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Post by Donna & Rocky on May 15, 2020 9:41:52 GMT -7
[Rocky Rockstar]
My Rocky is a 12 and a half year old dachshund who just had spinal surgery for a compressed lumbar disc on 5/11/2020. He weighs in at 19 lbs (vet said this is a good weight for him). He is on 25mg Rimadyl twice a day, Simpliecf 100mg once a day, Prazolin 0.8ml twice a day, and Gabapentin 100mg every eight hours.
Rocky can wag his tail and moved his right hind leg the day after surgery. He is getting laser treatments twice a week. He is eating great, urinating when taken outside, but does keep a belly band when in crate and does wet it, and last night was his first poop after surgery which happened while in crate on a wee pad. Two months crate rest recommended with physical therapy daily and p/t at hospital once to twice a week.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on May 15, 2020 12:23:27 GMT -7
Welcome! We are glad you've joined the Forum. Hi, my name is Paula, what's yours?
How often do you take Rocky outdoors to pee? Do you have an idea of why he can sniff outside on an old pee spot and then make the decision to release urine there but releases urine in his bedding? The sniff and pee test is proof a dog has bladder control.
PRAZOLIN (Prazosin) This med decreases urethral resistance making it easier for urine to come out of the bladder. Have you mentioned with the neuro about Rocky needing to wear a belly band for leaking in his bedding? Maybe this med needs adjusting or maybe he no longer needs?
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Post by Donna & Rocky on May 15, 2020 18:08:45 GMT -7
My name is Donna. I will call his surgeon on Monday regarding the wetting of the belly band. He is really good about going out, we go out at least 5-6 times a day. I tried what I read here regarding just supporting him under his hindquarters to urinate and he really empties his bladder well that way, whereas when I used the sling it was very spotty.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on May 15, 2020 18:56:48 GMT -7
Donna, it sounds then that he is able to pee on his own (brain directed) A sling that goes across the belly, is kinda like expressing the bladder. Many male dogs prefer the figure 8 sling that doesn't cover the penis. A sling can save your own back. See if this is suitable in Rocky's mind for going out for a pee. Look forward to what your surgeon think might be going on with bed wetting/meds, etc.  |
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Post by Donna & Rocky on May 16, 2020 5:57:08 GMT -7
Thank you Paula. I do find that holding him between his back legs and supporting his hips will make him urinate fully. When I used the sling it was on and off. He went for another laser treatment yesterday and did well. He is extremely comfortable and eating well. I was pleased to see that he held his pee in all night and didnt urinate in the belly band.
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Post by Donna & Rocky on Jun 4, 2020 19:38:20 GMT -7
Just wanted to post a quick update on my Rocky. It is almost one month since his surgery, and he is doing amazing. His surgeon cannot believe that for a dog that is almost 13 that he is so good. He is walking, and trying to run which is highly discouraged by me, but I am just so happy!!! He still has occasional unsteadiness, and is still on crate rest, but we are highly optimistic that he will be as good as new soon. He is still getting cold laser therapy, which I think really aided in his recovery. After one more week of it, I will speak to his physical therapist as to what she suggest next.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 5, 2020 5:13:09 GMT -7
What a wonderful way to start off Dodgerslist's day, Donna! Thank you so much for this very encouraging update. I know it will help give others hope. Many with older dogs are hesitant to proceed with surgery. Rocky has come a long way in a very short time. He really is a Rockstar!
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