|
|
Post by barbs73 on Jul 23, 2013 14:09:03 GMT -7
Hi guys
I'm new to this and was recommended by a friend to take a look and find any information, advice and help you can offer me about my daxie, over the past few months he has had 2 recurrent episodes of refusing to climb stairs or using his stool to get on the sofa, when this has happened both times I have rested him (not crate rested) and treat with Rimadyl, within a few days, both times he has been back to his normal bouncy little self.
This 3rd time is not good at all, it initially started the same yesterday morning, refusing to do stairs, so I carried him in and made sure he rested, again treating him with Rimadyl, today he has got worse and collapsed on his back legs, I immediately rang my vet and took him straight there, my vet said he is still reacting to pain and reflexes were still responsive,he has been referred to an orthopaedic consultant and I take him in the morning, I'm so worried, I just want to do the best I can for him x
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on Jul 23, 2013 15:54:39 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist Barbs, do I have your name right? With a disc problem it takes 8 weeks of strict rest to let the disc heal. Otherwise the weak scar tissue forming can easily be retorn and the pain, more vet bills, the cycle of healing has to start all over again. Can you give us a bit more in essential information about your doxie: -- What is your dog's name? -- Are you as of today doing the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM)? -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not 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 anti-inflammatory. -- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood? -- If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.htmlOwners can be instrumental in helping their dogs recover. It takes being a reader as not all vets know this disease…but you certainly can know just one disease. So that you can have an informed discussion with the ortho, please read up on the two pertinent pages: www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmIs surgery an option for your family? |
|
