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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 6, 2021 12:52:57 GMT -7
My name is Diana, My Bennington is 13 lbs. He is currently on the following meds: Robaxin 500 mg 1/2 a pill every 8-12 hours [which?]Steroid [name?] 5 mg 1/2 a pill every 12 hours. Started November 3rd. First 7 days, every 12 hours. After 7 days, every 24 hours. Gabapentin 100 mg 1/2 pill every 8-12 hours [which?]
[Moderator's note: please do not modify13 lbs 4 y.o.prednisone as of 11/3: 2.5 mg 2x/day for 7 days then 11/10 test-for-pain taperRobaxin 250 mgs 3x/dayGabapentin 50 mgs 3/dayneeds GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/a steroid! ]
Bennington is 4 years old and is a poodle/schitzu mix. Bennington was diagnosed by his vet on November 3rd. We opted not to do the surgery since it was way out of our price range. He will be on strict crate rest for the next 6-8 weeks. He has a follow up with his vet on November 11th. I believe Bennington is developing anxiety. He pants and shivers when he is in his restricted area. Once he goes outside, he calms down and is willing to go potty or just sits there and enjoys the view. 😁 Once back inside, he goes back to trembling and panting. He will calm down and sleep if he is right next to me on the bed. I do not allow him to move when he is next to me or leave him unsupervised. I am going to ask my vet about anxiety medication. Bennington is used to sleeping next to me since the day he was a puppy. I am his person and does not like to be away from me. I believe this is why he is developing anxiety. Even tho he is in the same room as me, he wants to be right next to me. Which is causing him to be restless. Any advice/input is helpful.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 6, 2021 13:37:49 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Diana. We are 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. 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: dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/hope-quality-life/ I know Bennington is on crate rest. Crate rest during conservative treatment must be very strict. Very strict crate rest is the hallmark component of conservative (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
STRICT means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy The whys are here: dodgerslist.com/2020/04/22/chiropractic - no dragging or meandering at potty times. Carry Bennington 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.
More information on how crate rest works can be found at the link below.
Is Bennington showing any signs of pain? These are the signs of pain we look for; ☐shivering, trembling ☐yelping when picked up or moved ☐reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move ☐tight tense tummy ☐can’t find a comfortable position ☐Arched back ☐ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ☐head held high or nose to the ground ☐Not their normal perky selves? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way between doses when the pain meds are right. If pain is not in control, your vet needs to know right away to adjust meds.
All dogs with IVDD are likely to have excess stomach acid which can lead to serious stomach damage. This is particularly true for those dogs on an anti-inflammatory. To reduce the chances of stomach damage, a stomach protector like Pepcid AC is used. Ask the vet 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).
The usual dose of 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.
Currently can Bennington wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
At home laser or acupuncture for severe neuro damage is best. 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.
Is Bennington Eating and drinking OK? No nausea/not eating, no vomit? —Poops OK? Normal firmness & color? No signs of blood in the stool?
There are natural ways to treat Bennington's anxiety. Try using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser. It takes several days for these to start working. 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. Dogs: Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/us/Products/ADAPTIL-Calm-Home-Diffuser with dog pheromones 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 us.virbac.com/anxitane2) 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
Placing a blanket on top of the crate can give it a den like feel which some dogs find calming.
If these methods do not work, the anti-anxiety meds we have seen prescribed most often are Trazadone and Acepromazine.
If he is most anxious at night, try placing a wire crate on a very sturdy bed side table. Or if your bed is large enough, put the crate on your bed snug against the wall or the headboard. It is very important that the crate (recovery suite) is never sloping, and there is no way the dog can dart, or jump down from the bed.
It is very scary when our dogs are diagnosed with IVDD. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. We have lots of information at our main website: www.dodgerslist.com
You can use the search bar at the top of the page to search for specific topics. |
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 6, 2021 13:54:26 GMT -7
Thank you for responding. Bennington shivers and pants but does not have any of the other symptoms associated with pain. He pants, but that is also a side affect of the medication he is on. He complains when he wants to go outside or he moved out of his crate. I see his vet on Thursday, can I wait to ask him about Pepcid then or should I just call Monday?
Bennington is not using his hind legs. He still has deep pain sensation. His tail does not wag but does move when he poops. His poop looks normal, not runny at all. He is eating and drinking normally. Should I switch to wet food for now? Would it be easier on his spine ? Do you have any suggestions for at home therapy/acupuncture for Bennington? Do you mean have a professional stop by my house to do this? How soon should I start this ? Thanks again!! I hope I answered all your questions.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 6, 2021 14:30:10 GMT -7
During an IVDD episode is not a good time to change a dog's food. That way is any diarrhea or other stomach problems should arise, you will know it is not food related. Many of our members have found laser treatments and or acupuncture helpful in jump-starting nerve healing. Since there is always a risk in transporting an IVDD dog, finding someone that does house calls would be best. More information can be found here: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/acupuncture-laser-therapies/
It would be best to try to speak to the vet about Pepcid before Thursday.
I ask about tail wagging because a happy tail wag is the first sign of healing easily identified by the pet parent. Tail wagging around pottying is usually reflex. The typical stages of healing are:
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) - Bennington
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk.
3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test.
Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine.
4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 6, 2021 14:44:51 GMT -7
He does sniff when he has to potty. He doesn’t just randomly pee. He doesn’t always pee when we go outside. He sometimes just sits there. Then there are times he quickly sniffs and pees and poops. This happens at least 2x a day.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 6, 2021 14:53:13 GMT -7
If Bennington can hold his urine until he is outside, sniff and pee, even if not always, he has some bladder control. This bodes well for future healing
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 6, 2021 16:26:32 GMT -7
Diana, welcome! I see Romy has given you some excellent information. What is the name of the steroid? Steroids are: dexamethasone prednisolone prednisone Do you still think you see prednisolone or prednisone (they are similar, one is just processed more)
With being able to pee, that is indeed excellent news. Notice there is a yellow ROM icon below Benn's picture. As soon as he is off all meds and nopain showing, we will be able to tell you if ROM is needed and how to do that. Fingers crossed he may not need ROM so we are waiting to hear what the Nov 11th steroid taper test reveals. Which does your vet want on the test for painful swelling:
-- the full stop of pain meds or backing off of the pain meds?You can get a better idea of the taper test coming up by reading : dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/steroids-vs-nsaids/ Also you may get an idea of questions you may want to ask your vet |
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 6, 2021 19:01:30 GMT -7
Thank you !! Appreciate all your advise!
Hello! I am sure he is on Prednisone. The labels cuts of but can see some of the wording. I can send a picture ? I believe it’s prednisone. The wording look similar.
My vet and I haven’t discussed his pain management plan yet. I didn’t ask all the questions because I was taking in all the information he was giving me. It took research and forums to come up with questions for him.
I called in Friday asking about his medication but I didn’t get a call back. Which is pretty strange. He did call me back Thursday after I had my initial questions. That’s when he recommended I give him his pain medication every 8 hours versus 12. I’ve noticed today, since I have been with him all day, he hasn’t trembled as much or panted. Last night was rough! He didn’t sleep well .. that’s after giving him his meds every 8 hours. He was whining but not pain whine but wanting out of his kettle whine.
I noticed a couple hours ago when I pick him up, he cried in pain. He did it again about 30 minutes ago. That’s the only change I have noticed.. no shivering or arched back. Could I be lifting him wrong ? I am afraid I am. I was carrying him with his back laying on my arms like a baby. Now I kinda wished he would pee on the pad to avoid having to move him. He was good at going outside
so I am sure it will be hard to convince him to pee inside. ive also had him on my bed all day with me. I told my family I am on bed rest as well. This was the only way to stop the trembling and panting. He is calm when he is next to me.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 6, 2021 19:44:17 GMT -7
LIFT and CARRY (support both ends, back horizontal to the ground)
The single more important care if you intend for the disc to heal is being inside of the recovery suite except for potty times. Let us know: --- placing crate on a sturdy coffee table and pulling it up to the couch. This way Benn can feel close and you can touch him through the wires --- Same idea in bedroom a sturdy table that will hold his suite securely. --- Beds, couches are not safe for a healing disc, not lifting in a safe manner for his early healing disc may have caused a new tear, new pain. He may have damaged disc with your reporting pain now not being covered with prompt dosing of - Robaxin 250 mgs every 8 hrs (double check for a 13 lbs dog 250mg is high!) -gabapentin 50 mgs every 8rs. - Advocate ASAP for a third pain med to act as a general analgesic: Tramadol also every 8 hrs. Pain deters healing so it needs to be reported as soon as possible to get meds adjusted. A disc episode can be quite painful until pain meds have been corrected. Keep us updated if you would |
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 6, 2021 19:56:41 GMT -7
Should Benny have a bed in his crate or should it be a hard surface with a blanket ? would my bed be too soft for his healing ?
I checked the Robaxin bottle and it says 500mg tablet. Instructions are half a pill every 8-12 hours. Is this something I need to talk to my vet ?
I gave him all his medications as soon as we left the vets office. I didn’t waste anytime.
As far as ▲Gabapentin, he is on a full capsule of 100mg.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
13 lbs 4 y.o.
prednisone as of 11/3: 2.5 mg 2x/day for 7 days then 11/10 test-for-pain taper
Robaxin 250 mgs 3x/day
Gabapentin ▲100 mgs 3/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/a prednisone! ]
my other pup had surgery this past summer, I have Tramadol 50 mg tablet. Her and Benny weigh about the same. The Instructions say to give half a tablet every 8 hours. Is it safe to give him one with the rest of the Medication?
Sorry! I am not questioning why he can’t be on my bed just wondering if soft beds for his crate is a no no.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 6, 2021 20:08:57 GMT -7
The recovery suite (crate or ex-pen, etc) should surround the mattress/the dog bed. Only enough room to easily turn around in, stand on all four paws and when lying down to fully stretch out his legs. The trick with setting up the mattress is layering in this order: MATTRESS SETUP Top layer: Fleece "bottom sheet" tucked in all around tightly and a bit under the mattress keeps pee pad from shifting. Middle layer: Pee pad on top of mattress Bottom layer: Mattress enclosed in trash bag to protect and avoid having to clean At suite freshening time, dispose of used pee pad, put the bottom sheet in the washer. Having extra fleece bottom sheets means you have them near by and can quickly remake bedding. Fleece is no sew, no worries about raveling just cut one of those cheap about $10 (100% synthetic throws found at target, a large grocery store down to sizes you need. Fleece (no cotton, just 100% polyester) is available at almost every fabric store like JoAnns. Fleece washes and dries very quickly. On a sunny day I even dry mine outside so it smells wonderfully outdoorish for my dog. Danger of dog being in your bed or on couch with you. -- opportunity to do the unexpected...jump off -- mattress or cushions slope into you causing an unexpected shift for your dog. Danger to the early healing disc. The recovery suite (ex-pen, wire crate, child's pack N play, give the safety the healing disc requires. There just cannot be any cheating if you want to avoid a potential tragedy. |
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 6, 2021 20:09:08 GMT -7
Thank you! Is it safe to give him the Tramadol I have on hand ?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 6, 2021 20:13:06 GMT -7
We are not vets and do not know your dog's history. One dog's meds should not be assumed safe for another dog who was not prescribed it. You could call ER and see what that vet says the dose is during a disc episode.
If your 13 lbs dog has over relaxed muscles, it may be the high dose of Robaxin 250mgs 3x/day. Discuss with your vet.
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 7, 2021 8:07:19 GMT -7
Thank you !
Morning update. Bennington was moved back to his resting suite and he went back to trembling and whining. I called his attention and he stopped. I felt bad for being strict but it worked. He slept and did not whimper.
I think he was whimpering because he wanted to be on the bed with me. I took him on a morning potty break and he did not cry when I lifted him up the proper way. He pooped and peed within minutes on his own. We came back inside and he has been chill ever since. He ate and drank water. I will still be discussing pain management with his vet. He doesn’t look sad or in pain like he did when he first went down.
ADDED after post had been replied to
is it ok to set up a second suite in the living room? I have two other dogs.. not sure if this is a smart idea. Benny is the alpha and normally likes the others to stay away from him. I don’t think he will want to play with them but still unsure how safe this is.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Nov 7, 2021 8:27:39 GMT -7
I'm glad Bennington is doing better. It's a very positive sign that he's able to pee and poop on his own. Discussing pain management with your vet is also necessary to be sure he is comfortable.
Keep us posted on his progress.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 7, 2021 12:53:47 GMT -7
Diana, very good report on settling in and no more yelps when lifting with good support to the back.
We would not want to miss anything you might write. So best to add information in a new post rather than to add to an old post.
A 2nd suite is a good idea which many of us do. You will have to see how your dogs react....if other dogs are upsetting Benn and causing too much movement of the back/neck that would be a no go dangerous situation.
A 2nd suite of a baby's Pack N Play will have Benn at a higher position of about 4-6" off the ground...that could be an enviable situation for an alpha. pad out any extra space with a rolled up blanket to give only enough area to stand on four legs, turn around and fully stretch out legs when lying down. Check for used ones at 2nd hand store or maybe acquaintances/neighbors who have one stored in their garage.
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 7, 2021 14:02:37 GMT -7
Thank you! 2nd suite set up and everyone is good. Bennington seems to enjoy it. My husband told me it looked like he was trying to pick himself up using his back paw while trying to get some water! He isn’t shivering but he does pant. I read it could be a side effect from the meds. What are your thoughts? Sorry! I have all the questions and want to share every detail with you guys. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 7, 2021 14:43:38 GMT -7
Diana, prednisone is one med, a hormone, that might cause panting. PANTING: -- Try a fan near crate but not pointed at the dog to help circulate air some. -- Try a frozen broth ice cube to lick on. Dr. Isaacs discusses this issue on the Dodgerslist Neuro Corner: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/panting.htmi.postimg.cc/ZYHsMsVK/Neuro-corner-Isaacs-feature260x220.jpgUsing the back paw (which left or right)? We are a group who LOVE the detail. LOL. Attempting to use the back leg would be a sign of nerve healing improvement!!!
Which kind of suite are you using for the 2nd one? So glad to hear Benn can be amoung all his family in safety with the new suite. |
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 7, 2021 14:46:52 GMT -7
Thank you! It would be his right rear paw!
For his second suite, we used a wire crate like the one in the picture you sent explaining how it should be set up. He is enjoying it.. he always looking out the window and that’s where we set him up.
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 8, 2021 5:30:18 GMT -7
Good Morning! Bennington wagged his tail when I did my sweet talk.
I took him outside and he was able to stand on his back legs for a split second. He is trying to use them and it looks like he is succeeding. 😁😁 I brought him back inside and did more baby talk but he didn’t wag again. He could be mad at me for bringing him back it so quick. I told him he needs to settle down because he is improving and we can’t back track. 😁. He did pant and tremble some last night. It’s funny because it happens at night time. He stopped trembling and panting as the night went on. As his medication wore off.
He did cry in pain once while I picked him up.. it could’ve been that his meds were wearing off. This happened in the middle of the night. I gave him a potty break because he hasn’t gone since yesterday afternoon. He didn’t go then. Also this whimper happened a couple hours before his tail wagging. 😁
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 8, 2021 9:11:09 GMT -7
Diana, you reported the tail wag observation in the correct way (movement associated with a head level observation. Continue to test the happy tail wag when not associated near or at potty times. Hopefully you will see Benn more often in a good and happy state of spirit. When there has been enough repair, then we can observe what was repaired. Between repair jobs it may appear to us from the outside that nothing is happening. With any observation suspicioned to be a neuro function, a head level involvement needs to be reported to give proof. Dog's can move the tail or legs at potty time, or when toes are tickled legs will move. Those kinds of movements are due to reflex not a message from the brain. Quickly removing your hand from a hot stove is a reflex, not a message from the brain to move hand. Here is what you can watch for and report to us and update your vet. In short for us humans to be able to distinguish between reflex and brain directed, we have to see some sort of head level involvement with the tail, with a limb or with release of urine so we know the movement was done with purposeful thinking. ___ Sniff (head level nose) on an old pee spot, then release of urine would be brain directed. √ 11/8 Hear (head level ear) you doing some happy talk and then tail wags is brain directed. Tail movement during potty time can often be a reflex ___ Itchy sensation at neck and then tries to scratch would be purposeful movement. Tickling paws, etc can cause reflex leg movements of pushing in or out. Here is the typical order in which the body could repair nerve functions: 1. Deep Pain Sensation: the first neuro function to return. DPS is the critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about this very tricky to correctly idenfiy neuro function. 2. 11/8 Tail wagging with joy at hearing your happy talk or seeing a treat or meal coming. 3. 11/6 Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. 11/7 R rear paw leg movement, and then ___ ability to move up into a standing position, and then ___ wobbly walking. 5.___ Being able to walk with more steadiness and ___ properly place the knuckled-under paw. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. LEARN MORE: dodgerslist.com/2021/02/06/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/Knuckling: thumb.ibb.co/k3dqRS/Knuckling.jpgLet us know if the vet thinks his pain meds need any adjusting. With pain meds given promptly every 8 hrs now, pain should be covered right to the next dose. |
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 8, 2021 13:15:45 GMT -7
Thank you. I spoke with his vet and he approved ✙Tramadol. I will start giving him this later this afternoon.
Also, I am going to only give him ▼Robaxin every 12 hours.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
13 lbs 4 y.o.
prednisone as of 11/3: 2.5 mg 2x/day for 7 days then 11/10 test-for-pain taper
Robaxin 250 mgs ▼2x/day
Gabapentin 100 mgs 3/day
✙traMADol 25mg 2x/day
needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board w/a prednisone! ]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 8, 2021 16:20:43 GMT -7
Diana, could you give the complete info on the changes for Robaxin and for methocarbamol. We really do not like to assume anything. traMADol: how many mgs dose? how many times a day? Robaxin: how many mgs dose? that you will give 2x/day Pepcid AC (famotidine): did you get the OK to give 5mgs 2x/day? With adding a new pain med to the cocktail just today, is it likely then that all pain will be gone in two days? Is the scheduled test for pain prednisone taper on 10/10 still to go forward?
With a test-for-pain pred taper, it's the usual for the vet to either back off all pain meds or to full stop them. What did you discuss with the vet and what is his thinking? You can get up to speed on the use of prednisone with a disc episode here. Important knowledge to be an advocate for Benn. dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/steroids-vs-nsaids/ |
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 8, 2021 17:56:45 GMT -7
[removed quoted material. We only want to read your own words in your post. thanks]
traMADol 50mg pill- half a pill every 8 hours.
Robaxin same dose as before 500mg 1/2 a pill every 12 hours vs every 8 hours.
5mgs 2x/day? Yes, he started ✙Pepcid. Half a 10mg pill.
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
13 lbs 4 y.o.
prednisone as of 11/3: 2.5 mg 2x/day for 7 days then 11/11 test-for-pain pred taper
Robaxin 250 mgs 2x/day
Gabapentin 100 mgs 3/day
traMADol 25mg 2x/day
✙Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day ]
I didn’t ask that question. We see the vet on Thursday, November 11th. I will ask about the pain management and if we are tapering off. On Thursday we will only give the steroid every 24 hours for 7 days.
I didn’t talk to the vet directly, I spoke to his vet tech. I will discuss this plan on Thursday. The vet was in between cases and couldn’t take my call then and their. I don’t blame him. Last time I called him, I had him of the phone for a little while. 😂😁
I got home and he wagged his tail when he saw me. He hasn’t pooped in about 24 hours. But is still peeing. No accidents. He still holds it in and goes outside.
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 9, 2021 5:32:24 GMT -7
Morning update. Started Bennington on Tramadol and he slept comfortably up until his next dose. I did notice he was trying to move around mover after giving him Tramadol. I had to try to calm him down. He keeps wagging his tail when he sees me and continues to try to use his back paws. It makes me happy but also makes me nervous. I don’t want him using them too much in fear he could take a step back.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 9, 2021 9:31:12 GMT -7
Diana, good to hear Benn's had a good night sleep.
Moving more after traMADol, sounds as though all his pain is in control.
When they are in full comfort, then the challenge is to make sure they are not doing too much movement that will damage the healing disc.
-- N0 jumping against the side of his recovery suite.
-- OK for him to move such as turning around inside the suite. Changing positions.
Describe what you observe (paint a picture for us) where you use the phrase "tries to use back paws"
examples: Do you see him pushing with back leg to try to reposition his body?
Do you see him attempt to correct a knuckled undered paw correctly on the ground?
Has he pooped today? traMADol can cause constipation. If you detect poops that are too hard try some pumpkin.
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 one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day.
-- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble.
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 9, 2021 9:36:22 GMT -7
It looks as if he is trying to use his back paw. His butt is more off the ground than before. It's as if he is trying to stabilize himself.
He did poop today! It was a small one, it did not look dry.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 9, 2021 15:06:51 GMT -7
Diana, sounds as if you are reporting he is using his whole leg in an attempt to raise his butt up in to a stand position. Not there yet but "more off the ground than before." That is wonderful new nerve improvement. Go Benn!
The next question is if all painful swelling will be gone on Thurs 11/11. With pain meds on board when the taper starts hard to get a good read to know if another course of pred is needed or not. Be sure to let us know what the vet says.
So far today things at your house seem to be going well!
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Post by Diana & Bennington on Nov 10, 2021 7:43:26 GMT -7
Good Morning. Benny had some pain [11//10] last night. His meds wore off about an hour before his next dose.
He felt a bit better but started to shiver about an hour ago. It isn’t as bad as before but he is still in pain. I will ask the vet about this. Is it normal for him to be in pain? Other than that he is doing well.
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
13 lbs 4 y.o.
prednisone as of 11/3: 2.5 mg 2x/day for 7 days then 11/11 test-for-pain pred taper
√ 11/10 pain surfacing before next pain meds
Robaxin 250 mgs 2x/day
Gabapentin 100 mgs 3/day
traMADol 25mg 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day ]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,935
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 10, 2021 9:26:06 GMT -7
Diana, we prefer details. Please tell what you observe that make you use the word pain. The vet will prefer the same....details.
Pain meds (Robaxin, gabapentin and traMADol) last in the body for only about 8 hours. Look above to your post at the med list. See there are TWO pain meds that are very likely to allow pain to surface because they are given every 12 hours (2x/day).
With pain surfacing, clearly YOU know and the vet now knows there is still work for prednisone to do. It is not time to begin a taper on 11/11!
-- Advocate pain meds traMADol and Robaxin be adjusted to 3x/day (promptly every 8 hrs) over the phone
-- Advocate for another course of prednisone over the phone. The vet might give another 7-day course or might want to Rx a 14-day course. It may take several courses which add up to somewhere in the range of 7- 30 days to get the swelling down. Taper days would not be counted as they are too low to work on painfully inflamed tissue around the spinal cord.
-- Vets who know their IVDD understand things that can be handled over the phone are better than subjecting the dog to a risk to the early healing disc with a vehicle transport.
Did you observe anything that might have been too much movement of the back/neck yesterday that may have set back the healing of the disc?
Has there been any setback to the new ability to raise his butt higher off the ground?
Let us know what the vet says about adjusting the pain complete with the detail. Ditto about prednisone.
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