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Post by Darlene & Paco on May 27, 2018 11:21:31 GMT -7
I will be calling vet first thing in morning. Seems he will need the cerenia script
Paco back to eating just by hand feeding him now. No diet changes or meds
Any ideas on at home things i can do to help relieve Nausea besides Love until vet consult tomorrow.
Rimadyl as of 4/30 ER: 12mgs 2x/day for 7 days as of 5/7 DVM: 18 mgs 2x/day for ▼21 days as of 5/18: STOPPED due to black digested stomach blood in stool Cerenia shot on 5/25 omeprazole 5mgs 1x/day sucralfate 250mgs 2x/day
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 18 lbs/ 8.16kg Rimadyl as of 4/30 ER: 12mgs 2x/day for 7 days as of 5/7 DVM: 18 mgs 2x/day for 12 days as of 5/18: STOPPED due to black digested stomach blood in stool Cerenia shot on 5/25 omeprazole as of 5/25p.m.: 5mgs 1x/day sucralfate 250mgs 2x]
Only thing changed i didn't use oil defuser, i been using spearmint last 2 weeks or so... I got it on now. I cant imagine that would make that much of a difference?
Post by Darlene & Paco on 23 hours ago I feel terrible now. New vet said she would call today 5/26 if not call her. I figured it best to wait after lunch give her time to get results back and review. I called today 5/26 136pm. They closed at 1pm. Called ER number off machine and they dont have access to her records unless I bring him in. I guess i can only hope everything is ok. I fell terrible for not calling first thing. They are closed tomorrow to. My fault for not asking when to call. The ER Vet they use is well know good, VERY expensive.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on May 27, 2018 11:55:35 GMT -7
Omeprazole Call the ER who has already seen Paco and has his files there. Even another ER vet on duty would be able to access the file. Discuss a 2x/day (every 12 hrs) dosing of omeprazole appropriate for Pacos 18lbs/8.16kg Discuss with ER using sucralfate more often than minimal 2x/day.
Explain the reason you are using a spearmint defuser.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on May 28, 2018 9:46:47 GMT -7
Sucralfate 1/4 pill every 7hours in slurry Omeprazole 5mg tablets every 24hours ,( 20mg pill cut 1/4 with pill cutter)
eating by hand only.. refused chicken and pumpkin until I jump started him with a chicken nugget from microwave, ate about 1/8 cup then moved away. only drinking if i use dropper or off my finger until this morning i kept lowering my finger till i got tongue in bowl of ck broth.. i got 3 laps outta him... not much but better that last few days he moves outta the way if i get bowl too close
he had a good looking poo this morning, no black nice log peed twice, he must be getting liquid from all the water I put in his food or enough from dropper. no sub fluids since 5/24 AM
Vet office still closed till tomorrow 5/29 730am
what I have read about Meds....
Sucralfate dose 1/4 pill every 12 to 8hrs for Paco ,at 18lbs, seems very low and should be modified to 1/2 pill every 8 to 12hours
Doses - SUCRALFATE Dogs: a) Large dogs: 1 gram (1 tablet) PO q8h Small dogs: 0.5 gram (1/2 tablet) PO q8h (Papich 1989) b) 0.5 - 1 gram PO q8-12h (Matz 1995) c) Dogs weighing < 20 kg: 0.5 gram PO tid-qid Dogs weighing > 20 kg: 1 gram PO tid-qid (Morgan 1988)
Omeprazole 5mg once a day should be modified to his weight 1/2 tab once a day or back to the famotidine for 2 reasons 1. by breaking the pill the coating is compromised leading to gastric acid degration 2 even fully intact ...after a few doses it may not be working correctly, if at all.
since yesterday 5/27 afternoon changed Sucralfate 1/4 pill every 8 to 12 hrs to 1/4 pill every 7 hrs Paco not doing lip smacking AS MUCH this morning and more restful.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 18 lbs/ 8.16kg Rimadyl as of 4/30 ER: 12mgs 2x/day for 7 days as of 5/7 DVM: 18 mgs 2x/day for 12 days as of 5/18: STOPPED due to black digested stomach blood in stool Cerenia shot on 5/25 omeprazole as of 5/25p.m.: 5mgs 1x/day sucralfate ▼125mgs every ▲7 hours]
I have noticed him licking inner thigh more often , this is a little normal for him. When he is over due for bath or haircut... normal once a month or so, more if he decided to roll in horse poo when we went to the farm. Before all this IVDdd nightmare I could keep his hair short and give him a bath and/or haircut it would stop his licking right away. I guess it could be from belly aches too? If this continues.... I know NO bath a sponge bath on underside couldn’t hurt anything?
any thoughts or ideas Thanks Darlene and Paco
[May 25: ] Spearmint is supposedly helpful with Nausea. No Help. Lady that anwsered phone said all Vets are busy. If the medicine in question wasnt given from thier office they can't answer any questions to call my vet, if office is closed I would have to wait for them to reopen or bring him in to be seen with them again. This is the ER vet Paco seen 4weeks ago, same ER vet his New Vet uses byw From the sites i have read a 18lb pound dog would get 4 to 8mg of Omeprozole once a day, anyways... after 5th dose it may not even work. Paco on his 3rd dose 5mg today. I
Sucralfate should be given 3 to 4xs a day Every 6 to 8 hours as on time as possible, so not to leave ulcers unprotected.
Im going to give Sucralfate every 7 hours. Not sure about what i will do about Omeprozole yet, likely increase his next dose to 7.5 mg once a day. Hopefully vet office is open tomorrow.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on May 28, 2018 12:41:28 GMT -7
Darlene, it is not a good idea to self medicate with the stomach protectors. There are all sorts of published doses on the internet. There are ranges of doses depending on what the issue is. When there are stomach issues, best to get ahold of a vet and get the doses and the frequency corrected for Paco's exact needs. Only DVM vets should prescribe medications. Good news is poop has improved in appearance. And he has peed twice. Signs of nausea (lip smacking) is diminishing. Perhaps you would be able to wait til Tues at 7:30am to get the meds adjusted by phone. Use unscented baby wipes to clean his inner leg. Maybe you can even trim gently by scissors some of his fur there. Another good rinse for skin and fur is brewed and cooled decafinated green tea. Daub on inner thigh with a tea dampend washcloth. Tea is mild with acidifying, antibacterial properties to neutralize urine on skin and fur to avoid rashes if there should be any urine there + leaves aclean earthy fragrance.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on May 29, 2018 18:08:52 GMT -7
I talked with Vet today 5/29 and Pacos blood work was almost perfect. Urine a tad off, vet attributes that to it not being a clean catch. I brought it in.
She said it was ok to continue ▲Omeprozole as I went up to 7.5mg 1x a day on his dose last night 5/28pm. I asked is she thought we were being aggressive enough with his med dose and times per day because of him doing better today and some things I read about dosage ect. She asked if I was second guessing her scripts. I told her I guess I am and I mean no disrespect but after the past few weeks I feel the need to be on top of Pacos care. She assured me she is and didn't think 2.5mgs more of Omeprazole will make a difference. She doesn't believe he has a ulser but without further testing it [ulcer] could not be completely ruled out. If I would like she could refer me to a specialist. It may just simply be nausea that is causing the lack of appetite, h20, and lip smacking. The fecal sample was for pericites, not tested for blood. She would do another and send it off if I like.
She did give Paco a script today 5/29 for ✚Nausea Cerenia 12mg once daily or every other day as needed... 4 doses in script
▲Sucralfate 1/4 of 1tab every 8 to 12 hours same but certainly doing every 8 hours for now.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 18 lbs/ 8.16kg Rimadyl as of 4/30 ER: 12mgs 2x/day for 7 days as of 5/7 DVM: 18 mgs 2x/day for 12 days as of 5/18: STOPPED due to black digested stomach blood in stool omeprazole: ▲7.5mgs 1x/day sucralfate ▲250mgs every ▼8 hours ✚Nausea Cerenia 12mg 1x/day]
She feels a few more days on meds and I will see improvement.
I can say today was better and he drank 1/8 cup ck both... at 830pm Had cerenia 12mg at 6pm Seems like a low dose but if its helpful Im all for it being low.
Thanks again for everyone that gives so much of thier time and energy to help all the furbabies Paco and Darlene
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 2, 2018 5:28:22 GMT -7
I think we found out what was causing pacos continued nausea. He has been better since being off prilosec apx 48 hours. Im still watching for indigestion. His last dose of prilosec 5/31 7am 5mg
He was late on his 5/31 [prilosec] dose about 8 hours... I noticed that he wasn't lip smacking or yawning. I started looking into pepcid and prilosec for any nausea reactions found it listed and called vet. She agreed she had seen some dogs get nausea and or lack of appetite. Fingers crossed that nausea stays away so he can heal in peace.
Btw I picked up 2 new soft toys and hes so happy to have a new baby and no nausea
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 6, 2018 5:06:45 GMT -7
Just a update Paco has been rolling over and trying to clean face off after eating his pm meal, pre IVDD behavior Im so happy to see. I quickly shut it down and give him love, wipe his face. Im worried he will hurt his back before it heals, should i be letting him be his doggy self or stop him. My family seems to think im being overprotective but I think I could be preventing a relapse After acupuncture yesterday i had my head turned for few seconds and he got up and took a few wobbly steps, happy to see but scared me. I shut that down as well. I am feel the minimum of 8 weeks to heal is important. Paco started class 4 lazer therapy after acupuncture yesterday I read some things on myelomalacia and Im a little frightened
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jun 6, 2018 5:56:30 GMT -7
It is harder as they feel better to get our babies to rest.
Rolling over is normal doggie behavior and says Paco is feeling better.
I understand your worry though. Often I've struggled with wanting to wrap my pups in bubble wrap!!
M is something that has certain signs and Paco isn't showing any of them.
So not something to be concerned about.
It's difficult at first but you'll eventually find your new normal for you and Paco.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 7, 2018 9:51:38 GMT -7
Anyone here have any comments/thoughts about PEG Injections?
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jun 7, 2018 10:13:54 GMT -7
Darlene, I first heard about PEG 16 years ago when I started Dodgerslist. They were using it during surgery at Purdue. I think it may have also been used in some human studies. We have not heard of it being used on the forum so believe if it was helping, more surgeons would be using it. May I ask who recommended it to you?
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 7, 2018 13:56:52 GMT -7
No one suggested it. I found the study on internet while researching IVDD studies clinical trials. I emailed Pacos Vet about it being a option for him.... waiting for her reply.
Seems I could look into the PEG option a little more.
Im wondering if there is a time line on improvement in motor functions. I recall the order they return and Paco is pretty much following that. I have noticed hes not progressing as quickly as he did in the first few weeks. Wondering if this typical and if it has to do with him being off the Rimadyl. Maybe im just not being patient enough and he will progress at his own pace. Maybe healing is like growth spurts? Just some thoughts I wanted to share. Anyone else find themselves looking at every dog they see, looking at signs for back issues.. how is dog walking, how are hos feet placed, is back are head held in an appropriate position?
As far as PEG treatment with your second email, there are minimal studies on it. The first being at Purdue University College of Veterinary School, where I graduated that just was finished in 2015. The concern is that the single study was not a blinded study and was historical control so the outcome (60% dogs improved in mobility and CP (conscious proprioception deficits) is still controversial. We do not do PEG here and unsure costs or even if University of Florida Veterinary School does.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 7, 2018 14:33:14 GMT -7
There is no timetable for nerve healing. Each dog goes at his own pace. Even the stages in which the functions return are only typical. Some dogs do not follow the stages. I think the healing can be like growth spurts. There seems to be periods where nothing is happening and then suddenly (or so it seems) there is a noticeable improvement. The healing was going on behind the scenes.
I do find myself looking at dogs in that way. I guess I view all dogs through an IVDD filter now.
Stopping the Rimadyl did not slow Paco's healing. The neuro deficits can not be healed by any meds. Only time does this.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 9, 2018 7:39:56 GMT -7
A little update Paco had his 3rd class 4 lazer treatment done yesterday 5/9 And he was feeling amazing, almost too good. Wanting to play, roll around and potty time wanting to walk around, pulling on harness. Is it a fluke, was he just having a good afternoon,is his healing just going well that day? I cant say for sure but its encouraging. This is his 3rd treatment in a week. I wont be have safe transportation 3xs next week so it will only be 2xs. One after acupuncture and one 3 days later. He has taken to not wanting to eat his food if it has pumpkin in it or too much ground turkey doesn't mind the teaspoon of sweet potato, will get more today. Im thinking since his belly is better he wants something a little more tasty so im slowly getting him back to normal diet still. I continue softening kibble with home beef stock from little round bones some give dogs, supposedly they have the most marrow [fat]. He gets that with lean ground beef at dinner. The salt free chicken broth I use is store bought, use that on his grilled chicken at breakfast to soften kibble. I have noticed the past weeks he is even more attached to me. He growled at Dad last night when he attempted to pick him up to go pee. This is new and a little concerning to me. I have to work tonight and tomorrow. Hopefully he wont do this if Im not home.
Its just my perspective that he prefers me even more so since I have been his primary caregiver through this and he will be OK with dad if Im not home. Has anyone else seen dogs act like this?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 9, 2018 9:19:17 GMT -7
Darlene, as long as you ARE removing the disc fat from the beef broth, the fattiness of the marrow won't be a problem. Fat can cause diarrhea....very confusing when a dog is on meds or might need them again during conservative. Paco is going in a great direction of healing. The body is at work in the nerve healing department. We don't see the result til there has been enough healing...so it may appear that nothing is happen or that he's reached a plateau in moving forward with motor function repairs. Nerve healing takes patience on our part. Paco may be more used to you and thus feel more secure with your picking him up. If hubby projects uncertainty, then Paco may pick up on that and feel less secure. Is hubby supporting both ends to keep the back horizontal as he lifts Paco off the ground and continues to do that as he carries him?
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 9, 2018 9:45:49 GMT -7
Yes I did remove all fat possible, pretty easy came off after chilled like wax.
No loose stools, if anything more hard, why i would like to continue teaspoon of sweetpotatoe/pumpkin. I do give teaspoon of aloe before meals to help in that area and a little stomach help as well.
Dad does keep back level to floor but im sure it feels different than when I do it every day. If Paco grumbles he doesn't even try. He has started doing it at other times to, like when dad tries to give aloe. Not a big growl but like he does when acupuncture Vet just pets him. I always said it was a grump more than a full growl. Kinda like a old man would complaining about something.
Kinda strange that he just started this grumbling last few days with Dad.
[Post by Darlene & Paco on 20 hours ago] Im blessed. Paco seems to just be a little rotten unless Its me taking care of him. Didn't grump at Dad yesterday or today when i wasnt home. Would only sniff, no pee.... I got home 30 minutes later and he peed right away. After everything hes been through and still dealing with I will most definitely take this. For anyone else that may be reading my post. It does get better or easier, I swear. Im sure we will have some bad days but the good days do become more frequent! Don't give up!
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 15, 2018 8:38:06 GMT -7
Im a little disappointed with myself today. Pacos has been doing sooo well the past week until yesterday. Dad bought some new treats home for Paco and against my better judgment I let him have some. About 12 hours later Paco and I have had to deal with 6 very loose stools, squirting at times. The treats are redish in color so Im keeping close watch cuz I cant tell if its blood or just coloring in treats. They are human grade natural dog treats and he only had about 5 bites. I cant believe that just a few bites have done this to him. He wont be having anymore. I figured I should give him 24 hours before I call vet, I know they will say bring him in. Im wondering if a dose of sucralfate will help calm his belly GI down. He hasn't needed sucralfate in about a week, that shouldn't be effecting him this far out? Only other thing I can say that has changed is I haven't had any ground beef to offer him for 3 days so its just been chicken with his softened kibble. I would think that not having ground beef and homemade beef broth would have made stools firmer, so I can't see that doing this. He is perky, eating normally and besides wanting to go potty at odd times and more often has been great! At his last acupuncture visit 5/12. I took him to potty, he goes quickly,very few steps, any place new so I take advantage of that fact...after his visit he wanted to run out the door, I could barely get his harness and sling ready for potty time. The whole office was so happy to see his progress continuing so well... even if it is only excitement to be leaving. She did recomend to start looking into water PT for him, he will be ready for it soon, she said. I did buy a swim vest for the future.
Hes gotten worse the past few weeks about peeing inside in litte efence area so I just carry him to neighbor's yard. My thoughts on this are.. if im outside 6 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes in the efence trying to get him to potty and he dont go, he just stands there looking around, Im better off taking him to neighbors yard 3xs a day when he goes in a few minutes with 20 steps. Any thoughts on these issues.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 15, 2018 9:39:01 GMT -7
Darlene, Paco is off of Rimadyl for some time, correct? Then likely it was the treats that did not sit well with him. I would hold off a meal or so, just provide water. Then begin to feed 3-4 tiny meals of chicken/sweet potato to let his GI tract further settle down. Sweet potato fiber alone can help to firm up stools OR loosen when extra liquids are supplied along with the potato. As his stool firms up, over a couple of days gradually transition back to this regular kibble.
Sucralfate can cause constipation.
Would you be able to get some peed on grass from the neighbor's yard to place in the ex-pe fenced area in your yard. 20 steps sounds like a lot of steps.... and the need for the ex-pen or that you stand in one spot and Paco can only take some footsteps that the 6ft leash/harness permits.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 15, 2018 15:01:53 GMT -7
The neighbors dog is peeing on the moss i bring over and that worked for about a week, the past few weeks he just stands in efence/pen and just looks around doesnt even sniff the moss like he use to, I trade moss every morning for fresh pee, i have 3 little piles in rotation. If I stand in one spot in neighbor's yard he pulls until I walk. My husband/ pacos dad says Paco knows i will walk with him thats why he does it. Paco wont even pee if dad takes him out. Dad says stay in one spot and he will eventually go. Paco is so stubborn I think he would get a UTI just to get his way. Has anyone else considered extended crate rest when dog is doing this? His time up for crate reat is coming to a end and I just want to be sure its healed all the way, as much as possible anyway. Paco was injured jumping on/off the bed on 4/30 spent that first week or so not moving out of his bed unless being carried to potty. Myself or Dad sat next to him 24/7 so he wouldn't get up and after that I bought a crate so I could move about the house without fear of him trying to get out of his bed. His bed is one of those plush things with high sides so I was worried he would try to climb out and hurt his back. He hasn't been allowed to move out of his bed or crate unless its potty time or vet visit. I have sling set up on table in garage so all I have to do is put legs in then carry him to neighbors yard. In the first week or so he would pee with a few steps while i supported back end with my hand after a week or so of that my back was killing me, i have herniated disks. After i started using the sling he started the not peeing in a few steps and before I knew it he had me walking a few more steps each time, thats when I started the epen moss trick. Now thats not working like it use to I feel hes cheating on his crate rest and he might need more time, is that even a thing?
So far he has been showing signs of progression as far as movement goes, trying to stand, scratching with back legs, ect.
When i told regular vet about this issue, she is extending her education and takes her PT exam this week or next, she had little concerns about him taking all these extra steps as long as I support his back in sling from falling over and he is just walking. She has a few ivdd dogs under her care. She seems very educated but lacks the experience that only comes with years. I have only seen her once but I think she is a good fit for us. Anyways.. do you have any concerns about a UTI if I just stand in one spot give him 5 minutes and pick him up and go in, after how many times/days should I stick to my guns and not give in with out risk of UTI. Of course I cant do that now, not till im sure the bad poo is cleared up. So far so good since this morning but he probably doesn't have anything left in his bum to get out now anyway.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 21, 2018 14:57:58 GMT -7
Paco seen vet today due to bright bloody stools off and on past 6 days. I thought it was gi upset from new treats and it got better after 3 days then back to loose bloody stools. Hes eating and drinking ok and back to bland diet ckicken and sweet potato or lean ground turkey or ground sirloin on 6/15
Restarted 6/15 ✚sucralfate 1/4 1mg??? [1 gram?? tab] every 8 to 12 hours, every 10 hours. Vet said to continue to finish the 8 doses I have left Started 6/21 pm ✚Pro pectalin 1/2 tab every 4 to 6 hours until bloody stools stop. As soon as stool crears up stop this medicine. She suggested every 4 from looking at sample i brought in.
✚Metronidazone 250 mg half a tab 2xs daily until finished, that would be 14 days.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 18 lbs/ 8.16kg Rimadyl as of 4/30 ER: 12mgs 2x/day for 7 days as of 5/7 DVM: 18 mgs 2x/day for 12 days as of 5/18: STOPPED due to black digested stomach blood in stool omeprazole: 7.5mgs 1x/day STOPPED? ✚sucralfate 250mgs every 8 hours ✚Pro Pectaline Kaolin, Pectin, Enterococcus faecium ✚Metronidazone antibiotic for 14 days.]
He was due for lazer therapy today and I asked if he should have it cuz of the issues he was having, Vet said it wouldn't hurt they would go ahead and she would look at him after. She said he looked good,no fever and Nero signs were better than 3 weeks ago that sometimes dogs guts get off ballance and she would be giving meds to fix it. Tec normally does lazer...carries him to back and carries him back to me into front waiting room. Today Vet brings him out walking on a leash, no sling! I about started crying as I hurriedly came over and scooped him up. She must have noticed the panic in my eyes as i seen him taking wobbly steps on a slippery tile floor. She said she wanted to show me how good he was doing and its OK to let him walk a little. I know how good hes doing but I dont think hes ready to walk without the sling for assurance that he wont loose his ballance and hurt his back. Especially on a slick floor. Its only been 7 weeks, who knows how much is healed or not? Maybe Im being to cautious, just saying
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 21, 2018 15:15:04 GMT -7
It is wonderful that Paco is doing so well. He has not yet graduated so it is still important to keep footsteps to a minimum. Graduation day is approaching though and at that point the disk should have healed enough for him to very slowly return to activity. Here is some info on how to return Paco to activity after graduation including a possible timeline: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmYou may find that he has trouble with slippery floors for quite a while. Many of our dogs have trouble getting traction on slippery surfaces. What I did for my Frankie is put down carpet runners on the wood floors wherever Frankie would be likely to go. He walks well on these.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 28, 2018 11:20:24 GMT -7
update..... Paco doing well not much to say on progress as far as back issues, so hard waiting while his body is healing. Meds for bloody stools all done and he’s betterPaco is actually at 8 weeks and a few days but we are keeping him in crate just out for 3 to 4 potty breaks that include short walks in rear sling/harness and massage time. He is still wobbly but supporting more weight on back legs. Once or twice a day for 20 minutes I sit with him on padded floor and do feather like massage over muscles, just enough to move the skin and then run my finger between pads on feet and gently move each toe... suggested by acupuncture vet. He falls asleep so he must like it. I found some music on tube that is supposedly nerve repair therapy, I dunno about all that but it is relaxing. He will miss his later therapy today, Im still afraid to take him in the car by myself.. he’s too excited on car rides without someone sitting over him. ✚Pro pectalin 1/2 tab every 4 to 6 hours until bloody stools stop. As soon as stool crears up stop this medicine. She suggested every 4 from looking at sample i brought in >>>>>stopped it after 24 hours pooh looking good ✚Metronidazone 250 mg half a tab 2xs daily until finished, that would be 14 days. >>>>^^ Correction was 14 tabs that were split so was only prescribed it for 7 days, missed 2 doses due to him pulling it out of back throat and gagging on it... its very bitter.. no hiding this medicine!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,540
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 28, 2018 11:41:42 GMT -7
You and Paco did it!! With 8 weeks completed so that the disc could heal, now it is time to plan an introduction back to family life. Determine how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. Also check out how to teach four paws on the floor! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmConsider some home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on the spine in the future. No more stairs, ramps up to furniture, or blocking furniture all together. All those ideas and more are in this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmNerve healing can take time. I do believe at some point he will get back to a more normal gait as his muscle streghthen and the brain is better able to coordinate messages to the back legs. If you have a sloped yard, you might try introducing walking across and up and down the slope to give different muscles an opportunity for a work out...all gradually and slowly of course. Also try different textures to help stimulate the brain: tall grass, low grass, driveway, sandy beach. Smooth slick floors will be a challenge so if need be put down some rug runners on his normal flight pattern—say to the kitchen and living rooom?
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jun 28, 2018 20:53:46 GMT -7
Congratulations Darlene and Paco!!! Woohoo, I'm so happy you made it.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 29, 2018 4:58:37 GMT -7
Thanks for all the suggestions. We are lucky to have all but 1 of that terrain within a block. Im very thankful for dogerslist and all that make it possible. I think the best way to give back is to spread the word about dogerslist. Thanks again Darlene and Paco
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jun 29, 2018 5:17:43 GMT -7
Ty Julie Im happy, relieved, and scared to death lol Im not letting him walking out of sling yet, still very wobbly. Family thinks Im hovering to much and I should be letting him out of crate to wobble walk around living room carpet while we watch. I just cant do it yet, i don't think hes ready. Husband says im the one not ready, lol
I will protect all the work/healing Paco has done like a Mama bear! I went over rules with everyone and printed the after crate guidelines and put on fridge along with signs of disk episodes... hopefully family will not stray from recommendations on the weekend when I work. Thanks forr being so helpful to Paco and I during this time. Darlene and Paco
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jun 29, 2018 6:47:39 GMT -7
I agree with you. If Paco's still quite wobbly he needs support to protect him.
Make sure everyone is educated about IVDD and have them watch IVDD 101.
There's a great essay by a dodgers list member called , " Living with the fear of IVDD."
In time it will become easier to balance what's OK versus what's risky.
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jul 13, 2018 11:01:51 GMT -7
Apx 10 week update Paco still moving forward in healing of back. He is allowed to move around in living room to slider on carpet runners under watchful eyes. Still can't be trusted to stay on runners and off sofa when excited so sofa stays blocked with pillows. His arched back seems a little better and almost none when i take him on walks outside, i still use sling but no support. I keep it loose but just in case he tips. We have dirt, grass, and gravel roads, even the yards are kinda rough. He started PT this week one day a week and I will do it with him at home every other day. PT vet says he is ok to walk on leash without the sling, its me thats not ready. He is still wobbly and i feel he needs another week or two. Its funny inside on carpets he walks with the huntch but outside on leash and loose rear sling its almot gone. PT is going to be mostly building strength and getting him to relax those muscles he uses to hunch. His pooh is touch and go so he is only having small amount of kibble and chicken still and he is back on propectilin twice a day for a bit. Keeping a watchful eye on it and hopefully he wont need it forever, I did read some dogs have to have it every day.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 14, 2018 10:19:38 GMT -7
Wow, Paco's making great progress. Keep up the good work!!!
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Post by Darlene & Paco on Jul 22, 2018 6:25:39 GMT -7
12 week update Paco was doing the same, seemed a little better every day. Untill yesterday 7/21 8am in morning. I think i noticed him a bit more wobbly, just not as strong walking. Maybe its just me and mornings are always a little slower to get going. He was home most of the evening with dad and seemed better before I left for work and when I got home last night. He did have two small dose of Ace 2.5mg and then another 2.5 a hour later on Friday night at 10pm. He was restless and nervous due to neighbors doing fireworks. I was thinking maybe Ace was still effective. I believe he is off a bit this morning as well, just not as steady. I have to work today and dad wont be home for about a hour after I leave. This will be the first time he is in crate for more than 15 minutes when no one is home. He doesn't like being home alone. Had I known this was going to be the case I would have had the calming defuser ready. I have trazodone left over and zylkene 75 mg I got from holistic vet to use at start of crate training. I haven't ever given him the Zylkene and with his sensitive stomach pasr few months im sketchy about it. I have to leave for work in about a hour and he has to be in crate with no one home and other ideas or suggestions?
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Post by Julie & Perry on Jul 22, 2018 7:26:13 GMT -7
Rather than the crate how about a small room where there's nothing to jump on? Bathroom or laundry room?
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