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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 5, 2018 14:08:50 GMT -7
This morning, Snickers started showing more obvious signs symptoms of pain*. This is his 3rd or 4th episode. The 1st one we got through via medical management. The second one I am not sure if it was really an episode but I just crated him a few days then he was fine again. The last one, happened 8/2017, we opted for surgery. He recovered and back to his normal self for over a year.
We were out on the walk then he stopped and sat down. He did that a couple of times. He then looked at me and wanted to go back inside, which he never does. I then carried him back inside.
He is not himself even when I arrived today. He seems to be straining to poop. His stomach is tight He was arching his back a little bit
We went to his regular vet and probed him a bit and found out that he has some pain around his middle back, above where they operated on.
Snickers is almost 5 years old and 17lbs.
They prescribed him the following. exact name? Acid Reducer half tablet half hour before Pred Prednisone 1 tablet 2x daily for 2 days 1/2 tablet twice daily for 3 days 1 tablet once daily for 3 days 1/2 tablet every other day until gone
Tramadol 1/2 Tablet twice a day Methocarbamol 1/4 tablet twice a day for 3-5 days
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 17lbs prednisone as fo 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for 2 days then 9/7 taper to test for pain/neuro loss tramadol 25mgs 2x/day methocarbamol 125mgs 2x/day Famotidine ?mgs 2x/day ]
I just checked my records and he was pescribed Gabapentin both times before. I remember the giving some of his medicine every 8 hours as well.
Thanks
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Post by Julie & Perry on Sept 5, 2018 14:34:46 GMT -7
Sorry you're Snickers is having another episode.
If the tramadol alone isn't controlling the pain then I would ask for the gabapentin also. Also, tramadol is a short acting drug and is usually given 3x daily.
I've been there, your heart drops when you have to go through this.
But you caught it early and Snickers has an excellent chance for a full recovery.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
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PaulaM
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Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 5, 2018 16:33:07 GMT -7
Ronnie, sorry to hear another disc problem. If you can fill in the detail about the meds we'll be in position to make better comments. How many mgs are in one Pred tablet? What is the name of acid reducer? ?mgs 2x/day The prednisone course is for two rather short days. It likely will not be expected if this is, indeed, a disc problem that all painful swelling would be resolved in such short time. Most prednsone course are for 5-7 days and even some are prescribed for 14'days before the then taper to test for pain/neuro loss. The taper that starts on 9/7 has as one of the purposes to see if all pain is actually gone. With pain meds still being on board and masking pain at the start of the taper, may not havel ability to see if there is pain. Not have the ability have the fastest way to assess and alert the vet and get back up to the "anti-inflammatory level" to again work on the swelling. Also the taper starts over the weekend when your vet may not be open. So do see what a "Plan B" can be should pain start to surface by Sat or even Sunday. For a 17 lbs dog, Snickers is on a very light program of pain relief. If he shows no pain then the meds are correct for this disc episode. If you still see pain, have no patience at all and get the meds adjusted to the more typical aggressive pain med approach of gabapentin, tramadol and methocarbamol prescribed for every 8 hours. Tramadol is at a very low dose in mgs for a 17 lbs dog...so there is much room to move up with that med. I would be good to refresh your memory on how prednisone is used with a disc episode and how the taper is usually handled so you can have pertinent dialog with your vet. See this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 6, 2018 6:33:52 GMT -7
I am giving him Famotidine. Same one I gave him before.
Prednisone - 5mg Tramadol - 25mg Methocarbamol - 125mg
This episode seems minor compared to the first and third disc episode he had. I don't notice any symptoms of nerve damage.
He won't come out of his crate this morning [reluctance to move]. Had to bribe with a treat that he really likes for him to come out.
I carried him out to his potty area. He did the smell and pee. Actually it's walk a few steps, smell and pee. Took a few more steps, then just stood there an look at me ready to be carried [reluctance to move], which I did.
Eats and drink normally.
I will check back with the Vet about possibly extending the Prednisone to 5 to 7 days and possibly being more aggressive with the pain relievers.
He is a strict crate rest. Whines a lot, when I am around and he is not sleeping.
Thanks.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 6, 2018 9:01:09 GMT -7
Ronnie, reluctance to move at pottytime, to come out of his suite rings of pain due to perhaps the meds not lasting long enough, not lasting dose to dose- wearing off by morning. Call your vet to report this pain and any other signs you may be seeing to get the meds adjusted for full pain relief dose right up to next dose. That usually means a prescription for the pain meds to be Rx'd every 8 hours.
SIGNS OF PAIN ◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy ◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves There should be no sign of pain from one dose of meds to the next. Have no patience with pain as it does hinder healing. Look for your dog to be acting their normal, perky self when pain is fully under control round the clock.
When it comes to meds we are leary of assuming anything...we'd like you to tel us exactly what you give.
How many mgs of famotidine do you give twice a day?
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 6, 2018 10:41:26 GMT -7
I just got of the phone with his Vet.
I asked the same medication that was prescribed to him before. I mentioned that it worked and I would like for that same dosage. I've asked for a 7 day Prednisone then taper. Tramadol, Methocarbamol and Gabapentin every 8 hours.
Apparently, they only looked at what THEY prescribed and not what the neurologist prescribed.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 6, 2018 10:51:52 GMT -7
OK, when you get the Rx in hand do let us know the exact details about each of his meds. At the time of the surgery, we never did get the details so there is nothing to refer back to today.
How many mgs of famotidine do you give twice a day?
Did the vet you spoke with today, also feel that Snickers was showing you signs of pain this am with not wanting to move out of his suite and wanting to be carried back inside?
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 10, 2018 10:07:37 GMT -7
It's 5mg of Famotidine 2 x day half hour before Prednisone.
Snickers stool was loose and had some blood in them so the doctor gave him some Metrodinazole. That fixed his loose stool right away.
I've managed to convince his vet to increase the medicine to 7-Day ▲Prednisone before tapering. ✚Gabapentin 50mg every hours were added to his medicine. ▲Tramadol is also every 8 hours. Methocarbamol is still every 12 hours.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 17lbs prednisone as fo 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for▲7 days then 9/12 taper to test for pain/neuro loss tramadol 25mgs ▲3x/day ✚gabapentin 50 mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs 2x/day Famotidine 5mgs 2x/day ]
Snickers is not shaking anymore.
He is more lively now
He still won't come out of crate unless he really needs to potty or I bribe him. He actually likes it there but he wants the door open, with me besides him. He gets jealous (like usual) and let me know if anything I do does not include him.
He walks fine on flat surface, but there are some wobble as if trying to get his footing out in the backyard. He will sniff, pee, sniff, spin then poop. This is his normal routine. Although he only pooped once over the weekend.
During potty time, he will continue walking if I let him, which I don't. As soon as I say, time to go, he proceeds to turn back and ask to be carried (very routine for him now).
No problem with his appetite. He actually is asking for more and is very vocal about it.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 10, 2018 10:55:23 GMT -7
Ronnie, kudos to you for successfully advocating to get pain in control!!! Let us know that pain continues to be in control dose to dose, round the clock.
How many times a day is the gabapentin 50mgs given?
Now Snickers can heal in comfort. The test for pain/neuro will now be on SEP 12 in two days?
The test for pain taper is so that YOU can make and accurate and quick assessment. Having pain meds on board that hide/mask pain would prevent you from properly assessing. IF there is still pain, getting back up on the anti-inflammatory dose quickly would be necessary. So which does your vet want on the begin of the pred taper: --- full stop of all pain meds (tramadol, methocarbamol and gabapentin) OR --- the backing off of the pain meds on the date the pred taper starts.
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 10, 2018 12:52:06 GMT -7
Paula. Correct, Sep 12 is the start of his taper.
Gabapentin is every 8 hours.
The only instruction that I was given with pain meds, was to administer as needed. I called them back to get a specific instructions.
Which brings me to my question. This vet, while highly rated and very good for other issues, they seems to be not familiar on how to treat IVDD. The two times I brought Snickers there, they gave him 2-day of Prednisone before tapering.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 10, 2018 15:01:48 GMT -7
Ronnie, when you consider things, vets are awesome people and we like to think our favorite vet would know every disease in detail. Most DVMs in a general practice see many different species- hampsters, cats, all breeds of dogs, reptiles, birds, maybe even farm animals. They practice many specialties in the course of a day: pediatrics, dentistry, surgery, internal medicine. Is it surprising, that keeping current and indepth knowledge of each and every disease for every species is probably not likely? However YOU can easily become a mini-expert on one very-important-to-you disease. Your new found knowledge would also help you to hire a new a new vet specifically to be on Snicker's IVDD health care team. Believe me when you have secured the right vet for Snicker's IVDD team,, it is like the difference between night and day in support. Your knowledge can be brought to the table for discussion/questions as you both will be a team working together to help Snickers. Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, ACVIM highly recommends this kind of relationship with your vet: "Gone are the days when you simply followed your vet's orders and asked few, if any questions. The vet is now a member of your dog's health-care team, and you get to be the team captain!" www.speakingforspot.com/PDF/Medical%20Advocacy%20101.pdfThe very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to read. Good place to get a speedy overview of conservative treatment, about surgery, too, if it would ever be consideration for your family should indications arise: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmFollow the rest of the colored buttons in the next days to become the IVDD savvy pet parent your dog will need at Dodgerslist IVDD 101 page. Don't forget to bookmark it: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmIdeas for finding an IVDD vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmHopefully, your vet will be open to the things you learn here, the what you learned at the specialist. If not open, then time to hire someone else. Why pain meds are NOT given with a disc episode as needed but promptly on schedule until it is time for a test for pain pred taper. Once pain surfaces it is harder to get back in control.
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 26, 2018 13:06:10 GMT -7
Update 9/26/2018
We came back from our vacation to find Snickers in a worse condition than when we left. I was confident that he will be better since we hired a stay in sitter who used to be a Vet Technicians. All the time, we were getting updates from her that Snickers was getting better.
We came back 9/24/2018. That was the beginning of his third stage of Prednisone wash out (5mg every 48hours) and no pain medicine.
The morning of 9/25, the arch in his back is more pronounced and he is very unsteady walking.
He is able to stand and walk wobbly. Snickers is not much of a sniff and pee kind of dog but more of a walk and pee, walk some more and then poop. That's what he does now but will wobbly crossing legs walk.
This in contrast when we left for vacation when he was walking straight but with subtle hints of pain (he sits after walking, tight stomach).
I immediately brought him to his Neuro where they prescribed that he is in so much pain in his right hip. They put him back to full pain meds and prednisone.
Famotadine: 5MG half hour before Pred. Prednisone: 5MG every 12 hours. ▼Tramadol: 25MG every 12 hours. ▲Methocarbamol: 12[5]MG every 8 hours. Gabapentin: 50MG every 8 hours.
It will be the same schedule as before. 7 days and then taper.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 17lbs prednisone as fo 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 9/12 taper to test for √pain/√neuro loss as of 9/25: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 10/2 taper to test for pain/neuro tramadol 25mgs ▼ 2x/day gabapentin 50 mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs ▲3x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day ]
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 26, 2018 13:34:28 GMT -7
I am so sorry to hear that Snickers condition worsened while you were away.
Is the Methocarbamol 125mg and the 12mg is a typo?
Is Snickers showing any signs of pain at this point?
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 26, 2018 15:57:32 GMT -7
It is a typo. Methocarbamol is 125MG.
I came home today. No barking from Snickers. He was sitting down, but immediately lay down.
He is barely moves [pain] in his crate now. He is unable to stand up to eat. I actually had to feed him so he will eat.
He also had poop in his cage. No pee.
I took him out. He peed but he is more unstable and cross legged than before.
He seems to be getting worse.
Please help. It seems like the medicine he is taking is not helping him.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 26, 2018 17:04:56 GMT -7
Ronnie on the pred taper is the time to observe for pain surfacing/ neuro diminishment. A 7 days course of pred (excludes any taper doses) is pretty short and often will not get all the swelling resolved. It may take pred 7 to 30 day to work. So likey best to go on that assumption. Other possibilities..... Since you were not there to monitor the worsening could be that the sitter did not recognize signs of pain, neuro diminishment much earlier as you would have and thus quite some delay in days til pred got back on board yesterday to again work on swelling. It is also possible that during the pred taper Snickers overdid movement causing damage to disc and spinal cord.
Sounds like Snickers is in pain with not wanting to move much. Alert the vet so he knows his reduction in pain meds is not covering. The hospital where the neuro is is likley open now where the neuro or one of his colleagues can looks at Snicker's file and prescribe tonight to get Snickers back in a comfort zone. ----The three meds have a short half life and giving tramadol at 2x/day is not providing the round the clock relief that every 8 hrs (3x/day) would---- Expect the vet to change back to 3x/day --- For a 17lbs dog 25mgs has alot of room to move up to even expect the vet to Rx 50 mgs 3x/day
Neuro pain med prescriptions 9/25 tramadol 25mgs ▼2x/day gabapentin 50 mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs ▲3x/day
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 26, 2018 18:08:53 GMT -7
We just came back from ER visit. He will be staying overnight so he will be seen by a neurologist tomorrow for further diagnosis.
The attending ER doctor diagnosed Snickers as level 2 of 5. She mentioned the wobbly and unstable walk. She also mentioned knuckling of his toes.
She did say Snickers still has deep pain sensation. Snickers did wiggle his tail when we said goodbye to him.
I mentioned increasing his paid medications because he is still in pain. She did agree to at adjust all the ▲pain medications every 8 hours. I did ask if we can increase the dosage. She say she will make a note of that and discuss it with the Neurologist.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 17lbs prednisone as fo 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 9/12 taper to test for √pain/√neuro loss as of 9/25: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 10/2 taper to test for pain/neuro tramadol 25mgs ▲3x/day gabapentin 50 mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs 3x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day ]
Snickers will be seeing the same Neurologist who saw him the first time he had an episode.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 27, 2018 4:30:54 GMT -7
Since Snickers is still able to walk, although it's wobbly and he's knuckling, he would still be a good candidate for conservative care.
We'll be awaiting word when you can update us after the neuro exam.
Healing prayers for Snickers.
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 28, 2018 4:24:26 GMT -7
Yesterday was a busy day with work and celebrating my wife's 50th birthday. So I decided to keep him at the hospital.
I spoke to the doctor who operated on him before, not the neurologist. Basically, she said prognosis is good. He is resting or comfortable (can't remember for sure the exact words she used).
She did mention getting Snickers a MRI and possibly another operation which I declined. I said we will do a conservative treatment. Her concern was that Snickers deteriorated while under medication and strict rest. I did mention that it is highly likely not the truth. I explained the situation with the live in sitter we hired*.
We will be picking him later today.
*I am certain what Paula described is what happened with the sitter. I think she telling us things we wanted to hear and also not aware of signs of pain. My wife spoke to her and basically admits that she (sitter) is upset that she missed all the signs (I sent her the list we have here) of IVDD dogs in pain.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 28, 2018 8:11:46 GMT -7
Ronnie, we owners have a good sense of our dogs when are not themselves, we pick up on subtle signs of pain that others who do not live with our dogs could miss. I'm pleased you have gained a good understanding on the taper of a steroid what information can be revealed. That put you in position to to be able to make an educated decision if an MRI/surgery or to continue with conservative. Plus being able to provide those important clues to the vet about sitter situation explaining what likely happened. Good job. I agree with the vet you saw that there is still good hope that conservative will work (will get that swelling down)! It just make take more than a 7-day prednisone course ---- typically it takes somewhere in the range of 7-30 days.
You also have been privy to seeing why it is important on the test for pain taper to be able to get a quick assessment and not let the test taper be ineffective and results delayed by leaving pain masking meds on board. The delay in getting back up on the anti-inflammatory level quickly is important IF pain or neuro diminishment would be detected. So when you pick up Snickers today do ask which is preferred for Snickers at the begin of the pred taper: --- to back off all pain masking pain meds (gabapentin, tramadol and methocarbamol) at the start of the taper OR... --- to full stop of all pain meds
Let us know how the vet wants pain meds handled on the pred taper and of course any changes to the med list when Snickers is discharged.
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 28, 2018 10:44:24 GMT -7
Aren't the highlighted items the same? I just want to make sure I ask the right question.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 28, 2018 13:46:54 GMT -7
There are two options for quickly assessing pain during a taper. The first is to simply stop all pain meds to see if any pain resurfaces. The second is to lower the dose of the pain meds. The first option makes it easier to determine quickly if the swelling in the spinal cord which causes the pain is gone but some vets prefer to do things more slowly and want to cut back on but not stop the pain meds during the taper.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 28, 2018 16:02:43 GMT -7
As Romy indicates there are two different ways to deal with pain meds at the start of the pred taper.
Backing off (a taper of sorts if you will) of pain meds would be to avoid having rebound pain that could be as bad or worse as the original pain if there is still some degree of swelling still in existence
Full, abrupt stop of pain meds, naturally gives the fastest chance to see if there is still any hint of pain in order to get back up at the anti-inflammatory level. Most vets we observe on the Forum seem to go with the abrupt stop. It's a vet's call and case by case basis as to which.
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 28, 2018 17:15:40 GMT -7
We just picked up Snickers from 2 night stay in the hospital. He is worse now. He can barely stand now. He didn't wag his tail when he saw us.
He was very wobbly, worse than he is every been in this episode, when I took him out to pee, which he did. I had to support him with a sling so he won't fall down. He took a few steps then collapsed.
Back in his recovery suite, he drank the water I offered to him. Ate his favorite food that I gave him.
His discharge form mentions this:
Neurologic: BAR, CN intact. Normal mentation. Front limbs WNL. Ambulatory parapresis. Motor and deep pain present.
Here are his new medication dosages:
Prednisone 5mg - 1 tablet every 12 hours for 7 days, then decrease to 1 tablet every 24 hours for 7 days, then decrease to 1 tablet every 48 hours for 2 weeks. ▲Gabapentin 50mg - 1.5 tablets every 8 hours. ▲Tramadol 50mg - 1/2 to 1 tablet every 8 hours. Methocarbamol 500mg - 1/4 tablet every 8 hours for the next 7 days. Famotidine 5mg - every 12 hours.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 17lbs prednisone as fo 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 9/12 taper to test for √pain/√neuro loss as of 9/25: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 10/2 taper to test for pain/neuro tramadol ▲50mgs 3x/day gabapentin ▲75mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs 3x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day ]
I asked about backing of pain meds vs full stop. I explained to the nurse the reasoning behind it. She did agree with me but is unable to answer. The doctor will call me back sometime tomorrow for an answer.
I don't want to lose hope but he seems to be getting worse and not better even with all medicines on board.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 28, 2018 20:22:19 GMT -7
Ronnie, it is never time to loose hope with a disc episode. So stay strong, stay the course and never give up. Snickers won't be giving up...no matter how long it may take to get his nerves self repaired to the degree possible, Ge'll get on with the the business of enjoying life, and after 8 weeks back to enjoying family life and activities....still the same loving Snickers as always. It is, of course, important to be able to monitor for the vet neuro functions and keep your vet in the loop. As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. √_Wobbly walking, √_legs cross 3. √_Nails/toes scuffing floor 4. √_Paws knuckle under5. Weak/little leg movement, ?_ can't move up into a stand on his own 6. Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) 7. Bladder control is lost. Leaks on you when lifted. Can no longer sniff and then pee on that old urine spot outdoors. 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost 9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation. Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Precious hours can be lost with a general DVM vet that gets DPS wrong. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about DPS. A quick overview of conservative treatment vs. a surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm#surgeryVSconservativeLet us know if you are choosing to give tramadol at 50mgs (whole) tablet 3x/day, Let us know that all pain is now fully in control witht he
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Sept 29, 2018 6:04:54 GMT -7
Correct, Snickers gets [tramadol] 50mg every 8 hours.
Snickers has Diarrhea and blood in it. Doctor advised bland diet instead of medicine. If no improvement by tomorrow, I've been asked to bring him back.
Apparently, they gave me a 100mg ▲Gabapentin. So he has been getting that for a few days now.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 17lbs prednisone as of 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 9/12 taper to test for √pain/√neuro loss as of 9/25: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 10/2 taper to test for pain/neuro tramadol 50mgs 3x/day gabapentin ▲100mgs 3x/day methocarbamol 125mgs 3x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day ]
He groaned when I carried him for potty this morning.
His back looks like it's arched during potty. I use a sling to help him.
He is still very unstable - crossing legs and toe knuckling.
He just lays down in his ex-pen. He only moves to change position in his crate.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 29, 2018 10:18:08 GMT -7
Ronnie, Pepcid AC (famotidine) typically does a great job in suppressing acids Pred causes. For some dogs that is not the case and they can develop GI tract damage. It is of utmost need to get a 2nd stomach protector on board today in addition to Pepcid AC. SUCRALFATE works in a different way than Pepcid AC to actually bandaid the damaged areas of the mucus lining and provide a good healing enviroment under the gel coating. Sucralfate (aluminum hydroxide) is an Rx item you would need to STRONGLY advocate for. Sorry bland diet is not going to do it!!! There is a timing with food and with Pepcid AC when using Sucralfate. What you need to know to do your best job of advocacy and using it at home with other meds/food: marvistavet.com/sucralfate.pml
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Oct 1, 2018 3:17:58 GMT -7
Update: This morning is the best I have seen Snickers since Friday. He was whining in his recovery suite (hasn't happened in a while). He was actually sitting down. He proceeded to lay down when I tried to pick him up. I asked him to go up, up, and he is able to go to a sitting position easily now. At potty time, he is more stable. He sniffed and pee. Good amount of pee. Then took a few steps and started sniffing some more at which I told him to lets go. He was able to actually support himself while I bent down. He even tried to jump up on me when I tried to pick him up. Best thing yet, while I was trying to pick him up, he wanted me to scratch his underside and actually lifted his hind legs. He ate his morning meal with gusto. I added some pumpkin as I think he is constipated now. He hasn't pooed since yesterday morning. I am not too worried about constipation as the last few times he had an episode, I think he has gone a few days without pooping. -------- Posted by Ronnie & Snickers 9/30:Snickers is back eating and drinking again. Poop is still soft but not liquid and no blood the last poop he had. That was this morning. I didn't ask for sucralfate. Just bland diet as the doctors suggested. He still lays down on his recovery suite pretty much all day except when he changes position. I've seen him stood up on his hind legs a few times the last two days to change position. For the most part, he drags his behind. I was cleaning his crate and found a couple of gabapentin that he apparently spit out. His body tighten when I picked him up. He relaxes right away. Walk is still very wobbly.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 1, 2018 4:33:29 GMT -7
I'm very glad to hear how well Snickers is doing, Ronnie! Keep up the good work with very strict limitation of movement of the spine. You're doing a great job caring for him.
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Post by Ronnie & Snickers on Oct 9, 2018 4:51:04 GMT -7
Update: Snickers is on the last day of the 1x5mgxday Prednisone taper. After this, it will be 1x5mgx48hours. He still takes Tramadol every 8 hours. He is off ➖Methocarbamol for a while now. He has been off ➖ Gabapantin since yesterday. [Moderator's note: please do not modify 17lbs prednisone as fo 9/5: 5mg tab: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 9/12 taper to test for √pain/√neuro loss as of 9/25: 5mgs 2x/day for 7 days then 10/2 taper to test for pain/neuro tramadol 50mgs 3x/day famotidine 5mgs 2x/day ] Snickers has improved significantly. Walks on his own. No wobble. This morning, while on the grass before pooping, like his usual, he spins before he poops - I thought I saw him slightly stumble. Also this morning, when I let him out his recovery suite, he wanted to stretch, but stopped mid way. He walked to me and then proceeded to sit down. He was also panting at times last night.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 9, 2018 5:14:40 GMT -7
A reluctance to move and panting could be signs of pain, Ronnie, so do keep a close eye on that. With Snickers still being on Tramadol during the taper of the Prednisone, it's really difficult to determine if he still has pain/swelling. If there is still swelling pressing on the nerves of the spine, there's an emergent need to get him back on the original dosage of the Prednisone, the anti-inflammatory dosage. Anything less than the anti-inflammatory dosage will not be effective on reducing swelling. It's that swelling/disc material pressing on the nerves of the spine that can cause the nerves to be damaged, even die. So it's very important to determine quickly whether there's still swelling so Snickers can be returned to the anti-inflammatory dosage of Pred. When does he stop the Tramadol?
Be sure to keep his steps to a very, very few during potty time. The less steps/movement of the spine, the better. Don't allow him to walk to you but rather as soon as he's done, pick him up and carry him back to the crate.
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