|
|
Post by doxlejack on Jul 22, 2013 18:54:25 GMT -7
Angus is a 5 year old "doxle jack" predominantly dachshund, some Jack Russell, some Beagle (19lbs). Unfortunately, Angus has the body of a dachshund and the jumping capability of a Jack Russell. What a combination. He is handsome, charming and fun - the love of my life.
Saturday, he presented with every symptom for IVDD. Took him to emergency vet who believes it is at the thoraco-lumbar. His neuro is normal and he can walk and has no problem urinating. He was given pain med and NSAID and we left with a 6 day prescription for Rimadyl 75mg. The vet prescribed 5 days of crate rest and a visit with the regular vet. I declined xray because I wanted to wait for a visit to the regular vet. Doesn't take a brain surgeon to know this is IVDD. He is very healthy otherwise and not obese. He is responding so well to the Rim and wants out of his crate and to go go go like he normally does. The reg vet prescribed 8 wks crate rest and she will evaluate him this Friday. I am committed to this treatment even though he is doing well. I also picked up some diazepam at the vet today because he is very anxious with the thunderstorms we have been having in ATL and I want to keep him calm.
I started my research on-line yesterday and I am so happy to have found your site. I did not sleep for 2 nights with grief and worry and had to call in sick at work. I plan to return to work tomorrow and made a nice place for Angus by the window where he usually sits anyway (in his crate of course). His favorite pastime is waiting for me to get home.
My biggest worry at this point is the potty. He can walk and is sniffing and will not poop. He did have a hard poop this AM but he usually goes 3 times a day so I am worried. I added some pumpkin to his kibble to soften it up and I will take him out again before bed. I told the vet of my fears with the pooping and she said to be patient and the little bit of movement to smell may be better than having to do enemas which may create more movement. Does anyone use a back brace? Is this recommended during recovery, how about after recovery? Does anyone know of the best brace to use? Does anyone have any recommendation for acupuncture or hydrotherapy? Would it be helpful during recovery or after? And most of all how the heck do I keep this guy from jumping after recovery? I don't want to make his life miserable. I have already decided to crate him if I am not home so he doesn't jump on the bed. Sorry for the long post. Thank you so much! Good luck to all of you.
|
|
|
|
Post by jochs311 on Jul 22, 2013 19:09:21 GMT -7
Hi my name is Jen what's yours? I'm so sorry Angus is having a disc episode. It's sounds like you did a great job on catching it early. We are doing accupuncture/laser therapy with our Tucker. I came home to Tucker Paralyzed in his rear legs 5 weeks ago. Accupuncture has done wonders for Tucker. He is now wobbly walking a bit. Even after our primary vet said we should get a cart because he will not walk again. Accupuncture can be started at any time. The earlier the better though. Sending healing thoughts your way.
|
|
|
|
Post by lolalulu on Jul 22, 2013 19:17:01 GMT -7
Hi Angus Parent! My name is Lola and I have Lulu, she has been diagonised with IVDD as of 7/17/13 and surgery is not possible for us. I was soooooooo happy to of found this site as I was ready to put her to sleep this past weekend, then i found this site and we now have hope that we can get thru this !!! I am sure one of the moderators will respond to you soon. Good that you put him in the crate as that is what i am doing with Lulu, she would sleep at it only at nite before and went in there willingly, now she's forced to stay in there and she whines. Today the vet changed her meds from Carprofan to Prednisolone due to her pain was not going completely away, even with the Tramadol,which she will continue to stay on.
Lulu has been part of our family for the past 5 years (we found her on Craiglist and she was 2) and we aren't ready to just put her down ! This site has given us hope that she will recover with time and work but we are ready for the challange.
My manager has given the ok for me to work 1/2 a day at work and 1/2 a day at home ( I can access everything via my work laptop and VPN) so I can be with her to give her the 2pm pain meds.....
Good luck with Angus and stay strong for him!
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
|
Post by Marjorie on Jul 22, 2013 19:29:39 GMT -7
Welcome to the group. It sounds like you already have Angus' pain under control, which is the first step toward healing. That's a great start. I think the verdict on back braces is that there just hasn't been enough research on them. If a back brace is to be used, it must be under the supervision of an IVDD specialist. Here's an article on them from Dodgerslist site: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/backbraces.htmThe best treatment you can give right now is the full 8 weeks of crate rest. The crate acts as a cast. Carry your dog outside to do its business, keep on a short leash and only allow a few steps for sniffing and peeing, then carry your dog back to the crate. So we have a little more information so we can help you better, please let us know the following: -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? -- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? 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: ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Here are some tips on how to make keep him from jumping on your furniture and how to make your home back friendly - this is all of course for after his 8 weeks of crate rest. dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmFeel free to ask any questions and keep us posted. We love to hear all the details! |
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on Jul 22, 2013 19:36:43 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Paula, what is yours? Angus is a good candidate for conservative treatment with his mild symptoms and your commitment to research and read all you can about disc disease including the need for 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks! What is the exact name of the pain med given by the ER, the dose in mg and how do you give it? Is he still on it? Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not to take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID. An xray is not really used to prove a disc problem. Usually the breed, the way they act at the exam, the history of the dog, a vet can get a pretty reliable diagnosis. Xraays would be used to rule out another dissease frature, infection tumor which can mimic the signs of a disc episode. So if Angus is responding to meds, there may not be a need for xrays unles there is a turn around and the vet needs to pursue if there should be a different diagnosis. To relieve constipation make sure you are adding water to the diet. Soak his kibble meals in equal parts of water. Add 1 teaspoon of plain pureed pumpkin 1x a day. Not adding extra liquids will increase the constipation problem. Back brace is not recommended.. it is not a substitute for what we know works...crate rest... you can read more from this neuro surgeon: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/backbraces.htm |
|
|
|
Post by doxlejack on Jul 22, 2013 19:45:06 GMT -7
Thank you Jen! My name is Deb. I could not figure out how to upload Angus' photo. Anyway, thanks for the info on the acupuncture. There is an excellent clinic in Atlanta for this and I am waiting on a reply from them. I am happy to hear that Tucker is doing better. I have heard so many upbeat stories and I know Angus is in better shape than most but the future is so uncertain so I will do my best to keep him well. I appreciate your well wishes.
[Editor's note: you can upload a photo as an avatar in your "Profile"]
|
|
|
|
Post by jochs311 on Jul 22, 2013 20:02:35 GMT -7
Hi Deb. I hope accupuncture works well for Angus. This site is a great tool. Do as much reaserch as you can.  Can you let us know what medications and the doses he takes and how often? I use photobucket.com to upload pictures to my posts. |
|
|
|
Post by doxlejack on Jul 22, 2013 20:09:43 GMT -7
Thank you for the info on the Pepcid. He does not visit the vet till Friday. Should I get some at the drug store? I don't know if it comes in 5 mg but I can cut the pill if necessary. There is some whimpering now but he has not yelped since the night at the hospital. Maybe his belly is hurting from the NSAID. I am very concerned that he won't poop in the AM and I must get to work tomorrow. Angus is on Rimadyl 75 mg 1x per day for 6 days and will be evaluated Friday. No pain med right now but some diazepam for anxiety. I don't have pain meds on hand for him and I don't quite know why I did not mention it when I went to pick up the diazepam today.
He eats and drinks fine, no incontinence at all. I hope to get some sleep tonight. Thanks everyone!
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on Jul 22, 2013 20:21:10 GMT -7
|
|
Can you let us know what medications and the doses he takes and how often? 