Welcome! Hi, my name is Paula, what's yours? Very pleased to hear of neuro function recovery so that wobbliness is less now!
However, need a bit more information to understand Teddy's treatment.
Whenever prednisone is first Rxd, that is the time that an acid suppressor such as Pepcid AC is also prescribed. For some dogs Pepcid AC alone is not enough to prevent stomach damage, then the vet adds in a 2nd protector sucralfate.
At the time prednisone begins the first taper, that is the time to test if painful swelling still exists. Therefore gabapentin would also be either stopped or backed off at the same time. Until pain meds are no longer in use, owners can't be certain all painful swelling is really gone.
RULE OF THUMB
Pain= another course of anti-inflammatory +
all pain meds back on board.
No Pain= taper prednisone to the final every other day dose.
Finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest to allow the disc to complete healing.
The full details on how prednisone, an anti-inflammatory works with a disc episode. Good reading to be able to ask the right questions and discuss treatment:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/steroids-vs-nsaids/It takes 8 weeks for the body to form good secure scar tissue on the exterior of the disc. STRICT rest is the right environment to limit movement of the back and neck.
Let us know have and are still doing STRICT REST: ◼︎No laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you
◼︎No chiro therapy whys:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/22/chiropractic/◼︎No dragging or meandering at potty times.
◼︎No PT for conservative dogs during 8 weeks to heal disc
◼︎ Avoid dangerous detours. Follow the "Roadmap." Tape it to your fridge. D/L and print out:
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdf LIFT and CARRY (support both ends, back horizontal to the ground) for potty times.
DOGs with BLADDER CONTROL: Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps.
Using figure 8 sling for male dogs will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog’s back aligned and butt from tipping over.
A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to a 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!
QUESTIONS-- Was Pepcid AC ever Rx'd to avoid GI damage of diarrhea, vomiting? Date?
-- Double check sucralfate bottle.
Is one whole 1gram tablet given 2xday? or a part of a 1 gram tablet?--
What date did prednisone start - 3/14?
• How many mgs of pred are in one mL of liquid?
•
What date was the first lowering of prednisone in mgs dose and frequency? -- Is gabapentin 100mgs 1x/xday the original Rx the same date pred started on?
• If not what date was Gabapentin reduced (mgs? and frequency?)? • What date will be the final dose of gabapentin?
--- Describe any current signs of pain. If seen near next dose of gabapentin?
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned bac
⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions
⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves
◻︎ head held high/ nose to the ground
◻︎ 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 up flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
