7
Bradley, sound like a good approach as long as you are able to keep footsteps to the very fewest. likely Tucker's legs are not strong and tire easily. After crate rest is complete then concentration can begin on strengthening muscles. Also when having to relearn the art of walking, there's a great deal of concentration required...that is tiring, too. For right now it is good for his healing disc that Tucker sits after urinating and waits for you to pick him up.
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Post by Bradley & Tucker on Feb 13, 2018 15:17:31 GMT -7
Yea, I got the middle sectioned off. I took that picture before I took a section off to give you an idea of how I handle his anxiety urination problem. And so far it has worked 100%. We have had no accidents in the ex-pen. Last night was the first night we had zero leakage in the kennel at night.
Outside I have switched from the ginger lead to an ace bandage cause I can drop it to the ground. This guy is not a regular dachshund. He is very slow going and easy going. You could get him mixed up with the personality of a Blood Hound. To me, he looks like he is using all four legs as intended with a bit of wobble. He really started lifting his leg a lot which is why I switched to using an ace bandage. At first, his right leg would give out on him and I could hold him. Now after three days, he has it without my help. Of course, I am there watching over him like am supposed too. I give him about 3-4 minutes in in a 4' by 4' section grassy area in the backyard where the other dogs have been plenty of times and can wander after he has been through there. I know PT is still after crate rest, but this is just what he has shown me on his own and I wanted to share the wonders of his determination to get back to helping me.
Anxiety has been great lately. He has loved watching the robotic vacuum especially when I put a toy on top of it. At night it just takes ignoring him to calm down, oh and one my jackets with my scent.
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