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Post by lolalulu on Jul 24, 2013 19:36:34 GMT -7
I stayed home & worked as i wanted to see how she does on the prednisone. She's doing pretty good I think. No panting, ate breakfast w/meds, peeing more often, drinking more, dog log on the lawn, life is good !!
I put her crate on the coffee table. The table is pretty big & is made of wood & very sturdy. I think she likes it better then when it was on the floor. She can see all around her, the overhead fans on low, she has her blankie, water, a few toys, she still whines but not as bad or for as long. I'll cover her crate when it's bedtime. I also have a security camera in my living room, I can login to the camera from my iPhone or pc. I repositioned the camera so I can check on her from anywhere. No audio but at least I can see her.
Week 1 is past, it's been difficult for all of us but we'll do what we need to do for our wonderful Lulu Bell.
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Post by jochs311 on Jul 24, 2013 20:33:08 GMT -7
It's great that Lulu is recovering good! Great job!! The only thing I'd suggest is to give the Pepcid a half an hour before the Prednisone. Give the pred with her food,  I'm happy the kong ideas are good for you  |
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Post by lolalulu on Jul 24, 2013 22:30:31 GMT -7
Will take your advice & start that in the morning. Thanks & have a good nite, I'm exhausted !!!
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Post by lolalulu on Jul 25, 2013 16:26:40 GMT -7
GREAT DAY !! Lulu is responding VERY WELL to the treatment now, she is more alert and her body is not all tight and rigid !! She no longer yelps when she is carefully picked up, eating well, drinking better, peeing and pooping ! I do believe it is also the prednisone. But she'll stay in her crate for 7 more weeks and lets hope and pray she recovers from this. Thanks to you all for your support ! I will continue to post updates ! Hope all of your pupsters fair well!
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Post by lolalulu on Jul 27, 2013 10:20:08 GMT -7
Day 10 - Lulu continues to improve , slowly but surely, she's so tired of being in her kennel & only allowed out to do her business. Her body language is so different now, she went from a tense, shivering, stressed out, whining pup to a relaxed, playing w/ her toys that are allowed in her kennel, less whining pup after just 2 doses of prednisone. She has 6 1/2 more weeks to go & I actually have some hope now that she will recover. This is day 5 of the prednisone so tomorrow it goes from 2 pills a day to▼1 pill a day for 5 days. I hope she continues to improve. Please keep praying that she does.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 27, 2013 12:18:39 GMT -7
We do have our fingers crossed for no pain to show on the start of the Pred taper tomorrow. Is the Tramadol also being backed off or stopped to have a clear picture on pain status?
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Post by lolalulu on Jul 27, 2013 18:33:13 GMT -7
She goes to once a day for the prednisone for 5 days , should I start cutting back on the Tramadol when I start cutting back on the pred or should I wait until the following week when she's on pred every other day?
I'm a bit worried that she's the pain will come back if I cut back on the Tramadol too soon.. Should i cut the Tramadol to 1/4 of a tablet & see how she does?
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 27, 2013 19:46:06 GMT -7
Pain medications are usually tapered when the prednisone is, because a return of pain incdicates that swelling is still present and the prednisone needs to be continued for a longer period of time. Check with your Vet about tapering the dose of pain medication |
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Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Jul 28, 2013 14:09:37 GMT -7
Good to hear Lulu is doing well, I know 6 more weeks sounds like a long time, but the more relaxed the 2 of you become, the faster the time will fly...Continued prayers for the 2 of you and many (((hugs))) too..  |
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Post by lolalulu on Jul 30, 2013 15:05:19 GMT -7
Thanks to both of you for the sound advice. I AM DREADING tapering off the meds & so afraid the pain & swelling will return. I know it's necessary but not looking forward to it  ? |
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 4, 2013 17:02:54 GMT -7
Lulu is on day 3 of ▼ prednisone every other day & showing symptoms of pain  yelping when I pick her up out of her crate to go potty, trembling a little, & whining more. I called the vet today asking them to call me tomorrow. I think it's to soon to cut back on it & the Tramadol. I can't stand it when she's in pain. She is still eating, drinking, peeing & pooping w/ no problems. |
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Aug 4, 2013 17:53:27 GMT -7
The taper is a test. You got your answer - its too soon. Get her back on the full antiinflammatory dose ASAP. Don't be discouraged. Many dogs have this happen. They all heal at a different rate.
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 4, 2013 19:18:42 GMT -7
Thank you PollysMom. Should I start her back on tonight or wait until the morning ?
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 4, 2013 19:41:22 GMT -7
Start her back on Prednisone and her pain meds tonight.. Call the Vet and let them know, she is still in pain.. They likely have an answering service. Don't worry, it just means it wasn't yet time to taper.. The important thing is to address her pain right now.. so she can continue healing.
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 4, 2013 21:02:43 GMT -7
Thanks Pauliana! I gave her the Pepcid about 30 minutes ago & will give her prednisone & Tramadol in a few minutes, she should have a good nite. I'm still working 1/2 &. 1/2 and start an 11 day vacation on weds. That will help alot as I won't be worrying about her so much. My grand kids & daughter in law are coming down from WA state for a week or so, we'll just change our plans around & only take day trips. My mother is turning 90 this coming weekend & we were going to spend 3 days w/ her but only going for the day, my friend will be here at home w/lulu.
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Aug 5, 2013 12:25:38 GMT -7
Awwww, sorry to hear, but not to worry...some FurBabies just take a little longer to heal.. Praying for you and your FurBaby, and many (((hugs))) too.. |
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 15, 2013 10:38:54 GMT -7
Good morning all,haven't been able to post as my grand kids have been here the past 2 weeks visiting from WA. Lulu went back on the▲ prednisone and is in the process of▼ tramping down again, she didn't have any yesterday and started having really bad diarrhea. She wouldn't eat, I couldn't get Tramadol down her, tried the hard way but she continued to spit it out somehow ! This morning I finally got her to eat a little boiled chicken & cottage cheese & was able to get 1/2 a Tramadol in her. She is sitting there in her kennel crying & crying. When I pick her up to take her out she yelps, when I put her down she poops & it's very runny & I think I am seeing blood in it. She has an appt at 3:30 today w/ our regular vet & I have a call into the specialist to have him call me. When she had her re-check last Thursday w/ the specialist he said after this prednisone treatment he doesn't want to give her more. He said its done all it can do & she just needs to heal now, if that is what is going to happen. He said it could take 6 mths to a year. We don't have the funds to start w/ another specialist. I am very worried about the diarrhea.
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Aug 15, 2013 10:55:23 GMT -7
Praying for you and your FurBaby...Try Cream Cheese for Meds when all else fails. Have you been sticking to 100% Crate rest? All FurBaby's heal at a different speed, so hang in there, and Please keep us updated..Many (((hugs))).. |
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Aug 15, 2013 11:10:47 GMT -7
Hi Lola, I'm Sabrina. I'm so sorry to hear about the pain and diarrhea Lulu's having. I'm very glad you have an appt with your regular vet today - this is definitely something to address today. It sounds like Lulu needs more stomach protection asap. Maybe something like Sucralfate - that acts as a "bandaid" for the upper GI tract: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugs www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm Some dogs on conservative treatment need longer on prednisone than others: "Anti-inflammatories can take a couple of weeks or for some dogs on conservative treatment over a month to relieve swelling." www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/medications_used.htmlYou are seeing your general vet - but it sounds like your specialist is the one who prescribed the prednisone? How knowledgeable is your general vet about IVDD? )))Hugs!((( -Sabrina |
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 15, 2013 11:35:31 GMT -7
Our regular vet is not real knowledgeable about IVDD & I have a call into the specialist. When we saw him last week he believes that she should have a bigger area & not crated 24x7, he said she is doing well but to allow her a little movement so I got her one of those play-yards, I made it about a 4x4 area & it has enough room for her water, her bed & a potty pad. She pooped all over the potty pad yesterday. Do you think it's ok to leave her in that for now vs the crate??
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Aug 15, 2013 11:54:56 GMT -7
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 15, 2013 12:12:00 GMT -7
Dear Lola, if the specialist told you that Lulu should not be crated 24/7 and should move about more, than he is not familiar with IVDD at all. Every time Lulu's spine moves, there's a risk of re-tearing the disc. If the disc is re-torn, more disc material can protrude, causing more compression on the spine, with the possible result of more nerve damage. She needs to be confined in her crate 24/7, only being carried out to do her business and then carried back in. How long has she been in the larger pen? Please return her to her crate and keep her in there 24/7. The crate acts as a cast to protect her back. Here's more info on the importance of crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm I was given wrong advice by a vet when my Jeremy went down a year and a half ago. Because I allowed him to walk more than he should after he was diagnosed, he became completely paralyzed with no deep pain sensation, requiring surgery. It makes me very upset when vets tell people their dogs don't need to be crated 24/7 for a full 8 weeks. It's just not true. If you don't have the funds to start with another specialist, then you need to educate yourself more about IVDD so you'll know if a vet gives you incorrect advice. If you have a full understanding of the disease, you will know what's best for Lulu. Please read everything you can find about IVDD. Dodgerslist.com is full of helpful information. And of course, we're always here to clarify things for you. dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmAs Sabrina recommended, please discuss with your vet adding Sucralfate to help protect Lulu's tummy. That situation can be very dangerous so ask your vet a lot of questions about it. Here is some information to brush up on before speaking to your doctor: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugsPoor Lulu, I hope she's feeling much better soon. Please let us know what the doctors say. Blessings to you both. |
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 15, 2013 12:53:25 GMT -7
I am so confused now, I'll put her back in her crate but she hates it now, she's only been in her play-yard for a few days & is so much happier in it then the crate.
Her stomach is pretty distended right now, she is supposed to be on ▼prednisone every other day now for 10 days, but with the diarrhea ( and I do see blood in it) I don't want to give it to her. I have been giving her Pepcid 30 minutes before the prednisone.
I called the ' specialist' office again & they don't think the diarrhea/blood has to do with the prednisone but she hasn't had anything else to cause it. He also told me last Thursday that after a week he wanted me to start taking her for a 5 minute walk once a day, & 2 weeks from now to start walking her 10 minutes a day. She has 4 weeks of crate rest left though !!!!
I'M SO CONFUSED !!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 15, 2013 12:54:36 GMT -7
Lola, Lulu NEEDS to be on Pepcid AC… did you restart Pepcid when you restarted Pred? Now that you are seeing diarrhea with blood do not wait, STRONGLY advocate for a 2nd tummy protector… sucralfate an Rx item. Do not wait on this. You will need to know the timing of using this med with food and with Pepcid AC. www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.htmlIf there is still pain, having both Pepcid AND sucralfate on board may allow continued use of pred to get all swelling down and complete the taper. update us please once the stomach protectors are on board as that is the priority at this moment. -- Is there still currently pain today - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? |
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 15, 2013 13:28:58 GMT -7
Hi Paula-,
-- yes, she's been on Pepcid ever since she's been on prednisone.
--she is still reluctant to move, she still is in pain, I think it's because I couldn't get her to take Tramadol until 10pm last night & not until 10am this morning.
-- current meds are 1/2 50mg Tramadol every 6 hrs, 1/2 5mg prednisone , 10mg Famotidine 30 min b4 Prednisone
She was on 1x a day for the prednisone since last Thursday. The 'specialist' said to keep her on it for 5 more days, which would of ended on Tuesday & then once every other day for 10 days, she didn't have one yesterday, she would of had one today but I don't think I should give her one w/ the diarrhea/blood.
Right now she is sleeping quietly. I'm glad I got the Tramadol in her at 10am.
We have an appt w/ our regular vet at 3:30 today & I will ask for the sucralfate.
I will update you when we get back from the vet.
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 15, 2013 17:17:24 GMT -7
Saw Dr. Lafferty, she believes it to be gastric upset, unrelated to prednisone. The blood is red which tells Dr. Lafferty that it is coming from the 'distal' or end of the colon, not the intestine, which isgood news. They put her on 50mg Metronidazole 2x a day. She said we should see results in 2-3 days & to continue tramping [tapering] down the prednisone / Pepcid & stay on the Tramadol every 6 hrs. Lulu is doing better already as far as her attitude. Thanks for your support & I'll keep you updated.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Aug 16, 2013 20:57:34 GMT -7
Wow, you really have been run through the mill haven't you?!? Hopefully the metronidazole will help knock out the inflammation in her intestines, and that she will feel better quickly. I'm sorry that you and Lulu have had such a hard time - hopefully there will be smoother sailing from now on! |
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 17, 2013 16:49:00 GMT -7
Thanks StevieLuv!!!
Lulu is feeling better today, Eating, drinking,peeing & pooping back to normal !!!
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 17, 2013 19:16:52 GMT -7
That's wonderful news, Lola! No more pain, either?
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Post by lolalulu on Aug 18, 2013 11:07:37 GMT -7
We're tapering down on prednisone & Tramadol now so we'll see what happens. Wish us luck !!
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I'm happy the kong ideas are good for you 
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yelping when I pick her up out of her crate to go potty, trembling a little, & whining more. I called the vet today asking them to call me tomorrow. I think it's to soon to cut back on it & the Tramadol. I can't stand it when she's in pain. She is still eating, drinking, peeing & pooping w/ no problems. 
