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Post by Modalita & Willie on Dec 31, 2020 22:52:05 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Were back! (Modalita and Willie)] About 4 days ago, Willie (an almost 14 year old dachshund with Cushings) was showing some shivering and reluctance on going on his normal daily walk. No other IVDD symptoms were observed. We immediately shifted to a conservative approach, hand carrying to potty spot...the Dodgers recommended approach. Shivering would occur maybe 1x a day since then, level was low to moderate. Yesterday, my wife carried him outside (I was out there doing something else). Willie's back end had no sync with the front end, where it started walking "sideways". No leg crossing was observed like the last time. A rush to the Emergency vet was in order. The vet made the following observations. She mentioned that Willie's pain levels were low after doing the spinal compression test. Willie showed no knuckling and his walking was normal. She prescribed Gabapentin 150mg 2x a day and to continue conservative. She did not want to prescribe a NSAID due to his advanced age and concerns for his liver. [Moderator's note: please do not edit 12 lbs 14 years Gabapentin 150mg 2x/day No anti-inflammatory due to health issues]
The sideways walk occurred the one time, before/since then has been normal.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,722
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 1, 2021 7:26:58 GMT -7
Hi, Modalita. I'm sorry to hear that Willie is having another disc episode but glad that you started immediate crate rest to prevent further injury to his spine. What was the date strict crate rest was started?
Has the Gabapentin brought Willie's pain completely under control now? If you see any shivering or other sign of pain, do immediately speak to the vet about adjusting Willie's pain meds. Gabapentin is most efficient when given 3x/day (every 8 hours). Tramadol and/or Methocarbamol can also be added. Since an anti-inflammatory cannot be given due to Willie's other health issues, pain meds need to be more aggressive.
How much does Willie weigh now?
Do keep Willie's steps to a very, very few at potty time and continue the strict crate rest for a full 8 weeks. Even with a mild episode such as Willie is currently having, a full 8 weeks of strict crate rest is needed to heal the damaged disc.
Healing prayers for Willie. Please keep us updated.
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Post by Modalita & Willie on Jan 1, 2021 11:26:06 GMT -7
Hi- it's an annual ritual now it seems! He is on strict crate rest since the episode and he is not showing any pain at all with the Gabapentin. Strict crate rest started on 12/27.
He is about 12 pounds right now.
For the handful of times he's been out for potty breaks he looks good on his walking.
Thanks again for all the work you do here.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 1, 2021 11:56:04 GMT -7
Modalita, it is good you are knowledgeable to take quick action to crate and get vet help for these episodes and keep the symptoms mild as they are for Willie. That makes him a good candidate for this episode to heal the disc under conservative treatment.
When or if known the episode would be the same disc each time, some will consider a surgery and discuss the pros and cons, risks, multiple health issues with their vet and a specialist surgeon.
You are doing a good job in his care at home....keep up the good work.
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