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Post by b4lovely on Mar 31, 2021 7:58:28 GMT -7
[Original subject line:Possible IVDD Surgery for my American Cocker Spaniel ] Hi Group, Looking for some advice and insight on pre/post surgery for IVDD. My dog Emme was diagnosed last year and is having her 2nd bought with the disease. It's been 2 mos. of medication/rest and she is not getting any better when I try to reduct the meds. I have scheduled an MRI/spinal evaluation for April 14th. I'm trying to get my plan together for possible surgery and what that will entail for her. Thanks, Barbara QUESTIONS ☆ 1 currently pain? ☐☐ shivering, trembling ☐yelping when picked up or moved can’t find a comfortable position, appears restless ☐ Arched back ☐head held high or nose to the ground - I'm managing pains with medications twice per day. when I try to ween her off the steroids, the pain returns . ☆ 2 22 lbs Prednisone 2.5 mg 2X per day.Not tapering until surgical evaluation - remain [in a taper] on meds until surgical evaluation methocarbamol. 25 mg 2X per day gabapentin - 50 mg 2X per day
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 22 lbs AGE? prednisone as of 1/29: ?mgs ?x/day for ? days, 2nd course 2/12 :?mgs ?x/day for ? days, currently in taper doses May take 7-30 days to resolve swelling, taper days do not count. methocarbamol 25mgs 2x/day gabapentin 50mg 2xday needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/prednisone! ]☆ 3 -- yes eating and drinking normally -- Poops OK? yes, normal; ☆ 4 A merican Cocker Spaniel, Emme (F). My name is Barbara ☆ 5 IVDD diagnosis in May of 2020 after rest for about 2 weeks she was better. At the end of January 2021 pain returned and has been ongoing until today, but controlled with medication. -- Primary vet is DVM, but has referred me to the University of Georgia neurology for MRI/Spinal evaluation and possible surgery. ☆ 6 Date CONSERVATIVE treatment? January 29, Feb. 12, March 5 possible surgery April 15☆ 7 yes, she can squat and relieve herself normally. she has had a few accidents with bladder control, but this may be related to the steroids and the amount of water she is drinking ☆ 8 No paralysis. when she is painful she can still walk but sluggish and reluctant to move around much. When she is on the medication she seems to be mostly pain free and moves around/walks normally.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 31, 2021 9:32:44 GMT -7
Moderator Paula is reading your post and preparing a reply. Thank you for your patience. Please refresh your browser to see new replies. EMAIL ALERTS Please Register. It enables receiving email alerts when someone has posted. Timely communications is needed when helping your dog. How to register and set up for email alerts: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7353/register-bookmark-dogs-post-thread
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,493
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 31, 2021 10:07:04 GMT -7
Welcome Barbara. So sorry to hear your Emma is suffering with a disc episode of pain only and no neuro deficits. Did the vet say if the disc is in the neck?
Had other episodes been in the neck or the back?Could you tell how old Emma is?The important parts of prednisone during a disc episode are the doses up at the anti-inflammatory level. Pred 2.5mgs 2x/day is a taper dose and thus is not counted in the 7-30 days it may take to get all painful spinal cord swelling gone. For a 22 lbs dog the anti-inflammatory dose may nearer to 5mgs 2x/day. Could you fill us in on the important parts of Emma's prednisone history: Looking forward to learning more about Emma with your answers. Here are the extra things you can do to help with a neck disc (won't hurt even if truly a back disc): dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/cervical-care-tips/Good reading to hep you think about a surgery and be prepared. IF you have any specific questions we'd be glad to chat about those. Dr. Isaacs answered a lot of questions Dodgerslist member have about surgery. You will find it worthwhile to read: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/12/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers/More excellent info to help with conservative vs. surgery decisions: dodgerslist.com/2020/02/10/surgery-vs-conservative/EMAIL ALERTS Please Register. It enables receiving email alerts when someone has posted. Timely communications is needed when helping your dog. How to register and set up for email alerts: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7353/register-bookmark-dogs-post-thread
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