|
|
Post by John & Marley on Jan 5, 2021 13:40:18 GMT -7
[Original subject line:Veterinary Recomendation IVDD Experince in Charlotte, NC ]
Looking for suggestions for Vets with IVDD 1st hand experience in South Charlotte, NC into South Carolina like ROCKHILL and Fort Mill area just 20 Miles south of Charlotte over the State Line.
Has any one used a Vet in recent years that you could give a THUMBS up For ?
Thanks in Advance.
[Original subject line:Assisi Loop, Have seen it mentioned for use ]
Has any one had first hand use of a Assisi Loop ?
If so what did you perceive as it being helpful or not ?
What other Therapy were you doing in conjunction with the Assisi Loop (ie Cold Laser Therapy / Acupuncture ) If anything else at all .
Lastly how severe was your dogs case of IVDD ?
Surgery ?
Strict Crate Rest ?
Extreme pain ?
Mild pain walking oddly ?
Would you recommend it ?
|
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 5, 2021 14:24:08 GMT -7
There are two member suggestion in Matthews, NC which is about 10 miles away from Charlotte. Both of these suggestions are: Carolina Veterinary Specialists Medical Center 4099 Campus Ridge Rd., Matthews, NC 28104
Both dogs had surgery.
|
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 5, 2021 14:31:40 GMT -7
A few of our members have used the Assisi Loop and found it helpful. They may chime in with their experiences.
I used cold laser on my dog Frankie after his surgery. He was completely paralyzed at the time. What helped him the most was walking on an underwater treadmill. I do not think he would have recovered nearly as well without it. We have some info on it here: |
|
|
|
Post by John & Marley on Jan 5, 2021 15:00:00 GMT -7
Thanks for the info on Carolina Veterinary Specialists Medical Center, Right Now not looking for SURGERY and I can drive to CVSMC in my sleep, been there more times than I care to remember , could have brought a brand NEW car for $ 35,000 with what I have spent there. Looking for a VET with a history of Conservative Treatment before going under the knife.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 5, 2021 16:44:48 GMT -7
John, is this Marley having a disc episode?
-- What is his neuro condition currently: wobbly, bladder control?
-- What pain meds is he on (mgs frequency)?
-- What anti-inflammatory drug? start date? mgs/ frequency? for how many days then a stop or a taper if a steroid.
-- Pepcid AC on board to suppress stomach acids anti-inflammatory cause?
-- How much does he weigh?
Assisi Loop ( targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy )
---Correct mgs and frequency of pain meds would be the way to control pain
--- What are you wanting such a device to do?
--- Is all pain fully in control of Marley (is this the dog?)?
John, if you could fill us in on the details of the med list, the neuro status, pain status, then we'd best be able to recommend easy can advocate for with your current vet. If you are not satisfied with your current vet, do know even a consult with a specialist does not have to be for a surgery. Specialists know how to use pain meds to effectively control pain that a local family vet may not be comfortable in using.
Look forward to learning more so we know how to assist you.
|
|
|
|
Post by John & Marley on Jan 5, 2021 20:26:38 GMT -7
YES IT IS SADLY, This morning was the first day it showed up.
-- Didnrt want to do a walk today, LAYED down when I took him out of car , did two Long lower back stretches and sat down half way through his breakfast to finish eating and never really finished it.
-- NO PAIN MEDS Having Issue at his Vets, They have had 6 employees Tested for COVID, and only let a TECH take your DOG INSIDE , Only TECH WE Trust wasnt working and many new people since his Primary VET Retired this summer. His new VET she would not see him at our SUV. So we left.
-- Anti-inflammatory? Nothing at the Moment
-- Pepcid AC on board to suppress stomach acids anti-inflammatory cause?
-- 20.6lbs
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
20 lbs 14 y.o. in May
crated 1/5]
--- 3 Yrs ago he went BLIND from SARDS, this past March he went Completely DEAF., He will be 14 in May. Being Blind and DEAF I could not hand him over in a parking lot to a TECH I didnt know or trust to CARRY PROPERLY to go into a room or into a crate till he got looked at and not know what was looked at and how and have to trust a TECH to relay my message correctly and have them relay it correctly to me from the VET. Except for his 2 long stretches ( DOGA back legs out behind him ) {{ These 2 stretches were reminiscent of his problem a few years back }}before his breakfast and not wanting to walk at 5am today He is not showing any pain. He is a stoic dog doesnt show pain unless EXTREME. SO he has been on CRATE REST except for being carried to Pee + Poo The few steps he took were normal for his doing BIZ and he got scooped up into his crate. { About the specialist mentioned to me I have had 2 $$$$ COSTLY and DEVASTING OUTCOMES with two of my other dogs-with them, my Ophthalmologist is across the parking lot from them and I CRINGE when I see their Building )
SO we are in LIMBO at moment why Im looking at the ASSIS LOOP since he is not showing any pain , wagging his tail when he gets touches, walks fine for few steps he is allowed, ate his full dinner tonight, had his teeth brushed as well, Very hard since he is Blind and DEAF.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 5, 2021 20:30:01 GMT -7
John, I'm reading your post and preparing a reply.
Please refresh your browser to see new replies.
EMAIL ALERTS
Please enable receiving email alerts when someone has posted. Timely interaction/communications is needed when helping your dog. How to set up: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7353/register-bookmark-dogs-post-thread
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 5, 2021 20:52:41 GMT -7
John, so sorry you are having such a challenge with Covid and getting help for Marley. Do you see any of these signs? Which ones? Even stoic dogs can show if there is pain if we observe them carefully. You know Marley best and can pick up on subtleties a vet may miss. ◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved
◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy ◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎ not their normal perky selves
John is there an emergency vet you can see tonight? An ER where you can go in with Marley? You are doing the single most important thing for a disc episode of the very STRICT rest in his recovery suite. This keeps the disc from further damage and further then impacting the spinal cord. Getting a vet's diagnosis and if what sounds to be a possible disc episode, means the anti-inflammatory can get to work on reducing and ridding the body of swelling in the spinal cord. That is the next step as soon as you can find a clinic who will let you in with Marley. Here is how to monitor for neuro diminishment which means to hurry up and get an anti-inflammatory on board pronto. Let us know if you see any of the signs from list below. As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails/toes scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle under 5. Weak/little leg movement, can't move up into a stand 6. Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) 7. Bladder control is lost. Leaks on you when lifted. Can no longer sniff and then pee on that old urine spot outdoors. 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost 9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. If surgery is not an option (for whatever reason) then the best option is conservative therapy. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation. Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Precious hours can be lost with a vet that gets DPS wrong. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about DPS. A quick overview of conservative treatment vs. a surgery: dodgerslist.com/2020/02/10/surgery-vs-conservative/ A quick review of NSAID vs using a steroid like prednisone: dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/steroids-vs-nsaids/At this point Marley is a good candidate to heal his disc with conservative treatment. He's walking and surgeon would prefer to try least invasive method over an invasive surgery. What do you have available for ER in your nearby area tonight? |
|
|
|
Post by John & Marley on Jan 5, 2021 21:10:12 GMT -7
Except for this morning at 5am not wanting to do a walk or the 2 stretches he is showing none of the above [signs of pain] mentioned.Since that time he seems NORMAL ( Being in his crate except for his two PP's and Poo. Which he walked Normally )
SHOWING NONE OF THE BELOW [neuro diminishments]
The only ER is the SPECIALIST CENTER MENTIONED before where I have had TWO TERRIBLE RESULTS . I miss my old retired VET, I could talk with him on the phone and he would tell me what meds to give with out having to see Marley, He understood my background and trusted me to have a supply on hand in cases like this should ever happen.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 6, 2021 10:20:09 GMT -7
John, that is interesting that not wanting to walk happens after a night of not moving. Marley shows discomfort and not wanting take his normal early morning walk.
Until you can get in for a diagnosis for your suspicion of a disc episode, you are doing the very important very STRICT rest his recovery suite provides.
Please keep us updated how Marley is doing (very hopefully you will not be seeing any worsening signs as you search for a vet who will let you come in with Marley.
Here is some information to make posting easier for you and to reduce our time when reading and highlighting your important comments.
I recommend you reply to a post by going to the "Quick reply" typing area and NOT clicking the "Reply" link.
Quick reply allows you to scroll up and down to a previous post and then back down to the "Quick Reply" typing area to continue your own post.
|
|
|
|
Post by John & Marley on Feb 17, 2021 13:11:48 GMT -7
Two More Weeks [March 3] of Crate Rest and he is free...lol. DOING Fine no signs of Back pain > Walks fine the time he goes out to P + Poo -> this is week 6 of Crate rest. He is bored, He gets a new Stroller ( 12 inch Wheels, Rear Suspension Lots of +'s ) next week and will have ez access to being out doors getting fresh air smells and sunshine....
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
|
Post by Marjorie on Feb 18, 2021 7:14:12 GMT -7
Glad to hear how well Marley is doing, John. You're most likely aware of pet stroller use during conservative care but just to be sure, here's our link on tips and precautions on using a pet stroller. dodgerslist.com/2020/05/17/pet-stroller-conservatve-treatment/Keep up the great work with Marley and continue to keep in touch. Almost to graduation day, Marley - hang in there! |
|
|
|
Post by John & Marley on Feb 22, 2021 9:39:15 GMT -7
Marley is doing fine , Just 7 Days of Crate Rest Left. Do have a minor situation needing advice on. He has been getting- pustules / cyst / zit type on his skin on and off Since going Blind 3+ yrs ago. just a fact of life ! Prior to his IVDD Flare up we cleaned them every day and that was that. How ever this time around ( not a fist time in this location ) he has had this skin flare up around his ANUS. Because of his IVDD we really cant go in and clean it of dried skin scabs and puss. He has tried to bite the area probably cause it itches with a burning sensation .
Now to the question we have a a Medical Topical ointment we have used in past that heals it up in 3- 5 days. However its a oily based topical and gets his fur all greasy even if applied sparingly ( has to be applied 2 x's a day for 3- 5 days )
He usually gets his anal Glands Expressed every 10 weeks or so, which will the first week of March when he is due- After a ANAL VISIT he has to get his Bath he stinks nasty. But thats a week + away.
Any suggestions on how to clean his anus butt area clean of a OILY BASED MEDICAL TOPICAL with out bathing him ( IF I leave it on him after he heals being in a small crate he will eventually have it smeared over his whole body ) He is a LONG HAIR lots of it.... ![]() flowing every where...looks great when clean not fun when oily and matty.  |
|
|
|
Post by Jessica on Feb 22, 2021 10:27:10 GMT -7
I'm glad to hear Marley continues to do well. That is wonderful news!
You are wise to not fully bathe him as you finish strict crate rest. In my personal experience, I found the cushion care gauze pads that come in a 4 inch square worked well for irritated areas. They are not abrasive like a paper or cloth towel can be, and they don't leave lint behind on wounds. I would wet them with warm water, and dab the area lightly. A little Dawn soap can help with greasy medications and is gentle, but do check with your vet if you think this may cause further irritation. Just be careful that he doesn't get too rowdy while gently dabbing the area to avoid an IVDD relapse. He does have a very handsome hairdo!
|
|
|
|
Post by John & Marley on Mar 3, 2021 8:58:48 GMT -7
Independence DAY, Free at last, 8 weeks Crate all over... He liked sleeping on his living room bed once again and walked out to do his biz/. He was like WOW. Limited moment today walking wise. One day at a time he will get to walk a lil more each day. Now laying getting sunbeams in Kitchen.  **
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Mar 3, 2021 9:05:03 GMT -7
John, so happy for you and Marley today! What good care you've taken for Marley and love to hear a slow and gradual introduction back to physical activity is the plan.
|
|
|
|
Post by John & Marley on Mar 12, 2021 11:50:48 GMT -7
9 Days since Conservative Crate Rest ended and He is doing just find. Free roam of the house- searching out sunbeams. Walking moving about just find. Walking the driveway to the street doing his biz lifting a leg and sending P Mail...lol... Wish all the Best Thanks.....
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Mar 13, 2021 8:07:15 GMT -7
Thanks for the lovely update, John. So glad to hear how well Marley is doing. Keep well.
|
|
