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Post by srybka on Jul 24, 2013 18:31:09 GMT -7
Keelie is my precious rescue girl dachshund that I have had since '07. My poor Keelie woke up limping on Saturday the 20th, by mid-day she had lost the use of her back legs entirely. She jumped from my girlfriend's arms a few days prior. Although she seemed a little slow at times all in all she was herself and we thought little of it. Keelie was walking, eating, playing with her brother and all the normal dachshund stuff she loves to do. She was taken to a local vet that Saturday and given Rimadyl. We were told that she might have a herniated disc and to give her the anti-inflammatory. If she did not show signs of improvement we would need to take her to a specialist. No sense of urgency was indicated, in fact we were told that with rest and medications she would likely improve. On Monday the 22nd she was admitted of a Hemilaminectomy T11-L1 on the left. She came home today, Wednesday the 24th at noon. Presently she is resting in her crate and on Tramadol for pain. She is such a sweet girl and has given me so much over the years. All I want to do is give her the very best future I can.
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Post by irstenkay on Jul 24, 2013 20:31:37 GMT -7
Hi Steve, I'm Kirsten. Sorry to hear about Keelie. I'm sending positive thoughts your way. It sounds like we had the same timeline for our pups. Mine is still at the vets awaiting release.
Did Keelie still have deep pain sensation at the time of surgery?
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 24, 2013 22:01:18 GMT -7
Hi Steve, welcome to Dodgerslist. I am sure you are glad to have Keelie back home after her surgery where she can heal in comfort with her family in her 6 weeks of post op crate rest. Did you vet suggest any PT for Keelie during the 6 weeks? I remember so well going through this with my Tyler 6 months ago.. He had a Hemilaminectomy L2-3 after losing the use of his back legs and came home in two days and recovered very well indeed and I hope the same for your Keelie. Bless you for rescuing her. Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? -- 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. -- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail if you do some happy talk? -- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color and firmness 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] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. Sending healing prayers for Keelie and looking forward to her updates as she recovers. |
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Post by srybka on Jul 25, 2013 8:14:51 GMT -7
Hello Kristen and Pauliana. Thank you both for the kind words and thoughts. Lola and Tyler are both in my thoughts and prayers.
To answer Kristen's question, no, Keelie did not have deep pain sensation at the time of surgery. However she did have an extreme spinal cord injury.
Pauliana, to answer your first question, yes, she does seem to be in some pain. Shaking at times and crying. However some of the crying appears to be from anxiety. When Daddy is gone she is unhappy and cries.
--Presently she still has a Fentanyl Patch which was applied on Monday the 22nd and is to be removed on Friday the 26th.
--She was also sent home with Tramadol for pain. Her prescribed dose is 25mg every 8 hours. The Vet also said the dosage could be reduced at my discretion but not increased.
--She can not move her back legs at all. Her tail has moved a little bit but it seemed involuntary.
--As far as potting she poops normal looking poop and I have to express her bladder, which I have become very good at. She seems to cry when it's full and needs help.
--She ate on Wednesday before being discharged but has only had a small treat or two since then and is drinking fine. Her lack of appetite is a big concern for me.
The at home PT prescribed in Patterning/ROM. Taking the joints through a gentle full range of motion while she is in a comfortable position. Several physical therapists were also recommended.
Thank you all so much for this resource. it is a terribly frightening time and this forum is greatly appreciated.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 25, 2013 9:18:10 GMT -7
Steve, shaking would be a definite sign of pain. You will need to contact the vet and let them know…. Keelie should not be in any pain dose to dose of tramadol. Are you promptly giving tramdol every 8 hours?
Lack of appetite can be due to Fentanyl Patch. It is important that she is drinking to stay hydrated. Give her some low salt/no fat nutritious broth. Boil up some chicken or hamburger. Cool, remove fat disc. Serve broth and chicken warmed or freeze broth into cubes to lick on.
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Post by srybka on Jul 25, 2013 9:47:02 GMT -7
Thanks so much for the quick response. I spoke with the Vet and described what is going on. She seems anxious, is panting and a little hyper. Apparently this is a reaction to the medication called Dysphoria.
It should pass in an hour or so and I was told to slightly reduce her next dose.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 25, 2013 9:56:23 GMT -7
Panting can be a temporary side effect of tramadol. You can place a fan near her recovery suite but not pointed at her to help circulate the air a bit and help with the panting.
The question is IS she in pain?…shaking is a sign of pain. Yelping is a sign of pain. Crying or whining is a behavior issue. Put on your detective hat, if you believe she is in pain after moving by trembling or nearing the next dose, get back with the vet and be insistent on getting relief. Let us know what you observe.
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Post by srybka on Jul 25, 2013 11:26:59 GMT -7
Thanks again Paula! No more crying or whining. Presently she is resting calmly, not shaking or shivering. She looks a little loopy but seems very comfortable. I will give the vet a call shortly to give them an update. She did eat two teaspoons of wet dog food earlier this morning before her am dose of Tramadol. I have chicken in the fridge that I will cook later and make the broth with.
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Post by Caryle & Amos on Jul 26, 2013 13:23:23 GMT -7
She is so cute! I hope all goes well for you!!
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Post by srybka on Jul 26, 2013 13:36:28 GMT -7
Thank you so much! My thoughts and best wishes go out to your little Amos.
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