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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 22, 2021 10:36:17 GMT -7
Gabbie is aproximately 20 lbs big long girl . I’ll be picking her up from the vet this afternoon. They’ve had her on steroids and pain management as well as fluids. Vet mentioned gabapentin but I imagine I’ll get the run down on meds when I pick her up.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
20 lbs 15 y.o.
Dex as of 7/20 at clinic; no steroid RX'd for at home?!
traMADol 50 mgs 3x/day
gabapentin 100 mg per 1 mL 100mgs (1mL dose) 3x/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/steroid!]
I’ve got her crate set up with pee pads, a sling for bathroom breaks, I even have some diapers.. Anything I’m missing that’s critical? I have cared for ivdd dog before...just was 15 years ago.
she is currently able to stand and is impaired walking. Vet says she’s been dribbling a bit of urine which I expect.. but she is pottying when taken out. He thought she may have improved a little and would be happier re covering at home. She’s 15 years old so I’m not about to send her for surgery.....we’ll manage conservative treatment.
What do I need to know before I pick her up?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 22, 2021 13:43:36 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. We are glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve learned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you! Learn 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:
Since Gabbie is still walking, even if wobbly, she is a good candidate for conservative treatment. The hallmark component of conservative treatment is the very STRICT crate rest part (no PT, little movement). With little blood supply discs are much slower to form good scar tissue than it takes a blood rich broken bone to heal. Those weeks of a cast for a broken arm to heal is similar to the recovery suite being a kind of cast for the disc. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks provides limited movement to allow good strong scar tissue to form. At the link below, we have some information about how crate rest works: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/
We have some tips on useful supplies for the crate rest period here: dodgerslist.com/2021/01/19/nursing-care-at-home-tips
It sounds like Gabbie has bladder control. The way we know for sure if a dog has bladder control is the "sniff and pee test". Carry Gabbie to an old pee spot. If she sniffs and then releases urine, she has bladder control. She may be dribbling because she has a urinary tract infection (UTI. The vet's office can do a urinalysis to check if there's infection and if so prescribe antibiotics. We generally do not recommend diapers, but until the cause of her dribbling is resolved they can be helpful.
We have information on UTIs and diapers here : dodgerslist.com/2020/06/09/incontinence-care-tipsPrint this flyer for your fridge. It has useful information, including how to recognize signs of an emergency.
What is your name? I am Romy.
Please keep us up to date as to how Gabbie is doing at home.
It is very scary when our dogs get diagnosed with IVDD. It is less so when we learn all we can about the disease. At the MAIN WEBSITE, use the orange SEARCH bar feature to easily access more IVDD information. dodgerslist.com/ |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 22, 2021 16:26:32 GMT -7
Yes she does have deficits with regards to reflexes...she can walk, wobbly. Gabbie is 15 year old dachshund. She does urinate on her own. I’ve not seen any dribbling yet so I wonder if she spilt her water or something at the clinic....? Vet said she was dribbling a bit. Have had her out once since we got home...kennel is dry. She ate and drank some chicken broth diluted with water..and went to sleep.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 23, 2021 6:44:33 GMT -7
Chumi, is your name? Hi, I'm Paula. Let me add my welcome too! Once you have settled in at home with Gabbie, do fill us in on all the details so are prepared to spot things that could help you with at home care. Emergency FAQ will fill you in on the big picture about a disc episode: dodgerslist.com/2020/02/24/emergency-faq/It will help us work together with you and avoid offering ideas that could cause harm or lead the discussion in the wrong direction delaying help for your dog — please share a bit more detail with us. QUESTIONS
☆ 1 Is there still currently pain now with Gabbie at home? Which? ☐ reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow, ginger movements ☐ shivering, trembling ☐yelping when picked up or moved ☐ tight tense tummy ☐can’t find a comfortable position, appears restless ☐ Arched back ☐head held high or nose to the ground ☐ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ☐Not their normal perky selves? Full pain relief is expected in1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. If not in control your vet needs to know asap to adjust meds. ☆ 2 A.. Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given. B.. 🔘 -- Name of steroid (prednisone, dex, etc) at the clinic? -- What was the start date at the clinic? -- Dose and mgs at home. What date will the steroid begin to reduce (taper?) C. 🔘 PEPCID AC: Phrase a simple question that you expect a simple "yes "or "no" to it. Does my dog have 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). (NOTE: Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html ) ☆ 3 -- Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark black or bright red blood indicating bleeding ulcers? -- No diarrhea? ☆ 5 Where is the bad disc — in the neck or the back? -- Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist surgeon: ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho? ☆ 6 What was the date you saw the vet for CONSERVATIVE treatment? STRICT rest at home means limited movement of the spine: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no dragging or meandering at 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 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! - no PT - no chiro therapy: Read up on why Chiropractic is not recommended for an IVDD dog: dodgerslist.com/2020/04/22/chiropractic - Transports are always a risk to the disc of too much movement. Vet visits must be weighed risk vs. benefit for dogs with little to mild neuro diminishment. - 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 ☆ 8 Currently do Gabbie's paws (front? or rear?) knuckle under. Are they slow to correct for proper placement on the ground? Look forward to learning more about Gabbie with your answers. |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 24, 2021 14:35:50 GMT -7
Gabbie is much improved...reflexes are back not 100% but very much Improved. She’s dry in the kennel, pooped normally yesterday. Tail is wagging, and she seems more herself.....this may be a long eight weeks for her...her back is less hunched today as well. I realize the dangers when they start feeling better...Do you think a lick mat in the kennel would be too much activity? Just anticipating that I may need to keep her engaged and happy in there...she’s not displaying signs of pain so the meds seem to be working well, she’s sleeping fully stretched out and relaxed at the moment. She has been eating well, only not near taking meds, a couple hours after. So kind of good news yes?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 24, 2021 14:55:55 GMT -7
Definitely good news! You are right that as they improve they may be harder to keep calm in the crate. They think they are fine. We, pet parents, know better. We know that 8 weeks of immobility is what allows the disc to heal.
There are some natural methods to keep a dog calm in the crate that you may want to try.
Try using an oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. with. Of course, always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price. Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider: --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser
Use a diffuser with one oral calmer from below: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed
2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine.
We have some other tips on helping a dog adjust to crate rest here:
In terms of a licking or snuffle mat, it would depend on how Gabbie uses it. I had one for my dog once and he was extremely enthusiastic and active trying to find the hidden treats. It may be that this kind of toy would result in too much movement to be safe.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 24, 2021 17:33:47 GMT -7
Chumi, good to hear Gabbie's pain meds have her in full comfort! Would you provide us the very important med list details? We want to be at the ready to comment should there be any changes and when the steroid taper starts. Details to us are very important in fully understanding Gabbie's treatment. Is there a reason that Pepcid AC (famotidine) has not been started?
Currently do Gabbie's paws (front? or rear?) knuckle under. Or slow to right the paw(s)?Thanks! |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 24, 2021 20:00:02 GMT -7
While at the vet, I don’t have paperwork here, she was given dexamethasone, Pepcid, and narcotic for pain.. and I’v fluids. she was sent home with 50 mg Tramadol, and Gabapentin 1 ml ...100mg...
she’s not knuckling over any more, I tryed to tip her foot over and she was strong enough to resist my attempt...
just worried that 5 days in she’s kind of grumbling...i have a lick mat , thinking she may feel engaged eating her lunch ( soft food) from the lick mat. She’s snuggled in with her fave bobo at the moment, I’m thinking about getting a stroller so she can get out a bit...
it does appear that the meds are keeping her comfortable. She’s stretching out in her crate getting some good rest.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 24, 2021 21:08:43 GMT -7
Chumi, great to hear pain still in control. Just learning you are also giving traMADol with the gabapentin, that makes for better pain control! Got it that dex was given at the clinic and you do not have all the details. What date did you take Gabbie to the vet clinic?STEROID information at home However, do need to know the name of the steroid given at home.
What date did the steroid use start at home? 1) The dose in mgs you give that steroid? 2) How often you give that steroid? 3) For how many days will that dose and frequency be given? i.postimg.cc/9MqP4ndF/healingsweling.jpg **
TRAMADOL at home
How many times a day do you give a whole 50mgs tablet?
GABAPENTIN at home
-- What is the formula on the bottle: how many mgs gabapentin are on one mL of liquid?
-- How many times a day do you dose gabapentin?
PEPCID AC information at home
What is the stumbling block to getting Pepcid AC on board? |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 25, 2021 9:16:45 GMT -7
There are no at home oral steroids...
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
20 lbs 15 y.o.
Dex as of 7/20 at clinic
traMADol 50 mgs 3x/day
gabapentin 100 mg per 1 mL: 100mgs (1mL dose) 3x/day ]
gabapentin is 100 mg per 1 ml taking 1 ml , the Gabapentin and Tramadol are every eight hours...there’s no stumbling block to Pepcid ac at home, it just was not recommended at the vet....and I’m not sure how much and what kind to give... she was dribbling urine this am... not full on wet but damp, I left the water in her kennel all night and she drank a lot. I normally don’t leave it in there over night, and I slept till eight today, normally get up a four thirty and take her out about 5 . She she may have had an overfull bladder she is a creature of habit, I’ll watch to make sure it doesn’t happen again...she has a recheck this week.
oh ya it’s five days in... so Tuesday night [7/20] is when she started having symptoms, she was in the clinic for 3 days and home for 2 now...should Pepcid be given if she’s not taking any oral steroids?
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Post by Ann Brittain on Jul 25, 2021 9:44:18 GMT -7
Hi, I think a link for information on Pepsid AC was posted in an earlier message, but I'm including a link just in case. As you'll see, the dosage is 0.44 mg per pound every 12 hours. Meds, other than steroids, can cause stomach upset so giving Pepsid can help alleviate those symptoms. Check with your vet if you have questions about drug interactions.
You mentioned that she was dribbling when she woke this morning. Was that because it was past time to go out or is she having issues with bladder control? If Gabbie is unable to empty her bladder fully, it could lead to a urinary tract infection. One way to tell if she's retaining urine is to put your hands around her middle, towards her hind legs. Apply a little pressure and see if you feel her bladder. It will feel spongy if urine is present or flat if she's fully emptied. You can also check her urine stream to see if it appears normal.
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 25, 2021 11:44:03 GMT -7
I’ll have to run out and get some Pepcid ac, all I have is Pepcid complete, which has other stuff in it. I think I will try to collect a urine sample and take it to the clinic just in case there could be uti.... she has been dry since then, I normally take her out every four hours or so and she would have normally gone out a 5 ish rather than 8 . We all slept late this am including miss Gabbie. She did have a rather hard poo this morning, Tramadol? I’ve been feeding only wet food and 3 or 4 times a day rather than twice to try to avoid stomach issues, But just the normal amount ... like i said earlier I’m still recovering from a back issue so I can really empathize with her...nerve pain is no fun.
Talked to the on call vet this afternoon and he thought best to treat pre emptively for uti.. so she’s prescribed 125mg of ✙clavaseptin every twelve hours. So no more worrying does she have a uti or not. She’s got a follow up on the 29th, but have been instructed to call if I have any concerns. One more hurdle crossed.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
20 lbs 15 y.o.
Dex as of 7/20 at clinic;
no steroid RX'd 7/23 for at home?!
traMADol 50 mgs 3x/day
gabapentin 100 mg per 1 mL 100mgs (1mL dose) 3x/day
✙clavaseptin 125 mgs 2x/day]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 25, 2021 20:35:54 GMT -7
Chumi, this is how meds are used with a disc episode: -- An anti-inflammatory such as a steroid is used until all painful spinal cord tissue swelling is gone. -- No one can know if all swelling is really gone until the tapering down of dex AND the stop of all pain meds (traMADol and gabapentin). The owner at home then watches for any surfacing of pain and immediately updates the vet. Rule of thumb is: pain = swelling = back up at anti-inflammatory dose of dex + pain meds and Pepcid ACYou and the vet are fully blindfolded as to whether the spinal cord swelling is gone or needs to be back on board to finish the job of resolving all inflamed cord tissue. WHY? Because pain masking pain meds (gabapentin and traMADol) are still on board. Have you asked your vet why pain meds are still on board? Can you advocate for pain meds to be stopped so you can do your job at home to assess accurately and quickly about pain resurfacing? No one knows how long to use dex or any other anti-inflammatory drug. So a vet normally Rx's a 7- to 14- day course of an anti-antiinflammatory drug. It is the tapering off PLUS the stopping of pain meds that allow owners to quickly report on painful inflammation if revealed and the need for yet another course of Dex or more usual at home steroid prednisone course, then another test for pain taper. Read about dex: www.marvistavet.com/dexamethasone.pmlRead about prednisone: www.marvistavet.com/prednisone.pmlWhat if there is still swollen tissue still pressing on the cord's bundle of nerves going? Nerves do not like pressure they can die. Nerve death can be observed as loss of neuro function such as wobbly walking, paralyzed legs, etc. The vet and you are blindfolded to know the truth about swelling! If there have been no signs of pain at home on two pain meds, then discuss and ADVOCATE for: -- STOP all pain meds to get a quick assessment about cord swelling. Pain meds stay in the body for about 8 hrs. So you would know about pain surfacing pretty quickly. -- If there is still cord swelling then the vet would Rx may be 7-day or a 14-day course for at home of the usual of steroid prednisone + Pepcid AC (famodine) to suppress steroid caused stomach acids. All steroids, all meds have side effects. When actually needed the benefit is immense. When meds have no job to work on all the dog gets are the bad side effects. CONSTIPATION traMADol can have the side effect of constipation. Plain pureed canned pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. NOTE: alternatives are really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potatoe: -- To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. -- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble. Give a teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight. |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 26, 2021 11:57:30 GMT -7
She has an appt booked for a recheck this week. I do trust this vet with regards to the best course of action given her age...she is progressing well, I may be instructed to taper off the pain meds at that point. Or at least the tramadol. I think the Gabapentin may hang on a bit longer to deal with nerve pain.... and anxiety. Like I said before, this is NOT the first case of ivdd I’ve cared for...and have recently gone thru the same issues myself....she IS being WELL cared for, despite not exactly the way you think it should go...MY vet is very conservative with things like steroids, and vaccines, and it has contributed to Gabbies well being and super sweet demeanor. She’s not in pain, has no issues with stomach upsets, uti being treated, she’s not been constipated yet, and is resting in crate as prescribed.I was looking for suggestions to avoid it since that was a problem during my own recovery.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 26, 2021 12:25:41 GMT -7
Gabapentin for nerve pain nor traMADol will not resolve the root cause of pain. Pain meds, however, will provide comfort from nerve pain until an anti-inflammatory drug resolves all painfully inflamed and swollen tissue around the spinal cord. If there would be pain still existing, would not one want to know and decide if a lessor steroid such as prednisone might be useful. If there actually is no more painful swelling, then would it be prudent to not burned a dog's system with only the side effects of pain meds that have nothing to work on? Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, ACVIM has hit it on the nail especially with IVDD. Each of us needs to be self educated so we can team up to work with our vets. Bring up ideas for discussion, etc. "Gone are the days when you simply followed your vet's orders and asked few, if any questions. The vet is now a member of your dog's health-care team, and you get to be the team captain!" READ MORE: www.speakingforspot.com/PDF/Medical%20Advocacy%20101.pdf Very glad to hear Gabbie has not had any constipation yet! |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 26, 2021 15:38:13 GMT -7
Gabbie would be in hospital except the vet felt she’d get what she needed and be more content to be still at home. The pain meds are still being used because she would otherwise have been in clinic...she wouldn’t eat there and didn’t sleep, was losing weight...there will be a re evaluation at her appt. From what my experience has been with my other ivdd dog and myself, it takes time and rest to recover. The pain meds are obv there to keep her calm and comfortable while they’re needed. The dex was given vía Iv in hospital to the threshhold the vet believed was best for her at her age. He is one of the premier vets in our area and I trust him. Don’t assume i didn’t ask questions, because I did..... We made the decision to bring her home early because she was not doing well in the clinic and would have had to be sedated otherwise to keep her still. As far as I can see right now we’ve made the right decisions for her. I know this is not going to be an overnight fix..it’s going to take eight weeks minimum. For the time being she’s being kept comfortable and calm.
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 27, 2021 18:04:59 GMT -7
Ok I’ve spoken to the vet, and he says that it’s now time to start giving some metacam, that the steroid washout time is complete...is it normal to add metacam to tramadol and gabapentin? She’s also still on a course of antibiotic for bladder...He wants her to have a double dose of metacam for the first dose.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 27, 2021 18:38:27 GMT -7
Chumi, I believe you will get a good perspective with these two articles on the use of pain meds, the use of either of the two classes of anti-inflammatory drugs and what circumstances they are used. dodgerslist.com/2020/02/24/healing-pain/ dodgerslist.com/2020/05/30/pain-medications/We always want to do our best. Updates from you keep us up to speed on Gabbie's treatment and how she is feeling. -- start date of Metacam? For how many days will the 1st course be? -- any other changes to the med list, dose in mgs and how often given? I hope the article help you out. If there is anything mysterious to you, let's chat! Best wishes for good healing for Gabbie. |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 28, 2021 8:47:11 GMT -7
✙Metacam started Tuesday July 27 and duration will be discussed at follow up appt tomorrow..Gabbie will be re evaluated at that point. Vet has been in touch several times this week as per any concerns regarding care...
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
▼17.64 lbs 15 y.o.
Dex as of 7/20 at clinic;
no steroid RX'd 7/23 for at home?!
✙Metacam as of 7/27: ?mgs ?x/day for how many days?, then test stop_pain/_neuro
traMADol 50 mgs 3x/day
gabapentin 100 mg per 1 mL 100mgs (1mL dose) 3x/day
clavaseptin 125 mgs 2x/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/METACAM! ]
we get up really early 4:30 am and I’ve noticed she doesn’t want to eat till later in the day, could be the meds depressing appetite? She seems to be ravenous just before it’s time for a new dose of gabapentin and tramadol...I’m trying to feed her directly before or after her meds...
initial dose of [what med?] .2 mg per kg, she’s 8 kg or 17.6 lbs maintenance dose is .1 mg per kg..
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 28, 2021 10:07:34 GMT -7
Chumi, filling in the missing med list information or correction of incorrect data would give helpful big picture info (in pink) ▼17.64 lbs 15 y.o.Dex as of 7/20 at clinic; no steroid RX'd 7/23 for at home?! ✙Metacam as of 7/27: ?mgs ?x/day for how many days, then test stop_pain/_neurotraMADol 50 mgs 3x/day gabapentin 100 mg per 1 mL 100mgs (1mL dose) 3x/day clavaseptin 125 mgs 2x/dayneeds GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/METACAM!
What time(s) is Metcam dosed? What times(s) are traMADol and gabapentin dosed? What time is later in the day when she wants to eat? What is the stumbling block to getting Pepcid AC (famtodiine) on board to suppress the extra acids METACAM causes? dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/ |
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 29, 2021 10:31:10 GMT -7
Metacam is dosed in the evening with her dinner..once every 24 hours. Vet gave instructions to start tapering [dose in mgs and frequency?] off ▼Gabapentin and ▼tramadol. Starting with cutting to 2 doses every 8 hours and none at night. And just dose metacam once a day as maintenance.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
17.64 lbs 15 y.o.
IV Dex as of 7/20 at clinic;
no steroid RX'd 7/23 for at home?!
Metacam as of 7/27: ?mgs ?x/day for how many days?,
as of 7/29 ?mgs 1x/day then test stop_pain/_neuro
traMADol 50 mgs 3x/day reduced to ?mgs ?x/day
gabapentin 100 mg per 1 mL 100mgs (1mL dose) 3x/day reduced to ?mgs ?x/day
clavaseptin 125 mgs 2x/day
✙Pumpkin
✙míralax 1/4 tsp 2x/day
✙Pepcid AC 8 mgs 1x/day ]
I was told she could have as much ✙pumpkin as she wants, and she gets 1/4 teaspoon of ✙míralax with food 2x a day till the tramadol is gone. Reflexes are about the same as mid week and she’s not showing any signs of pain. Might revisit the Gabapentin if we have trouble keeping her settled. 8 mg Pepcid once a day before metacam as per vet instruction.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jul 29, 2021 13:41:57 GMT -7
Excellent that Gabbie is not showing any signs of pain!
A typical course of an NSAID like Metacam is about 7 days at which time the anti-inflammatory is usually stopped, and the pain meds are also stopped or cut back. If at this point no pain is seen the swelling in the spinal cord is gone and no meds are needed, only the remainder of the 8 weeks of crate rest. If pain is seen, more time on the anti-inflammatory and pain meds are needed. Do you know how long the vet wants Gabbie on the maintenance dose of Metacam?
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Jul 29, 2021 17:30:34 GMT -7
I think it may be due to her age? And to make sure that there’s no residual swelling...since he felt she was too old to go further with steroids...this is one week of treatment, she’s getting a bit looopy from the other drugs and it’s hard to see if there’s any progress. Metacam doesn’t have that effect on her. And then there’s the constipation issue with tramadol.. I do have her on pumpkin, and vet prescribed miralax as well
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 29, 2021 22:03:33 GMT -7
Giving all the high fiber pumpkin she wants is really not ideal. You do not mention if Gabbie is taking in extra water with the pumpkin you give. If not this will cause constipation!
--To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day.
-- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble.
Give a teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight.
A list is the very best way to tell about Gabbie's meds. A list is simple and leaves no room for misinterpretation. Could you fill us in where you see pink letters? Thanks bunches.
LIST
Metacam as of 7/27: ?mgs ?x/day for 2 days,
as of 7/29 ?mgs 1x/day then test stop_pain/_neuro
traMADol 50 mgs 3x/day reduced to ?mgs ?x/day
gabapentin 100 mg per 1 mL 100mgs (1mL dose) 3x/day reduced to ?mgs ?x/day
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Post by Chumi & Gabbie on Aug 2, 2021 18:17:59 GMT -7
Ya she’s doing great on the pumpkin,she gets a tbsp or so on top of her food. she’s been drinking and eating well. And Ohhhhh my, the last 2 days has been back to her normal self and she is strong! This is gonna be a looooong crate rest with her being this much better.... Dinner time is really a pain , when she smells food. I may have to find things to keep her brain occupied in there....we’re in the danger zone now that she’s feeling better! She’s got another week on metacam before a re-evaluation . Going to call the vet for some advice when they reopen after the long weekend. Shes been weaned off the ➖ Gabapentin and ➖ traMADol and just gets the maintenance dose of metacam and Pepcid 1/2 hour before....Vet wanted her to stay on the maintenance dose till re-evaluation.( next week) but I will consult with him when they reopen from long weekend.
[MED LIST /HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
17.64 lb/ 8 kgs 15 y.o.
IV Dex as of 7/20 at clinic for ? days;
5-7 days washout before switch to at-home NSAID
Metacam as of 7/27: 1.6 mgs 1x/day for 2 days (Pkg insert: Initial 1 day only 0.2 mg/kg)
as of 7/29: 0.8mgs 1x/day for 5+? days; then date? test stop: _pain/_neuro (Pkg insert: maint dose 0.1 mg/kg)
clavaseptin 125 mgs 2x/day
Pumpkin
Pepcid AC 8 mgs 1x/day ]This is a mixed bag of news...for sure. i had posted previously her doseages but somehow it didn’t post..we’ve had some wonky wifi and electricity with all the forest fires.... metacam .1 mg per kg of body weight so .8 mg every 24 hours. She has a few clavaseptin left 125mg every 12 hours Yes we’ve stopped the ➖ miralax as she’s pooping regularly, the pumpkin appears to be enough to keep things moving now.. |
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