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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 6, 2013 16:09:51 GMT -7
Hi Everyone-
I'm so glad to find a community online; Fonzie is my buddy and this is all overwhelming. I'm a worrier and I want to do all I can for him!
--What is your dog's name? Fonzie
--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD?
Fonzie is a long-haired dachshund. He is 8 years old. No prior incidents, falls, or trauma. I have a ramp for my bed and couch is low. He is in his crate when I am at work. On Monday, He went outside in the morning with me, peed/pooped like normal, and went in his crate. I got home from work, opened the crate, and normally he is like my shadow following me to go out. I turned and he wasn't there. Fonzie lost all motor function in his hind legs. It was sudden. I do not drive, luckily my sister lives across the street and we took him to the vet and then the emergency center. After an MRI, we found he had a disc rupture between T13 and L1. He had his surgery on Wednesday night, was eating/peeing/pooping, they said all good signs. He came home last night. I am being so cautious. I'm home from work until Wednesday to figure out our post-op routine, but it is very tough to see him struggling.
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7?
He came home 7/5 at about 8pm. We aren't even through day one at home! He isn't in his crate, but remains is his pet bed on the floor, while I am on the couch right next to him. He typically isn't in the crate while I am home, so trying to have him be in there while I went to sleep last night (he usually sleeps in bed with me) was not successful. He was whining, howling, and I was more concerned that he as going to injure himself more. Any tips on a more open confined area vs. his crate which he seems to have an aversion to after this occurred - i.e. exercise pen and his bed? He doesn't move far out of his bed and if he does it is to get a drink of water and I put him right back in bed.
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Is there still currently pain ? Not that I can tell, except for a slight wince when I pick him up to go outside. My sister dropped off some blankets and he tried to get to the door. His tail was wagging.
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies?
Day 4 of 10 - Tramadol 25 mg, 3x's a day
Day 1 of 3 - 1/2 pill of Pred, 2x's a day
Day 4 of 5 - Clindamycin, 2 x's a day
Day 4 of 7 - Pepcid 5 mg, 2 x's a day
Day 4 of 5 - Metronidazole, 2x's a day
After 3 days of cold compresses, I am starting - Day 1 of 7 of warm compresses 4x's a day @ 10minutes
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
Saw a tail wag just 5 minutes ago! :-) VERY wobbily walk. Difficult to stand/bearing full weight on hind legs for longer than to urinate or maybe about 15 seconds. He did try and walk to my sister when she visited, but his legs were very floppy.
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? No, we've made it outside and he has urinated 3 x's in the last 24 hours.
-- Eating and drinking OK? Eating GREAT! On ID, bland diet and loves it. Has taken a big drink of water about 3 times in the last 24 hours. Wish it was a bit more!
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? He hasn't at home yet since surgery. Doc said he did while there. Slight diarrhea, given metronidazole to help.
He is such a good boy! He is my heart! I've lived alone for over 10 years, spent 7 in graduate school, and Fonzie is my family and has been there every step of the way with me in my adult life. We truly take care of each other. I am following all instructions but it is so difficult to process, because it was sudden and because I don't know the long term timeline of recovery. What is progress people who take care of our lil ones every day, may not seem it to me. I feel ok watching over him but will worry so much when I go back to work on Wednesday that I am leaving him. I would appreciate any guidance or tips of successful crate/confinement since he freaked out when in there last night - and just to know that my worries and fears for his progress and safety during his aftercare are normal.
Thanks, love to all of your dachshunds!
-Amy
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Post by Michelle on Jul 6, 2013 18:34:11 GMT -7
So sorry!!! Lucy and i had a rough couple of days too. She had a never been crate trained. Crazy as this sounds, I actually put the crate on the bed right next to my pillow. I made sure she had blankets to burrow in. Nights were never a problem after that!!!!
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 6, 2013 19:16:48 GMT -7
This is definitely a dachshund group - blanket burrowing - a Fonzie favorite pastime! Doesn't sounds crazy at all - I am trying something similar!
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 7, 2013 6:11:39 GMT -7
Fonzie is having a bit of a rougher morning and I'm trying not to worry. We both slept at least 6 hours which I'm so happy about.
He seems to be making more pain grumbles this morning. Going out was tough, no use of hind legs yet, more difficult to even prop him up this morning. He's eaten 2 cans of food over the past 1.5 days but no #2. When do I worry about that?
He just got his meds and is sleeping now but overall impression is a little decline - less mobility, less strength.
Can anyone recommend a sling to get? The vet said he didn't tolerate it well but I was wondering if there are other versions that could help.
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Post by Jane's Katie on Jul 7, 2013 10:07:42 GMT -7
We had one of our six,rescued from a shelter, that to crate train we put crate beside the bed at night. Leaving in bedroom wasn't an option, with my allergies. So we slowly inched the crate across the bedroom, down the hall, through the den and then the kitchen until we finally got it to the laundry room with our other dogs crated at night. It was our daughter's suggestion. It took us months to accomplish, because some nights we would take backwards steps. It sounds silly now, but it did work. This dachshund had behavior problems, so everything we did took time and patience and still does. I'm sure others would be a little easier. I pray he never has IVDD issues, because I know we wouldn't be able to work with him as we have for our Maggie and Katie during their three surgeries.
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jul 7, 2013 13:08:41 GMT -7
Amy, is Fonzie still on the pain meds he was sent home with? If he is and seems to be in pain, you need to call the surgeon. Not going for only 1.5 days is nothing to worry about yet. You can add a teaspoon of plain pumpkin to his food and that will help. This article shows some different slings that have worked for our members www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm The figure 8 sling seems to work for male dogs. Linda |
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 7, 2013 13:54:36 GMT -7
Thanks so much! He seems to be doing much better than this morning. He stood up for a full 15 seconds!! He has been comfortable enough to sleep a lot of the day and even stretched a teeny bit in his bed.
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 7, 2013 14:12:36 GMT -7
Linda-
That site is SO HELPFUL! Pack with information!!!!! Thank you!
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 7, 2013 21:15:54 GMT -7
Hi Amy! welcome to Dodgerslist! It is totally normal to be stressed and worried over Fonzie. Believe me, I was the exact same way after my Tyler had his herniation and then surgery. Most likely Fonzie will sleep when you are away at work.. Here is some information on emergency crate training.. It is important to keep Fonzie in the crate or recovery suite to limit movement on his early healing disc or he could have a serious relapse that would impact his recovery. I know it is tempting to have them out of the crate but dogs always do what we don't expect quick as lightening. All it takes is a ringing doorbell or a favorite person's arrival to be a potential for a lot of excitement and potential for injury. He needs to be protected until his disc heals for 6 weeks. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmInformation on recovery suites that are more open than crates and very comfy according to my Tyler who recovered in one if these after his surgery..He still goes into his on his own when he wants to take a nap. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmHere is a video that shows how to lift and carry Fonzie.. As far as crate anxiety.. Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html [pheromone diffuser] with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php [Composure] 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.comPlease call your vet and tell him that Fonzie is still in pain and let us know what adjustments are made to his pain medications.. Here is some info on the commonly used meds for IVDD so you know what to advocate for Fonzie. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmSending healing wishes over the miles and soothing thoughts for you.. |
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 7, 2013 21:50:21 GMT -7
Thanks so much!!!
His day ended up so much better than it started!! He really slept comfortably for most of the day!
He ate, drank and even nudged his leash as I was getting ready to take him outside! I had problems at first with the grass so high outside of my apartment complex, I couldn't see if he was going potty. Plus, I didn't want him to lose footing or get his incision dirty - it helped a lot to put a wee wee pad/absorbent pad on the grass so I knew exactly what was happening. And another first today!!! He finally went #2! And walked about 4 steps as he did. I think I cried. He seemed tuckered out after that! And is sleeping peacefully!!
Baby steps and a little progress! I'm so proud of him!
Thanks for the support! This site is fantastic!
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
New Member
New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
Posts: 104 
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on Jul 8, 2013 11:03:33 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. So glad you found this site, it has so much useful and good information. Just read and learn as much as you can, it will only help you understand and do the best for your adorable Fonzie. Strict crate rest is so important. Sound like Fonzie is improving and your 6 weeks will be up before you know it. Hang in there. You and Fonzie will be in my prayers and thoughts. Hugs  |
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 8, 2013 21:02:15 GMT -7
Very glad to hear Fonzie is resting comfortably.. Every improvement is an emotional event.. I remember that well with every improvement Tyler made after his surgery.
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 9, 2013 1:33:39 GMT -7
Thanks everyone! I think we are in the next phase of recovery - he seems to be feeling better enough to try and get out of his bed. I'm thrilled about that but he still doesn't have strength in his back legs to stand fully on his paw pads.
Perfect opportunity to start with the crate before I go back to work. We had 2 great sessions: one 20 minutes while I showered and another 30 minutes while I went out to the store. He was quiet (I hope!) and all was ok when I came back. I had such a fear he would hurt himself more.
He started to get frustrated staying in bed, so I'm trying to sleep a bit with him in his crate and me in another room (actually my bed for the first time all weekend :-)!) i can hear him barking. I'm not entirely sure how to keep him calm inside. I'm starting to worry about going back to work and how he will be for an extended period of time. I live in an apartment complex and no doubt my neighbors can hear him.
Agh anxiety!!!!
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Post by bailey on Jul 9, 2013 4:54:52 GMT -7
Hi Amy. My dog Bailey, Basset mix, had his surgery on the 1st of July. He is around 55 lbs. I have enlisted the help of all my neighbors who have been more than happy to help me get him outside. Maybe you have a neighbor who would be willing to sit with him while you are at work or maybe even take Fonzie's crate to their place. It has always been very hard for me to ask for help for myself but where Bailey is concerned I didn't hesitate. I live alone and I could not have done it by myself. I can't carry him and trying to get him out with the sling, down the ramp and back up proved to be too much. I'm okay when he is inside. I don't know where you work but maybe it's a situation where you could take him to work with you. Most people love dogs and are sympathetic to our needs. Most people love to help one another. I've been surprised at the generosity of everyone with their time and their willingness to help.
I'm glad to say that Bailey seems to be doing great. He had a horrible reaction to the Fentanyl patch, extreme agitation, and I think it set him back. This morning though he is putting a little weight on one of his hind legs and the other one seems to have some movement. Rather than keeping Bailey in a crate all the time, I fashioned some enclosures using big storage containers so he doesn't feel quite so confined. He wasn't crate trained but he's been sleeping in one and seems to be okay with it now. When he really gets moving he is going to be hard to guard.
I wish you all the best with Fonzie. It's scary I know.
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 9, 2013 5:26:05 GMT -7
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Post by bailey on Jul 9, 2013 5:44:14 GMT -7
Bailey didn't poop till this morning. It was really exciting! He was 7 days out of surgery. I have him out on the front porch and he seems to enjoy it. Back to howling which I never thought would sound so good!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 9, 2013 6:06:45 GMT -7
Yay! Bailey. I never thought I would look forward to poop! Keep getting better Bailey!
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 9, 2013 6:54:13 GMT -7
Aw Bailey and Dusty!!! I love these lil ones I never met! Continued support from me in Philly to pet parents and hugs to our furry friends!
Wow! I cannot imagine doing this with Bailey's size, but your kind words inspired me to give my neighbors a heads up (even though most are a little standoffish) but even as a courtesy to them that there may be barking and I'm happy to talk with them about it. Thank you.
DUSTY!!! In the crate!!!!!! What is the size? We have a 30in long x 21in wide x 24in high crate that he's used since a puppy (and likely hasn't liked but hates more now!!) I was reading on here how to take the top off, is that what you did? I can understand him being much better with a bit less confinement even if just the top!
So good to hear about your lil ones and please keep updating! This has been a blessing to know others feel the same!
Hmm - I know, I never thought I'd pray for poop haha :-) it took Fonzie awhile because they had him on meds from vet because he started with a bad tummy. Maybe vet had them on something at first? Pain meds can constipated too. Aw hoping for that for your lil guys!
All healing wishes!!!
Amy
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 9, 2013 7:58:23 GMT -7
I think Dusty is so much happier because the window goes right to the floor in our sunroom. I think he feels like it is much bigger because of this. The top of the crate actually just flips down the one side so that part was easy. With the top off it is much easier to get him in & out too.his crate is 32" long x 23 wide and 24 high. HIs original one was the same as yours. Why 2 inches and a window make so much difference I don't know but I'll take it.
All the best to everyone healing!
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 9, 2013 8:16:16 GMT -7
Good to know, our windows are high up (city living!) but something has to work.
I called the vet today with my concerns and a nurse is calling back with some guidance for going back to work tomorrow - I'm going to try and head out to get the diffuser the group mentioned on here tonight. We will do what we can!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 9, 2013 8:35:52 GMT -7
When she calls, ask about Benadryl or xanax to relax him while you are gone. Good luck!
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 11, 2013 7:40:01 GMT -7
How is Fonzie making out in the crate? I hope he has settled down for you. Nothing worse than more guilt! Dusty had a tantrum at bedtime last night but I just ignored his and he gave up after about 10 minutes.
Best wishes for you both.
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 14, 2013 10:14:46 GMT -7
Hi Everyone! I've been thinking about the nice people I met on this site and our furry friends like Dusty, Bailey, Lucy! Things definitely got chaotic getting back to work but I think 12 days post surgery we are figuring it out, fingers crossed! Fonzie's "Ultra Posh Recovery Suite" (term I gave it  worked out GREAT! I have a very small hallway that is perfectly blocked by a sturdy baby gate and had room for his open crate, and very small amount of area outside the crate for his furry bed (his new favorite!), a blanket and water. Also very close to an outlet where I got the diffuser of the D.A.P. - the first night, that worked like a charm! He did GREAT while I was at work Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and was snoozing in his bed when I got home! Fonzie is is eating, drinking, peeing, pooping, on more of a schedule that EVER! All good! He is finished with all pain medications and is only taking the Pepcid (once a day now) and just took his 2nd to last dose of Pred (we skip tomorrow and final dose on Tuesday.) Then, hard to believe, 5 medications will be complete! Our little silver lining came when he started to pay attention to him favorite squeaky toy that looks like a grumpy frog:-) , that began a few milestones! He is standing unassisted to pee for a short length of time! He has the urge to motor his hind legs forward, but needs help correcting them from " knuckling" and to stand on his paw pads. He doesn't move far at all and waits for me to either put him in his bed or in his little area. Friday night he was sitting and waiting while I just was throwing on a t-shirt. My apartment is small! He was in my line of sight the whole time and he stood up on his own. I dropped to my knees and laughed, his tail wagged! I didn't want to overexert him but he looked like he wanted to try and come. So I said, "Ok, can you come to Mommy?" and it was the best 20 seconds in this entire month of July! He was able to get to me in that short distance! Definitely wibble wobbling, but I would say 25% of his steps were correct and ON his little paw pads! I cried, his tail was wagging! It was a great step. Since then, he definitely gets tired out, but was NO WHERE NEAR this amount of progress a week ago! I have similar questions to Cindy, seems like he still will make low grumble noises when I carry him either to a spot in the apartment or to go outside - but he is out of pain medication. As I mentioned, I feel HORRIBLE that I have a 9 day work trip coming up and I am leaving him. He can't stay with my sister and her dogs and my vet wont board him. Our option is back in the hospital where there is someone there 24hrs and will carry him out to go to the bathroom and know his history/help in his rehab/take out his stitches. It is a large expense to put on the care credit, but I feel he would be in the absolute best care there and that is what is most important. This really is a baby step process, where triumphs and celebrations are measured over a long time not daily - but how sweet it is to celebrate each one, be it a 1st pee outside, or the first interest in a toy, or the first time even 2 solid steps were taken! Truly each little furry friend is on his or her own timeline or healing. All the best to our furry friends out there, Amy & Fonzie |
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Post by dustysgama on Jul 14, 2013 10:48:49 GMT -7
I am in tears I am so excited for you both!
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Post by bailey on Jul 16, 2013 3:13:13 GMT -7
It sounds as though he is doing great! I think you are making a good choice taking him back to the hospital while you are gone. It will be worth the cost as it will provide you with so much peace of mind while you are gone. He knows the people there and they will take good care of him. Tell Fonzie to keep up the good work!
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Post by fonziesmommy on Jul 16, 2013 4:38:00 GMT -7
Aww thanks, how's Bailey?
I know he will be well cared for and clearly it is for the best. It is Mommy guilt though. Of course I want to be with him - the 18th at night until the 28th at night is a long time. But you are right they know his history, can help with rehab, get out the ol stitches.
It will be ME that's upset! :-)
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Post by bailey on Jul 16, 2013 5:04:02 GMT -7
That is a long time but maybe if you explain to him that Mom has to go to work to pay his bills and buy his food he might understand! I know it will be hard for you, I dont want to minimize that, I'm just trying to make you feel better about it.
Bailey is doing great. I could not be more thrilled. I have started walking him short distances using the sling to lightly support him. It is going to hard to hold him back. He is a strong dog and when he gets onto a scent, sees another dog or a person he has a mind of his own!
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Post by bailey on Aug 2, 2013 3:04:22 GMT -7
Hi Amy! Bailey wanted me to ask how Fonzie is doing. Did your trip go well and was he much improved when you got back? I know he missed you!!
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worked out GREAT! I have a very small hallway that is perfectly blocked by a sturdy baby gate and had room for his open crate, and very small amount of area outside the crate for his furry bed (his new favorite!), a blanket and water. Also very close to an outlet where I got the diffuser of the D.A.P. - the first night, that worked like a charm! He did GREAT while I was at work Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and was snoozing in his bed when I got home!