|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 6, 2021 10:21:57 GMT -7
[Original subject line:AUGIE comming home from surgery 5/9 ]
hank augie is mix breed 3yrs old 50 lbs had surgery on 5/2 due home 5/9 will get list of meds 5/9 when pick
setting up surgery suite augie has sat up stand no walking yet got my dates mixed up yes surger6/2 due home 6/9 augie is part cattle dog part pit
here is doc info Jim Lavely, DVM, DACVIM Neurology i will have more details soon have to admit i am totally freaked out
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 6, 2021 10:44:38 GMT -7
Welcome! Hi, my name is Paula, what's your?
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: Know more about us and how we team up with veterinarians: dodgerslist.com/about-team-dodgerslist/
❖6 Your reporting he can move up into a stand position by himself is really great news! Let us know upon discharge what else you notice about his back legs.
DISCHARGE DAY I bet your mind is flooded right now with concerns, questions. Now is the time to jot those things down. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns to ask your surgeon: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/03/discharge-day-list/**  This page is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day. dodgerslist.com/2020/05/12/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers/See if there are any other things you can do to make post-op crate rest go smoother with these very useful tips and ideas: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/------------------------ When Augie gets discharged on Wed 6/9, fill us in what with you know. It will help us work together with you and avoid offering ideas that could cause harm or lead the discussion in the wrong direction ❖1 At home are you seeing any pain surface? ☐shivering, trembling ☐Arched back ☐yelping when picked up or moved ☐can’t find a comfortable position ☐reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move ☐tight tense tummy ☐Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ☐Not their normal perky selves? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. If not in control your surgeonneeds to know asap to adjust meds. ❖2 What meds was he sent home with: …A Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and times per day given. …C PEPCID AC: Ask if your dog has any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC (famotidine)? (doesn’t need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question!) If you get a “no health” issues answer,then go to the grocery store to purchase over the counter Pepcid AC containing one single active ingredient (famotidine) if he would be on a non-steroid (NSAID) or a steroid anti-inflammatory drug. Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound, 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours for as long as your dog is on the anti-inflammatory. www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html❖3 GI track problems? —Eating and drinking OK? No nausea/not eating, no vomit? —Poops OK? Normal firmness & color -no dark black or bright red blood indicating bleeding ulcers? No diarrhea? ❖4 Post-op crate rest is to allow the surgical sites to heal. Post-op dogs will follow surgeon’s directives for PT during post-op rest as the offending disc material was surgically removed. 1. How many weeks did your surgeon direct for post-op rest? 2. What did your surgeon direct for at home PT? ❖5 Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine which is bladder control – OR- do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted which are indication of an overflowing bladder and loss of bladder control? Overflowing bladders need to be expressed to avoid UTIs. Review video then get a hands-on-top-of-your-hands expressing lesson. dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/DOGs with BLADDER CONTROL: Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps unless surgeon has directed some walking PT. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) 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 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! LARGE DOGS: If your dog is too big too carry it is still important that the amount of movement to the potty place be minimized until your surgeon directs otherwise. Try a pee pad right outside the crate. Add caster wheels to a wire crate and wheel down ramp over steps to outside. ❖7 Do you know the breed mix for Augie? ❖8 Is the surgeon a general DVM or a specialist surgeon: ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho? Acupuncture, laser and water therapy are excellent post-op therapies, if within your budget. Check with surgeon prior to starting. Knowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!! The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD soonest possible. Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works. ➤ At home nursing care tips: dodgerslist.com/2021/01/19/nursing-care-at-home-tips/➤ Medications used during a disc episode: dodgerslist.com/meds-used-during-disc-episode/➤ What to expect during each phase of healing: dodgerslist.com/in-the-right-place |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 6, 2021 10:51:28 GMT -7
LARGE DOGS: If your dog is too big too carry it is still important that the amount of movement to the potty place be minimized. --Try a pee pad right outside and adjacent to the crate. --Add caster wheels to a wire crate and wheel down ramp over steps to outside. -- place crate near sliding glass door, to provide minimal footsteps onto a potty place on the deck. Potty spot could be some dirt, sod, snow). i.postimg.cc/MZrsPYQb/pottytime-deck.jpg ** -- IF potty place is on your deck, use combo of white vinegar and water in a watering can to cleanse. Vinegar takes away the smell of urine as the acity kills bacteria. ⚠️White vinegar can kill grasss/landscaping if you have 'em under the deck. If Augie should not be able to ambulate on discharge day, the hospital may have a loaner rear harness or you may wish to consider these safety ideas when assisting Augie at potty time, etc. -- HELP 'EM UP: A complete shoulder and hip harness system: helpemup.com/features/sizes for 10 to 225 pounds dogs. Harness for rear leg support: Walkabout: www.walkaboutharnesses.com/collections/walkabout-harnesses/products/walkabout-back-harness |
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 7, 2021 6:48:56 GMT -7
augie called hospital they said that they removed catheter and he peed 2 times with help but by himself eating well had 2 poops said he is very shaky probably coming home 6/8 if everything goes well trying to set up recovery suite question my room is up 2 sets of stairs i am guessing that i will have to move into the den where is is easy to get him outside how do i know when he needs to go out is it after he eats or drinks? should i time it the same everyday? food: i have jinx kibble with air dried chicken is this ok
having trouble setting up e mail alerts getting very nervous about his home comming
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 7, 2021 6:53:32 GMT -7
Hank? is that your name? Can you tell us which step of enabling email alerts is the stumbling block? Bookmark a thread to receive an email alert when someone has replied. Go to the CONSERVATIVE (or SURGERY) Board 1. Look for your dog's thread and checkmark it. 2. Look for the white ACTIONS button towards top. 3. Select “Notification Options" from the pull down menu — check mark “NEW POST” change from never to INSTANT email — press the SAVE button. Click the “x” to close the window 4. Next choose the “Bookmark” See the tiny book symbol now!  |
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 7, 2021 7:14:09 GMT -7
notifications got it my name is Hank
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 7, 2021 7:36:25 GMT -7
Hank, good job in getting the email alerts set up! And very good news with cath removed Augie can pee. What type of recovery suite are you using? An 8 panel ex-pen might be easier as you can open one panel to get closer to Augie in helping him up, putting on a rear end sling, etc. Or if you have a wire crate, make it a top opening one for easier access to Augie: dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/crate-top-conversion.pdfFrom now on ramps are needed to protect Augie's discs and no jumping for same reason. So maybe with your home layout until you have some ramps, and during post op rest, the den would be a good idea. Ideally Augie should be in the middle of family activity so as not to feel isolated.
Augie will likely have the same eat/drink timing with need to potty as before the operation. That is unless he comes home on prednisone or other steroid that would make him more thirsty. In any event water should be always always be available in his recovery suite attached to side. Most dogs want to go outside about every 4-6 hours to potty. |
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 7, 2021 8:09:42 GMT -7
have a wire where i can walk in to get the sling around augie when changing the bedding where should i keep him i have a small play pen this site is GREAT
|
|
|
|
Post by Jessica on Jun 7, 2021 9:48:42 GMT -7
There are several different types of recovery suite set ups that can be used. As Paula mentioned, the wire ex-pen may be best strategy for Augie since his size makes him difficult to lift easily. The size of the recovery suite, ex-pen, play pen, etc. should only be big enough to stand on all four legs, turn around and when lying down to fully stretch out legs. The basic set up should be something like this:  You are right - you do want to limit movement when changing bedding. Since Augie is not so easy to move around at 50 lbs., a harness/leash tied to leg of heavy couch may help for the short time you are refreshing his suite bedding. The video Paula shared has a neat tip for confining a dog while changing bedding with the ex-pen set up. This page is helpful for information on the recovery suite set up and tips: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-processIt sounds like Augie has some good progress happening! We are happy to help you prepare for his homecoming and look forward to hearing more updates. |
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 8, 2021 14:35:23 GMT -7
augie is home looks great a little wobbly very hungry laying in his pen herniated c6 c7 surgery done c5 to c7
meds gabapentin 100mg every 8hr corprofen 75mg 1/2 tab every 12 hr
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
50 lbs
carprofen 37.5 mgs 2x/day
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/CARPROFEN! ]
how do i attach pics?
|
|
|
|
Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 8, 2021 14:54:30 GMT -7
Very good news that Augie is home. Dogs do better at home.
To post a photo on the Forum:
When you are editing or composing a post, there is a button on the top right side that says add image to post. From there you will have the option to browse your computer for the photo or drag and drop.
The above does not work with Quick Reply.
Love to see a photo.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 9, 2021 7:00:01 GMT -7
augie is very restless in his pen are there any foods or supplements that might help
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 9, 2021 7:24:19 GMT -7
Hank, to do our best job we will need from you information Does Augie have bladder control? Or did you get a lesson on how to express his bladder: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/Do you see any signs of pain nearing next dose of medications?
SIGNS OF PAIN to phone surgeon and immediately report: ⚙︎ 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 ➕if a neck disc: ◻︎ 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 CALMERS Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives (ACE, alprazolam or traZODone). Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Place a DAP pheromone diffusor at floor level where the recovery suite is: --DOG Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/Use diffusor with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com
Is Augie's recovery suite a wire crate? Is the suite situated where there is activity or is he isolated in the den with periodic visits from you?
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 9, 2021 7:39:15 GMT -7
yes a 8 panel pen i stayed with him last night
suite not near any activity
eating great
pee and poop on his own with harness
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 9, 2021 8:13:31 GMT -7
After you sleeping with Augie last night, then was it this morning that he became restless. What exactly did you observe?
restless due to anxiety?
restless, can find a comfortable position due to pain?
slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions due to pain?
Do call your surgeon if you have concerns.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 9, 2021 8:23:55 GMT -7
slept until 3am than became very needy wanted me to pet him constantly
no pain moves to much in suite guess its his first night at home maybe he will calm down with more time
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 9, 2021 9:16:48 GMT -7
Hank, as long as you are assured Augie is not in pain, then it may be a behavior thing and a bit of anxiety.
Do check into the option to help Augie be able to relax in his suite with the aid of two calmers: DAP diffusor at floor level and one oral calmer.
RETRAINING
Be aware you might be inadvertently training for unwanted behavior. To dogs rewards are: food, looking at them, talking to them, eye contact, approaching the crate, petting. So anytime you see unwanted behavior try speaking in your dog's language so he understands to calm down. Turn your body sideways, avoid eye contact until he calms and settles down. Preferable is to start teaching what you do want before there is too much practice in doing the unwanted behavior. Anytime your Augie is sitting or lying down quietly, give a reward of a calm loving "good sit/lie." Soon he will see rewards are received by quietly sitting, etc.
Could you help us? A period after the end of each sentence will let us know which words belong to which group of thoughts. Thanks bunches!
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 10, 2021 7:46:39 GMT -7
Augie is feelings good. He gets 1 pain pill every 8 hrs and 1 anti inflammatory every 12 hr. He is.peeing and pooping with very little help. He does not want to be left alone.he thinks he is better. My biggest problem is keeping him from movements in his pen. When anyone comes near he moves to much.gets very excited tail wagging.I ordered the calming aids they should be here tomorrow. I guess these are good problems just so tired and it’s only day 3
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 10, 2021 12:15:35 GMT -7
Hank, Augie had surgery. He needs to rest to let the surgical sites (muscle, skin, etc) self heal. But he is not like a China Doll. He can be allowed to wag his tail and stand up on all four paws to greet someone.
What Augie should avoid doing is jumping up on back legs against the side of suite. He should be not be rambunctious in his recovery suite. If he is too active, then those calmers will help he be able to relax in his suite.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 12, 2021 19:02:32 GMT -7
a tough day. augie is doing well ,walking ,peeing pooping but he is having panic attacks. He wants out of the pen. I enclosed the top ,helped a little. Called the doc he put augie on ✙trazodone every eight. hours we will see
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
50 lbs
carprofen 37.5 mgs 2x/day, Date of STOPPING?
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/CARPROFEN! ]
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 13, 2021 9:32:57 GMT -7
Hank, hope to hear back from you that the Trazodone is helping to relieve Augie's anxiety.
How many mgs of traZODone do you give Augie every 8 hrs?
Has the surgeon discussed the date Carprofen will stop?
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 14, 2021 6:20:01 GMT -7
50mg trazdoine 1 1/2 every 12 hrs . seems to be working augie has no rx for PT. I see many that after surgery start PT Since it has been 6 days from surgery should i contact the Doc. He is due foe a follow up in 3 weeks. Today is the last day for carprofen.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
50 lbs
carprofen 37.5 mgs 2x/day, STOPPED 6/15
traZODone 75mgs 2x/day
gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, when on board w/CARPROFEN! ]
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 14, 2021 11:22:38 GMT -7
Hank can Augie wobbly walk on his own using both front legs and back legs without a rear support harness?
Does Augie need a rear sling to help him walk if too wobbly with his back legs? front legs?
Is gabapentin 100mgs dose 3x/day still being given to Augie?
In general a dog who has paralyzed legs, the owner would need to do at home PT to keep the joints flexing and to maintain circulation in the leg muscles.
IF a dog can walk on their own (even with some assistance of a rear sling/harness) then the dog is getting joint and muscle PT each time they are at potty.
When you tell us more details on the questions asked above, we'd be able to give a fuller answer to your question about specifically the kind of PT. So looking forward your answers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 14, 2021 12:37:53 GMT -7
Augie walks on his own with little assistance. He pees and poops with no help. His back legs are a little wobbly. He is not on gabapentin. Today he thru up very little. This was the first time. The only medicine he is on is trazodone 75mg every 12hrs.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
50 lbs
carprofen 37.5 mgs 2x/day, STOPPED 6/15
traZODone 75mgs 2x/day]
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 14, 2021 15:25:13 GMT -7
Hank, if Augie is walking then that could very well be his PT!
Call the surgeon and update him on how well Augie is walking. The surgeon, with that most excellent news, to nail down for you the number of weeks for post-op rest in his recovery suite. The surgeon may want direct the at home PT you can do. Remember at-home PT is always a slow, supervised, in control with harness and leash type of thing. I have seen many a surgeon on this Forum direct a walk to and from the potty place for walking dogs as their PT. Chat with your surgeon to see what he wants for Augie's situation.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 17, 2021 6:23:19 GMT -7
the surgeon said that standing and walking for now is enough pt. augie had a rough day yesterday. He walked to pee but not want to do anything but stand. he let out a yelp going back into the create. I could tell he was in pain. I gave him a pain pill 1 ✙gabapentin 100mg and he slept through the night. He is on 11/2 trazodone every 8 hrs. i have a call into the surgeon to see if we should continue the gabapentin every 8 hrs. I am not sure if the surgeon will put him on anything else.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
50 lbs
carprofen 37.5 mgs 2x/day, STOPPED 6/15
traZODone 75mgs 2x/day
✙gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day ]
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 17, 2021 8:45:36 GMT -7
Let us know what the surgeon says about the pain and Gabapentin because Augie may have increased too fast /more walking to get to the potty place.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 19, 2021 18:34:17 GMT -7
Noticed today [6/19] .augie has been licking his front paws does this mean anything??
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
|
Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2021 20:05:49 GMT -7
Hank, you did not mention what the neuro said about the pain 6/17 of a yelp and your giving gabapentin. Did the surgeon adjust his meds? Always appreciate details/facts. It is very difficult for us to answer your question as we can not see what you see. It is you who will have to assess how severe the licking is and if it is of an emergency nature or not. Licking front paws could be for a number of reasons (cleaning himself, claiming himself, insect bite, something stuck to the underside of paw, allergy, phantom pain ) Note your observations of when this happens, how long Augie does this, any rash or broken skin. The more information you can give your vet, the more likely he can tell what may be the problem, how severe an issue this is, and if a vet appointment is advised. NEUROPATHIC PAIN (phantom pain) If the licking would escalate to biting, chewing on front paws, contact the surgeon to report. While waiting for neuro to call back, put an e-collar so that Augie can't reach his front paws to bite them. If this would be neuropathic pain, then the current dose of gabapentin for nerve pain would likely be adjusted to match the needs of neuropathic pain. Everyone has experienced numbness or pins and needles tingling in your legs when sitting in a bad position for too long a time. Your dog might be feeling abnormal nerve sensations that are mild pins and needles to quite painful burning, on-fire feeling that makes them bite, chew off a body part, to stop the pain. These are abnormal signals (phantom pain) when nerves are healing that sometimes can happen. You would need to stay on top of observing for any more signs of chewing on body parts and act quickly. Immediately put a e-collar on or a lengthwise folded towel and secured closed with duct tape. Directions + picture: forum.greytalk.com/topic/220138-create-your-own-surgical-collar/ Hank would you keep us updated on the licking issue. |
|
|
|
Post by Hank & Augie on Jun 20, 2021 10:08:45 GMT -7
talked to doc. He put augie on 100mg ✙gabapentin every 8 hrs ,carporfen 1/2 tablet every 8 hrs. He still is on trazodone 1 per day. We will stay on this for the next 5 days.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
50 lbs
6/20 vet wanted more med time for post op swelling or over did walking PT.
✙carprofen as of 6/20: 37.5 mgs 2x/day, for 5 days
traZODone 75mgs 1x/day
✙gabapentin 100mgs 3x/day ]
Augie has stopped his licking his paws. I will keep an eye on this.
Doc felt that we may have taken augie off his meds to early. More likely he thinks that augie overdid his walking. I will try to get him more rest. |
|
