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Post by Chris & Oscar on Sept 24, 2018 15:19:04 GMT -7
Oscar 19 yo. 16.9lbs Multiple events. Latest started this morning
1/2 prednisone 3 days x2 then 3 day x1 then every other day to taper
1/4 20 mg Zantac
1/4 robaxin is 3 times per day
1/4 tramadol
100 gabapetin as needed
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
16.9 lbs
Prednisone 5mg tab as of 9/24: 2.5mgs 2x/day for 3 days, then taper
Robaxin 125mgs 3x/day
Tramadol 12.5 mgs 2x/day
gabapentin 100mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day ]
All in dosages are in usual amounts, but twice per day on pain meds, not 3 times.
strangely he does not appear to be in overt pain, except a tense abdomen. No whining, no grunting, but he can’t stand for long, his tail wags, has sensation in paws when tickled, he is continent and can take a few steps but wobbles very badly and will knuckle under. On Strict rest.
I think the event may stem from may a guest who picked him up incorrectly, but uncertain as to cause. It took a few days for the event to show. he woke up having difficulty walking and standing. Peed in bed rather than move. That immediately alerted me.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 24, 2018 16:41:38 GMT -7
Oh, Gosh Chris, sorry to to hear Oscar is having another disc episode with wobbly and knuckling. Getting vet help so quickly within hours will hopefully keep that rather mild symptoms from progressing.
When you can let us know the Pred dose in mgs that is 2x/day. for 3 days.
Do you have Pepcid AC on board or another if an issue with his heart? ? mgs ?x/day
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Sept 24, 2018 17:54:17 GMT -7
Prednisone is 5mg pill
methocaramol is 500mg pill
tramadol 50 mg pill
gabapetin is 100 mg pill
20 mg Pepcid ac cut in quarters given 20 minutes before prednisone
gave oscar a prednisone at 7 pm. No pain med or methocarbonal. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain. At 8 pm he was stronger and able to walk without knuckling. Peed and pooped without aid. It’s strange this episode is moving so quickly towards a good result. I’m not unhappy just surprised.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 24, 2018 19:11:32 GMT -7
No surprise. IF you can get the anti-inflammatory on board before the nerve damage is too severe, too many nerve cells have died, THEN it is possible for pred to get in there working on swelling and actually turn neuro diminishment around by relieving pressure on the cord just as you are observing.
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Oct 12, 2018 4:31:49 GMT -7
Oscar recovered from his latest episode. However his heart is now in failure. As a result I have him on VETMEDIN,Enalapril and Furosemide. I don’t expect him to recover from the heart failure. He has been a good companion.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 12, 2018 5:57:24 GMT -7
Chris, it's sad that Oscar is having heart trouble. I'm navigating end of life issues as well as my Nala is almost 14. God bless you both.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 12, 2018 7:45:53 GMT -7
Chris, I'm so sorry to hear that Oscar's 19 y.o. heart is in decline. I know you don't miss a chance to let him know how much he is loved and savor each day.
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Mar 2, 2019 18:34:19 GMT -7
Oscar is 19, almost 20 yo. He has had many disk episodes that were resolved with conservative treatment. ( previously posted) Recently he was diagnosed with heart failure which has been stabilized by enalapril, furosemide and vetmetin.
lately he has begun to lose control and strength in his rear legs. He pees on his own. He poops on his own, but will sometimes fall backwards when he strains. He walks stiffly, his back is humped, he sometimes walks easily and sometimes with difficulty. Weather seems to effect the severity of his difficulty walking. I don’t see any signs of pain. Because he has the heart issue I can’t give him prednisone ( a steroid) without the possibility of impacting his heart and he doesn't seem to need the pain medications (tramadol) or a muscle relaxant (robaxin) to control pain. Are there any suggestions? It may be arthritis in his back from all the back issues. I’m seeking some guidance and suggestions
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 2, 2019 18:44:14 GMT -7
Chris, has Oscar been seen by a vet to discern if arthritis or a new disc episode? Date, what did vet prescribe if he was seen?
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Mar 2, 2019 20:09:47 GMT -7
He has not been back to the vet recently, but I have spoken to him. Without extensive tests I’m told it’s impossible to determine, but it doesn’t sounds as if it’s another back disk. No pain issues and he can stand an walk, allbeit with difficulty at times. No knuckling and he will right his foot.. the advice was to monitor, not more. Also to think of quality of life. As he’s not in pain and is alert, that isn’t an option for me at the moment.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 2, 2019 20:26:21 GMT -7
Chris, they may well be arthirtis in the back as it changes with the weather. I dont' know if the new Galliprant specifically targeting arthritis pain would be appropriate with Oscar's health issues. animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadLabeling/208With arthritis once getting moving after awaking, can lesson the pain of being stiffness. Is that the case with Oscar? |
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Mar 2, 2019 20:48:41 GMT -7
It seems to be as he moves it gets better but not great. I’m putting a low level”laser light on his hack while he sleeps. It’s Warmth seems to help too
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 3, 2019 7:27:33 GMT -7
Laser therapy can be helpful with arthritis so glad to hear that you're doing that. Also if acupuncture is a financial option for you, that can be helpful, too.
With Oscar's other health problems, finding a natural anti-inflammatory might be a good option for him. You may want to consult with a holistic vet to see what can be given. Even natural products can interact with medications so do your research.
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Mar 5, 2019 6:15:16 GMT -7
Do you have any suggestions for any natural anti inflammatoires that that might help? The heart failure makes me very cautious about starting a regime of prednisone. He isn’t in pain ( at least Ive seen no classic symptoms like all the previous back episodes) but he definitely doesn’t want to walk or sometimes stand on his rear legs. He can stand but doesnt like to. We’ve had a long run of rainy, dark cold days and it is definitely worse these type days. Sunny warm days are best when he regains mobility. He has feeling it in his feet, doesn’t knuckle over and recovers if his foot is placed incorrectly. his tail wags, he’s alert but he has a huge hump where the disk previously bulged and collapsed. Positioning to poop makes it worse for him, he doesn’t want to walk around. I think the arthritis has developed badly in his spine where the earlier disk issue occurred as his back has pronounced hump there. I’d like to try to get him more mobile and stronger. I’m up for suggestions. The vet hasn’t beeen exceptionally helpful as his options are limited by his age and heart.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 5, 2019 7:17:00 GMT -7
I hesitate to recommend any type of natural anti-inflammatory because I'm not all that familiar with the heart meds that Oscar is on. Again it would be best to check with a holistic vet before starting any natural anti-inflammatories or do extensive research online to become familiar with all interactions with meds, side effects, dosages, etc. Turmeric (mixed with black pepper and coconut oil to make what is known as golden paste) is a good anti-inflammatory but it shouldn't be taken with a blood thinner. Apple cider vinegar, MSM, honey/cinnamon are also options you could look into. My Jeremy takes all of those but he has no other health issues and is on no other meds. You might also want to look into having your vet prescribe an Assisi Loop.
(For any others who may be seeing this response - These are all possibilities to help with arthritis for a dog unable to take a steroid or NSAID and not for an IVDD episode which would require the bigger gun anti-inflammatories such as a steroid or NSAID.)
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Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 5, 2019 10:48:42 GMT -7
Have you tried cold laser therapy? It helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing.
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Mar 5, 2019 15:44:47 GMT -7
Yes I have a cold lazer I used n myself. I have it on his back.
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Post by Chris & Oscar on Feb 20, 2020 16:05:59 GMT -7
On Feb 5, 2020 Oscar died at home. He lost the use of his rear legs to walk 6 months ago, but he could still stand. Almost 21 years old when he died.  |
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Post by Julie & Perry on Feb 20, 2020 16:51:36 GMT -7
Chris, it's obvious how much you loved Oscar. He had the best of care and a happy long life. Sending you healing prayers and hugs as you grieve.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 20, 2020 18:07:53 GMT -7
Chris, how much your heart must ache. Almost 21 years is quite a long life. A testament for the loving care you showered on Oscar. May the abundance of wonderful memories you two shared over the years, begin to surface more as you go thru the grieving process.
My sincerest of condolences and warm ((hugs)) on the passing of your sweet Oscar.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 21, 2020 5:25:29 GMT -7
What a wonderfully long life you were blessed to have with Oscar, Chris. Your love for him shown through every word you wrote about him. He was well loved and will be much missed. Blessings to you as you grieve.
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