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Post by bailey on Jul 4, 2013 2:09:30 GMT -7
I am so grateful to have found this forum. I have a 10 yr old Basset mix, Bailey. He is the friendliest little fellow you would ever want to meet. Saturday he was out in the yard with my other dogs when I heard him scream. When I got out there he was sitting on his rump with one leg stuck straight out. He was able to walk dragging his rear left leg but able to stand on the right back leg. I freaked of course and then assessed. Not realizing that Bassets, even mixes, were prone to IVDD. I thought he had dislocated his hip. I decided to give it 12 hours and see how he progressed. A similar thing had happened with my lab mix and after a few hours she recovered. He did not appear to be in any pain. The upshot is that 1st thing in the morning when I was able to get someone here to lift him into the car (52 lbs) I took him to the emergency vet hospital. That was when I first learned about IVDD. They kept him and started him on meds hoping that a conservative approach would work. It didn't so they scheduled an appt with the surgeon the next morning. He did a mylagram (sp?) and Bailey had a ruptured disc. They took him straight into surgery and cleaned it out. The surgery was on Monday afternoon and I brought him home Wednesday evening just as soon as he urinated on his own. I was hoping he would relax once he was home but so far that hasn't been the case. He seems to be in major pain and the tramadol and fentanyl patch don't seem to be giving him much relief. If they are then no way can I even imagine the pain he is in. He did chow down on some boiled chicken and rice and has taken about 1.5 cups of water. I also have given him a couple of doses of Pet Remedy and he seems to be resting, right now at least. Not sleeping though. From what they told me at the vet's he has had hardly any sleep. I'm playing some soft classical guitar music that he is familiar with hoping that calms him also.
I feel so sorry for my little buddy. This is a dog who has always been fearless. I hate it that he has had to learn that life can be hard at times especially when he can't reason it out.
Thank you for letting me share Bailey's story. When he was a pup he wrote a book about how he came to end up on the mountain top with me and my furry clan. I hope one day he will look back on all this and maybe want to write his memoir. Right now though he isn't quite up to it.
Just being able to share is so helpful. Thank you in advance for any support and suggestions that you all might have.
Jennifer
ps. I tried to post his picture but I got an error message that the file was too large. I'll try and figure that out later.
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Post by bailey on Jul 4, 2013 5:22:44 GMT -7
I had to take him back to the vet this morning. I couldn't get his pain under control. They put him on iv pain meds and he relaxed some and seemed to be more at ease. I realize now that I'm going to have to find people to help me get him out at pee times. I just can't manage guiding him with the leash and holding up his rump at the same time as we are going down the ramp. I'm just not strong enough. I think I will be able to handle it once he gets to where he can help me with his back legs just a little.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 4, 2013 12:14:33 GMT -7
Jennifer, you need to contact the surgeon asap about the pain. Healing just can't get under way unless pain is being fully controlled dose to dose of his pain meds. The surgeon has lots of options to get pain corrected.
Let us know the dose in mg and how often you are giving his meds
You can put his picture as your Profile avatar , it does need to be small about 150pixels wide or so.
Let us know what the vet prescribes and says after your phone call…… we are concerned about the pain not being controlled
OK. just found your posts about taking him back to the hospital and have moved it to this thread so we have all of Bailey's posts in one spot.
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Post by bailey on Jul 4, 2013 12:38:55 GMT -7
Thank you so much Paula. I'm trying so hard to keep it together but just can't stand the pain he is in. I spoke with the animal hospital a couple of hours ago and they did change his pain meds and he was responding. Still agitated but nothing like this morning. They are also monitoring his bladder function. I won't be bringing him home today. I am in the process of rounding up people to come and help at pee times. Thank goodness for friends and neighbors. I've never been good at asking for help for myself but where Bailey is concerned it is a different matter. Everyone loves him so they are more than willing to help. He is such a social animal.
My regular vet does the laser therapy so I'm going to be contacting them tomorrow for some info.
I want to post his picture but all the ones I have were taken with my camera and the file size is too large. Is there a way to reduce the size?
This website is a godsend!
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Post by bailey on Jul 4, 2013 13:37:46 GMT -7
I just spoke to the vet and Bailey is actually sleeping! They were almost as excited about that as I am. I know he is exhausted. He hasn't urinated on his own today so they are monitoring that.
I also have found a woman who is available to help me as needed. She is just down the street from me so things are falling into place.
I'm working on getting his picture posted.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 4, 2013 13:48:51 GMT -7
I appears it was too early to release BAiley as the pain was not yet under control just by oral pain meds and the patch. Better he is in the hospital where they can monitor him. For your Profile Avatar, the photo should be about 100-150 pixels wide. This on-line site can help you resize your photo. www.reduceimages.com/I highly recommend something like the rear walkabout harness if it is in your budget. I would call and order directly from the manufacturer as the owner is very good in helping you to get the right fit. Of course a leash would always be connected to a harness and never to a collar with an iVDD dog. www.walkaboutharnesses.com/collections/walkabout-harnesses/products/walkabout-back-harness |
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Post by bailey on Jul 4, 2013 14:00:45 GMT -7
I just got his pic posted. Thank you for the info on the harness. I just checked out the website. Those look like that would be a great help! I'll have the vets office help me get the measurements tomorrow.
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Post by bailey on Jul 5, 2013 13:19:19 GMT -7
I just got back from spending a few hours with Bailey. He is out of ICU. Still on iv pain meds but they took off the fentanyl patch. The vet said there are some dogs that become dysphoric on fentanyl As time went on and it started getting out of his system he started really relaxing and quieting down. Actually went to sleep all snuggled up to me. My heart just wanted to melt. He is urinating on his own now. I'm thinking that he will come home tomorrow. Paula, I took your advice and ordered him a walkabout harness.
Thanks for your support!
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Post by bailey on Jul 7, 2013 18:55:21 GMT -7
Bailey is home! I picked him up today around noon and he was looking very bright eyed and bushy tailed! He doesn't like being in the crate but I am going to get him an xpen so he won't feel like he is in jail. The PT is coming on Fri to evaluate and walk me through the exercises. He still isn't using his legs but I think the whole Fentenyl experience may have delayed his progress. I feel in my gut that he will walk again. He is such a little trooper!
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 7, 2013 19:49:29 GMT -7
Hi Jennifer! Happy to hear Bailey is home! What medications, (and the dosages and freguencies) did they send home with him? Very sure he is happy to be home where he can heal in comfort.  |
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Post by bailey on Jul 8, 2013 9:17:21 GMT -7
Hi Pauliana. They sent him home with Tramadol (75mg) every 8-12 hours. Cerenia (60 mg) once a day if he needs it. So far he hasn't. They also gave Acepromazine(25mg) 1/2 as needed. I did have to give him one yesterday when I got him home but so none since. I think his pain is totally under control. He was able to go 12hrs and didn't seem to be hurting at all. I made him a little enclosure out on the front porch and he's been enjoying that all morning.
He tried to put a little weight on one of his hind legs but not his other one. He's wagging his tail though. I've started some exercises with him and the PT will be here Friday to evaluate and put me through the paces.
He's urinating, drinking and eating.
I'll keep posting on his progress.
What kind of dog do you have?
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 8, 2013 21:13:44 GMT -7
Hi Jennifer. Glad Bailey's pain is under control with Tramadol every 12 hours.. It is a short acting pain killer so normally it's given every 8 hours but if he is doing well with every 12 hours that's a good sign.  My Dog, Tyler is a Shih Tzu. This is his story. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory/tylerApplegate.htm |
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Post by bailey on Jul 9, 2013 5:28:31 GMT -7
I read Tyler's story. He sure is a cutie! Dogs are pretty special aren't they!
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 9, 2013 20:20:03 GMT -7
They are indeed! Bailey reminds me of a friend of mine's dog.. Daisy and she is also a sweet and friendly Basset.
Keep on getting better, Bailey.. We are pulling for you!
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Post by bailey on Jul 12, 2013 13:34:08 GMT -7
Bailey is doing great! He is standing and able to walk. He has a bit of knuckling in one paw but it is improving each day. The physical therapist came by today and was pleased with how he is progressing. She had him stand in the yard for about 10 minutes and liked that he could walk backwards and walk in big circles. I'm to give him light support when he walks. Just sort of be there in case he loses his balance. He hasn't lost much muscle tone so that has been in his favor. Starting tomorrow we are going to do 5 minute walks 2-3 times a day. She said it will make him sore so I need to be careful not to wear him out. The wonderful thing about the PT is that she is a retired veterinarian who decided to get certified in animal rehab because she enjoys it so much. Just an added bonus for me.
I want to thank all of you for your support. It was so helpful to be able to come to this site for education and reassurance. You truly are an invaluable resource and I thank all of you that make this website possible.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 15, 2013 13:57:56 GMT -7
Hope Bailey is continuing to do well.. |
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Post by bailey on Jul 15, 2013 15:44:44 GMT -7
He is continuing to do well! He did get a bladder infection but I think with the antibiotics it is clearing up. He is in great spirits and his walking continues to improve. He is ready for his long walks and doesn't understand that he can't do it yet. I did take him out on the road for about 5 minutes today and let him sniff some. He is just rearing to go though so I will have to hold him back. I have been so relieved that his little personality is intact. I was worried that he would become fearful but that hasn't been the case. My friends and neighbors have been wonderful in helping me and just coming to visit the little fellow. He loves people. I just can't say how wonderful it is to see him progressing like this. I was worried about his age but he is bouncing right back.
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Post by bailey on Jul 20, 2013 3:39:43 GMT -7
Bailey sends his best to everyone here on the forum! He is progressing really well. Walking with minimal support and able to stand up on his own. If I didn't have hardwood floors I'd probably be letting him loose in the house. I've put down lots of rugs but there are still spots where his feet slip. That was never an issue before so I'm sure when he totally gets his balance back he will be okay. His mood is good and his little face doesn't have that pinched and worried look anymore. I think he was hurting way before the disc ruptured. I thought he was depressed with the move. He used to go to work with me everyday and loved all the clients. Now I'm pretty certain it was discomfort he was feeling. I'm so grateful to so many people!
I have two other dogs that weigh 60 and 40 so I have never been able to feed them the top quality dog food. It's always been Purina or Pedigree dry with a little bit of inexpensive canned food mixed in. Through all this Bailey has been getting Hills and ProPlan canned. His coat has gotten so soft and silky. I've decided once I'm out of the old purina they are all going on ProPlan dry with some of the canned mixed in. The other two are figuring out that Bailey is getting the good stuff. I'm having to be sure they are getting as much attention and love as he is. I have the geriatric crew here. My oldest is 13 although you could never tell it and then I have an 11 yr old. One is a lab mix and the other is difficult to say. Maybe some rottweiler and black and tan hound? Bailey is the youngster at 10.
We have been taking about 3 walks, 15-20 minutes each day. I live in Asheville, NC and it's hilly so I know he is getting his muscles stretched. Every time I take him out he heads for the gate. He's also liking to walk with me by himself instead of with the other two also. It's taking more time to get their walks in but soon I'm sure I'll be able to take them all together again.
I'm sitting here with my first cup of coffee and realize I'm rambling. One of the hazards of living alone! I tend to be a bit of a "chatty kathy".
I hope everyone's little love muffins are doing well. This forum really is a godsend!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 20, 2013 10:27:20 GMT -7
Jennifer, it is a good thing to do the PT the surgeon has recommended. Anytime you are not specifically eyeball to eyeball PT walking he should not be out of his recovery suite. His feet slip because of nerve damage that will heal with time. PT is practicing the correct form of walking and doing it slowly and deliberate so the nerves and the muscle can relearn the art of walking. Do read up on dogs foods so you have an understanding of what to look for on the list of ingredients. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htmSelect the best quality you can that will still fit your pocket book. These brands have been reviewed to help you quickly zero in on better choices: www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/ |
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Post by bailey on Jul 20, 2013 12:37:07 GMT -7
So far he has not been out of the pen on his own. I have been doing the PT and when the surgeon saw him on Wed of last week he said to allow him to walk on leash as much as he wanted within reason. He doesn't seem to mind being confined so it's no problem keeping him there. I will check out your food lists. Thanks.
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Post by bailey on Jul 30, 2013 11:21:51 GMT -7
Bailey continues to do really well. I had the PT stop by yesterday to check him out and she said everything looks great. He has made a good recovery and is able to walk without the sling. His balance is good, he knows where his back legs are and still has really good muscle tone. He loves his crate on the porch. Wants in it first thing in the morning and spends the whole day there until we go to bed. Except of course for our walks. We are able to do 3-4 15-20 minute walks now and will slowly lengthen them. Once again I want to thank all of you for your support and hope everyone's dog is doing well.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 31, 2013 20:25:43 GMT -7
Glad to hear of Bailey's excellent progress. Keep up the great care you are giving him!
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