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Post by dustysgama on Jul 5, 2013 5:33:42 GMT -7
![]() 7 year old Dusty was a happy healthy dachshund until Tuesday when he suddenly lost use of his hind legs. He had not been using his doggy door for a week or 2 prior but figured that was just a dachshund being temperamental. We were lucky enough to get to our vet prior to closing and he sent us to Pensacola for immediate surgery. It was only 4 hours from the time he lost use to the time he was on the operating room table. They say the surgery went well but as expected, no use of hind quarters or bladder and bowels. The vet said he does not like his bladder being expressed for him, so I hope that is a sign he has sensation. Waiting for the call this morning. The surgeon is in at 8am to reassess and hopefully we will be bringing him home.I was directed to this site by Hotdog Hill Sanctuary who I follow on facebook. A sweet lady that takes in the poor little broken souls that no one else will care for. I have already learned so much from this site. I am so worries for my sweet little man.The waiting is killing me. Does anyone know if it really is a good sign if he doesnt like them expressing his bladder? Also, what is the safest way to transport him home. It is about an hour away? |
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Post by jcorms on Jul 5, 2013 6:09:10 GMT -7
I'm so sorry to hear about Dusty.
We have 2 dachshunds (Monty and Nigel).
Our little Monty (5 1/2 years old), poor guy, has just (1 July) gone through his second (2nd) IVDD surgery.
Catching it early is very good. Thankfully, with AMAZING helpful reading on this site, we saw the signs and rushed him to surgery (8.5 hr drive for us here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Our little Monty hated having his bladder expressed. We're told he has tight bladder tone.
It took about 12 hrs post-op for Monty to start attempting to walk. It's been 4 days this morning and I'm glad to say he's standing on his own and walking short distances.
I'm a HUGE worrier (ask my wife). I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't still worried about my little guys, but keep hope, I'm hopeful, with a parent like yourself Dusty will find the support and courage he needs to get better.
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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 5, 2013 11:30:21 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, gama. My name is Paula what is yours? Usually a dog that has bladder control returning would not like you expressing…so that could be a good sign indeed! I have two very good pages for you to read about nerve healing and the order it happens in plus answers about post op. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm In the early days of learning our dogs have IVDD, everyone needs a shoulder to lean on while getting things figured out, dealing with emotions, getting up to speed on meds, what disc disease is, etc. Your job in the coming days is to become a reader so you become the confident leader of the health care team.... to discuss confidently various issues from medications to recognizing if suggestions of activity would be harmful to the healing disc. All that takes being a reader. Start on our main website with "Overview: the essentials" yellow button it will give you the degree of understanding you need right away…. as time permits continue to read all the orange buttons and the blue button "Disc Disease 101 core readings" to complete your education. Here is the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmYou will want to start a list of questions for discharge day so everything gets an answer in the excitement of picking up Dusty. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmThe best way to transport Dusty is in his crate. Pad out the crate with rolled up towels or blankets so when you take a corner or brake his body will not shift. Let us know what meds he comes home with, what the surgeon directs for PT and for crate rest. |
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 5, 2013 15:53:04 GMT -7
hi, this is Cindy (gama) Thank you both for reaching out. We got Dusty home this afternoon and he looked sooooooooooo much better then I expected. Very sharp and alert. We took him outside with a sling and he went pee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee. His back legs and tail are still extremely limp but we are pleased with everything so far. He really motors with us holding him up with the sling. His appetite is still no existent but he has taken some water. We went to war on him taking his pill and so far he won the first round. Usually I can get a pill in him either with some cheese or treat, or opening his mouth and throwing it in deep. But he was fighting all the way. I did not want him to stress himself out so I backed off. He is sleeping now but will try with some peanut butter! He has never been crated before but he is taking it quite well. I think he feels safe from the other dogs.
He was prescribed 1.8 ml of .5 mg of Metacam (oral suspension liquid) once a day and 50mg of tramadol 3 times a day.
4weeks of strict rest in a limited area. 3 or 4 times a day take outside and "walk" with a sling.
3 to 5 times a day put him in a standing position for 5 minutes at a time. Gently flex and extend or "bicycle"each limb. This can gradually be replaced with bathtub swimming and supported walking.
My congrats to Monty for standing on day 4. BRAVO! Fingers crossed he keeps progressing full steam ahead!
Thank you again dodgerslist for all the great info!
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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 5, 2013 18:28:54 GMT -7
Dusty has been under quiet some stress. Just as people can produce extra acids when stressed…same with dogs. Then on top of that he is taking a NSAID, Metacam. The not eating could be GI tract problems.
The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not to take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID.
Is his pain controlled fully…no shivering, yelping?
Glad to hear he has bladder control and can pee on his own…. with time you'll see more nerve functions return.
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 5, 2013 19:44:19 GMT -7
I will be asking the vet about pepcid AC. I bought some this morning after reading dodgers list. Pain seem under control. Finally got his pain meds into him by crushing it, then mixing it with peanut butter and basically sticking it to the roof of his mouth. (per vet tech's instructions)
Because he was never crated, he is unhappy being in the crate. He is a very low energy fellow so he gets a bit of time out sitting peacefully on his memory foam.
I will be happier when he gets his appetite back.
Thanks again for your info!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 6, 2013 5:47:57 GMT -7
Dusty had a good night. some crying because he was not in the bed but otherwise good. He still won't eat. Drinks a tiny bit buy no appetite, He looks interested and then just tries to bury the food with his blankets. How long did it take others to start eating again?
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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 6, 2013 8:01:09 GMT -7
Tramadol is EXTREMELY bitter, so I would not recommend crushing the tablet if at all possible. Once they taste tramadol they will be forever suspicious of your trying to pill him.
No appetite is quite possibly the adverse side effect of metacam. I hope you are now giving Pepcid AC ( 5mg Pepcid AC 30 mins before the metacam) and keeping the vet in the loop on Monday about Pepcid AC.
Keeping hydrated is important. Try making some low salt, no fat chicken or beef broth. Boil some hamburger or chicken pieces. Cool ad lift layer of fat off. Serve warm or freeze into cubes. Licking a cube inside his recovery suite is good entertainment too.
YOu can try soaking his kibble in equal parts of broth as the kibble for each meal to see if that will help his appetite.
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 6, 2013 20:20:00 GMT -7
Good luck Fonzie. Hope you are up and walking very soon. How old is Fonzie? Dusty still has a very poor appetite, but is drinking water and had a wee snack this afternoon. He seems to be comfortable but of course frustrated. Hope and prayers to all the ailing furkids!
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 6, 2013 20:44:05 GMT -7
Thank you! Fonzie is 8 years old. He's typically very picky about finding pills in food! I'm surprised but the canned Hill's Prescription i/d bland diet for tummy problems is doing the trick. But no #2 yet. He got the pain patch off today so I think he's in a little more pain, he's very hunched and does a kind of low grumble when I pick him up to go out. He's liking his cozy bed and not moving from it right below the couch, so I can scratch his ears. I don't think I've slept! He's not moving anywhere but until I figure out a sleeping/crate/pen area for when I'm at work, I just want him to rest up as much as possible.
How is Dusty in the crate, any tips to calm him? Fonz is normally fine but today was NOT! I called the nurse and she said she would rather have him calm and stable in a bed under my watch than freaking out in the crate. I am hoooooooping there's progress before I go back to work or I will be a worried wreck!
Worse still in 2 weeks, I have a mandatory 8 day work project I travel for and Fonzie's usual happy destination at my sister's with her 2 dogs is now out if the question. I'm hoping the vet boarding him can work.
It's just not sinking in. But very glad I found this site with others going through the same. Please keep us updated on Dusty!
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Post by Jane's Katie on Jul 6, 2013 21:31:29 GMT -7
We have two of our six doxies that had back surgery, Maggie in 2010 and Katie in 2011. Both had full recovery. We were told by our surgeon,Dr Milton, that Maggie had the worst he had every seen. Dr Milton has many years of experience and taught at Auburn vet school. Maggie's recovery was a little slower than Katie's, but you wouldn't know to look at her that she ever had a problem. Katie unfortunately just had to have surgery on her neck on June 5th. Her recovery has been much slower on the cervical surgery. I'm sure her age (9 1/2 yrs) and stubbornness has something to do with it. We did have to take her back to surgical center a week after surgery and just got her back home from Birmingham Friday.
Katie is not a good pill taker either. I know the surgical staff didn't listen to us to begin with and thought she was taking her meds and not making sure she didn't spit it out. So without her meds in her, pain management was an issue. What we have found that works since we got her home is don't just open the crate and try to give her a pill in a treat. We take her out of the crate and pet her to get her at ease. We have been using thick slices (thick enough to conceal pill) of hot dogs and slipping pill or capsule in center. Once I give her the treat I gently hold her head up and stroke underneath her neck until I'm sure she has swallowed. Keep it low key, I know she senses if you are in a hurry and stressing to get it in her. If you don't get med in first try, wait a while and try again later keeping it very relaxed. The tech said they kind of made a little ball of soft food. We also have used cubes of Velveeta and pill pockets in the past. Good luck, I know it's even more challenging to get meds in them if their appetite is poor.
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 7, 2013 5:51:49 GMT -7
Thank you grankee. We too, are from alabama. Mobile. We were sent to Pensacola with Dr. Scott Goett and the whole experience was wonderful (considering) He just ate a bit of cheese and looks interested in something else. He loves wieners too so I will give it a try. He is in great spirits this morning but not a lot of change in his hind quarters.
I know what you mean by stubborn!. I hope sweet Katie is on the mend very soon and enjoying Maggie again.
We have 2 dachshunds Dusty, (mini dapple (double unfortunately) who is also blind in one eye and limited on his other. We have a mini wire haired named Emma that we rescued and 2 basset hounds. Boo and Bunny.
Thanks for your kind words!
Cindy
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Post by Jane's Katie on Jul 7, 2013 9:48:47 GMT -7
Cindy,
We are in Montgomery, but have gone to Birmingham for our dachshunds' three surgeries. We have 14 1/2 yr old Penny (a red full size mix), 9 1/2 yr old Maggie (8 lb Black and Tan dapple), Schatzie ( Maggie's littermate and also Black and Tan dapple), 9 1/2 yr old Katie (a red mini with green eyes), 8 1/2 yr old Betsy (black and tan tweenie) and Mikey ( a Black and Tan tweenie around 8 yrs). So far Maggie and Katie are our only ones that have had IVDD issues. Dr Milton had advised we keep an eye on Schatzie since it is hereditary. My sister has another of their litter mates, Dixie Rose, that has had some IVDD issues so far resolved by crate rest.
Katie is spoiled and definitely is our most stubborn of the six. The pill issues go back to when she was a one lb puppy that we got from a breeder near Tuscaloosa. Little did we know she had parasite issues that required struggling to get meds in a little one lb puppy. So ever since its been a challenge with pill taking. All the other dogs you can put their medicine in their food, not Katie. If he likes cheese, then the Velveeta might work for you too. I believe I got that trick from our dog behaviorist (Mikey came to us from a shelter in Auburn 4 yrs ago with a lot of challenging issues so had to enlist a dog behaviorist to help). You can buy a huge block of Velveeta for what a bag of the pill pockets cost.
Jane (aka Granknee of six lovable grandkids ages 1 - 7 yrs old)
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 7, 2013 13:01:22 GMT -7
Hi Amy. I am having difficulty posting directly to you. Sorry to hear that Fonzie is not having a good day. He is probably getting depressed and frustrated. I know Dusty is. He HATES the crate and is making nighttime difficult. He is use to being snuggled up in our bed. During the day we let him sit on the couch surrounded by pillows and towel rolls to make sure he can not escape or fall. He is still very wobbly and has had a few tinkle leaks but usually goes when we go outside. He has not pooped either, but other than a few bites of this and that, has not eaten much. I will be calling the vet tomorrow if there is no action. I encourage you to watch some videos on you tube under dachshund ivdd recovery. A lady named Ashlee Alstrom did some great, short videos of her dogs recovery and I found them very enlightening. also so good videos on physio. I hope he is feeling better soon. hang in there  |
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 9, 2013 12:50:34 GMT -7
Dusty had a poop!!!!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 10, 2013 7:02:47 GMT -7
Could someone tell me how long that the dog should be on the Metacam? He will run out tomorrow and called the emergency vet and they were vague. He will run out tomorrow which will be his 8th day post surgery. He is still unable to walk or stand unsupported. Any help. What is my next step?  ?? |
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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 10, 2013 10:36:28 GMT -7
It is a guess how long it takes to get the post surgical swelling down. And each dog is individual in pain. So I would observe for pain tomorrow…. if you are seeing any hint if shivering, not wanting to move very much or moves gingerly, yelping, then you would know to get another prescription. Metacam is an anti-inflammatory and does not aid in nerve healing…that happens with time and the body's self healing ability.
Is Dusty eating normally now? I looked back at your past posts and did not find you ever got the necessary Pepcid AC on board to keep Metacam from hindering the natural defenses of the stomach lining. Not eating well is very likely a sign of the damage from Metacam starting.
Can he move his legs at all. Can he wag his tail if you specifically do some happy talk to him?
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 10, 2013 11:20:58 GMT -7
Hi Paula. Yes, Dusty is taking the pepcid ac with his Metacam. We started it on day 2 of the metacam. He is not eating well at all, but he does eat a bit. He is overweight so this may be a good thing.His demeanor is very good. He is playing with his toy hamster and is very bright and alert. He barks at squirrels and when someone comes home. He can move his legs ever so slightly and he seemed to be strong when I put him in his standing position today. His tail only moves when he goes pee. no wagging  He has been chewing on his back toes a bit over the past 2 days. Perhaps they are tingling? We are doing his physio every day and seems to enjoy have his legs and toes moved. |
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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 10, 2013 11:41:29 GMT -7
Pepcid AC alone is not enough for some dogs. Hopefully on the stop of Metacam tomorrow there will be no signs of pain meaning no need of any meds at all. However if you do see signs of pain, please ask for a 2nd stomach protector called sucralfate along with metacam extension and accompanying pain meds. Hope to hear back the stop of Metacam shows no signs of pain.
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 10, 2013 12:32:58 GMT -7
Thank you so much Paula. I will keep you updated.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 10, 2013 20:08:22 GMT -7
Hi Cindy!
Dusty chewing on his back toes is a sign of Neuropathy and it's important to call your vet ASAP and let him know. They can put him on Gabapentin as it is excellent for this type of nerve pain.. This can be serious because the Dusty could get so bothered by this he could chew up his toes.. Other dogs have actually seriously injured themselves because of this type of burning, tingling pain..
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 11, 2013 7:36:40 GMT -7
Fortunately the chewing was minimal. more like scratching an itch.
Dusty is doing great today. This is day 8. He was almost able to stand on his own and had a giant poop with complete control. Yay. Its a good day!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 14, 2013 5:01:09 GMT -7
it is now 11 days post surgery. Dusty is in great spirits. He looks good, is eating well. Despite our daily physio he has not seemed to progress any over the last few days. He still needs minor assistance to stand and seems to have little interest in standing. He can scoot at about 90 miles an hour, but no attempts to use his back legs. He responds when we exercise his back legs and he feels my massaging of his feet, hips etc, but no other real response. The only movement in his tail is when he goes to the bathroom. We sure aren't giving up. He will be going to our vet for his stitches to be removed this week and will see what recommendations he has for us.
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 14, 2013 9:47:18 GMT -7
Hi Cindy!!!
It has been tough getting back to work and getting a Fonzie routine. So glad to hear that Dusty is in good spirits!!! I have been thinking about all of you!
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Post by bailey on Jul 16, 2013 3:21:27 GMT -7
I don't know if you are using a walking sling but it might help to give him a little support when you have him up so that he can begin to test his legs. My dog is 55 lbs so I've used a sling from the beginning. I was and still am a bit of a nervous Nellie and like having the sling just in case his legs give out. If he is good spirits and showing interest and scooting at 90 mph I bet before long he decides he could go a lot faster if he was using his legs! The sling also supports him so that I can get his legs positioned under him and then let him put a bit of weight on them. The PT says he has to regain his sense of balance in his hind legs. Keep posting on his progress. He is a beautiful little fellow!
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 16, 2013 4:40:23 GMT -7
Agree!!!!
We haven't had the sling but I've been working (per the vet) to have Fonz stand on paw pads for tiny periods in the day. It's not quite clicking in yet but he is trying and when it's correct he goes with it.
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 16, 2013 5:21:01 GMT -7
I have been using a sling and we have been working on the standing and doing his bicycle rotations of his legs as well as therapy to massage and move all of his leg joints and muscles. He is standing a bit better, and i even try to work his legs for him as he moves forward.His one side seems stronger than the other. Making his appt for stitches to be removed and will have some testing done. Mobile, Al does have an animal physio center but I have heard or read very little about it. Will check with my local vet on that too!
Good luck to all and keep on moving and keep positive!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 19, 2013 4:20:23 GMT -7
Dusty stood for the first time today. it was only for a second, but he pushed up with his back legs and stood when my husband came home from work! I bought him a kiddy pool and we used it yesterday for the first time. He can stand in the water and we do some physio in the water. He seems to like it and it was after his water therapy that he stood up! We will now be doing it twice a day. Very excited!
His stitches are out and he is feeling great. Vet tested his feet for sensation and both were good!!!!
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Post by bailey on Jul 19, 2013 5:43:17 GMT -7
Isn't that so exciting when they start to be able to use their legs! I'm so glad Dusty is doing better. It has been so fun to watch Bailey regain his mobility. He was lucky because he wasn't down too terribly long and didn't lose his muscle tone. Each day he is better and better. I realize now that he had been hurting for a while. I thought he was depressed or that his anal gland was aggravating him. At that point he checked out fine at the vet's. Now his face is relaxed, he gives me those inquisitive looks, and his expression is happy. That is not an easy feat for a Basset! We are now taking 2-3 walks a day, 15-20 minutes each. The surgeon said to let him do what he feels like within reason. He is still confined to a pen and seems perfectly happy with that.
You tell Dusty to keep with the program and he will be trucking in no time! Bailey is sending him lots of good energy!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 19, 2013 7:27:46 GMT -7
Yay for Bailey! I have 2 bassets as well as 2 wiener dogs, so I know what you mean about that expression!
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He has been chewing on his back toes a bit over the past 2 days. Perhaps they are tingling? We are doing his physio every day and seems to enjoy have his legs and toes moved.
