nikki
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Post by nikki on Aug 25, 2013 11:25:59 GMT -7
Lil Girl is a white and black dachie with a little brown on her, beautiful! Anyhow, her story:
Monday was a normal day, her, her brother, my hubby and I spent the day with my mother. She was playing with rocks (yes rocks...lol) like she normally does. We came home, she begged for food like normal and climbed up to take a nap. She woke me up by rocking left to right on her front legs. I thought maybe she was going to get sick. We put her on the floor and her left rear leg did not work at all. I knew then that this was a disc (hoping maybe her leg just fell asleep, yeah right). We scooped her up and went straight to the emergency vet. They said it was presenting like a disc, but there are a few orher things we can rule out. X-ray showed no other likely problems. The time is about 12:30am. She said she wanted us to go to msu right now and they would call in a surgeon (my thoughts among many others was...poor baby, and yikes expensive). I asked her opinion about conservative options and if no response then go, she gave lil girl a morphine shot, steroid shot, gave us tramadol and steroids to take home. This whole time my hubby and I were discussing the surgical option. Lil girl was in a lot of pain that night, heartbreaking to watch. I called the emergency vet and she said its very painful and to give her some tramadol now (about 3:30-4am). My hubby and I looked over the choices of doggie neurosurgeons the em vet gave us. At 7am she could not move either back leg, she was shaking, her head was jearking up then would go back down, and her tummy was tight. (Aweful to see). We had decided if ahe was worse in the morning we were going to Dogwood. Off we went. I called emergency vet and said sent the referral to Dogwood and we are headed there now. I called Dogwood and told them we were on our way and be there about 9am. They said they would be ready for us. (Longest 1hr 20min with traffic ride ever!!!) When we arrived we got right into a room. The front deck ladies had asked me questions over the phone so no long check in. Dr Issacs came right in, assessed her and suggested an MRI and most likely into surgery. Mind you she couldnt use either back leg, but did still have deep pain sensation.Off my Lil Girl went....poor fur baby....the Dr called after the MRI and said ruptured disc, surgery recomended. Into surgery she went. (I was a crying mess at this point) he called after surgery and said lil girl did great. He also said there was big chunks of disc material pushing on the spinal cord and surgery was the best decision. He said she is on meds and resting comfortably for now, and he would call the next morning after doing an evaluation of her. The very next day he was excited to tell me that she moved her right back leg just a little, but by herself!!! Awesome!!! (I cried some more) He said he would call me the next morning but if I wanted to call for updates at any time I could. I called that night and talked to Anthony (he was awesome). He reassured me that she was doing fine, and he sent me a pic of my baby!!! (Thank you if you ever read this). The next morning the Dr said she was about the same and he would make sure I got more pics!!! She pulled out her IV, and was on oral meds. Eating and drinking well. I continued to annoy Anthony every night by calling, he was so reassuring to speak to.
I finally got to pick up my baby on sat aug 10th. She was there 4 days. They tried showing us how to express the bladder and gave some meds to help relax her if needed but they didnt think it would be long if at all that we would have to do that for. She was so excited to see us as we were her. She wagged her tail and let out some happy cries we took our lil girl home. Recheck 2 weeks. We bought a "small critter" cage from petsmart for her recovery house. I wanted something that the top came off. This was prefect for her and a water bowl, and it had wheels, plus it was on clearance! We had her on a pillow that was wrapped in a garbage bag, topped with a puppy pad, wrapped in a fleece blanket. Then had blankets on top so she could burrow. We religiously carried her out to go potty, but keep in mind she still cant walk, just wobble stand. She did potty in her crate and we cleaned it up, and her up. She ended up with a slight rash on her back legs kind of like a diaper rash ( we werent sureif it was baby wipes causing it or maybe not getting all the pee pee off her) so we changed up and used just water from the sink sprayer to clean pee. Also called regular vet and got told A&D ointment was ok to use just make sure she is all dry. The next day when we took her outside to go potty she took a few steps and pee pee outside!!!! (More happy tears). She got her other back foot all wet, but we didnt care!!! Yey!!! From then on there was no stoppihg her. She wanted out of that house to run like normal. She would "drunk walk" to find her own potty spot and no more potty ing in her cage. We just took her in for her 2 week check up on thurs aug 22, seen the physical therapist and resident. They were amazed by her progress. We now have some exercises, stretches, and massages to do with her. The Dr even lifted the "strict crate rest". Im so proud of my lil fighter!!! So for anyone reading this, I didnt bother to ask at the time how much she should be in or out of her crate now. Any suggestions!?!? Also, my hubby is going to build a few ramps, but I was curious what some of you personally changed that did or didnt work for lifestyle changes.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 25, 2013 11:36:04 GMT -7
Nikki, welcome to Dodgerslist. Isn't Dr. Isaacs the best! Over the years he has helped our IVDD community with answers to lots of our questions. I know you will have lots of questions on discharge day so start writing them down so none go unanswered in the excitement of bringing her home. Dr. Isaacs explains more about post op surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmA list to get your own started: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmSounds like Lil Girl is already showing some good nerve healing! Please do keep us posted. ------------- Looks like our messages passed each others in posting. She is home and WALKING!!! wonderful news September 17 would be her graduation day. Until then do as much PT, such as walking to and from the potty place, exercises Dr. Isaacs gave you. PT is slow, deliberate and under your eyeball to eyeball supervision. When you are not doing PT then she should be back in her crate to finish healing from all the post op incisions, etc. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 29, 2013 20:17:23 GMT -7
Nikki, hope to hear an update from you soon on Lil Girl. when you have time would you consider adding your surgery information to our directory. It is helpful to other trying to make decisions. Here is where to post your information: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-postingHospital Address/State Cost Date Included (MRI, days stay, etc): Comments: |
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Post by angellove on Sept 3, 2013 20:33:24 GMT -7
Hi there, my name is Joanna and I am bringing in my best friend Mr. Bubba bear into Dogwood next Monday to have surgery. Can you tell me how your baby is doing? How do you feel about Dogwood and the Doctors? Would you please share with me what the final cost was? With the MRI, Meds, surgery, everything? I know it's very expensive and I'd like to have a better idea as to what it will be. I live in Metro Detroit. Are you in Michigan? I am so scared but I wanna give my little guy a chance. He is not paralyzed. Ever since this happened, he is wobbly but can walk. He shows no sign of pain either. I am hoping since his sate is fairly good that surgery will give him a full recovery. Anything else you could share with me would be much appreciated. I know how hard this is, I hope your baby is doing well. <3
joanna
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Sept 12, 2013 0:02:21 GMT -7
Angellove I just seen this, so sorry  I loved dogwood!!! The total cost was around $5800 for 4 day stay. The man who watches your baby at night is wonderful for answering questions. His name is Anthony. The doctors were excellent!!! My baby is doing very well! Shedoesnt think there is a thing wrong with her. Lol. She can walk pretty well, but gets more wobbly if she is tired. Yes, I am in michigan. Burton to be exact. I said that Dr Isaacs did the surgery (I just looked at the card) but it was dr galle that did it. He called every day to tell me how she was doing. I would love to hear how things are going for you and your baby. Oh, they will text or email you pics of your baby if you ask!!! |
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Sept 13, 2013 9:37:25 GMT -7
It seems as though lil girl is trying to turn her right back leg in some when ahe is walking, and she has some kind of skin bump thing going on on her back left. I did give her a bath yesterday, heartworm and flea meds. I have a call put in to dogwood to ask them first. I know if we go to my regular vet lil girl will get steroids for "dermitits" (we went there for a rash thing on her neck and thats what we got with a long explanation of general skin problems, a few months ago). She doesnt bother it at all unless we mess with it, then she wants to know why we are messing with her...lol. She also doesnt seem to be bothered by her leg turning in either. No pain at all. Hmmm
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Sept 13, 2013 9:57:39 GMT -7
Let us know what the Vet says about both of those issues.
ps- she is such a beautiful little girl!
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Sept 13, 2013 14:37:02 GMT -7
The Dr at dogwood said to see the regular vet forthe skin issue, said if he gives steroids that is ok. He said to have the regular vet make sure there isnt anything going on with lil girls knee or ankle, and if we do get steroids to see if that helps with the leg twisting (and let them know, we will go from there, thcey can get me in early this coming week if need be) Im going to try to get into the regular vet in the morning.
and thank you stevieluv!!! I think so too but im pretty partial to her!!!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Sept 13, 2013 15:08:29 GMT -7
Nikki, I'm not sure who you talked with at Dogwood. Dr. Isaacs explains the lump or bump on our neuro corner www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/hump.htm As for turning her leg in, I'm not sure how much you mean. Its very normal for a dog to have a different walk after an IVDD episode. With more walking and if you choose some therapy, that should improve. Not sure about the skin issue, but if its something that happens often or its an ongoing problem, you need to find the cause and not do steroids all the time. Sometimes Benedryl might work as well. Glad she is doing so well so soon after surgery. |
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Sept 17, 2013 5:39:02 GMT -7
So the "bumps" that I was bad at explaining turned out to be bacterial folicularitis so im told. It was even inbetween her back toes!! So now she is on steroids and an antibiotic (dont know the name right off hand) and her back and leg look good, and to try a little more pt if she can handle it. The leg/walking is definately worse when she is tired so maybe that will be the new normal or in time it may get better, only time will tell I guess. Anyone else had a dream about their other dog thinking they had neck pain? So real you had to get up to go make sure he didnt!?!? Sheesh, rough night....lol
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Sept 17, 2013 9:15:08 GMT -7
Good to hear that you have that skin issue sorted out. She will build up her leg and back strength gradually  Ya - I hear you about the dreams too! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 17, 2013 10:41:52 GMT -7
Nikki when nerves and muscles are building the body will get tired more easily especially at the end of the day. Try to schedule any PT you do for the morning while she is fresh. Is Lil Girl on Pepcid AC during the time she will be taking steroids? Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not to take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. This directory is in alpha order and what I use myself to become knowledgable about my own dog's meds.: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html |
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Sept 17, 2013 15:27:58 GMT -7
:)Oh...yes she is....I knew it was the generic version, but couldn't think of the name of it. Famotidine!!! Thats it.
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Post by angellove on Sept 18, 2013 14:01:34 GMT -7
Hi nicki, how's lil girl doing?? Bubba bear is in surgery as I speak right now. I am worried to death. I'm staring at the phone waiting for the doctor to call to tell me how things went. Dogwood was wonderful. Made me feel very comfortable and I was able to put my trust in them. Update on my little guy to come. I hope lil girl's doing well..
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nikki
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Post by nikki on Sept 19, 2013 1:46:04 GMT -7
She is doing well, thank you for asking!!! I see you talked to Anthony, he is great to talk to!!! Let me know how bubba bear is doing!!
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Sept 21, 2013 10:17:20 GMT -7
Made it past graduation day!!! Yey! Took her and her brother rocky to the pet store (carried her due to slippery floor) and for a few short short walks the past few days. |
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Post by natureluva on Sept 21, 2013 10:48:22 GMT -7
Hurray for Lil' Girl!! She's doing so well. I've been (silently) following her progress. So happy she's continuing to progress. She is sooo beautiful and unique. Have you read our link on how to safeguard your home for the IVDD dog? www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Oct 12, 2013 15:23:43 GMT -7
Lil girl is still doing well. When she is sleepy she is more klutsey with her back legs. She ran after a rabbit the other day and tried to give mommy a heart attack! I made her daddy read the article on letting her be herself, and learning about how she looks at things. She is back to loving life and it was worth every debt we have occured!! (Which is a lot). We have also gotten a pack n play so she is still confined when we leave, but not as tightly as the recovery cage we bought. We put a blanket over the top, tied the 4 corners in knots and used rope to secure the blanket. So far so good!
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 12, 2013 20:29:03 GMT -7
Hi Nikki,
Thank you so much for the update. I know all about those 'heart attack' moments, I've had more than a few with Tyler.. Glad Lil Girl is having a good time. We worry and we cringe but while we can make them be careful to a point there are still times they just need to have fun. Sounds like the pack n play is set up just right for her.
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nikki
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Nov 13, 2013 11:08:16 GMT -7
Lil Girl is still doing good!!! The doggie door we ordered has came in today so hubby will be installing it along with a ramp to go outside with. We also have a ramp (hubby made, nice wood with carpet on it and side rails) going up to our bed and she loves that. She cruises up and down it. We had a doggie door and ramp at our other house and both by babies used it well so im not anticipating any trouble. She is still more klutzy at night when she is sleepy but seems to be getting better. Nothing seems to get in her way!!! lol. Trying to figure out what to do for a doggie sitter for when hubby wants to go up north hunting and I have to work 24 hours. My mom is willing and capable but its very nerve racking now because she doesn't have ramps, or furniture blockers.....worried momma! lol
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Nov 13, 2013 11:28:03 GMT -7
Would your Mom come to stay at your house?? That is what we have happen here - works well because our pets include parrots |
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nikki
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Posts: 18
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Post by nikki on Nov 24, 2013 5:35:28 GMT -7
I just ordered new name tags for my dogs. I also ordered a medical alert tag that says I have ivdd use care If im picked up ( something to that effect) has anyone else done this? I hope it isnt heavy....
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,589
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 26, 2013 15:31:42 GMT -7
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I loved dogwood!!! The total cost was around $5800 for 4 day stay. The man who watches your baby at night is wonderful for answering questions. His name is Anthony. The doctors were excellent!!! My baby is doing very well! Shedoesnt think there is a thing wrong with her. Lol. She can walk pretty well, but gets more wobbly if she is tired. Yes, I am in michigan. Burton to be exact. I said that Dr Isaacs did the surgery (I just looked at the card) but it was dr galle that did it. He called every day to tell me how she was doing. I would love to hear how things are going for you and your baby. Oh, they will text or email you pics of your baby if you ask!!!
