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Post by Elisa & Coconut on Aug 24, 2021 16:44:53 GMT -7
I’m sorry to be slow. I told him she was on the gabapentin and Trazodone 3x A day and ran out of Rimadyl after a10 day use. I asked if she should do some extra time on Rimadyl and he suggested 7 more days.
The Gabapentin is just a stop and as needed. However I have done a slower stop. [??]
I plan on following your advise as I don’t think my vet understands all the ramifications. They would have not suggested 8 weeks crate rest I don’t believe. I told them that’s what I was doing.
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
22 lbs 3.9 y.o
Rimadyl as of 8/5: 25mgs 2x//day for 10 days, then 8/15 test STOP for: date of ? pain/_neuro
as of 8/22 vets wants 7-day course on board, then 8/29 test STOP
traZODone 50 mgs 8-12 hr for anxiety
Pepcid AC (famotidine) 10mg 2x/day]
Gabapentin is now stopped.
Should I continue with the Pepcid and Rimadyl through 8/29?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 25, 2021 16:55:45 GMT -7
Only need Pepcid AC when Rimadyl is on board. 8/29 is the scheduled stop of Rimadyl, so you can stop Pepcid AC too.
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Post by Elisa & Coconut on Sept 4, 2021 16:19:52 GMT -7
3 weeks to go! We are hanging in still and Coco is doing great! She seems fully back to normal but we will continue until we get to the full 8 weeks. It feels like forever. However, you get into the swing of things and it gets easier.
Thank you, Paula!
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Post by Elisa & Coconut on Sept 24, 2021 17:53:06 GMT -7
Graduation day tomorrow! We made it! Could not have done it without you! To anyone that is just starting the 8 week crate rest it gets better. I was overwhelmed with the idea of 8 weeks trying to keep her calm and rested. Along with the fact I could not leave her alone. We opted for the playpen and it was great! We continued the Trazodone the entire 8 weeks. We also incorporated daily stroller walked. It seems to have become a habit and we all relaxed into the process. With any concerns, Paula is always available to reassure, give great advise, etc. While I realize this will most likely happen again I will be ready with the wealth of knowledge now. Coconut will be 4 in October. Her first bout was at 1 1/2 and she recovered quickly and at that time we were not aware of the 8 week crate rest. This time took longer to recover. Since she is still young and it has happened 2 times, I have to realize and be ready for whatever comes. In the meantime, I have put some extra rugs down on slippery floors, got her some shoes, and am doing what I can to avoid jumping off the couch with ramps, etc. I am not going to lie, I am nervous to let her have her freedom back and will probably do so somewhat slowly. However, she has been so good, (mostly, she is a spitfire) and deserves to have her joyful life back. Thank you so much for all the help and support here!! It is invaluable!!     
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 24, 2021 20:36:07 GMT -7
Elisa, so very happy that Coconut will be graduated Sep 25 from conservative treatment!! You did a great job in caring for Coconut, just makes our day to know we could give you the support you needed for the journey. Sounds like you are prepping well for a back friendly house and understand it is important for a gradual reintroduction back to family life and physical activity. At graduation the idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free riegn of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of strict rest tomoroow.. Here is a sample schedule to slowly introduce your Coconut to life again. dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20scheduledodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/chair-blocker-protect.jpg ** Try some training so Coconut can learn to not to take any shortcuts off a ramp, blocking off furniture and training to keep all four paws on the ground: dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs At the top of the GRADUATES board are several discussions you may be interested in including furniture blockers, scooting protection and more : dodgerslist.boards.net/board/8/graduatesLots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog. Such as how to handle dentals from now on, nail trims, fun activities with Coconut and more: dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? There are only less than a handful of us who regularly volunteer every day helping dogs and their owners. We could really use a helping hand from Forum members in educating. Pick anything that makes you happy: -- Hand carry our free literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Fr. Bulldogs, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: dodgerslist.com/free-literature-2
-- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- You've been there and have done it....if you see another member on the Forum needing support or information share what you know to be true or point them to one of our many IVDD articles. The "search box" top of each page makes quick work to find the right helpful link: dodgerslist.com Tips for becoming a helpful member: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/3277/helpful-member-- And of course, don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love updates that help new members to be inspired there really is a good life after a disc episode. If you are able, we'd love a short video clip to see Coconut in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD! |
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Post by Elisa & Coconut on Jul 31, 2022 11:38:50 GMT -7
Hi All!
We did 8 weeks playpen rest and have since been going strong! It’s been 10 months and no issues. This was her second bout of IVDD at the age of almost 4. Her first bout was not as bad but she was barely 1 year old.
I spend time on FB looking for other Frenchie’s suffering from IVDD to send them here as I feel so blessed to have found this site and all the wonderful help. Thank you, Paula!
I used to take her to a wonderful daycare now and then to play for a half day or if I had to go out of town. I have not done this since her last flare up. She has been doing so well but I worry that playing to hard day in and day out if I do go out of town it could cause it to go out again. Anyone experience this? She would obviously only be with the smaller dogs but she does play hard. However, she does get tired quickly and will lay down.
To be honest, my daughter usually will watch her if I go anywhere but she is planning a trip to Italy for us for a 2 week period and there is no one else I trust to watch Coco except for the daycare.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 31, 2022 13:35:02 GMT -7
Elisa, it is wonderful to hear that Coconut is enjoying life with no issues since her Fall 2021 disc episode. Thank you for helping others dealing with a disc episode. We all really appreciate your help! That Italy trip sounds like it will be a lot of fun! For the day care people, set them up with ziplock bag attached to her pen with: -- contact info in case of emergency -- what IVDD signs to monitor for printed out to refer to Printable pdf "pain & neuro graphic": dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Signs-episode-F-bdog1080.pdf -- how to lift and carry supporting both ends of dog -- what rules you want for playing with other small dogs. This page on taking a dog in for a dental has some of the same ideas in common as having someone keeping your dog for day care. Hope some of those ideas will be helpful in putting together things for the person(s) who will be caring for Coconut: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/26/ivdd-precautions-anesthesia/ |
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Post by Elisa & Coconut on Aug 2, 2022 17:59:00 GMT -7
Thank you for the information, Paula! Fantastic ideas as always  I will do all of that! I also bought an portable oxygen thing from Pawprint oxygen because last time she had her disk episode she also had a massive anxiety attack and couldn’t breath. Tongue turned blue and we almost didn’t make it to emergency vet 15 miles away. I know she loves going to day care but hasn’t been since her episode. Hate to leave her at all. So much stress just thinking about it. I will test her out a few 1/2 days at daycare. If possible I hope to find someone I trust to stay with her instead. Thank you again!! Elisa   |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 3, 2022 13:10:23 GMT -7
The panic attack must have been really scary. I am glad it turned out alright.
If Coconut likes doggie day care, the day care people should be careful that the play does not become too rambunctious. Some time after surgery, my dog, Frankie, stopped to say hello to another dog, who promptly stood up with his front legs on Frankie's back. He was fine, but I was really worried.
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I will do all of that! I also bought an portable oxygen thing from Pawprint oxygen because last time she had her disk episode she also had a massive anxiety attack and couldn’t breath. Tongue turned blue and we almost didn’t make it to emergency vet 15 miles away. I know she loves going to day care but hasn’t been since her episode. Hate to leave her at all. So much stress just thinking about it. I will test her out a few 1/2 days at daycare. If possible I hope to find someone I trust to stay with her instead. 
