PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 1, 2019 17:55:45 GMT -7
So Demo is not having a new disc episode. Just may have overdone things at too fast a pace and had sore muscles? Ramp discussion may help you with some ideas. It is on the Graduate board...here is the direct link: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/867/rampsRamp training: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/ramptrain.htmLeash training or any other kind of training is to practice doing the right behavior. The more times a dog practices wrong behavior, the more ingrained it becomes and more time to over come it. It can be done. You may like to take demo to a trainer to get a head start in your own traning to become Demo's trainer. Sometimes we just can't see on our own where we can improve. Or you may find youtubes are your thing. --- loose leash training from this article: www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html--- Dr. Ian Dunbar, dog behaviorist, YouTube comment as well as the article info is good: www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/leash-training-a-dog.htmlMight be best to wait on bringing in another dog for company til you have Demo's behavior the way you want it. Hard to control two dogs who both need training at the same time!?
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Post by Susan & Demo on Oct 2, 2019 7:15:21 GMT -7
Thank you for sharing knowledge and wisdom.
So far, Demo can out-last me on the refusal to move. I like the idea of getting a trainer in here. Anyone know a good one in Dallas?
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Post by Susan & Demo on Oct 21, 2019 12:13:45 GMT -7
NEW ISSUE - Demo is very lethargic. And is pooping smaller amounts. Can these be side effects of stopping trazadone? Im in Dallas and the surgery center was hit by tornado so no one there to answer this.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 21, 2019 13:10:08 GMT -7
I am sorry about the tornado. I saw pictures on the news and there was so much destruction.
I would think that becoming lethargic would be more likely when starting trazadone rather than stopping it.
Is he eating and drinking as normal?
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Post by Susan & Demo on Oct 23, 2019 5:34:11 GMT -7
I really do think Demos back is hurting him in the area of the disc operated on. Surgery center told me to go back to my regular vet instead of bringing him back in or they have openings in about a month.
Could they have left some disc material in there thst is causing his pain?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 23, 2019 7:53:06 GMT -7
Susan, there are a number of possibilities ranging from development of painful arthritis in the vertebrae to some small disc particle remaining post-op having shifted to cause pain to that same disc or an adjacent disc having a problem or something totally different not related to discs...so it really does take a DVM to give you a diagnosis.
Upon any suspicion of a disc episode, crate at once in case it turns out to be disc related you will have then protected that suspicioned disc from worsening and thereby damaging the nerves in the spinal cord.
Let us know what your vet thinks.
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Post by Susan & Demo on Oct 23, 2019 8:07:10 GMT -7
My regular vet never makes a real dx. Its always "it might be..." I think the few times Demo has been out of pain was when he was on the entire medication protocol. He spent almost 4 months in the crate and still stays in there from 8 am to 3 pm and 10 pm to 7 am. And he cries every night wanting to be back on the bed with me. Ive gone to sleeping on the floor often by his crate and that helps some. But this boy is used to being with me and on me all the time. I feel like the neurologist/ surgeon should see him since it seems like the very same spot. ?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 23, 2019 8:53:52 GMT -7
Susan, most all diagnosis are "it might be's" called differential diagnosis. The vet indicates all the diseases that it might be and puts the most highly likely at the top of the list. Remind me why had Demo, when graduated on Sep 20, been still spending 7 hrs in his crate during the day? Of course now, if you suspicion something disc related, then 100% STRICT rest is prudent til you know otherwise. Watiing a month to see a specialist if this is a disc episode is a very bad idea if an anti-inflammatory is needed to help protect the spinal cord...hours matter. Dr. Isaacs, Neurology (ACVIM) writes about the frustrations of zeroing in on the cause of pain if it is of random nature. May be useful to you when discussing things with your own vet? www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/Randompain.htm
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Post by Susan & Demo on Oct 23, 2019 11:18:52 GMT -7
Logistics...I am at work outside the home. I have not tried just leaving him in one room. That has rarely happened in our very open style house. And when i did he was howling and up on his hind legs scratching the door. He really wants to sleep with me and i would like that too but do not know a safe way.
He is hurting in the exact spot as last time and acting like he did before his surgery.
But his life is not what it was....
If left on his own he will try to jump on the couch and the bed.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 23, 2019 14:20:31 GMT -7
Susan, it does sound as though you need to get Demo checked out ASAP. I do hope that this isn't another disc episode but in the event it is, this shouldn't wait. Until you can get him into a vet, crate and carry in and out to potty to protect the spine in case it's a spinal problem.
It's prudent to crate a dog with IVDD when they're home alone so you're doing exactly the right thing. Does he get some exercise when you're home with him, regular walks?
As for sleeping in bed with you, each pet owner needs to know their dog and make the best decision for safety. Some have the dog inside a crate on either a sturdy bedside table or the crate could be on top of your mattress…just depends on your set up. Some have pushed their bed up against the wall on one side and have installed a rail on the other side. Some tie their dog with a short leash to the head post of the bed so they can’t reach the side of the bed. Be cautious that the leash is a short one and that he is only tied when you’re in the bed with him to be sure that he dooesn’t get tangled up in the leash. Whether Demo could be trained well enough, that when you are sound asleep he could be depended on to use the ramp if he heard a strange sound in the house, would take your assessment and knowing your dog.
Prayers for Demo.
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Post by Susan & Demo on Jan 22, 2021 15:13:36 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Treatment when you cant afford medication ]
My Demo is doing well. Having a vet that makes house calls changed all for us.
A friend has dog who can't use back legs, went to vet, heard surgery or medication. But she can't afford the medications. What are her options now ?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 22, 2021 15:30:29 GMT -7
I am glad to hear that Demo is well.
It is hard to feel you can't afford the medications to help your fur baby get better. Here is something for your friend to consider. Usually, the vet will provide the medicines at the clinic and not write out a prescription. This is part of the service provided. However, many of the medications used for IVDD are the same ones used for people.
Walmart, for example sells prednisone 5mg tablets at 18 cents per tablet and 100mg tables of gabapentin for 15 cents a tablet. Your friend could explain her situation to the vet and ask for an actual prescription. The vet may be willing to do this once he understands that her financial situation could result in the dog unable to be treated. It would then be possible for your friend to check with different pharmacies to find the lowest price on the medications prescribed.
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