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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 19, 2013 21:07:36 GMT -7
--What is your dog's name?
Rusty - 4 years
--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD?
Mini Doxie - Injured 8 a.m. 8/18. Xray showed collapse between T12 - L1.
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7?
Saw emergency vet by 10:30 a.m. same day. He is still in hospital so we haven't started at home crate rest.
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?
There was great pain when he injured it yesterday morning. I had a hard time keeping him still on the ground while I found a ride to the emergency vet and trying to get dressed. Poor kid. He was in shock and was fighting it, trying to get up and run around the house - then writhing in pain and trying to bite. Had no use of rear legs.
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies?
Tramadol 50 mg; Previcox 57 mg; Methocarbamol 500mg - The admitting doc did say they would use prevacid if it was needed. (Am now curious after having read most of the dogs here were placed on prednizone and Rusty was placed on the NSAID - will have to ask)
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
No use of rear legs at all. No motion of tail.
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
I did have confirmed today that he has bladder and bowel control. Though they are expressing the bladder to keep ahead of possible UTI.
-- Eating and drinking OK?
He did finally eat and have water sometime between my checkup call at 11 p.m. last night and my call again at 6:30 a.m. this morning.
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood?
This was not mentioned at our visit this afternoon.
Rusty is my wild child. We also have a Pug. As soon as I came home from the pup hospital yesterday, I started research. Found myself on this site and found it both encouraging and reassuring - not to mention informative. I have a conference scheduled with the hospital tomorrow (his release date) and hopefully with the admitting doc. Will also be calling my own vet to make sure he got the copy of Rusty's file and get set up on that end. Very nervous about bringing him home tomorrow. He is such a wild child, I fear that crate rest will mean something totally different to him (think bouncy house fun). I will discuss this with our personal vet - perhaps transfer Rusty to his office at least until the end of the week. I've already gotten him some new fleece for their crate, picked up some pumpkin just in case and am still trying to locate dishes/holders so he's not reaching down for food or water.
I've read a lot of the success stories and even more of the posts in the forum. Certainly made me much more calm about his injury and any prognosis. Perhaps I'll even get some real rest tonight.
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 19, 2013 22:13:29 GMT -7
Hi Kim welcome to Dodgerslist. I hope you do get some rest tonight and I am so glad to hear you have been reading and learning about IVDD. That will help you and Rusty over the days and weeks to come. It has been very upsetting for you, so take some time to rest so you will feel restored enough to take care of Rusty when he comes home.. Here is a list of discharge questions to ask when you go to pick up Rusty: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmKeep in mind that if he is changed from Previcox to Prednisone there needs to be a 4-7 day washout which would leave Rusty without an anti inflammatory during a crucial time. If they do decide to change him from Previcox to Prednisone make sure he has two stomach protectors.. Pepcid AC and Sucralfate to coat the lining of the stomach to prevent ulcers..Please read this: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmPepcid AC is faster acting within 30 minutes than Prevacid which takes 24 hours to become effective. It's better to be proactive and prevent GI issues than to cure them after they happen. He has enough to deal with having IVDD. Sending comforting thoughts your way.. We are here for you.. Let us know how Rusty is settling in once you get him home.. I remember when I brought Tyler home, how nervous I was but we got along fine, took it a day at a time and got used to our new normal. It's quite an adjustment but we made it, he recovered very well and I pray the same for your Rusty..
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on Aug 20, 2013 8:06:39 GMT -7
Hi Kim, I'm Sabrina. I'm so glad you found Dodger'sList! And I do hope you got some rest last night. If you can't find bowls to attach to his crate, here's directions on how to make some: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/bowlHLDR.jpgI was so worried that my Charley wouldn't tolerate crate rest, but he's actually doing so much better than I expected! Have a read through this info so you can be ready to help Rusty if he won't settle: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm#EmergencyconfinementThere's a link there to music cds designed to relax dogs from "Through A Dog's Ear". I got those for Charley and I'm very impressed with how they help to calm him. They aren't a "magic cure" or anything, but they do help - and they help to calm me, too! There are also links and info about other calming aids - so know that there are things you can do to help Rusty tolerate his crate rest. ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 20, 2013 13:07:14 GMT -7
Thanks so much for the replies, Paulina and Sabrina. I'm mentally going through my list of must dos before my little man is brought home and thought of something. The crate I am using is similar to the one below. The last time wild child Rusty was placed in crate "time out" he decided he could eat his way out somehow. I've circled the area of issue on the photo. Basically he wound up with his bottom jaw wedged into a small area of the circular part of the latch and his top jaw wedged above the circular portion. Between all the yelping, my daughter got into the cage helping to hold him still while I used pliers and a screwdriver to leverage the circular portion enough for him to slide his bottom jaw out and he was then able to retract his top jaw on his own. I'm telling you, this boy finds any and all trouble to get himself into. Any ideas on what I can put around or on this area to keep him from attempting to do the same thing? I'm thinking he may not have it in him to make the attempt when he first comes home, but I've learned to never second guess his thoughts.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 20, 2013 14:52:20 GMT -7
One suggestion: Try converting to a top opening crate. Directions are here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/cratetopconvert.pdfThen place a baby's crib bumper pad around the bottom or place his doggie bed inside the crate. This way either the baby crib bumper or the doggie bed's foam sides will block that area.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Aug 20, 2013 18:08:21 GMT -7
We had that same problem, and it cost us $1000 in dental bills. Polly lost 6 teeth in the process. She actually broke the welds in several places and pried the wires apart. We keep her in the wire crate now only when we're home. We found a plastic one that is larger, and we have to put plywood over the top to keep her from getting out. We block off the extra space in the plastic crate with boxes. When you have an escape artist, you have to get creative. I'll try to find a link to the crate we got. Here's the link. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FS6INU/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 21, 2013 17:44:35 GMT -7
Hello again. Little man Rusty is now home. Strange instructions from the doc at the hospital, so I'm calling his personal doc in the a.m. Strange as in, crate 2 weeks then start range of motion bicycle type exercises with legs. He's on the methocarbamol 500 mg (1/4 tab 3x daily) tramadol 50mg (1/2 tab 3x daily) previox 57mg (1/2 tab once a day). I'm here to tell you, it was a good durned thing I called his personal doc before picking him up. Here I thought the trip home would keep him mellow when we arrived home. Pfft.... Got him into the crate with fresh water and he immediately started with trying to dig his way out. Sat with him a good while, offering bits of chicken when he was calm and quiet. He started getting antsy again and seemingly chasing an imaginary fly. He settled into a loop of sit and whine then chase the fly, then try to dig out. I decided to go ahead and give him the 1/2 tab of benedryl that his personal doc suggested. That while stretched in to me moving him to the crate in the air conditioned room and laying down with him. Not five minutes into this, he decided to try a jump up to grab the blanket on top. That crate is a bit larger than the one in the open area of the house. No dice, he simply wasn't interested. Now we're back into the open area in the smaller crate and I can tell the benedryl is kicking in a bit but he's fighting it with everything he has. I suppose I could offer Rusty as the poster boy for introducing and regularly using some sort of crate in daily life. He's prime example of not having done this. Not sure I'll have any rest tonight, I do picture doing this all night Tomorrow I start back to work, so my daughter will be watching him until I come home on lunch break. Not too sure how that is going to work.. we'll find out. I will be phoning our personal doc first thing and asking about sedative to help the little man out. Thanks for the support. It certainly helps.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 21, 2013 17:58:19 GMT -7
I'm sure you're very glad to have Rusty home again! It does sound like you may need some help from his vet to calm him down. Crate rest is just that - you have to rest, Rusty! Strange instructions from the hospital doctor for sure. Bicycle type exercises should not be done while on conservative care. They are included in the exercises for after the 8 weeks are finished. And of course as you know, a full 8 weeks of crate rest is necessary to heal the disc. Here are the massage passive exercises recommended during crate rest. Only do the massage and exercises #1-4 (those in pink). www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmLet us know how you make out calming your boy down.
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Aug 21, 2013 18:58:21 GMT -7
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 21, 2013 19:45:09 GMT -7
Kim proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are generally not a good idea with IVDD meds because Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec (Omeprazole) can take several days to reach peak protection. Look for Pepcid AC (famotidine) as it is effective in 30-60 mins and lasts for about 12 hours. Do ask if Rusty has any health issues to keep him from taking Pepcid AC. If he does not 5mg 30 mins before Previcox (NSAID) and there after every 12 hours. Hope you can get him to settle down, let us know how it goes and if need be a strong calmer may be in order. Many members have found the oral calmers StevieLuv listed do work. Any one of them has enhanced calming effects in combo 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. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html [pheromone diffuser]
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 22, 2013 13:52:20 GMT -7
Thanks Marjorie, Stevieluv and Paula (I have my son and ex husband looking around town for any of those calmers from the links). I transferred Rusty to the crate in the a/c room, turned out the light and laid on the bed next to him. Long about 2 a.m. either out of sheer exhaustion or he just decided it was time, he settled in and fell asleep. At 5 we were up for crate change, meds and potty. The doc had given him something (I don't have that page in front of me, sorry) to relax his urethra while in hospital. Yesterday he did fine with potty on his own. This morning, not so much - so I expressed. He stayed out here with me in the smaller crate until time for work - I put him back into the a/c room with my daughter and gave her strict instructions on talking to him if he gets whiny or antsy and to call me immediately if he tries to jump up again or seems in pain (shaking, yelp). Mother hen that I am, I texted several times while at work to check on him, he did fine. I did give him a benedryl when I left this morning and the personal doc said since it seems to be working, that it's fine to continue. I most worry about Monday when he will be here on his own - hopefully I will get to try the calmers over the next two days to see how they work before then. I will be coming home on my lunch break for meds and potty, but for the most part he will be in the a/c room crate on his own. Do you think I should switch the smaller crate into the a/c room to restrict him further? Or just leave the larger one in there.
Got home in time to do meds, crate change and expression (didn't piddle while I was gone). He seems a bit calmer in the crate now and did have a bm on his own a few minutes ago. No sign of leg movement, but I swear I saw him draw his tail to him when he turned himself around to get comfy. The only thing that concerns me at this point is having to express his bladder - though the hospital doc did tell me that it may take a day or two coming off the med to relax the urethra for him to start going on his own again. Personal doc said give it another day and let him know if control doesn't return.
This goofy pup has decided that our kibble isn't to his liking, now. I tried with a bit of sodium free beef broth and then with a small bit of gravy. He's never turned his nose up to kibble. lol I plan on stopping by the grocers and picking up a small pack of the refrigerated wet food (organic) to see if that will encourage his taste buds.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 22, 2013 20:13:22 GMT -7
PLease do not change his food. I am concerned he is not wanting to eat…. a red flag sign of GI tract problems due to Previcox. Were you able to get Pecid AC on board….this is important. It is best while a dog is on any prescription medications while recovering in crate rest, not to add any supplements or change foods that could cause any confusion about the culprit should gastro-intestinal problems develop such as vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea. Gaining bladder control is a matter of nerve repairing enough for function to return. There is no timetable for nerve repairs. All anyone can give you is the order in which they normally repair. This is a good page to read so you can watch for signs: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmWhen you can what is the name of the med to relax the urethra?
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 23, 2013 18:02:23 GMT -7
What a difference 24 hours can make. Rusty had his last of the day meds at 9 last night and by 1030 he was in the crate in the a/c room sound asleep. Not a single peep all night. Finally, some rest! When it was time for the morning crate change, I did notice him shivering a bit. I'm not sure if it was from pain or maybe from the coolness of the room. He's used to burrowing for night-night and right now I won't let him have a shirt or blanket. I do note that there is no shivering out here in the main part of the house in the smaller crate. Something I will keep an eye on.
He has his regular doc appointment on Tuesday which is the day before his last Previcox. He's going to order more to have in stock (and calling Walmart to make sure they will have some) just in case he decides we still need it. Last night I was a bit concerned about the urination situation. This morning while I was prepping his meds and bowl of kibble - he went pee. I checked via expression and all was empty. Yay! A call home during break confirmed from daughter that he emptied on pad in crate on his own. Since I've been home he's gone twice (checking after each time). Hopefully this means progress on that area. Also, Rusty is a back sleeper - just splayed out like a flap jack. He's not done that since the injury. A little while ago I looked over at him as he slept and for the first time he was curled in a little "c". I've not seen that since injury either. And as a last positive for the day - a friend came to pick up my daughter and per usual the pug announced the car turning the corner. Since the injury, Rusty has not barked (and he normally has either that deep doxie bark or that shrill OMG bark). Well, in this instance, it took one bark out of the pug and Rusty let out two deep barks. Excitement from mama!
On the food front - no change. When I said I was going to buy some wet food, I meant as a small addition to his normal dry kibble. The norm for both dogs is that once a week they can have either a tablespoon or so of broth, gravy or wet food in with their dry kibble. Rusty hasn't had his one bowl with wetness yet and I thought maybe he'd not turn his nose up if I added the wet. The little goofball ate all the wet off the dry and pushed the bowl away. lol Believe me, his appetite is not gone, nor is his tummy upset. He's being stubborn. These two never get people food and I was giving him his meds tucked in a small piece of chicken. He's holding out for more people food. Bad pup! This afternoon, I dug out two pieces of the wet food and put the meds in that instead of chicken to wean him off the people food thing.
Tomorrow is the first real test of my nerves. I have to make a short trip in town and Rusty will be home, crated without a person in the house with him. I'm sure he'll do just fine, but lord I'm nervous he'll try some cockamamie move and hurt himself.
Thanks everyone for providing all the useful information and support. An injury like this is a scary thing and ya'll have shown such kindness.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 23, 2013 18:18:05 GMT -7
Well, you have reported some good news, off meds an not in pain, sleeping on his back, curled up! And it sounds like he is peeing by his own desire on a pee pad too?! Maybe for the night you can try a rice sock for some warmth to snuggle against. It is also ok for him to have a blankie as longs as he does not go crazy adjusting it. Fill a sock with 1-2 cups of dry rice or dried corn kernals. Knot the end. Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Test in crook of your arm for warm not hot temperature. Wrap in a towel so it's not too hot for the skin and stays insulated for a longer time…. and place in crate. Let Rusty snuggle against when you are present to supervise in case he has a desire to munch on the warm rice. Note: human heating pads can get too hot burning skin. Snuggle Safe is a commercial product that will keep warm the whole night. I've had mine for over 5 years and Clark does his happy dance when he sees it coming. www.petstew.com/B00008AJH9/pet-supply-imports-snugglesafe-pet-heating-pad.html [snuggle safe]
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 23, 2013 18:53:38 GMT -7
Great update! Isn't it wonderful when you see them start doing things that they used to do, like sleeping the way they used to? Such a good feeling. No pain, peeing on his own and good appetite, just being picky - all such good news! I'm sure he'll be just fine in the crate while you're gone - probably will get bored and just sleep. It's when you get back home that he might get excited. At least that's the way it is with Jeremy. He starts yipping as soon as he hears my car pull in and I go straight to his crate, open the door and give him a hug until he calms down. Paula's rice sock sounds so cozy, I want one for myself!
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StevieLuv
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Post by StevieLuv on Aug 23, 2013 19:59:26 GMT -7
Great news all around - it is amazing how we feel so much better when they feel so much better
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 24, 2013 11:56:49 GMT -7
I first need to make a clarification. Rusty is not off meds. The last Previcox tablet I have will be given Wednesday morning - We will be seeing our regular doc Tuesday afternoon to see if a continuation is needed. I will have to schedule a taper start date for a weekend, as I work daily and want to be able to be here at least one full day to watch for pain. He still takes his 3x daily doses of Tramadol and Methocarbamol (sp?). I've also tapered off the benedryl dose to one half tab before bedtime (he seems to have come to the realization that he's crate bound until mommy says he's not . I finally got my hands on the Rescue Remedy drops and plan on trying it this afternoon (trying to schedule things around my work/home schedule so I can watch for effects). Great news is, I made my town trip this morning (was gone a bit longer than planned, 2 hours). Rusty did just fine. I confined him to the bit larger crate in the a/c room because it is quieter. I came home to find that he had noticed a few clothing items hanging on the side of the bed and decided they needed to be in crate with him. lol Before bed tonight I am going to try his small shirt in there with him and see if he begins roughhousing with it as he normally would. If so, we'll have to wait on that. Other than that, we're still peeing on our own (I did just express a very small amount out after his last pee), and he's finally decided that our normal kibble is better than nothing. All in all I'm feeling much less stressed and worried about the start of having to leave him alone while at work/school. I think he'll be just fine. Perhaps I should invest in a "kong" to give him something to do during the time before my visiting at my lunch break and then again while waiting for me to return from work. Any ideas on fillers? Neither of my pups are peanut butter lovers, so that is out. Thanks again for the support! ***edit to add - Still trying to find a photo of little man Rusty to add. My big computer is down and that's where I have them all. Digging around in hard copies to see if I have any there that are useable.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 24, 2013 12:08:41 GMT -7
Kim, NSAIDs such as Previcox may be stopped. It is only steroid that must be tapered off for health reasons. To give a clear picture on just how well inflammation/swelling has been resolved, stopping of pain meds is the usual as well as the NSAID. Get with your vet to discuss.
IF he is a quiet laid back user of a kong that might be alright to stuff if with some lo cal carrots/peas and some soaked kibble for freezing. Freezing takes a lot longer to lick out the goodies. Subtract the kibble used from his daily meal so he does not put on weight. However if he is aggressive with kongs, best to not give him one. The entire focus of conservative treatment is little movement of the back.
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 25, 2013 6:50:04 GMT -7
Good morning everyone. A minor set back in the afternoon yesterday. I'm not sure if Rusty over did himself in the larger crate while I was gone in the morning or if the Rescue Remedy doesn't agree with him. Starting at about 3 p.m. he seemed shaky and wired (like a child having his first dose of asthma inhaler). This was only two hours after med time, so I just sat next to the crate reading while stroking him. Once he had his 9 p.m. meds, he seemed fine. This morning he's totally relaxed and calm again. I'll be watching him like a hawk today. I finally had a friend send me a photo of him. Introducing Rusty Bucket - showing mom he's not too sure about last year's sweater.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 25, 2013 9:44:18 GMT -7
Others may have some suggestions for you concerning Rescue Remedy. It didn't help Jeremy calm down at all but it also didn't excite him. One suggestion I do have, though, is that you put casters on the smaller crate or just put a sheet under it so you can drag it to the room where it's quieter when you leave him so he doesn't spend any time in the larger crate. You may have already been told this but the recovery suite should only be large enough for Rusty to stand up, turn around and lie down with his legs extended. Glad he's feeling better today.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 25, 2013 12:43:13 GMT -7
Is Rusty on a stomach protector now? What is the name of it? If you feel he was in pain, your vet does have room to move with the Tramadol for a high dose than 25mgs 3x a day depending on his weight. How much does Rusty weigh? Often the calmers work better with given a few days to become effective PLUS being used in conjunction with a pheromone diffuser such as Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 25, 2013 14:06:12 GMT -7
We're having a better day today. No Rescue Remedy today. Strange, but he may be like me in that many herbal and holistic treatments have the total opposite effect on me. As for the stomach protection, I've spoken to both the original hospital doc and our personal doc. Both asked pointed questions about bm's behavior after meds, etc. Between the two of them, they said there seems to be no need for Pepcid at this time. We do see our personal doc on Tuesday afternoon and I will ask again.
As for the shaky, I've been keeping notes on when and how he shakes. Prior to the injury and pain, he was a shaky guy when excited or knew he'd done something wrong. The shaky yesterday was out of character and I can't pinpoint whether it was a reaction to the rescue remedy or actual pain. He didn't exhibit any other signs of pain (eyes were okay, ect). That's why I decided to not give him the rescue remedy today and see how he did. He's done fine. I have been reading with interest, though, that many here seem to be taking pain management every 6 hours instead of 8. Ours is set at 8. There might be some bleed through of pain during that 7th hour because a few times I've seen the look on his face telling me that it's hurting slightly. I am going to call our personal doc first thing in the morning and see what our options are on settling his pain management either with higher dose, dose more often or something else all together. Rusty is 11.7 pounds.
Since tomorrow is our big day of him being on his own, I plan on moving the smaller crate into the bedroom. I do notice, though, that he is able to get more of a stretch out of his body when laying down in the bit larger crate. It would be so lovely if they made an in between size just a few inches deeper than the small one. But we'll work with what we have. I do have to say... his demeanor is improving. Earlier this afternoon he joined the pug in a bark fest when someone knocked on the door and when my daughter came home he did his normal look at me, look at me whine (I could tell he wanted to do his normal jump but didn't dare).
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 25, 2013 14:24:14 GMT -7
If you feel Rusty can stretch out better in the larger crate, you can block off parts of the crate area with boxes or rolled up blankets or towels to make it just the right size for him.
As for the Pepcid AC, the reason Dodgerslist recommends it is to prevent side effects from happening. Please ask the doctors why they would want to wait until a problem develops before giving Pepcid AC. It needs to be given before the problem develops to help prevent the problem from ever occurring. You can tell them that you want to be proactive about preventing GI problems.
Please let us know what his vet says about his pain medication after you speak to him in the morning. I hope tomorrow goes well, Kim.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 26, 2013 10:47:51 GMT -7
Kim all you need do is ask in this particular way. Does Rusty have any medical issues that he may not take Pepcid AC? if Rusty has no liver issues, no heart problems, etc. then give Pepcid AC. Rusty does not need another problem on top of what he is dealing with. Do your homework on Pepcid AC: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlSince 2002 and many 1000's of dogs we have seen too many have problems with anti-inflammatories, so we follow the lead of vets who are proactive by also highly recommending the use of Pepcid AC.
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 27, 2013 17:29:23 GMT -7
Don't mind me if I do a little happy dance before updating. Rusty has his appointment with our personal doc this afternoon. I was shocked to be reminded (I'd totally forgotten) that he, himself, had a doxie years ago (well before surgical treatment was even thought of) that befell on the wrong side of IVDD. We had a nice long chat about IVDD before his looking at Rusty - he wanted to make sure that I fully understood the disease, treatments and aftermath. There is a reason I love our doc! He went over our current meds with me and explained the meds he uses. Not much difference, just different brand. Did suggest that with the change of NSAID that I go ahead and pick up some prevacid and administer for this next week until our next visit (after the holiday). Our meds continue to be the Tramadol (25mg 3x daily), switching to Deramax NSAID in the morning (25 mg once daily) and then Robaxin 500mg 3x daily 1/4 pill). I won't begin the Robaxin until the weekend when the Methocarbamol is finished. He will continue dosing week to week. Now for the exciting news. After all the usual heart, lung, skin testing, he stood Rusty up to test the back legs. Rusty immediately put paws down flat in normal position and stood with support for about 5 seconds. Then he did the push up on the paw test to see if Rusty would push back with some resistance. He pushed back! I think Rusty was as excited as I was at this revelation because Doc pointed out that the very tip of his tail was going a mile a minute. He was wagging! I did discuss the pee issue. For the most part he is initiating and finishing on his own. But we do have at least once a day where I can tell he needs to go, but just isn't - so I express (I express after each of his own initiations just to make sure). Doc said this is normal due to the nerves reconnecting and I shouldn't worry. Whew. I did ask about the taking out front or out of the crate and doing the support pee time. He said I should wait a few more checkups because he doesn't think it would be a positive thing and might actually be a negative thing just yet. I also told him that I put Rusty's night night blanket in the crate in the a/c room. Doc feels this is a good thing as it will help calm him and possibly give him something to do (rooting a bit). All in all, I am very happy with his checkup. I was actually surprised that we have progress, I wasn't expecting it in only 7 days. So, we go back to check progress next Wednesday or Thursday. Poor Rusty pup is plum worn out from the drive and listening to all the other doggies at the doggie day care our Doc also runs. He's crashed out in the a/c room crate. Now I'll go back to my happy dancing. Thanks to all of you for the support and encouragement. Onward into week two we go!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 28, 2013 11:24:28 GMT -7
Kim that is good news on neuro functions bettering of not knuckling. We don't necessarily expect nerve healing during the 8 weeks of rest. Rest is to let the disc heal and the meds are to get the swelling down to resolve pain.
I'm quite a bit taken a back with the medications change by his general vet. Changing NSAIDs willy nilly is a big concern. Was there some emergency such as big pain, major neuro setbacks? First there needs to be a 4-7 day washout between the two nsaids (prevacox to deramaxx) or you are setting Rusty up for double jeopardy for GI tract problems. If there is indeed an emergency to do a switch then the stomach needs to be DOUBLE protected. What was the reason for the switch…was this an emergency? Prevacid is NOT a good choice as proton pump inhibitors take days to reach peak efficiency leaving the stomach unprotected for days. Please get Pepcid AC on board asap today. It begins work in 30 mins. Sucralfate is an Rx and is the 2nd protector to be on board and it works in a different way. There are no safe meds, there are only vets who use the meds in a safe way and owners who read and reasearch each an every meds BEFORE putting them in the dog's mouth. Mar Vista Vet web page is a good place to reseach: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlWe have seen dogs die on this List when vets do not appreciate the dangers in switching w/o a washout and owners are unaware of what their dog is taking. We are VERY concerned, please let us know his stomach is double protected. Robaxin is the brand name for the generic medication methocarbamol. Brand names are ususally more expensive than the generic.
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Post by tugandbucket on Aug 31, 2013 12:26:22 GMT -7
Good afternoon. I hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend. I've been so busy with back to school and work schedules, I've been too exhausted to do much of anything. Update on Rusty. Finding innovative ways to 'feed' him his meds has become a journey in and of itself. Just a little stinker, this one. Luckily, he tolerates the old fashioned way fairly well. Of course, after dosing, he will then gladly eat up the pieces of whatever I tried hiding the pills in. Bladder function has returned to normal now, eating habits are great and bm's are as normal as ever. He's been enjoying his time in the air conditioned room. The switch from the Previcox to the Deramax has gone smooth and brought about surprising results. Although not 100%, Rusty has returned to being his normal personality self. This afternoon at med dosing time, when I opened the crate, he stood himself up for a brief second or two until I touched his nose to tell him to sit back down. He also isn't as stiff at his back as he was before the switch. I about jumped for joy when he stood! Now I'm just dealing with his whiny insistence to be let out to hang out with brother pug. Ha! Six more weeks is my mantra this week. I did purchase him a kong like toy, but we haven't tried it just yet. Perhaps now is the time since he's cranked up his antsyness. I did start dosing the Pepcid as the doc suggested, prior to the first dose of Deramax. Doc called that afternoon to see how he was doing with the switch. Tomorrow morning we start with the Robaxin, as the last dose of Methacarbamol is tonight( I know they are the same thing, but to keep them straight in my mind I tell myself it's a switch). He still takes the tramadol and methacarbamol/robaxin 3x daily. All in all, he's progressing very well. Our next checkup is Wednesday and hopefully we'll have good news to report.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 31, 2013 20:43:50 GMT -7
Wonderful to hear bladder control is back…excellent direction of healing!!! Sounds like his pain is fully under control … and he can heal his disc in comfort.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 1, 2013 3:57:50 GMT -7
Very good, Kim! He's turned a corner and how wonderful is that?! Please keep us updated.
All the best to you both.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Sept 2, 2013 9:14:14 GMT -7
You must be so relieved!
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