|
|
Post by Thais & Leo on Jan 27, 2021 2:30:32 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Leo - 1/27 MRI Possible Surgery? currently hospitalized] ☆ Is there still currently pain?
Yes, Leo deteriorated fast to not being able to move the back legs. He: - is reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow, ginger movements - Lost feeling in the back legs. Severe concern that is losing all sensation in back legs He is currently in surgery. MRI this morning[/b] confirmed Slipped disc between 13 and 14 on the left side. Dr recommened surgery so we decided to go ahead. Everything happened out of the blue and so fast. Very scary. ☆ 2 How much does your dog weigh? 5poundsA.. Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given. Gabapentin 0.3ml 2x a day
[Moderator's note: please do not edit
5 lbs.
No anti-inflammatory Rx'd on 1/26!
Gabapentin ?mgs/mL: ?mgs (0.3mL dose) 2x/day]☆ 3 -- Eating and drinking OK? Yes No nausea/not eating, no vomit? Yes -- Poops OK - normal firmness & color - yes but he needs assistance to poop. blood indicating bleeding ulcers? No diarrhea?no and no ☆ 4 What breed? ChihuahuaWhat is your dog’s name? Leo Your name, too? Thais ☆ 5 diagnosis of IVDD? Only a preliminar one. waiting for MRI results this morning at 8am but most likely will be that. and if so, he will need surgery -- Specialist Neurosurgeon ☆ 6 Today, 26 of January Dr saw him. Recommended surgery. I was scared so declined both surgery and mri. came back home, he then lost complete feeling of back paws. at tha point i panicked and decided to bring him back in. he is hospitalized and waiting to get an mri at 8am with a good chance of needing surgery right after ☆ 7 So far he has no bladder control and difficulty emptying bladder. leaks for sure. ☆ 8 wobbly walk? NO move the legs at all? NOor wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk? Doesnt seem like it anymore  He could yesterday... So so sad |
|
Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
|
Post by Marjorie on Jan 27, 2021 7:08:02 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Thais. So glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you. Know more about us and how we team up with veterinarians: dodgerslist.com/about-team-dodgerslist/Disc disease is not a death sentence! Struggling with quality of life questions? Re-think things: dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/hope-quality-life/Was there a reason why Leo was not immediately given an anti-inflammatory such as Prednisone yesterday? Sometimes when an anti-inflammatory is given quickly enough, it can get the swelling that's pressing on the nerves of the spine down enough that there might be some improvement. Were additional pain meds given when admitted to the hospital last night to get Leo's pain under control? If surgery is not an option, please be sure that Leo is prescribed an anti-inflammatory and additional pain meds, plus permission to give Pepcid AC as a stomach protector, before leaving the hospital. You'll also need a demonstration on how to express Leo's bladder before discharge. SURGERYThe purpose of surgery is to take the pressure off of the spinal cord by removing the disc material causing the compression. Surgical decompression allows a normal blood supply to return to the compressed spinal cord and for neurologic recovery to begin by the body self-healing nerves. CONSERVATIVESeeks to relieve swelling/compression of the spinal cord with an anti-inflammatory. Over time the hope is that disc material where it should not be will shrink back enough so that pain resolves and nerves can start to self repair. Neuro surgeon, Dr. Isaacs answered a lot of questions we've had about surgery. You will find it worthwhile to read his answers about deciding for a surgery, after the surgery and lots more: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/12/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers/ More excellent details about the difference between conservative vs. surgery: dodgerslist.com/2020/02/10/surgery-vs-conservative/ When surgery is a consideration
* If your dog can’t walk OR with STRICT crate rest, neurological functions worsen and are lost (leg movement and bladder control).* STRICT crate rest is employed and after several attempts to go off of the anti-inflammatory, pain returns. * If 100% STRICT crate rest has been employed and pain medications have been adjusted (dose, frequency, and mix of pain relievers), but the pain can’t be brought under control. * If a dog is experiencing similar signs of neck or back pain, or mild neurological deficits for the 3rd or 4th time, meaning it may be the same disc is involved. Keep in mind if for whatever reason, a surgery would not be an option, then the best choice is Conservative treatment (8 weeks of strict crate rest and meds as listed above). Euthanasia is NOT an option of treatment!My prayers are with you, Leo and the vets as decisions are made today. Please keep us updated when you can. |
|
|
|
Post by Thais & Leo on Jan 27, 2021 11:48:08 GMT -7
Hi Marjorie
Leo was taken to surgery. He case got progressively bad in a very short period of time so we decided for surgery. He had it this afternoon and just completed surgery. Everything seems well but we are waiting for more information. We dont know yet what will be like the recovery process but want to give him the best care possible. Do you have recommendations and also what type of beds and supporting items I should buy for a surgery recovery?
Update: Leo has finished surgery. More to come.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jan 27, 2021 11:52:28 GMT -7
|
|
He could yesterday... So so sad
