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Post by beckerthenbeck on Aug 2, 2013 0:39:19 GMT -7
I hope that this is the right area to post. Two days ago, My dog Bruno (a Boston terrier chihuahua mix) was a bit hesitant to jump up on my bed but was still acting normal, just "slow" Then Yesterday morning, we woke up to the sound of him panting. Him and our cocker sleep in our bathroom (It's made out nice for them) Well, my husband opened the door and he was paralyzed on his hind legs. He rushed Bruno right to the emergency vet, they checked his reaction and pain and said that he was not getting response, gave him a shot of some heavy pain meds. They told him that he could seek out the surgery but it will be just under $10,000 or we can put him down. He called me to tell me the news and I told him that I want our vet to see him. SO sent him home until our regular vet opened. We did not want to move him, so he stopped by home on his way for me to say my goodbyes because I figured that he would not make it. Then he drove to the vets office to wait for them to open up. The moment that they opened they got him back and sent my husband home. They called us a few hours later and said that the x-ray showed that two of his discs looked "narrow" and had calcified. His guess was a slipped or ruptured disc and then he found out that he had no pain reception but his bladder seemed to be holding out well. They put him on some strong steroids, anti inflamatories, pain meds and did the cold laser treatment 3-4 times a day and he said he wanted to do it for 2-3 days to see if there was any improvement. He called us this morning just after the 24 hour mark and said that there was no improvement and pushed the surgery on us, catch is, we can't afford the surgery because I am wheelchair bound and I have a HUGE surgery in a week and a half. Bruno has been with me for every surgery that I have had and I feel like I need to cancel my surgery so that I can be there for him. So, after just 24 hours he pretty much said that our only options are to euthanize him or to get the surgery. My husband went to see him and said that he was out of it and did not really know what was going on. I really deep down feel like he is drugged. My friend who is a vet is mad that they are not waiting atleast a week. Then another vet tech friend of mine is begging me to transfer Bruno to her vet's hospital because this should not be a death sentence. My husband asked about home care and he said no because he needs a vet to release his bladder and if we tried, we would rupture it and he would die a slow painful deal and would suffer. I have read SO many stories on here and the pups seem to make a pretty darn good recovery and live a happy life even with the hind side paralyzed. I am not ready to give up on him, however my husband is on the vets side and wants to euthanize him tomorrow if he does not show any progress. I can't expect a person with a herniated disc to suddenly get better in 2 days, why expect that of the dog? SIGH, Can anyone help? Are these REALLY my only options?
I do want to say that our vet quoted us $6000ish for the surgery and over $1,000 for the scan (Mri with a different fancy name) I have no idea what meds he is on. He is a healthy strong 5 year old puppy and this happened out of the blue
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Post by kathynpooh on Aug 2, 2013 2:46:29 GMT -7
Hi I am Kathy. What's your name. Your vet is wrong you do have other options. Rest is an option, You need to read ,read,read. You or your husband can learn to express his bladder. Your vet should teach you how many of us do that you will not injure his bladder. There is a video on Dodgers list showing how to do this. It takes 8 weeks for the disc to heal and even longer for the nerves to heal. Please let us know what medications he is on, what the dose is and how often. Is he in pain, tense tummy, shivering? Our dogs can lead happy lives even if they have tobe in a cart. The key is crate rest 24/7 only out to potty. Pauline will be able to help you with more information. My dog is Pooh and he is also going through his first disc episode of IVDD. You can do this and he will get better. Please look for another vet and get a second opinion. Just keep reading a you are his voice. Advocate for your doggie. We are here for you. We are all in this together.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 2, 2013 4:31:43 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Marjorie - what's yours? Of course Bruno does not need to be euthanized! Even if Bruno doesn't regain use of his hind legs, he can lead a happy life. Please don't despair. We will help you through each step of Bruno's recovery. And with crate rest, he may regain use of his hind legs. No, the disc won't heal in two days. 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 re-torn and the pain, more vet bills, the cycle of healing has to start all over again. The nerves sometimes take longer to heal and he may or may not have a return of movement during that time. Sometimes it takes months, even a year or two, for the nerves to heal. But the disc itself takes 8 weeks to heal. Please also know that you can learn to express Bruno's bladder. It takes a little practice to learn to express it completely. You need someone to show you how with their hands on your hands. I've been expressing my Jeremy's bladder for a year and a half. I didn't do a very good job of it at first but in trying to learn how, I never once hurt him. We can help you with that, too. Here's more info on that: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmCan you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog: -- 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)? You need to carry him out to do his business, only letting him take a few steps to do it and then carried back and put into his crate. -- 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, dose in mg's and frequency of all meds? Please include the must have stomach protector such as Pepcid AC … 5mg 30 mins prior to anti-inflammatory med. Most of us have started the habit to learn the meds given our dogs before they go in the mouth by asking the vet, Googling, etc. Being informed makes you a good monitor of meds and knowledgeable to ask pertinent questions. This is a wonderful veterinary website to bookmark: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? Once your dog is off all medication and has no pain, 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. Check with your vet before starting. 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.html Owners 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.htmAgain, please don't despair. We're here for you. |
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Aug 2, 2013 5:38:42 GMT -7
Hi Bruno's mom my name is Stacy. Your vet is WRONG. Bruno does have a chance to recover and you can do this. It will be challenging but so worth it. Bruno needs you now. This is a fabulous forum with wonderful people to help. My dogis wwalking not because of the vet..but because of dodgerslist. About Bruno being out of it..let me tell you my furbaby Fred was so out of it because of one of the meds it was SCARY..I was second guessing everything but.I stayed the course. Also..the first vet wasn't familiar with IVDD and made things WORSE! Second vet was much better. Try to find a vet that has knowledge about this..they can teach you how to express Bruno for potty. There is even a lady here who litteraly expresses her dog over the toilet bowl!! How convientient is that on yucky days!! Please dont give up on Bruno. Are there people around you that can help as you have A LOT on your plate with an up comming surgery? Anyway...I just wanted to let you know there is hope..don't give up..you are not alone. Sending you and Bruno healing vibes and prayers.
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Post by beckerthenbeck on Aug 2, 2013 12:07:18 GMT -7
Hello all, Sorry, I left out so much. First off, I am Beck and we are from Reno, NV. I have no idea what medications that he is on, neither does my husband. We both went to bed crying our hearts out and this morning I woke up to your replies and I feel hopeful! My husband is about to call the vet right now for an update. I am BEGGING him to take Bruno to another vet in our area that my fried worked for. My friend said that she is sickened by how the vet would scare my husband over the bladder rupturing and how that it really won't happen in 24 hours of him coming home to us. I don't know why the vet is so set on putting him down  When I found out I have an incurable nerve problem (CRPS, which is why I am in a wheelchair) they did not euthanize me. I feel like Bruno deserves a chance as well. The vet did put a catheter in him yesterday I am not sure if that changes things or not. I wish I had more info. We have always loved our vet for the standard visits, so that is why I am so upset over this whole ordeal. It just does not seem like this is right and deep down I just can't agree with the decision to put him down. Thanks all. My husband just called and the tech said that there was no change from yesterday and the vet will call us back to talk about our next steps. I AM SO SCARED. I feel so sick over this all. |
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Aug 2, 2013 13:09:22 GMT -7
Tell the vet thank you very much, find out EXACTLY what drugs he has been given, then get him out of there! Take him to another vet ASAP, hopefully one more familiar with IVDD and conservative treatment.
My dog had surgery when she went down 8 months ago. We knew we couldn't afford it again, so when she started showing signs again last month, we immediately crated her BEFORE paralysis set in. Our neurologist confirmed that it was most likely another disc episode. He couldn't absolutely confirm it without MRI, which there was no point in doing since we weren't going to do surgery again. He agreed that crate rest was a good option, so we did almost 2 weeks of steroids and pain meds. Now she is pain and med free, and feeling better enough to be really wanting out of that crate. The next 5 weeks are going to be challenging, but certainly worth it. I'm determined to get her through this.
If it hadn't been for Dodgerslist, and all that I had learned reading over the past 8months, I wouldn't have had a clue what to do. My advice to you is to read, read and read some more. You can do this, and all of us are here to help you. Don't give up!
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Post by kathynpooh on Aug 2, 2013 13:22:30 GMT -7
Yes Bruno deserves a chance. I would ask the vet to show your husband how to express Bruno's bladder. I would print off the information on the meds from dodgers list and take it to the vet. I would tell him what i am going to do and ask for his support if he will not help with meds i would find another vet. You are right he can live a happy life after you all get through this, Sending healing energy for all of you. Kathy n Pooh.
Pooh only has 27Days till crate graduation.
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Post by beckerthenbeck on Aug 2, 2013 13:23:31 GMT -7
Thank you all SO SO SO much. The vet just called and said that Bruno has deep pain feeling in his paw this morning. Yesterday there was none, with that said, he said that because nerves grow less than a milometer a year that he will never be able to live a happy life. So, we called another vet in the area that was recommended to me and we will be transferring him if the vet can see him. Do any of you know about the catheter? They sutured one in yesterday so that he could pee, Will that affect us being able to drain his bladder ourselves? I still don't buy the "If he is not better now, he won't ever be better" statements. I can't give up I want to keep fighitng. Pollysmom, your photo looks kinda like my Bruno! |
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 2, 2013 14:42:51 GMT -7
They can take the catheter out, Beck. You can still learn to express him yourself. Hopefully, the new vet will be more responsive and helpful. The fact that Bruno has deep pain sensation is very good indeed. There is every chance that his nerves will heal. The vet has no right to say that Bruno will never be able to live a happy life. It's just not true. He could very well regain the use of his legs in time and even if he doesn't, he certainly can be happy. All a dog really wants is to be loved and it's obvious that you and your husband love him very much.
All he needs is medication to help with his pain, an anti-inflammatory to bring the swelling down and 24/7 crate rest for 8 weeks with limited movement so the disc can heal. Nerves will heal in their own time - sometimes weeks, sometimes months, sometimes a year or two.
Please let us know how it goes with the new vet. Be persistent and get him in there as soon as possible. There's no reason for you to give up on Bruno. Just stay calm, read up on the disease so you have a good understanding of it and take it one day at a time.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Aug 2, 2013 17:59:31 GMT -7
I'm including a link dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm regarding quality of life. My husband and I were so unsure of what we should do when Polly first went down in January. Reading this made things crystal clear for both of us. I hope it helps you, too. |
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 2, 2013 19:22:46 GMT -7
Hi Beck! Welcome to Dodgerslist. You are so right not to give up on Bruno, he can recover with conservative treatment and 8 weeks of 24/7 crate rest. You just need a vet that will support you and not make false statements. A dog can be happy and have IVDD...My Tyler is living proof of that and there are thousands of Dodgerslist dogs that are living happy lives now and have recovered using the conservative method as well as surgical. IVDD is NOT a death sentence! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htm www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmHere is a link to help you find a IVDD Vet and know what to look for in a vet that will support you in the treatment options you want for Bruno: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmIt's IMPORTANT to find out what drugs your Bruno has been given.. Make sure you let us know what they are and the next vet you take him to needs has to have that information also for Bruno's safety.. I have RSD (CRPS) also.. I feel for you.. I was in wheelchair for almost a year..My Physical therapists got me walking again, they saved me.. The most inportant thing to do is learn about IVDD.. It's your best defense against Vets that don't know what they are talking about.. But don't give up, there are great vets out there that can help you. It's a matter of finding the right one.. |
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Post by jochs311 on Aug 2, 2013 19:49:01 GMT -7
Hi Beck. My name is Jen. I'm so sorry to hear about Bruno. Don't give up! There are many vets who do not know much about conservative treatment. My vet included. Bruno needs to get on an antiinflamatory, and a pain medication. You need to get him home and on 100% crate rest for the next 8 weeks. Only out to potty. The rest acts like a cast to restrict movement. Our Tucker was paralyzed 7 weeks ago. He lost bladder control too. He has been on crate rest ever since. He is now starting to walk again on his own ( in a sling) while our to potty. We have been doing accupuncture/ laser and B12 shots. Every time he goes the Dr sees improvement. I recommend accupuncture if its an option for you. You can start at any time too. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. Don't give up!  |
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Post by beckerthenbeck on Aug 3, 2013 17:08:02 GMT -7
We lost Bruno this morning we transferred him to a new vet and she was amazing and wanted to go along the lines of strict rest but then she she to extract his bladder. Got a very very sad look on get face and said that the kind of paralysis of the bladder that he has makes it almost impossible to empty without a catheter. She said that because of the way he was built, we would have to keep him hospitalized until his body relaxed it and by the tests that were done and what she can see, it may never happen. Bruno just looked at me and layed his head ony chest to comfort me and deep down, I think he wanted to go. The kids got to go say goodbye and me and the kids went home while my husband stayed with him. Today has been probably the hardest days that I have ever lived my other animals are also mourning and I wish I could tell them why. Sigh. I want this nightmare to be over |
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Post by kathynpooh on Aug 3, 2013 17:26:48 GMT -7
I am so sorry that you lost Bruno. But he is now running over rainbow bridge. You did everything you coudld for him and he knows it. So sorry for your loss.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Aug 3, 2013 19:08:44 GMT -7
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you did your very best for Bruno.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 3, 2013 19:13:44 GMT -7
I am so sorry to hear this Beck.. Sending Hugs your way!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Aug 3, 2013 19:34:09 GMT -7
I am so sorry for your loss of Bruno. When they go they take a part of us with them. Prayers to you and your family.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 4, 2013 10:23:50 GMT -7
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news and your loss.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 4, 2013 13:25:11 GMT -7
My sincerest condolences on your loss.
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Post by Yvonne & Billy on Aug 5, 2013 17:24:02 GMT -7
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss... RIP Bruno. You will be missed very much.
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Post by jochs311 on Aug 5, 2013 19:58:22 GMT -7
My prayers go out to you and your family Becker. I'm so sorry for your loss. R.I.P Bruno.
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When I found out I have an incurable nerve problem (CRPS, which is why I am in a wheelchair) they did not euthanize me. I feel like Bruno deserves a chance as well. The vet did put a catheter in him yesterday I am not sure if that changes things or not. I wish I had more info. We have always loved our vet for the standard visits, so that is why I am so upset over this whole ordeal. It just does not seem like this is right and deep down I just can't agree with the decision to put him down. Thanks all.
