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Post by 2dogzone on Aug 1, 2013 9:03:50 GMT -7
Hello, our dog is Sparky Cooper, an almost 5 yo French bulldog who started not to feel well on Sunday Jul 7, we took him to our vet Monday am, not sure if it was his back or tummy. She said yep he isn’t his old self. Gave fluids, shot an xray on tummy/back, got the results late that night – everything ok. She wanted him to stay overnight, called the next am, he was doing ok. She called me at 1:30pm and said he was down hard. Rushed him to the specialty vets, who did the mri and back surgery on Jul 9th. His l2-3 disc ruptured explosively, and so far he is totally paralyzed in the rear with no control over bladder or bowel. He was the hospital until July 17th.
He is very stoic, never has cried or showed pain other than closing his eyes and swaying. His is a big boy, was 32lbs, is now at 27.5. We are older and it is killing our backs. We are trying to set up an environment that reduces the need to lift him as much. The vet rehab declined him due to contamination concerns in the pool (no sphincter control).
His meds are few. Ompolezam for tummy acid 1x a day, benedryl 25mg 1 x a day for allergies, 25mg of gabapentin 1 x a day and 1 predisone 5mg 1 x a day.
They never said strict crate rest. In fact I have been walking him with support for his rear every day. I believe his skin sensation is returning although the vet says there is no deep pain. He is so sweet. He wants to move so bad. I bought a human wheelchair to move him around the house so he can be engaged. He likes that.
He doesn’t have a tail, so I cannot see any rear movement. I see movement along his sides, but I think I am the only one that sees his movements, but I am also the only one with a light touch, not the pinchers the vet uses. No sign of pain but he does get fussy when I put him in the sink for his nightly bath. I think it hurts him.
He wants water and food all the time. His stool goes from solid to semi solid, but it is continuous, which is our biggest struggle right now. The zinc Desitin is great for his tummy area and the endless urine flow. However, the acid from his rectum is very concerning. We have been using the vet directed neosporene plus and desitin. The desitin has 3 types – creamy, original and clear (petroleum based). To get this rectal issue under control we need help on an exact protocol as our efforts are not controlling this.
He is not in a diaper all day, to let air circulate, his diaper is on at night, but a diaper is under him during the day and when he potties, he is cleaned asap. The red area around the anus is growing to about 1” out. I sent the vet a photo yesterday and she thought it is the bacteria from the anal drainage.
We are near San Antonio Texas and have limited vet specialties.
Does anyone have suggestions, please? We are looking to buy a convertible crib to get him higher, he hates the sink, but we cannot bend over the tub easily, so we are look at options as well. We are supposed to go back for wheelchair measurements in 3 weeks. He is kept very clean, our consumption of paper products has exceed Green Peaces allocation for about 100 families.
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Aug 1, 2013 9:28:06 GMT -7
Hi, My name is Maureen, what's yours? Welcome to Dodgerslist, I am sorry to hear that Sparky has had an IVDD episode. We will get this thread moved to the surgical side of the List so that you can get the help that you need. The prednisone that Sparky is taking will increase his hunger and thirst. We need to aviod creams and ointments with zinc in them when treating skin irritations caused by urine and feces - stick with the types without zinc. You are doing a great job of keeping him clean - that is one of the hardest things to do when our dogs are incontinent. here is a link on expressing - if you can master this then you can better control the when and where of Sparky's elimination. Ask your Vet or Tech for a hands on lesson on expressing urine and feces. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmWe are all here for you - and will do anything that we can to help you.  |
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 1, 2013 11:40:55 GMT -7
2dogs, you might ask to add Pepcid AC as a stomach protector. For some dogs the Omeprazole is not as effective vets have found as it is for people. Has there been any recent food changes to account for the loose stools? Is his anus closed tightly or flaccid? Zinc can be toxic to dogs, so make sure he is not licking the Desitin, otherwise look for a product that contains no zinc. Are you expressing both his bladder and for poop? Did you get a hands on top of your hands type of expressing lesson. While on pred you would need to express the bladder every 2-3 hours because he is drinking more. Please do not hesitate to express in your vet's clinic have the vet tech check your work and point out additional tips. Good tips here plus a video as SteveieLuv noted: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmDo you have his recovery suite set up to help with laundry and keeping body wastes away from him and making laundry easier to deal with? Check these great tips: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmUsually it is said to wait until all 6 weeks of post op crate rest have been completed on Aug 20. At that point you will be able to assess best where dollars should be spent on under water treadmill or a cart. We look forward to hearing from you soon. |
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Post by 2dogzone on Aug 1, 2013 18:55:42 GMT -7
Hi, I apologize, my name is Carol. Thank you for the information. The expressing is elusive, each vet tech and vet has a different style. we try and yet lately he seems to be a bit dry. He is flaccid both with his anus and his urine streams. His area is kept very clean, he moves to get away from any mess whether urine or feces. There are more loads of laundry being done, with layer and a foundation of foam, with His diet is quite stable, we are trying to be consistent with his meals. Cooper has a kennel, only for night and if we both have to leave the house. Otherwise he is on the couch with us.
I did buy a human transport chair so he feels connected. The links have some very helpful information, so I appreciate them. How do you use an underway treadmill? He is terrified of water. I will continue to watch the forum for more information. Thank you again. I will look for creams without zinc, although he cannot reach his bum at all.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 1, 2013 20:53:59 GMT -7
Hi Carol, welcome to Dodgerslist!
I understand the need to have Sparky elevated so it isn't so hard on your backs.. Perhaps a crate that has a top door so he can be lifted from above.. and putting that crate on a table. Keeping him on the couch carries with it special problems like the possibility of falling or jumping off due to the doorbell or any other reason.. Dogs do the unexpected in the blink of an eye and they can worsen their condition dramatically which you and Sparky don't need. We have read many posts about accidents that happen when their people least expect it.. even paralyzed dogs manage to get into mischief.. Anytime out of the crate is a dangerous time for the early healing disc..
A nightly bath also could cause his disc problem to worsen.. It is better for now to use unscented baby wipes to keep him clean.. The less movement his disc makes, the better it can heal.
For some reason some Vets, that aren't as experienced with IVDD don't mention crate rest because they feel the owners won't comply with it.. It is the best thing by far.. and the safest for Sparky in the long run..
Trust us.. we have all been there with our dogs.. Sending hugs your way!
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 1, 2013 21:29:38 GMT -7
Carole here is how the underwater treadmill works. It is very effective with the water bouyancy and the floor moving to get dogs to start moving their legs
If non-scented baby wipes or even a damp washcloth can get him cleaned up it would be preferable to a bath, having to lift him, being slippery when wet… not the safest idea when the body is recuperating from the surgical procedure.
A flaccid anus means the hole does not close up tightly… is that the case with Sparky, his anus muscles will not close up tight?
There are different ways to express… just take from each professional and use what works for you… there is no one right way. The key is learning to feel the shape of the bladder. At the last stage of emptying it goes so flat you can almost feel the hand/fingers of the other hand.
Do keep us posted on how Sparky is coming along.
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Post by 2dogzone on Aug 1, 2013 23:46:57 GMT -7
Hi, thanks again for the insight. His rectum is flaccid, as is his penis. I hope to hear of stories of dogs that can still regain function. The surgical and neurological team do not seem to be enthusiastic and we get somewhat different info. The leakage from the rectum is significant, it also means he has a steady factory of stool. The vet said due to lack of sphincter control we did not have to learn to express him for bowel movements.
I believe he has feeling but the vets don't see it. The PT did the evaluation told us to put him the tub 3x a week, but he hates water and gets panicked. They told us to rotate his back legs like a bicycle daily. I am in fear of hurting him worse. And you are right the couch appears to be a launch pad. I can't let him scoot though, as his reend is so aggravated. The vet said to use antibacterial wipes on his bottom.
I try to express his bladder, but he is constantly peeing, every movement, every touch, no control at all. I can not tell where his bladder is. I wish I knew if gentle massage is good on his body, and if so, where along his sides or back is ok. Does acupuncture or other alternatives help? Is there food or a supplement so his stool isn't so acidic? Thank God, literally, that we have pet insurance.
I appreciate your experiences. Our limitations are difficult. My husband had a heart transplant last year and I have MS. So we need to find the tools for his quality of life, the vet keeps asking if we are in this for the long haul. It grieves me that they are asking if he want to keep at it. He is so sweet, but I see a determination and fight in him and I am not giving up.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 3, 2013 12:15:23 GMT -7
Carole, with bowel sphincter muscle not functioning, it WOULD be a good idea to not only express for poop to eliminate as much poop from just plopping out… to get it to come out more on your time schedule.. You may need to express more often than 3-4 times a day….just something you will need to observe and see how often expressing is necessary. Is the stool still runny, watery? Next, I would see if you can get him a diet with a little more fiber in it. Fiber would help to firm up stools which would be very helpful to you and to Sparky's bottom to just deal with tootsie roll type of poop rather than loose stuff. Also only feed him 1-2 times a day so you will be better able to learn his poop times. High fiber foods: plain pureed pumpkin, microwaved and mashed sweet potato, really ripe mashed fresh pear With our under 20 pound doxies 1 teaspoon 1x day… you will need to ask or experiment for your 28 pounder. With high fiber foods adding extra liquids to the diet will cause loose stool. Just the normal amount his drinks and high fiber added would firm up poops. Can you go back to your local vet and have them give you another hands on top of your hands type of lesson in expressing. It often takes more than one lesson before the light comes on and your fingers can finally feel the shape of the bladder. Expressing is two parts: fully emptying the bladder at each session and then doing the sessions often enough before the bladder can fill to the overflow stage again. Being on pred where there is more thirst is contributing to your expressing issues. Talk with the surgeon/vet as to when he can come off pred completely with a safe taper down. Because you and your husband have physical issues, water therapy at home might be hard with the chance of slipping while he is still trying to heal post op. I would just concentrate on exercises you are able to do on dry land such as bicycles, stand to sit squats…check out this video and discuss with your vet which you can do. If you are saying the bladder's sphincter is also flaccid, you can discuss if there are meds that may help with either your local vet or the neuro surgeon. Depending on what his specific issue is….for instance the med Bethanechol - enhances detrusor muscle contraction. I would recommend to check handicapped pets…where there are many larger dogs and owners may have some tips on how to help you in the care part of moving him about, etc. that we just don't have with our small under 20 pound doxies. handicappedpet.net/helppets/Expressing station for larger dog: www.handicappedpet.net/helppets/viewtopic.php?p=48480A good harness can help to take him out for potty and other care needs. Do measure and call in the order to discuss your dog's needs. This company will make a custom fit at no extra charge. You want the leg holes to be large enough for your dog legs and the right fit around the waist. www.walkaboutharnesses.comPlease stay with us and let us have updates on Sparky. |
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Post by 2dogzone on Aug 3, 2013 21:23:48 GMT -7
Hi Paula, they never showed us how to express for poop. It is sometimes solid, sometimes semi solid, but there will be brownish fluid. We continue to work on the urine expression. An interesting thing I noticed yesterday and today is I see his mid section from the waist to his rump somewhat twisting or writhing. My husband said tonight he thought he was peeing. We had him out with us on the porch on his pee pad, and sure enough he was peeing sitting down. Could he be pushing out his urine? After I keep trying to express and he has zero drips or leakage. He also seems to know when he needs to poop, it appears he has some sensation, I just do not know to what extent. I am going to order the harness support. I built a sling similar to the website but it was very difficult, he has a short back and so when the sling was under him, it eclipsed his penis. He is quite compact between his shoulders and distance to his back.
We tried the water exercise, but need to work on technique and tools. I will do the manual exercises. The surgeon did not want to give us meds for his urine, he said it can cause retention and other issues. If it doesn't improve we will follow up. I am most concerned about the anus tissue being so red and irritated. We are using royal cannin metabolic formula for food and I will add fiber to it. Thank you for those details. He is loosing weight, and should have been much less long ago.
I so wished there were local resources that could observe us and call out what's good and what to fix. We are concerned we are hurting him. Keeping positive and dealing with the physical demands are the most challenging, as I am sure you are aware. I appreciate the information and am incorporating it as I can. I did look at the big dog information.
Again my gratitude. I tried to add pictures, but am doing something wrong.
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Post by Linda Stowe on Aug 4, 2013 9:48:25 GMT -7
Carole, where are you located? There may be some experienced dachsie people around who might be able to come and help.
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Post by 2dogzone on Aug 4, 2013 10:18:12 GMT -7
Linda, I am located just north of San Antonio, TX.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 4, 2013 12:00:26 GMT -7
It is difficult to give an answer on bladder control unless you see some head level coordination with urine coming out. Bladder control means the brain can send a message down the spinal cord to the bladder. Otherwise urine can come out but it comes out due to reflexes of when the bladder is so overstretched, reflexes open the sphincter to allow some urine to release.
These observations prove some degree of bladder control is returning:
1. Sniff (head level) and old urine spot and then urine come out
2. Sniff (head level) and old urine and legs lower themselves or there is an attempt to lift a leg
You will not be hurting him unless you see a sign of pain (yelping, nosing your hand away, biting)
A dog w/o bowel control can sense the feces moving through the digestive tube and will get agitated to let you know. Without bowel control the poop will just plop out anywhere. Having bowel control means he can hold it in until in an appropriate place outside of where he sleeps.
I admire your commitment to Sparky's care in spite of your own issue…Sparky is in a loving home …where there is a will there is a way! Let us know how the fiber change helps with poops and if you are finding expressing for poop several times a day helps with his butt irritation. The barrier cream Desitin, does not provide enough barrier or it gets wiped off as Sparky moves about?
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Post by Linda Stowe on Aug 4, 2013 18:07:42 GMT -7
Carole, I have contacted a friend who is with Diamond Dachshund Rescue in San Antonio. She says she will be very glad to help you. I don't want to put her phone on a public list, but if you will email me at lstowe1@tx.rr.com or send me a private email through the forum, I'll be glad to give you the phone number she gave me. Holly has rehabbed many dachshunds and is a big supporter of Dodgerslist.
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Post by 2dogzone on Aug 5, 2013 21:16:44 GMT -7
Linda, thank you. I finally got the urinalysis they did a week ago. He has a massive UtI, I am so frustrated they knew Friday and I only got the call today. His blood work showed over 100,000 pathogens to analyze. They put him on the sulfa drug, like Bactrin or Septra. His urine output was declining and I told my husband he was not feeling good.
He is still very dry tonight. His output is very little. We are giving him a little extra water, we are just not getting the whole picture. Like what should we be looking for, how do we help him. I will try to reach out tomorrow.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 6, 2013 10:57:55 GMT -7
Did they do a urine culture which is usually sent out to a lab and takes time to let the bacteria grow so they know the exact bacteria and the exact anti-biotic that will kill that species of bacteria. OR did they dod a urininalyis which only tell there is infection present upon which a vet will pick a broad spectrum antibiotic and hope the shot gun approach will kill what Sparky has? If the UTI is as bad you as you are indicating, I would want the urine culture…there is no guarantee with a shot gun approach and time should not be wasted. UTIs not addressed will move up into the kidney where it quickly becomes a life threatening. Good overview of UTI's www.marvistavet.com/html/urinary_tract_infection.html |
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Post by 2dogzone on Aug 6, 2013 11:47:45 GMT -7
they did the culture, that is why it took Monday to Thursday to indicate 100k pathogens, with final report at 1ish Friday. He was getting so much sicker over this past weekend, I am glad we got the call no later than when we did. Its the speciality VET center, open 24 X 7, that was my difficulty of him being sick those extra days. Dr. on duty the whole time. But I look forward to him improving daily.
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Post by Linda Stowe on Aug 6, 2013 19:12:42 GMT -7
Hi Carole, Holly has a recommendation of a good vet if you are interested. Dr. Maria Williams www.holisticpetdoc.com/ She treats all of the Diamond Dachshund Rescue dogs. |
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Post by Linda Stowe on Aug 25, 2013 19:58:06 GMT -7
Carole, how is Sparky doing?
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