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Post by Courtney & Charlie on Nov 12, 2020 9:23:51 GMT -7
Hi there! Lily is doing fab. She’s back to her peppy and silly self. We are thrilled that conservative tx worked for her! ![]() CHARLIE 11/11 conservative However, our boy Charlie is now having trouble. Last night (around 2am) charlie started screaming and once we got him from under blankets noticed his legs were curled back. His back legs were paralyzed. We rushed to emergency vet and they got us over to a neuro. He’s there now, awaiting mri. They kept him “overnight” and he’s on the good drugs  and they are keeping him comfy. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
15lbs 11 y.o
Name of anti-inflammatory drug at hospital? ]The neuro called us about an hour ago and says he’s got movement today. His motor his better than it was when he arrived. Hoping that’s a good sign! Awaiting the results but hoping whatever it is...he will be ok. He’s 11; and has had zero health issues prior! What else can 2020 throw our way? |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 12, 2020 10:17:49 GMT -7
Courtney, so sorry to hear about Charlie. Good news is motor movement in back legs in returning!!! That bodes very well for more neuro improvement to take place.
When you learn more, please continue to update us on Charlie.
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Post by Courtney & Charlie on Nov 12, 2020 18:19:18 GMT -7
Hi Paula! Thank you for your reply. I am so thrilled with Lily's progress. We are lucky to have you all to help us through this. I tell anyone and everyone about your site if they have Doxie or pup with back issues! Charlie is now in surgery. It is IVDD and the issue is at L1-2. Charlie is 11, 15 pounds (all muscle, he's a tiny thing.) The neurologist feels he has a 95% chance of a fully recovery. Last night, he was given hydromorphone at the emergency vet as they felt that would be better for him as we had to drive him to the Neuro Vet office (about 15 min drive.) They advised me he will be with them for 3-5 days. They will be sending me home with a sling to assist with potty time and our cost includes a 2 week and 6 week recheck. I will likely not hear any updates until about 8 or 9 AZ time tonight. Once he's discharged, I will update with his meds and status! This is a new one for us, we are pros at the conservative tx now!  |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 12, 2020 18:50:30 GMT -7
Thanks for the update. Will be watching for the next one!
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Post by Courtney & Charlie on Nov 14, 2020 10:31:19 GMT -7
Good morning from AZ!
Charlie is now home with us. His surgery went very well and the Dr gave us a 95% chance of a full recovery!
From his discharge papers: He had T13/LI Acute Disc herniation, L1/2 more chronic disk herniation and L5/6 Decompressive Hemilaminectomy Left T13/L1/2 without fenestration. (dang, that's a mouthful!)
He was sent home with directions for 6 weeks strict rest.
Meds:
Trazadone 50 mg 1/2 tab every 8-12 hours as needed. (They said he didn't need it at the clinic but wanted us to have it.)
Codeine 15 mg 1/2 tab every 8 hours for 4 days, then 1/2 tab every 12 hours for 4 days.
Gabapentin 100 mg 1 capsule every 8 hours for 7 days. then once every 12 hours for 7 days then discontinue
Rimadyl 25 mg 1/2 tab every 12 hours for 7 days
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
15lb. 11 years old
Surgery 11/12
Rimadyl 25mg 2x/day, 7 days end 11/21
Gabapentin 100mg 3x/day, 7 days, then 2x/day, 7 days
Codeine 15mgs 3x/day, 4 days, then 2x/day, 4 days
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/Rimadyl]
He has had no issues urinating. They sent us home with a sling and instructed us on how to take him out for potty time as well as some physical therapy exercises. We are thinking we will do some with a therapist as well (Just to be safe.) But going to give him some time to rest at home. The Dr. did not mention pepcid--I still have plenty should we go ahead and continue that?
Thank you so much!
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Post by Jessica on Nov 14, 2020 11:22:45 GMT -7
Great to hear Charlie is home, and with such a stellar report from the surgeon! Please do continue with the Pepcid AC while Charlie is on the anti-inflammatory Rimadyl. Please confirm with your vet that Charlie doesn't have any health issues that would prevent him from taking this. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episode is 0.44 mg per pound every 12 hours. At 15lbs, Charlie would take 6.6 mg. Most tabs are 10mg, so you can round down to use a half tab of 5 mg. He would take this 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours for as long as your dog is on the anti-inflammatory. More information can be found here: www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html Does Charlie's pain seem under control at home? I'm glad to hear you are all set with a sling and instructions for potty time. Be sure to carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!  You can brush up on strict crate rest ideas here: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-processI'm glad to hear Lily is doing so well, and we are all sending positive healing to Charlie! |
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Post by Courtney & Charlie on Nov 14, 2020 13:54:44 GMT -7
Hi! I will do that. Thank you! So far, I do not see indications of pain. He’s due another round here at 2 pm. He cannot walk yet so he’s def being pampered! He was able to potty on his own earlier today. No #2 yet, but he seems to be doing great thus far. Thank you for your kind words. I’m excited for him to be back up and running with his sissy |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 14, 2020 14:11:12 GMT -7
I am glad to hear that Charlie is doing so well and that after the six weeks of crate rest should be able to run with his sister.
When a dog is on crate rest with less physical activity there may be fewer poops. If you are concerned that Charlie may be a bit constipated, try adding some pumpkin to his food. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with 1 teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight, 1x a day. I tried this with my dog Frankie after his surgery. It worked and he really liked the pumpkin.
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and they are keeping him comfy. 
