|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Jul 31, 2013 11:36:50 GMT -7
Hi there,
My name is Amanda Snyder. I own one of the sweetest piebald males a mom could ever ask for. We just celebrated his 5th birthday July 17th. Weezie over the weekend sustained a bad herniated disk and possibly more than one. He has no deep pain in the back legs. He was sent to an emergent care center to be consulted on by a neurologist. They neurologist deemed that he could not do anything surgical for him. He has lost control of his bladder and colon. He is a leaker so we are going to give belly bands a try this evening. I can easily express his bladder for him. I guess since this is all so new. I need any and all info anyone has to lend me. Am I doing the right thing by keeping him alive? Will his pain lessen in time? Any good tips for carts and rehab of any type. Can he live a happy healthy life? We will just start there. Thank you so much in advance.
Amanda Snyder
|
|
Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member 
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294 
|
Post by Deborah & Angel on Jul 31, 2013 12:09:35 GMT -7
Wow...I'm not understanding why there is nothing they can do...I would get a second opinion, and YES...He can live a happy healthy live..unless he has that spinal disease...crap.. can't think of the name... hold on sweetie be right back… Ok Sweetie, did the Vet say your Furbaby has degenerative myelopathy???
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on Jul 31, 2013 12:19:06 GMT -7
Amanda, welcome to Dodgerslist. Perhaps the neuro did not feel surgery was warranted vs. the risk with too many hours since loss of DPS. But that does not mean with time and patience those damaged nerves can regrow…so never give up hope. Can you fill us in a bit more so we can best support you: -- Are you currently doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? This is to prevent the disc from further damage and allow it to heal. -- Is there still currently pain - 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 mg's and frequencies? -- 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 after off al meds and no pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Is he staying dry in between expressing sessions. How many hours apart are you expressing…every 3-4 hours? Belly bands are not needed once you have expressing down pat. -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? In the early days of learning our dogs have IVDD, everyone needs a shoulder to lean on while getting things figured out, dealing with emotions, getting up to speed on meds, what disc disease is, etc. Your job in the coming days is to become a reader so you become the confident leader of the health care team.... to discuss confidently various issues from medications to recognizing if suggestions of activity would be harmful to the healing disc. All that takes being a reader. Start on our main website with "Overview: the essentials" yellow button it will give you the degree of understanding you need right away…. as time permits continue to read all the orange buttons and the blue button "Disc Disease 101 core readings" to complete your education. Here is the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmLook forward to your answers about Weezie. |
|
|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Jul 31, 2013 12:22:12 GMT -7
I do not know why the neurologist is saying that either. He has been doing a terrible job getting back to me or my vet. He called and all he said was due to the time frame and involvement of the bowel and bladder surgery would not do him any good? We will hopefully hear more this afternoon. My actual vet has been very supportive but does not see a lot of people decide to care for the dogs if surgery is not an option. So she is trying to support me as much as she can. I think a second opinion is definitely needed. The typed up report says T3-L3 myelopathy.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on Jul 31, 2013 12:30:26 GMT -7
The time frame for a reasonable expectation of success with surgery is 12-24 hours after having lost deep pain sensation after that there is less chance and if too much time a surgeon does not want the invasivie risks of surgery if the benefit is not high enough. So you do the non-invasive conservative treatment…. and it will be in the cards for Weezie to get back to family life whether she walks after crate rest or if she needs a cart to wait on nerve healing. Myelopathy simply means spinal cord injury…this is why she can't walk, etc. her nerves have been damaged. But they do have the potential to repair with time…think in terms of months even a year. Where is Weezie right now? At home? We see ALOT of owners who choose to care for their pets your vet just does not see the 1000's of dogs that we see here on Dodgerlist.… I am one. Check out Clark is is a very happy boy and I'm elated to have him still with me. Watch Tabby and Oscar's video too: www.dodgerslist.com/index/more.htm |
|
|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Jul 31, 2013 12:57:18 GMT -7
Thank you so much for the support and those videos. They were enlightening and made me hopeful for my handsome sweet man. He just seems besides himself with confusion. He is taking it in stride though and has been has been soooo brave. I did not know about crate rest until this website. I hope I have not done him an injustice. I did let him sleep in bed with me. But it has only been two nights. I literally thought I was going to have to put him down yesterday. So I wanted him to have the most comfort possible. I can however buy a crate and start this. I would need to take him out to express him and keep him clean. He leaks urine pretty much all of the time. I have already expressed him twice today. But his urethra seems to loose as well. So I was going to buy a belly belt to keep him cleaner. His feces are coming out on their own. A little loose last night but better today. I started him on boiled hamburger and rice last night. He was started on prednisone 1/2 a tablet twice daily then tapering for swelling, he is on methocarbamol 1/4 tablet three times daily but that will be stopped tomorrow. He is on Gabapentin 25mg three times daily and has a back up of tramadol if I don't think the rest is helping his pain. His pain does seem better. The belly tightness has gotten better, no panting, respirations seem good. He sat up early and was having a hard time getting himself settled. He is just on his dog bed on the floor. Since then he hasn't been strong enough to hold himself up to well. I think the meds and the energy took it right out of him. At least I hope that is why he is having more issue keeping his upper half up. He was trying to drag himself around. I have not been allowing him to though. I carry him. He had to have a butt bath this morning after finding his morning poop. He is a semi long haired. So it gets messy. He tolerated that well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yvonne & Billy on Jul 31, 2013 13:05:15 GMT -7
Hi Amanda! My name is Yvonne and my Cocker Billy is on week 7 of his crate rest. It has worked wonderfully so far so hang in there! Kudos to you for being so brave and diligent in finding the best for your fur-baby. Many hugs to you and your wonderful Weezie~~~~
|
|
|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Jul 31, 2013 13:11:44 GMT -7
Thank you so much Yvonne. It's been terrifying and overwhelming. But if he can get through all of this and be back to his happy self, maybe just with a cart and less mobility I am ready to be here to help him reach that goal. Thank you for the support and kind words. We both need and appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
Post by jochs311 on Jul 31, 2013 17:41:08 GMT -7
Hi Amanda my name is Jen. I'm so sorry that Weezie is having a disk episode. 6 1/2 weeks ago I came home to our Doxie Tucker paralyzed. We stared crate rest the next day. Our vet didn't know much about IVDD so he pretty much gave up on Tucker and said to get him a cart. Since then Tucker had lost his bladder control and we had to express him for almost 2 weeks. he gained his bladder back and as the nerves are healing Tucker has been doing great with his progress. he is now wobbly walking. We have been on 100% crate rest and take him to accupuncture which has helped a lot.
Don't give up! Get a crate as soon as you can. Until then have him confined only out to potty. Things right now are tough. My husband and I were a total mess for a while. Do your research. The more you know the better you will feel. As soon as you get a routine going the time goes by quick and it gets easier. Best of luck! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
|
|
|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Jul 31, 2013 20:16:26 GMT -7
Hi Jen, thank you so much. Your words are extremely comforting and informative. It is so helpful to know that other people have seen success. These first few days have been so dark its hard to see that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I want to give him the time he needs. Hopefully that is all we need is time, pain management, rest and love. Do you know at what point acupuncture can begin? My doc does have a chiropractor and they do acupuncture as well. She has not offered it yet. I know it is probably too soon. Thanks again, every bit of support we get makes this a bit easier.
|
|
|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Jul 31, 2013 20:34:32 GMT -7
Any recommendations on a neurologist to consult for a second opinion in Denver Colorado? Or other vets with lots of experience with IVDD and dachshunds? Any leads would be great.
|
|
|
|
Post by jochs311 on Jul 31, 2013 20:36:36 GMT -7
Chiropractic is not recommend for IVDD. Too much Stress on the spine. Acupuncture can be started at any time. The earlier the better. This site has been wonderful. Accupuncture has done wonders for Tucker.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Jul 31, 2013 20:37:51 GMT -7
|
|
kimkiernan
New Member
Poppy walking well and gaining strength. Able to walk 30 minutes now.
Posts: 24
|
Post by kimkiernan on Aug 1, 2013 1:46:59 GMT -7
Sending you prayers Amanda for your sweet boy. My Poppy is in the rehab phase after a 2nd conservatively treated disc episode. She has also had 2 spinal surgeries as well. Just wanted to add my well wishes for recovery. I found that the wire crate works best for Poppy, as she liked being able to see around her. I put the crates in the middle of the busiest room in the house, so she would have something to look at. I also used a pet stroller so she could be wheeled with me around in the house. Hope your able to find another neurologist!
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda Stowe on Aug 1, 2013 6:30:49 GMT -7
Amanda, I have a friend in the Denver area (also family) and I've asked her before which neuro there is the one she would recommend. She likes Dr. Patty Luttgen in Lakewood.
She also says Stephen Lane at VRCC is good, but he's very expensive and once surgery is over, he's unavailable.
Where are you in the Denver area?
Hope this helps
|
|
|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Aug 1, 2013 8:45:26 GMT -7
Hi Linda, thank you for the suggestions! I called Dr. Luttgen's office and left a voicemail. Dr. Lane is who Weezie was referred to first. I was very unimpressed with his bedside manner (via the telephone) and also since. My Dr. has been trying to get a hold of him for the last two days to get questions asked for us. He seems to be in my opinion a bit uncaring. He said surgery would not have changed Weezie's long term outcome. He would still never regain bowel function, because of where the injury is. However we are managing along well at home with keeping him clean etc. He is claiming the pain should subside in two weeks. I hope this to be true. My doctor seems to believe Dr. Lane's assessment and saying that we should not expect him to walk again, bladder control etc. I have read so many stories on here claiming the opposite. So we are crating now, and keeping him comfortable. If we can get through this intial pain, I would love to see what Weezie is capable of. If he can live a happy healthy life with more assistance from mom (me) I want to give it to him. I can not wait to talk with another neurologist.
Thanks again!
Amanda
|
|
Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
|
Post by Deborah & Angel on Aug 1, 2013 9:24:33 GMT -7
Kudos to you!!! You are a GREAT Mom. I think with crate rest and TLC, you will be amazed at your FurBabies recovery. They are such AMAZING creatures, and so determined to get back to a normal ( and normal to them is just LOVING AND LIVING LIFE ). I can't wait to hear what the next Dr. has to say, but NEVER EVER give up..  Many prayers coming your way from Washington, Pa... and (((many hugs))) too. |
|
|
|
Post by Linda Stowe on Aug 1, 2013 9:50:57 GMT -7
That pretty much confirms what my friend said. Dr. Luttgen wrote the book on IVDD for the Dachshund Club of America dachshund-dca.org/discbook.html The book was written several years ago and is in need of some updating. I hope she listens and is more compassionate. Let us know. Whatever Weezies' future is physically, we know that he's going to have a very happy rewarding life. |
|
|
|
Post by fortheloveofweezie on Aug 2, 2013 14:25:03 GMT -7
I just wanted to update everyone on Weezie. His pain continued to increase over Wednesday night into Thursday. I went to work for a couple hours and came home to check on him around 11. He was whimpering and trembling. He had stopped holding himself up late Wednesday afternoon. He was still eating, drinking, urinating and making stool. I knew on my heart something was not ok. I had started his tramadol Wednesday night yet his pain persisted. I had hoped he just needed his meds adjusted. I was told his pain would subside in 2 weeks. So the increase in pain and loss of strength in his front legs was alarming! I was blessed to get an appt. with Dr. Luttgen. She was simply amazing. Her knowledge and love was very comforting. She operates her practice out of a house. It was beyond homey feeling. Couches, tv, pictures. Amazing staff. We waited as she finished a 4hr surgery on another dog. Weezie was still seeming to be in much pain. We finally went to the back to meet with her. As she began his painful stimuli testing, I knew something was not right. He was super painful to everything. She tried to get him to use his front legs, he barely could. She checked his responses up his spine, he did not respond until his shoulders. Something was very wrong and I knew it. My heart was breaking seeing how much pain he was in. She then informed me what I had feared. He had ascending/descending myleomalacia. My baby was going to die. I was quiet with astonishment. This was something I told was highly unlikely. Yet, here he had it all along. The tears flowed. I knew at that moment what I had to do for him. His pain was increased due to the disease process as it had worked its way up the spine, also explaining why he could no longer use his front legs.. Soon it would affect his diaphragm and he would no longer be able to breathe on his own. I needed some time to accept and say our goodbyes. We went in another room and I laid head to head with him. Reminding him of all of our good times. I told him how sorry I was for this tragic diagnosis. We exchanged many kisses and many tears. About 45 minutes later Dr. Luttgen returned. I asked if there was any way we could do this outside in the grass. He loved the outdoors very much, and he hadn't spent any time out there the last 4 days. She was so sweet and granted our wishes. We carried him outside, we laid under a tree facing a pasture with horses. It was perfect. I laid with him and we exchanged one final kiss and he was gone. So peacefully so quickly. After we had decided euthanasia was the most fair thing it was almost as he knew as well. He quieted his whimpering and then seemed almost relieved. As much as it still is breaking my heart I know I did everything in my power for him. I was prepared to fight to give him a happy life again despite paralysis. In the end it wasn't our choice. Dr. Luttgen informed me that from the moment of his injury this was going to be his fate. I am so thankful that the first neurologist did not choose to operate. It would have been in vain. I still would have lost my little man. Dr. Luttgen said she hadn't seen a dog with this in years. Which was even harder to accept. Why him? Why at 5 yrs. young? Genetics. Which is so upsetting, when I am able to talk about it with less tears and frustration I will be informing his breeder. Who prized herself on "no disk problems in her line." I just wanted to share the unfortunate end to our story. Mostly I wanted to thank dodgers list for ALL of the support and information. You guys have me light and strength to stay strong for him and give him his happy life back. Unfortunately we it wasn't our choice. I will forever have a hole in my heart that he filled. He was my best friend. He will be missed every day of my life.
Thanks again for all of the love and support,
Amanda Snyder
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Aug 2, 2013 14:32:30 GMT -7
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, Amanda. You've been so strong and so loving and Weezie couldn't have asked for a better owner. I'm so sorry it turned out this way. How kind of this vet to take Weezie out to a grassy spot. You did all you could for Weezie, Amanda, and I hope you'll be able to take comfort in that.
My sincerest condolences.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Aug 2, 2013 20:00:55 GMT -7
My heart breaks for you Amanda, may you find comfort in your loving memories of Weezie.. You did the right and most loving thing.. They don't know yet what causes Myleomalacia but I hope one day there will be a cure so no one else has to suffer this terrible loss..
Big Hugs and comforting prayers..
|
|
|
|
Post by Nancy & Polly on Aug 2, 2013 20:15:10 GMT -7
Im so very sorry for your loss. Such a heart break. (((hugs)))
|
|
Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
|
Post by Sabrina on Aug 3, 2013 8:50:47 GMT -7
Amanda, I'm so sorry for your loss of Weezie. It is so hard to lose a dog. So glad that the vet helped you make his passing as peaceful as what you described - I hope that can be a comfort to you in your grief. )))Hugs!(((
-Sabrina
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda Stowe on Aug 3, 2013 9:10:03 GMT -7
Amanda, My condolences on the passing of Weezie. I'm thankful though you found a wonderful compassionate vet to help in his passing. There is a new Facebook page for those who have lost dogs to myelomalacia www.facebook.com/groups/381150025318109/ if you feel like checking it out. |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on Aug 3, 2013 11:02:54 GMT -7
Amanda, my heart aches for you. You and your vet did a very kind and compassionate thing. Find comfort that you did everything you could to care for him. Weezie knew that and could feel how much you loved as he traveled to the Rainbow Bridge. IVDD itself is not a life threatening disease. However, sometimes an other disease called Myelomalacia takes hold of a damaged spinal cord. There is no cure and it is very painful. You gave the hardest but kindest parting gift of all, the release from pain that could never end. You can read more about it: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdfYou will never get used to him not being with you, over time you just learn to cope... your mind eventually dwells more and more on the lovely times you shared, the times he made you laugh and smile. He did not leave you, he just changed worlds and now he forever remains in a safe and warm place... your loving heart and your memory... he is now watching over you. May he soon begin to help you laugh again as you are reminded of his antics and unique quirkiness! ((Warmest hugs)) with my sincere condolences |
|
|
|
Post by jochs311 on Aug 3, 2013 18:50:37 GMT -7
So sorry for your loss Amanda. ((Hug))
|
|
|
|
Post by Stacy & Fred on Aug 4, 2013 6:43:07 GMT -7
Oh Amanda...I am so so sorry for your loss of Weezie. They take a part of us when they go. Thank you for sharing yours and weezie story as hard as it was to write. Ill be keeping you in my thoughts. ((((HUGS))))
|
|
|
|
Post by nenaz73 on Aug 4, 2013 10:28:34 GMT -7
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in his memories.
|
|
Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
|
Post by Deborah & Angel on Aug 4, 2013 13:11:42 GMT -7
So, so sorry Sweetie..  |
|
|
|
Post by welovebailey on Aug 5, 2013 15:44:35 GMT -7
Amanda...I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your much-loved Weezie.. I am Sarah, a fairly new member of Dodgerslist myself. I can honestly say I know very much how you are feeling, and what you are going through right now. I just lost my precious little Bailey on Friday due to complications from IVDD as well, and she was only 6 years young. I never in my worst nightmares would have ever thought I would lose my sweet Bailey this soon, and had no idea what IVDD was, or how traumatic of a diagnosis it is. She lit up my world like 100 rays of sunshine, and I cannot believe the hole that is in my heart because she is gone. I loved her like one of my children, and I miss her more than words can ever say...this house and my life is nowhere near the same without her. I think the only other time I've cried this much was when I lost a baby...the pain of losing a precious pet is unbelievable.
Please know that I am very much thinking of you, and sending hugs and caring thoughts of comfort your way. Please feel free to email me on here if you need someone to talk to who understands. Again, I am so very sorry for what you are going through... there are few things in life as sad as this.
Take care, and know many many people care!!!
|
|
Many prayers coming your way from Washington, Pa... and (((many hugs))) too.
