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Post by cynthiamatherne on Jul 8, 2013 16:12:02 GMT -7
O my our poor sweet Gabby Girl, Gabby is the name we gave her two years ago, reason, she was a rescue from a puppy mill. full term pregnant and all she did was Gab:))) two weeks later she gave birth to a healthy NINE PUPS, O my, after eight weeks of pups and rehoming the little ones to great forever homes, we had Miss Gabby spayed. So her happy normal life began, the vet estimated her age between five and six years and also advised she appeared to have been breed every heat cycle, but now she will get a chance a real happiness.
All was well until three weeks ago, Gabby was acting odd, I originally thought she had a nail issue, took her to the vet that day, but the news was not good.
We have been on two weeks of kennel rest with meds, (Prednisolone 5mg, Tramadol 50mg, Pepcid 5mg 30 min. before Prednisolone and Hip and Joint chews.
At first she was just dragging her hind legs, appeared to have no control. With two weeks under our belt of crate rest, she can walk with hind legs but not for any real distance. The kennel rest is hard for her because she has not been back in a kennel since I rescued her from the puppy mill as she had to live in a kennel her entire life at the puppy mill. I just try to reassure her that it will be fine, pet her often, my hubby attach a furniture dolly to the bottom of her kennel so I take her with me into ever room so she does not feel so isolated and depressed. It is going to be a tough six weeks of kennel rest but I know it's what is best for her:(
She looks so sad, just like when I rescued her and gab, gab, she makes sure I know she is not happy.
Just need lots of prayers and support to know I am doing what is best for her:((((
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Post by natureluva on Jul 8, 2013 16:33:08 GMT -7
Hi there! Welcome to Dodger's List. We're glad you found us! I'm sorry to hear Gabby is having an IVDD episode. We follow what the most knowledgeable IVDD vets recommend for conservative (non-surgical) care, and that is 8 weeks of strict crate rest. Two weeks simply is not enough for a disc to fully heal (good chance of a relapse). Discs take longer to heal than even bones due to their low blood supply. That is why 8 weeks are necessary. So please, do make sure she is not allowed to walk around. Here are two links to help you with crate rest, plus a link on conservative care: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htm [conservative treatment] Many dogs do better in an open-air environment such as a play pen or a crib. I kept a second crate in my bedroom and placed it right on top of my bed against a wall (no chance of the crate falling). This allowed my pup to feel like he was sleeping with me. :-) A pet stroller is a tremendous help during and after crate rest!! Read more here: dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm Is her pain well controlled? If you notice signs of pain (trembling/shaking, a tight feeling tummy, panting, lack of appetite, yelping), ask for an additional pain reliever such as methocarbamol or gabapentin. Glad you are protecting her stomach with Pepcid AC! Acupuncture and laser light therapy are excellent complementary treatments for IVDD. They both stimulate the nerves to heal and reduce pain and inflammation, and acupuncture has the additional bonus of inducing a state of well-being. These treatments can begin asap, as long as you can safely transport your dog to and from the appointments (crated). You can ask your vet for a referral to a holistic vet that does acupuncture and laser light therapy, or you can search for one in your area here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ The best way for you to help Gabby is by learning about her disease. Here is a brief tutorial on IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.html . If a dvd is more your style, we have an excellent one available for only $3 including shipping. It's great to have on hand to show to family/friends/petsitters so they will know what they can and cannot do with your dog and how they can help: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm We look forward to hearing more about Gabby! Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 8, 2013 20:31:51 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist! My name is Pauliana, what is yours? Please let your Gabby know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will. With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place. Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmIt sounds like Gabby is making progress after 2 weeks of crate rest. Thank you for taking her and giving her the opportunity for a happy life and tender loving care. In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? -- What was the date you saw the vet and started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM)? -- What breed is Gabby? -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? -- What are the frequencies of the medications given? -- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail due when you do some happy talk? -- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm-- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration. Find a holistic vet here: ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 9, 2013 8:56:14 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen. I'm sorry that your Gabby is having an IVDD episode. You have done an excellent job of getting her conservative treatment started:) Keep us posted, we are all here to help each other. Keeping you in thought and prayer  |
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