Peggy, welcome to Dodgerslist. We are very glad you have joined us.
Have you been in touch with your vet today to notify him of the worsening neuro functions and your observations about sitting and rectal? Do read up on the two classes of ant-iinflammatories… you and your vet may want to make a decision regarding his meds. This is important information for you to consider and understand as being a member of Ziggy's health care team:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmAs damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions . When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order.
1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord
2. Wobbly walking, legs cross
3. Nails scuffing floor
4. Paws knuckle
5. Legs do not work (paralysis, dog is down)
6. Bladder control is lost
7. Tail wagging with joy is lost
8. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function. Nerves can heal and regenerate with time and patience.
Is the loss of rectal tone mean that his anus will no longer close up tight, the hole is open? Are you saying his front legs can no longer hold him up to sit? Is there any change in breathing, more labored, change in the sound of his voice?
Can you check if he has a fever? Normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
I'm not relaying this information to stress you out or frighten you, but to provide it in case you need to help Benji. There is a disease that can take hold anytime the cord has been injured via an car accident or from a disc. More on this disease
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdfMyelomalacia can be easily confirmed by your DVM with the following:
* about 3-4 days into recovery, they become painful. Within the first week, they are in a LOT of pain.
* development of excruciating pain (more than just pain from the original disc herniation)
• even the strongest pain meds do not help
* acute disc extrusion with no deep pain sensation
* loss of anal tone, the anus hangs open, (anal flaccidity) and areflexia (below normal or no reflexes)
* loss of cutaneous trunci reflex at a level more cranial to a previous evaluation over a period of hours to days with or w/o surgery
* development of fever (normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit)
* sudden twitching or jerking of the neck and/or head
* loss of voice, hoarse bark
* can't hold body up, can't hold head up
* increased respiration/ labored breathing
• hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body)
Can you specifically tell us you do not see any signs of pain today…no tight tense tummy muscles of referred pain, no trembling?
What you need to do as soon as possible today:
1. Call your vet about getting stomach protection on board now. The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:"
Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not to take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by givin doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID and thereafter every 12 hours.
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm 2. Is the crate rest 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc.
We look forward to learning more about Ziggy, what the vet says…we are here to support you guys, please keep us updated.
