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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Jun 23, 2020 22:53:04 GMT -7
Well hello everyone. Stella has been getting worse lately, so I put her back on crate rest. She seems to be getting worse slowly over time. What meds should she be on ? My vet has her on 5mg 1x daily prednisolone, and 5[?]mg Gabapentin 2 x daily. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit weight? prednisolone as of date?: 5mgs 1x/day for ? days, then a test taper for: _pain / _neuro gabapentin ?mgs 2x/day needs GI tract protector w/pred! ]If she should lose her ability to walk, I do not feel she is a good surgical candidate; Stella does not do crate rest well. She fights it, like crazy. Would a MRI shed any light on wether it would be a one time surgical procedure or if we have more involved. Should I start mentally preparing now, if Stella was to eventually lose her ability to walk. I’ve decided on some life style changes, she is in her soft sided pen in the house , and I’m purchasing a 6x6 run outside with faux grass and a doghouse. She is/ will be escorted with her sling on to and from both pens. It’s all I can think of. Stella hurts again 😞 it’s like we can’t win.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 24, 2020 4:40:28 GMT -7
I'm sorry to hear that Stella may be having another disc problem, Dorthia. Some dogs with IVDD only have one disc problem their whole lives while others may have several. An MRI should only be done if surgery is being considered and most surgeons would not operate on a dog that can still walk. MRIs require anesthesia which is risky for a dog with IVDD as it relaxes all of the core muscles supporting the spine. Did the vet examine Stella and determine that she was having another disc episode?
What date did strict crate rest start?
What signs have you been seeing that indicate that Stella is "getting worse"? Pain only or also loss of neuro function?
Is Stella's pain completely under control now, with no sign of pain from one dose of pain meds to the next? If not, then you'll need to immediately alert the vet so they can adjust the meds. Is the dosage of Gabapentin 5mg or 50mg? 5mg is like giving nothing at all, should be 50mg and 3x/day. Tramadol as a general pain med and Methocarbamol for the pain of muscle spasms can also be added 3x/day.
Does Stella still weigh 23 lbs?
For how many days has Prednisolone been prescribed before tapering?
Please don't walk Stella with a sling out to her potty area. Please carry her to the potty area, allow only a very, very few steps with the sling to do potty, and then carry her back to her crate. The less movement of the spine, the better. Too much movement and the damaged disc can tear more or rupture, causing more pain and nerve damage.
Healing prayers for Stella.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 24, 2020 4:41:47 GMT -7
Try to keep a happy voice and face around Stella. Dogs are very sensitive and pick up on our feelings very easily. Tell her everything's OK and that she's getting better every day. And you believe it, too! Here are some tips to help calm Stella in the crate. If these do not help, it may be necessary to have the vet prescribe a mild sedative. To calm your dog in the crate, it would be a good idea to cover the top with a towel. That should mellow her. It also creates a den like feeling that dogs love. Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price. Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Dogs: Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/us/Products/ADAPTIL-Calm-Home-Diffuser with dog pheromones Use a diffuser with one oral calmer from below: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. 3) Bach's Rescue Remedy is a liquid 5-herb combo to help with relaxation (Star of Bethlehem – Orithogalum umbellatum, Rock Rose – Helianthemum, Cherry Plum – Prunus cerasifera, Impatiens – Impatiens gladulifera, Clematis – Clematis vitalba) Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior ignore it, turn your back, leave the room if you have to. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your dog is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward. Soon your dog will see they get rewards for four feet on the floor, quietly sitting, etc. Consider some of these ideas: -- Many members have found a pet stroller to solve the whining problem because the stroller can be wheeled from room to room as you go about your activities. Pet strollers, however, should only be used when you are directly supervising. More details on strollers: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm--Caster wheels can be added to a wire crate so the crate can be wheeled from one room to the next so your dog can stay with you. -- Put a garment you have been wearing and have not washed in the crate. -- Nan Arthur, CDBC, CPDT, KPACTP writes: "According to the book, Stress in Dogs, by Martina Scholz & Clarissa von Reinhardt, the most well-behaved dogs get 17 or more hours of rest and sleep per day. Teaching self-calming exercises can also help your dog to relax more. You can make something as simple as eye contact a very rewarding behavior that also acts as a way for your dog to “ask permission” when he wants something. When dogs have a focus and an understanding about how to behave to get what they want, they are much calmer overall. To do this, each time your dog looks at you, say, something like, “Yes!” or use a clicker to mark the second he looks at you, and then give your dog a high-value food reward. Wait for your dog to look up at you again, say, “Yes,” and reward again. Do this exercise 10 or so times and then say, “All done,” and put the treats away. Come back later and do it again until you can see that your dog is really starting to make automatic eye contact in hopes you will say, “Yes,” again and give him his reward. " [NOTE: treats should be subtracted from the normal daily kibble ration so as not to gain weight during crate rest.] -- If your dog won’t get too excited seeing what’s happening outside, during the day try putting the crate on the coffee table or the dining room table so there will be a view out a window and a better perspective on what is going on in the house from on high. -- Play classical music or one of the wildlife TV shows. -- Fill a Kong with soft dog food and freeze. Put part of the dog's total daily dinner kibble in the Kong to lengthen time to consume dinner. Good low cal snacks are carrots, apples, or frozen green beans, licking a frozen low sodium broth ice cube. Good thick low salt/no fat chicken broth is full of cartilage-building proteins and amino acids. Freeze it up into cubes for easy access as you need it. Fun and keeps the body hydrated: place cubes in a bowl for licking. If a dog is jumping up at the sides of the crate, you can lower the ceiling of the crate. Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the top of the crate, punch holes in the corners and tie the cardboard down into the crate to the level of the top of the dog's head when standing. Or cover the top of the crate with a blanket or towel, bringing the blanket/towel down to the level of the dog's eyes so when he/she jumps up, he won't be able to see anything. That may discourage him/her from jumping up. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm
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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Aug 1, 2020 14:53:57 GMT -7
Hello, everyone, I am so sorry it took me this long to get back to you all. Stella is doing ok, but we are still fighting to save her. She ended up having DKA [Diabetic ketoacidosis]. She had a full blood panel slightly over a month before it all happened. So we were blindsided. Stella is now a diabetic, the DKA sent her into a severe case of pancreatitis. She is home and feeling ok. Hopefully, we will avoid anymore disc problems, as I have no idea how we could give her steroids at this point. All the best and will update on Stella soon. Below is a picture of her , a few days after we brought her home from her hospital stay, at the vet.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 1, 2020 15:13:00 GMT -7
I am happy to hear that Stella's DKA episode was successfully treated. It must have been very scary.
Good that Stella is now at home. Dogs do better at home.
She looks comfortable and alert in the picture. Very cute.
Please keep us updated on how she is doing.
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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Sept 1, 2020 8:20:40 GMT -7
Ok, another Stella update : Stella is doing pretty good. I’m finally getting the hang of being a diabetic dog mom, since we treated the diabetes , Stella is walking better to. She feels great, most of the time. She is regulating good on 6U of vetsilin. She is staying about 100-250 blood glucose most all the time. So good so far. We keep working on it, lots for me to still learn. Stella is getting back to life as usual. Unfortunately, with less treats, she is devastated, that Starbucks puppicinos are off the menu. We are adjusting well to our new normal. Test, feed, inject is our new 2x daily routine.
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Post by Julie & Nala on Sept 2, 2020 15:03:48 GMT -7
Stella is so cute!! I'm glad she's feeling better and her diabetes is under control. I can tell how much she's loved.
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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Dec 20, 2020 20:25:26 GMT -7
Quick Stella update. She had a bit of a bout with bad BGs after her dental. We seem to be getting back on track, she had some much needed weight loss recently. Here she is playing at the dog park. I now have a blind, crippled, diabetic dog lol. She is happy as can be though.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 20, 2020 21:38:43 GMT -7
Dorthia, what a good dedicated mom to Stella you are. I love hearing how happy she is and enjoy play at the dog park.
Thank you for the update.
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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Jan 21, 2021 22:07:24 GMT -7
Hi, Stella might be having another episode [Jan 21, 2021]. I will know more tomorrow, I’m not sure if she is just sore from the dog park, or if her back is acting up. BGs are controlled and Stella is happy as usual.
Not sure how we can treat this without steroids
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 22, 2021 6:16:16 GMT -7
I'm sorry to hear this, Dorthia. Should the vet decide that Stella cannot be on an anti-flammatory due to her other medical issues, don't despair. The 24/7 strict crate rest for a full 8 weeks is the most important part of conservative care. You've caught this episode early so that's a plus. Be sure to crate Stella, carry in and out to potty, until the exam today to protect her spine from further damage. We'll be awaiting an update from you.
Healing prayers for Stella.
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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Jan 29, 2021 20:11:11 GMT -7
I just wanted to update, Stella is on strict crate rest. She is walking normally for Stella, but was acting like her back was tender when I touched it. She isn’t doing that anymore. Do you think she can be released from crate rest ?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 30, 2021 8:10:42 GMT -7
Dorthia, did you have Stella examined by a vet and did the vet feel that she was having another disc episode? If taken to the vet, what meds did he prescribe? If the vet diagnosed a new disc episode, then a full 8 weeks of strict crate rest needs to be done. Sometimes the only sign of a disc episode is pain with no loss of neuro function.
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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Feb 9, 2021 21:21:45 GMT -7
The vet said Stella seems fine, and released her from crate rest, she seems fine to me to. Actually, wondering since Stella likes to run around at the dog park, but does not run great. Could we use a cart, just to help her balance a bit better and keep up with the other pups ?
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Feb 10, 2021 7:49:11 GMT -7
So glad to hear that Stella's vet doesn't think she's having another disc problem, Dorthia. That's wonderful news. Yes, you certainly can use a cart to help Stella's stability. Here's our page with information on carts and what features you should look for when buying: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/26/wheelchair-carts/If you do decide to get a cart for Stella, please let us know how she does in it. And please do keep in touch.
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Post by Dorthia & Puppy on Mar 16, 2021 20:55:31 GMT -7
Hello everyone, I’m here to give my last update on Stella. She earned her angel wings today. It wasn’t IVDD or Diabetes that took her. How much we love today is how much we hurt tomorrow. Regardless, I would walk into that shelter on that rainy day seven years ago , and adopt her all over again. Between hello and goodbye, there has been so much joy and love 💕. Stella was the light of my life for close to seven years. I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to be loved by such an amazing individual as Stella.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 17, 2021 4:57:15 GMT -7
And Stella was a very fortunate girl to have found you, Dorthia, and to have had your love. My sincerest condolences on your loss. I'm so sorry to hear this.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 17, 2021 7:53:40 GMT -7
Dorthia, beautifully written sentiments. Thanks to your devoted and loving care in her forever home, Stella enjoyed many wonderful senior years. Now she lives on in your heart and the wonderful memories you two created together over those years. ((Warmest hugs)) with my sincere condolences to you.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Mar 17, 2021 12:59:43 GMT -7
I am very sorry for your loss of sweet Stella. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
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Post by Jessica on Mar 17, 2021 14:23:22 GMT -7
I'm so sorry, Dorthia. The pictures you've shared of Stella always brightened my day. What a sweet girl. My thoughts are with you.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 19, 2021 17:21:24 GMT -7
HI Dorthia! I will make a new thread just for your doxie puppy as we write. Moderator Paula is reading your post and preparing a reply. Thank you for your patience. Please refresh your browser to see new replies. EMAIL ALERTS Timely communications are needed when helping your dog. How set up a bookmark for your dog's thread for email alerts when you have received a reply: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7353/register-bookmark-dogs-post-thread
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 19, 2021 17:29:43 GMT -7
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