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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 6, 2018 11:03:11 GMT -7
Dachshund Diagnosed with Grade 5 IVDD - Looking for Feedback
Hi -My girlfriend and I were vacationing in Denver CO when we received a call from my parents indicating that Flash, our 5 year old Dachshund was having a medical emergency. I had dropped him off at my parents on 9/29/18 and both on Saturday and Sunday (9/30/18), he appeared to be his playful normal self. By Monday, he seemed to avoid going up any stairs and his belly was sensitive to the touch. By Monday evening, my parents started to notice him laying around a lot and occasionally dragging one of his hind legs. Being concerned, they schedule a vet appointment the very next day. Unfortunately, that morning (10/2/18), Flash was unable to walk and appeared to keep his head up high as it was the most comfortable position for him. The vet called me while I was Denver and informed me that she believed Flash was suffering from IVDD. She indicated that even though he couldn’t walk, he still had deep pain sensation in all of his toes and strongly recommended we see a specialist. After being crushed by this news, my girlfriend and I got emergency flights back to VA that night. When we arrived that night, Flash appeared to be in a lot of pain and it was heart breaking to see. The next morning (10/3/18), we took him to a specialist and she indicated that he had worsened overnight because now he only had deep pain sensation in two of his toes. She immediately recommended a MRI and we agreed. The MRI revealed that he had two disk injuries, one minor (impacting 20% of spinal cord), and one major (impacting about 80% of the spinal cord). He was considered a Grade 5 patient. The doctor told us that if we proceed with surgery, Flash has a 50-70% to walk again and a 15% chance of the IVDD moving upstream which would result in us having to put him down (very scary and breaks our hearts). Our other option was to not get surgery but that would pretty much guarantee he would never walk again and he would be in a lot of pain for a long time. To us, that was not an option so we elected to move forward with surgery and he had his operation a few hours later. The doctor informed us that the surgery went well and three different sites were treated with a lot of debris being removed. Additionally, she said there was some bruising to the spinal cord but that was to be expected. We didn’t get to see him on his first day after surgery (10/4/2018) because he was in a lot of pain and they didn’t want him getting excited. We elected to have two H Bot procedures done for Flash which is oxygen pumped in to help the body rejuvenate sensation. We picked Flash up on 10/5/2018 and he still has no deep pain sensation or control over his bodily functions. Since bringing our little Flash home, he continues to show no neurological function in his back legs or tail and continues to have no control of his bodily functions. We continue to keep him created all day. The only times he leaves the create is when we’re giving him medication, cleaning up his pee and poop, and doing his exercise retuned to try and help regain feeling in his legs and tails. All of this is new to us and we’re writing on this thread hopefully for advice and support. Is there more we should be doing? Did we take him to late given our circumstances? The doctor says we will know in two weeks if he can walk or not? Is that really long enough to tell? What signs should we be looking for during this critical period? Is there any exercises anybody recommend? We’re desperate for help and support so we look forward to your comments and feedback.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 6, 2018 14:21:21 GMT -7
Brandon (?) right? Welcome to the Dodgerslist Forum! First thing is that no one can predict when nerve functions will return. Surgeons do look for indicators within 2 weeks. But the truth of the thing is that nerves are very slow to heal, every dog is different, every trauma to the spinal cord is different, on and on. The two weeks period is because that is about how long it takes the surgery-caused temporary swelling to subside. Then you may be able to better see the direction of nerve healing. It most certainly does not mean in those two weeks if no nerve healing YET, then never, ever will Flash walk again. Most surgeons do not follow up on their patients much past the 4-6 weeks of crate rest they direct. Here at Dodgerslist, we have folks coming back months later, a year out and give us updates after graduation from post-op crate rest. We see all the time that dogs don't get those dire messages of poor chance to walk again. may are able to heal their nerves in months or even some close to a year out. I understand in the fast, overwhelming information flying, that it can be difficult to correctly interpret what is being said much less remember it all properly. Do take time to get up to speed on IVDD for the now and for the many happy years ahead with Flash. More on that later. First are you manually expressing his bladder every 2-3 hrs as you would be learning a new skill? Also depends on which meds he was sent home on. A tips and a review of the hands-on-top-of-your-hands you received from the surgeon: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm You did get a lesson, right? You can express for poop and for urine. What are the names of each of his meds, the dose in mgs and how often do you give them? For how many weeks does your surgeon want for post-op crate rest? What is the name of hospital in Virginia where the surgery was done?Great tips for making crate rest go smooth... how to set up the mattress system, cleaning up "accidents" from fur and floor and many more ideas with stuff you likely have around the house: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmKnowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!! The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD soonest possible. Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works. ➤ Follow the "surgery" button now. In the next days do all the other colored buttons to become the IVDD savvy pet parent you dog will need. All Things IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm➤ Use the “search box” to easily locate topics over at our Main www.dodgerslist.com website: www.dodgerslist.com/index/searchBOX.jpgWe look forward to your answers to our questions so we know best how to help.
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 6, 2018 15:01:39 GMT -7
Hi Paula - Thank you so much for the feedback. He surgery was performed by Bush Veterinary Neurology Service in Leesburg VA. We try to express his bladder about 4 to 5 times a day. It hasn’t been easy but today is our first day doing it. We’re constantly changing his blankets and pee pads because he lays in it (result of him having no control of his bladder). The doctor wants to see Flash again in 2 weeks and at the 6 week mark. Additionally, about 4-5 times a day we’re massage and stretching his back legs. Do you think we should be taking him to a rehab facility for additional treatments? Maybe cold laser treatment? Below is the medications Flash is currently on and the activity restrictions they gave us (any ideas on how to keep him calm in the create because he hates it): [Moderator's note: please do not modify 18lbs prednisolone 2.5mgs 2x/day for 5 days then taper tramadol 25mgs 3x/day Prazosin decreases internal urethral sphincter tone Diazepam 2mgs 3x/day for expressing.]
MEDICATIONS: 1. Gabapentin (Called into Costco Pharmacy in Leesburg - 100mg capsules, #35, refills 1): Give 1 capsule by mouth with food every 8-12 hours as needed for pain. * We recommend every 8 hours for the first 7 days and if he remains comfortable, you may decrease to every 12 hours for another 7 days and if he remains comfortable, you may stop this medication * 2. Tramadol (Ultram, 50mg tablets, #11, refills 0): Give 1/2 tablet by mouth with food every 8-12 hours as needed for pain. * We recommend every 8 hours for the first 4 days and if he remains comfortable, you may decrease to every 12 hours for another 4 days and if he remains comfortable, you may stop this medication * 3. PrednisoLOne (5mg tablets, #15, refills 0): Give one-half (1/2) tablet by mouth with food every 12 hours for 5 days, then DECREASE to 1/2 tablet ONCE daily for 5 days, then DECREASE to 1/2 tablet every other day for 5 doses then stop. 4. Prazosin (Called into Leesburg Compounding pharmacy - 0.5mg tiny tab, #30, refills 3): Give 1 tablet by mouth with food every 12 hours as needed for urination/bladder expression. 5. Diazepam (Called into Costco Pharmacy in Leesburg- 2 mg tablets, #40 tablets, refills 2): Give one (1) tablet by mouth with food every 8-12 hours as needed for urination. * We recommend every 8 hours for the first 7 days, then if he is easy to express or urinating on his own you may decrease to every 12 hours for another 5-7 days and if he continues to urinate full streams on his own, you may stop this medication * EXERCISE RESTRICTIONS: Immediate Exercise Restrictions: 0- 4 weeks: STRICT confinement - Please confine Flash in a crate, baby playpen, or ex-pen (approximately 4x4 ft) for the next 4 weeks. He should NOT be allowed to walk around the house or go outside for walks, run, jump, climb stairs, play, or rough-house with other animals/kids, as any activity can exacerbate his condition during this rest period. If he is calm, he may be in your arms or lay next to you on the IF YOU HAVE A HAND ON HIM, but under no circumstances should he be jumping on/off furniture or heights (no jumping in/out of cars), or be left outside of the rest area without supervision. URINATION/DEFECATION: Carry outside (using a chest harness rather than a neck collar) 3-5 times a day for 5-10 minutes to allow for controlled bathroom duties. Provide gentle support beneath the belly, if needed, to prevent falls or slips. Slings, a sheet, or a rolled up towel can be used for this. Slings can be purchased from most pet stores or from various web sites like www.walkaboutharnesses.com. 4-6 weeks: 10-15% increase in activity/distance during walks if your pet is pain free and neurologic function has returned to normal. 6+ weeks: Slow return to normal activity, with continued adherence to lifelong exercise restrictions outlined below. No baths, nail trims or direct interaction with other dogs for at least 2 months. Lifelong Exercise Restrictions: Keep off furniture, avoid him leaping off steps or going up/down too fast, and use a chest harness (instead of a neck collar) for leash control. There should be no jumping up any heights (ie no jumping in and out of cars), and try to minimize excessive rough-housing/wrestling with other dogs.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 6, 2018 16:35:30 GMT -7
My Nala also hated being crated. What worked for her was a pack and play.
That's basically a baby play pen.
They're fairly inexpensive new, or many people sell them online.
You can put a piece of memory foam or a dog pad in the bottom for extra padding.
Wrap it in a trash bag and duct tape it shut for pee protection.
Use fleece cut to fit from fabric store, it's easily washable and cheap.
I ordered 3 human incontinence pads online.
A pee pad and some fleece and Flash will be comfy.
You can get deli containers and hole punch them and secure to mesh sides with a twist tie.
Then put a small metal dog dish on top. Easy to lift out and put food and water in.
Depending on your budget, hydrotherapy and cool laser therapy can be very helpful.
Just make sure your surgeon gives you clearance first.
My best advice is to read, read, read, under IVDD 101 at the main website. That way you can best advocate for Flash.
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 6, 2018 18:14:07 GMT -7
Thank you Julie and Perry for the information. - since Flash is currently paralyzed and has no feeling in his back legs and tail is there a rehab that you think would work best for him at this current time.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 6, 2018 19:30:51 GMT -7
Right now Flash has a lot of surgical swelling.
That can last several weeks. And he's just had major surgery.
For now I'd wait. As Flash heals you'll get a better sense of what he'll need.
I know its hard. Hang in there.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 6, 2018 21:53:37 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Brandon! Julie is right, it's best to keep Flash in crate rest mode at least until after his first Surgeon appt in two weeks. At that time ask his surgeon what he recommends for PT or rehab. She would know the local therapy that is offered in your area. Once the surgical swelling goes down in two weeks, you will begin to see what direction her healing will take.. You could ask your Surgeon if it's ok to begin Laser or acupuncture treatments.. If there is great pain or severe neuro diminishment, acupuncture or laser light therapy can be be started right away as an adjunct to pain meds and to kick start nerve cell energy production. Options: Acupuncture vet who does home visits to avoid back moving during transports. For transport to necessary visits, pad out the recovery suite extra space with a rolled up towel/blanket to prevent body shifts during braking or cornering. 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: www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/Laser Light therapy: "Clinicians at UF's Small Animal Hospital began using the procedure routinely after results from a year-long study showed the laser's effectiveness in patients with intervertebral disc disease... The study is the first ever to compare dogs with intervertebral disc disease treated postoperatively with lasers to dogs not treated with lasers, Schubert said. He called the results "revolutionary." veterinarypage.vetmed.ufl.edu/2011/09/19/laser-treatment-helps-dogs-with-spinal-cord-injury/ [UF 1 yr study] or tinyurl.com/78eh4ew Healing thoughts and prayers for Flash! My Tyler had surgery in 2013 when he woke up paralyzed and he had a walking recovery.. There is every hope for Flash too!
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Post by Michelle & Keira on Oct 7, 2018 3:31:45 GMT -7
Hey Brandon,
Being so early on since surgery, the main rehab you need to focus on are those home excercises the surgeon gave you. Once the surgical site has healed enough (approx 2 weeks), you can then perhaps think of the under water treadmill... Perhaps your surgeon can put you in touch with a professional physio for Flash? Then they can work out a program tailored best for his needs.
The first few days/week is very tough, but it will get easier.
Again though, just keep doing what you are doing, and do that home excercise routine.
Take care, Michelle
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Post by Angie & Theo on Oct 7, 2018 7:18:36 GMT -7
Hi- we are going thru the exact same thing you are right now. We live in NC and the vet school here is one of the top 5 in the country. They gave us the exact same treatment & instructions as you. The only difference is they told us we could start electro-acupuncture right away and I believe we becgab that on the 12th day after Theo’s injury/surgery. The acupuncturist comes to our house.
Everyone on here has great advice. I read every single surgery story. Something we have found very helpful is buying a notebook and keeping it next to Theo’s pill organizer and documenting everything! Times you gave pills, times he peed, times he ate or had a treat, time he defecates. Eventually, we figured out how long after eating that he needs to potty. And what time to stop feeding him so he wakes up in a clean bed. We also bought a pet stroller off Amazon and he LOVES it. We use it in the house and also walk him around the neighborhood with our other dogs once a day. It’s perfect to put him in when I’m stripping his kennel, etc. Plus I can move him to different windows to look out.
They gave us a 50/50 chance he would walk again. He is now trying to stand and wagging his tail!!!!!! The first two weeks were horrible and I slept on the floor next to his kennel. He was never left alone (we work opposite schedules.) Once you get your new routine established, it will be easier.
Also- tomorrow we start hydrotherapy and cold Lasar at NCSU rehab center. So at this point Theo has: a regular vet, a holistic vet, a certified neurologist, and an certified orthopedic specialist! Also, we are starting him on Chinese herbs today. I have to see what they are and I will post them.
Angie (& Theo)
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 7, 2018 8:19:22 GMT -7
Hi Angie - That is excellent news for Theo. I am very happy for you. When did he start to show positive recovery signs after surgery? When we move Flash’s legs in a cycling motion his toes tend to curl at times. We don’t know if this is just a automatic reaction or him having some type of feeling. We haven’t seen much feeling in his tail as of yet
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Post by Angie & Theo on Oct 7, 2018 8:45:04 GMT -7
Theo had no deep pain sensation after surgery. He did not curl his toes during bicycling. Nothing. Then on day 10 during ROM exercises he pulled his back legs away when I pinched between his toes. I think this was a reflex, but it was new and gave us some hope since he had never done that.
Then on day 18 he moved his back legs while we were talking to the vet. She saw it! Very slight. Then he had his acupuncture, definitely felt it and she had to dial it down to lowest setting.
On day 19, he stood up for a second trying to get to me while I was taking him out for a potty break. I couldn’t believe it!
On day 22 he started wagging his tail -very small movements in the AM. By the afternoon he was doing lots of tail wagging! Not like a normal full-on wag. Everyone has seen it and it’s very exciting for us.
Today is day 24 and so far he’s just sleeping.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 7, 2018 8:46:04 GMT -7
Brandon, when learning to express and get good at it, you will very likley need to express that bladder every 2-3 hours. Keeping the bladder from overflowing in very important to keep urinary tract infection away AND to maintain the good muscle tone of the bladder so that when the brain can again connect-- the bladder will still work. If need be go back to the vet today and express in the clinic. The vet or vet tech can check your work give you additional pointers. EXPRESSING GOALS 1) to express often enough. Pred will cause extra thrist and more production of urine. PLUS when you are first learning you probably won't be fully voiding the bladder each time. This means the bladder fills up very quickly. ---- For right now you do need to express every 2-3 hours. 2) to fully void the bladder at each session. This means your fingers will need to be able to feel and recognize the bladder shape in all stages of emptying. Be able to retrieve the slippery bladder when it slips back into the pelvic area. ---- With a weeks worth of expressing and review lessons if needed, you will learn to feel when the bladder is so flat that one hand can almost feel the other hand. ---- When both goals have been met, Flash will stay dry expressing session to the next one. Then you can start moving to longer period such as every 4-6 hours and even at night for an 8 hour period. Have set up his mattress as per the tip in our supplies list? Here is the link for that and using tea to clean skin and fur and prevent urine scald: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmLet us know how you are doing with expressing now at the 2nd day. For us humans to be able to distinguish between reflex and brain directed, we have to see some sort of head level involvement with the tail, with a limb or with release of urine so we know the movement was done with purposeful thinking. Toe curling during range of motion can often be a reflex caused motion. --- Sniff (head level nose) then release of urine would be brain directed. --- Hear (head level ear) you doing some happy talk and then tail wags is brain directed. Tail movement during potty time can often be a reflex --- Itchy sensation at at neck and then tries to scratch would be purposeful movement. Tickling paws, etc can cause reflex leg movements. For nerve healing it is best to think in terms of months rather than days/weeks for this slowest part of the body to heal----nerves. Every dog is different--- different degree of nerve damage, different ability to heal--- so asking what another dog did will likely not give you the information you seek. While no one can tell you a time line, it is know that nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. More info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 7, 2018 9:14:07 GMT -7
Expressing may be the most difficult thing to master, but also, as Paula mentions, very important to avoid other issues.
We've learned some "tricks" over the years that help when we express Buster. When he's relaxed and in a place where he's accustomed to peeing, we get the best results. And dogs, like Buster was, can resist the process at first. Try to reassure and praise Flash. He will sense if you're nervous, so it's important to be calm. Massage his sides with warm hands to help relax his muscles. If he starts to pee and stops, give his muscles a minute or so to adjust and try again. Always tell him "good boy" when he produces pee, no matter how little.
I use my hands like paddles and apply even pressure to both sides and never "dig" my fingers in. You may be surprised by how much pressure it takes, but start out gently and increase until you get results.
Good luck to you and Flash!
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 7, 2018 12:27:55 GMT -7
Thank you all for your continued support. It means so much to Flash and I. I have started to have some success with emptying his bladder. He still has wet spots when I check him every two hours but it’s getting less and less with me having more success emptying his bladder. Additionally he seems more comfortable with his create. We continue to exercise him and wipe him dry every time we take him out of his create. We’re eager to get him to do some PT but based on everyone’s feedback, we will wait to see what the doctor thinks. Even though we would like to go sooner. Once again, thank you everyone for the tips and advice. I know with time things will get easier.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 7, 2018 14:48:52 GMT -7
Brandon, the PT your surgeon gave you do to at home, will be beneficial in keeping his joints flexible, muscle circulation up. Are your exercises some of the ones shown in the post-op PT video below?
Post-op PT for the paralyzed IVDD dog:
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 7, 2018 15:17:33 GMT -7
Waiting is definitely the hardest part. Look at it this way being cautious and allowing Flash the time his body needs to heal will not hurt him, but letting him get too active too soon can. The last thing you want is for your boy to have a setback and have to start over.
After a while it will become a routine. Time will pass more quickly as Flash starts to show improvement and you can see the end of his crate rest period.
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 12, 2018 14:19:38 GMT -7
Hi All - Just wanted to provide an update to everyone on Flash’s progress. Today marks Day 11 since surgery and he seems to be much more comfortable and in a lot less pain. He still seems to have no DPS in his hind legs and tail but we’re praying we see progress on that front soon. We continue to do ROM exercises with him 5 times a day. His hind toes do tend to curl when motioning his legs and his tail feels heavier so we’re hoping those are positive signs. He is still taking all 5 medications as directed.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 18lbs prednisolone as of 10/5: 2.5mgs 2x/day for 5 days then 10/10 taper tramadol 25mgs 3x/day Prazosin decreases internal urethral sphincter tone Diazepam 2mgs 3x/day for expressing.]
We’ve gotten better at emptying his bladder. He still occasionally has wet spots on the pee pads but it’s not nearly as much. We recently purchased a stroller and have been taking him outside and he seems to really enjoy it. As he gets better, he’seems to be more anxious to get out of the create but we’re keeping him very restricted within it for the next 6 weeks to allow for proper recovery. As always, thank you to everyone for their advice and help during this challenging time.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 12, 2018 14:49:42 GMT -7
Brandon, can you double check that Flash is in NO pain dose to dose of tramadol. "Less" pain is not good....meaning the vet needs to know and get meds adjusted.
How much does Flash weigh?
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 12, 2018 16:34:55 GMT -7
Flash weighs 18 pounds and he seems to be in less pain because he wants to be more active. We will be having our 2 week follow up next Saturday. I will monitor him closely and follow up about the pain.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 12, 2018 17:26:01 GMT -7
Brandon, thanks for letting us know Flash's weight. Hope Flash is pain free from dose to dose. If he isn't, the vet needs to adjust his pain medications.. The Vet depends on you to be his eyes and ears at home, so give him or her a call if medications need adjusting..
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 21, 2018 15:38:20 GMT -7
Hi Everyone -
Is there a sling walker anyone recommends buying for dachshunds for rehab?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2018 17:35:06 GMT -7
A figure 8 DIY sling will work especially for the male dog. Figure 8 slings will avoid the fulcrum effect which slings on the tummy area may cause.
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Post by Angie & Theo on Oct 22, 2018 5:25:18 GMT -7
We purchased the Gingerlead for males from Amazon. The bad thing about it, presses on his bladder so we can’t tell if he is peeing on his own or if it’s getting squished out of him. The good thing about it, he seems comfortable in it and the leash connects to the sling handle, making walking less cumbersome for me. Theo is now allowed four short sling walks a day in the grass. He is raring to go & is very strong. I am going to try to make the figure 8 sling. I think that looks like a better idea.
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 23, 2018 8:01:24 GMT -7
Thank you all. I am going to try both slings and see what works best. Flash unfortunately had to undergo a second surgery to amputate his penis. Some potential veteranian negelence might be at play but I don’t want to speak to much on it until we decide how to proceed. Flash has gained DPS in his hind legs and his tail seems to be getting stronger but isn’t wagging as of yet.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 23, 2018 8:42:19 GMT -7
Brandon, what date was the 2nd surgery, if you can reveal that to help us understand expressing, etc. Was Flash wanting to bite at his penis?
Did the surgeon tell you DPS had come back or a general DVM vet or a rehap person. The best person to ensure correctly identifying deep pain sensation would be only the surgeon (ACVS or an ACVIM). What was the last date DPS had been identified by a specialist?
What do you observe that translates as "his tail is getting stronger?"
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 23, 2018 10:43:22 GMT -7
He underwent his second surgery on October 16th.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify 18lbs 10/3 Back operation 10/16 penis operation due to possible neuropathy prednisolone as of 10/5: 2.5mgs 2x/day for 5 days then 10/10 taper tramadol 25mgs 3x/day Prazosin decreases internal urethral sphincter tone Diazepam 2mgs 3x/day for expressing.]
Essentially they removed his penis and created a new hole for him to urinate. Expressing his bladder has become extremely difficult since his second surgery. It’s a shame because we were in such a great rhythm prior to this happening. The second we noticed him nipping at his penis that was out of the sheath we took him to a emergency vet immediately. They inspected him and concluded that he had a small laceration on his penis and that it would heal on its own with antibiotics. So, they gave Flash back to us still bleeding with his penis out of the sheath. I kept pressure on it all night and it still bleed. Called the next morning and received the same response. Being extremely frustrated but short on funds, I took him back to the vet and they determined that the penis had dried out from being out of the sheath and cells began to die from a lack of oxygen. At that point, they recommended that his penis be amputated because it looked blackish purple. We were extremely frustrated and not in the best financial situation given the survey we just paid for but we couldn’t bare seeing Flash in pain so we found a surgeon who has done surgery’s like this in the area and paid 3k to have it completed. We’re extremely frustrated with the vet who originally looked at him for this issue and we are considering legal action.
To answer your second question, Flash surgeron who did his IVDD surgery tested him and said he had gain DPS in both legs, one stronger than the other, and believes he will have a walking recovery. He is still paralyzed at the moment but it looks like he is trying to wag his tail. Additionally, if you touch his tail for exercises, he try’s to curl is in almost every time. He can even lift it up while laying on his side.
Attached is Flash’s surgical photos and a picture of him a few months prior before all of these problems happened. His back surgery has healed up beautifully but I don't have a recent photo of that.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,544
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 23, 2018 14:15:03 GMT -7
Wonderful news on the surgeon identifying DPS. Watch for head level involvment with limbs and tail to proove a message went from the brain down the spinal cord. Can he attempt to wag if he sees a treat or hears you doing some happy talk? ◼︎ still BE AWARE of phantom pain Neuropathic pain is abnormal, phantom pain sensations with severe spinal cord damage. Signs are obsessive licking of paw, leg, genitals, tail. Escalates to biting, life-threatening chewing off parts. Immediately put on an e-collar (or lengthwise folded towel around neck and duct taped closed) to prevent access to lower body. Contact vet immediately for Gabapentin or stronger Lyrica (pregabalin) for this type of pain. Dodgers Digest article on neuropathic pain: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/neuropathy.pdf
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Post by Peter & Olaf on Oct 26, 2018 9:41:45 GMT -7
Brandon - So sorry to hear of the additional difficulties with Flash. It is so upsetting that Flash had to pay physically for someone else's ignorance during what is already such a difficult time for him. Flash is lucky to have you in his life! All the best to you both during his recovery.
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Post by Camille & Bean on Oct 27, 2018 10:20:56 GMT -7
Brandon & Flash , I'm so sorry to hear about Flash's circumstances. He is a real trooper and despite the loss of his genitals, he'll get through it and will be back to his happy and fun self. I'm posting because I'm part of a network of animal lawyers who practice around the country (I'm in CA), so if you wanted a consultation with someone on potential veterinary malpractice, I recommend you visit Adam Karp's website which lists one attorney in VA, who also may be able to help you find others if he's not available. These are attorneys who represent people with all sorts of animal related legal issues, including vet mal, so you would be in good hands. They're folks who are doing it because they actually care about animals and have compassion for the distress of dealing with this sort of thing as an owner/guardian. Something to consider later when you are ready after Flash heals.
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Post by Brandon & Flash on Oct 27, 2018 19:37:24 GMT -7
Thank you everyone. It’s been tough so far but we’re pushing forward. Flash still isn’t walking nor can he wag his tail yet but the surgeon said it can take months since he was a stage 5 when it comes to IVDD.
I am curious on everyone’s advice when it comes to manually expressing the dog’s bladder. A doctor we recently met with said we should express him every 6-8 hours vs. every 3 like we had been doing to see if he will go on his own but how will we be able to tell if he does? He’s constantly waking up with quite a bit of pee around him recently but he tends to know if he pee’d because he try’s to move away from it. But I don’t know if it’s because he pee’d on his own or he just smelled it. Also, what do you recommend to get the pee smell of the fur since he can’t be bathed for two months? We’ve been using scent free wipes and occasionally a wet rag and a small amount of dog shampoo but he obviously constantly has some pee on him.
Thank you Camille for the lawyer information. It is something we’re considering but we are taking our time when it comes to that decision.
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