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Post by snoopsmom on Aug 29, 2013 23:21:53 GMT -7
I have a 5 yr old Dacshund named Snoopy, about 2 weeks ago he began not acting the same, he would whimper and cry, holding his head own to the ground. I took him to the vet,and he was treated with pain meds (Tramodol) and prednisone. He was crated for a week and was improving until the pain meds ran out, which was yesterday. today I took him back to the vet, they sedated him and did X-rays, and I was informed he In deed had IVDD. He was given more Tramadol & continued on the▲ prednisone. However when I picked him up from the vet after this procedure he was wobbly on his feet. I was told this was from the sedation and he was still groggy, however it is now 1am, 12 hours after the sedation, and X-rays. He continues to cry out, and will not stand without falling, and his front right leg is knuckling. I am keeping him on strict crate restriction. Does anyone know if this is normal behavior? Or has their dog had something similar. I keep reading about back legs being paralyzed, but haven't read anything about front leg's he was able to walk on all fours before our visit o the vet today? Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated, sincerly scared dog mom  |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 30, 2013 8:09:32 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Paula what is yours? It sounds like Snoopy is suffering from a neck disc episode. First things first…. have no patience with pain. That should be under control in one hour of getting the right combo of meds, the right doses in mg's and the right frequency to give them. So far that has not happened. Your vet need immediate feedback so he know there is still more tweaking to be done. With neck disks the front legs can be affected neurologically as the disc is pressuring the spinal cord. So glad you understand the need for 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for 8 weeks. That is what allows the disc to heal. Here are the extra things you can do to help with neck disc plus the meds that Snoopy needs so you can strongly advocate for getting them on board right away: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htm As speedily as you can finish reading all the others on our "Phases of healing" pages so you can be up to speed on what you are dealing with: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWhen the pain issue has been dealt with, can you fill us in on important details so we can better help you and Snoopy: -- What was the date you saw the vet and 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? We guessed it was on Aug 16. -- These signs of pain indicate his pain meds are not yet right - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy, not wanting to bear weight on front or rear legs? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Can you be more specific on the pred. What was the dose/frequency at the time the pain med ran out, and the dose/frequency prescribed yesterday… we are wanting to know if a taper had been started. -- Not wanting to eat, vomit, loose stools or blood in them are red flag signs of prednisone damage. 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. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? Let us know Pepcid AC is on board and the adjustment to pain meds the vet made this morning. |
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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 Aug 30, 2013 9:49:16 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen. I am so sorry that Snoopy is having an IVDD episode, and I am so glad that you found us. We are all scared when our dogs are diagnosed with IVDD and we all need a shoulder to lean on, for upport, for comfort for advice and knowledge. Your best defense aginst IVDD is becoming a reader- learn everything you can - ask questions-demand answers, and become the best advocate for Snoopy that you possible can be. Paula has given you some great links to get you started. We are all here for you - you are not alone anymore.
Keeping you in thought and prayer.
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Post by snoopsmom on Sept 5, 2013 15:46:47 GMT -7
My Snoopy is still in pain, he is taking prednisone twice daily methocarbomol twice daily Tramodol twice daily. graepentin I just added 3 times a day today! He does not use his front legs, and hasn't pooped in a week. I've tried, mineral oil. And pumpkin with out relief. I've tried the qtip & ice dude tricks other people have sworn by,and still nothing! Any suggestions?  ? Does anyone know how expensive acupuncture or laser therapy's run? We opted out of surgery due to finances, but I was looking into this, not sure if it has helped anyone with cervical IVDD. Or if is even in my budget? |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 5, 2013 17:21:33 GMT -7
I'm so sorry your Snoopy is still in pain. Can you update us on the exact dosages of each medication and the frequency you give it so we can see if it can be increased? I'm going to quote one of the moderators about constipation: "Adding high fiber pumpkin, sweet potato, really ripe mashed pear greatly depends on the amount of water. No extra water then you cause firming of stool..... adding extra water helps to loosen stools Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato." Here in NJ, Jeremy's acupuncture and laser therapy cost $79 a visit. In the beginning, they wanted him to come in a couple of times a week, then once a week for awhile and then they level off to once every month or two for maintenance. I found the acupuncture to be very helpful with Jeremy's pain and it calmed him down, too. His injured disc was in his lower back but I know that acupuncture can be very good for pain. Even just a few visits would be helpful, whatever you can afford. Here's some info on acupuncture and laser light, if you haven't seen it yet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htmContinued prayers for you and Snoopy. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 5, 2013 19:37:24 GMT -7
My name is Paula, what is yours?
Let me be direct… your vet is under medicating for pain... PLAIN and SiMPLE. If you have done your part to STRONGLY advocate for better pain relief and the vet is dragging his feet, then move on get a vet who does know IVDD…they are out there. Find one tomorrow. This is how you approach hiring a new vet:http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm
With details we can make more accurate comments, can you fill us in:
What is the dose in mg for the prednisone. Has it recently been reduced in dose?
What is the dose in mg's for the methocrbamol, the tramadol and for the gabapetin.
Tramadol is NOT likely to control pain if is has not been prescribed for every 6-8 hours. This med has a very short half life of 1.7 hours.
Pain relief is not a one size fits all deal. You and your vet are "the" pain management team. Prompt feedback to your vet if pain is not being controlled dose to dose is very necessary to get things right for Snoopy.
Please let us know if you soaked each of his kibble meals in equal parts of water or broth along with giving 1 teaspoon of plain pureed canned pumpkin? If you did not give the extra water then that would cause constipation.
Have you tried the expressing for poop? Can you feel the crown of feces in the rectum when you stroke on either side of the tail base as demonstrated in this video? Please avoid oils, q-tips, ice cubes. The body will with reflex move poop through the digestive tract and out the body. The high fiber WITH extra water helps reflexes to more easily move poop through. Is Snoopy also drinking more water… he should be as he is on prednisone. The upward stroke is what causes the reflexes to activate and move poop to exit. The strokes at the base of the tail on either side are you helping the poop to exit, like pinching a toothpaste tube a bit to get paste out.
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 6, 2013 12:46:25 GMT -7
How is Snoopy doing today? Hope his pain is under control by now. Have you contacted the Vet about giving the Tramadol and Methocarbamol at least 3 times a day? Is he eating better? Have you asked the Vet about putting him on Pepcid AC? Ask if there is any medical reason why he can't take Pepcid AC.
I am Pauliana, what is your name?
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Post by snoopsmom on Sept 6, 2013 17:54:23 GMT -7
Snoopy seems Better today, he has actually walked (wobbled) on all fours and pooped! I never imagined that would make me so happy! We are scheduled to see a new vet next week to discuss pain management and possible acupuncture if affordable of course.
Thanks for all your support, I really appreciate it, I know Snoopy does too, he is finally able to Rest comfortably
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 6, 2013 20:46:19 GMT -7
His pain seems to be better in control? Was he able to wait until outdoors to release poop?
Can you tell us currently:
What is the dose in mg for the prednisone. Has it recently been reduced in dose?
What is the dose in mg's for the methocarbamol, the tramadol and for the gabapentin.
I'm glad you have an appointment with a new vet,,, good job on that!!! For right now until appt with the new vet, do let us know if his pain is fully under control dose to dose of his three pain med (gabapentin, tramadol and methocarbamol)/
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Post by snoopsmom on Sept 8, 2013 8:47:41 GMT -7
He is able to walk and poop outside! This morning he tried to jump out of his crate, I'm afraid now that he feels better, he's going to do something to make it worse. He's currently taking:
Prednisone 5mg twice daily
Methocarbamol 500 mgtwice daily
Tramadol 50 mg twice daily ( I've been giving up to 3x depending on pain symptom's)
Gabapentin 100 mg 3 times daily
He weighs 21 pounds, I know too big is part of the problem! We are working on this. He is now on diet food, I measure it for each meal.
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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 8, 2013 10:16:10 GMT -7
Wonderful news that Snoopy is feeling much better! You can try covering the top of his crate with a blanket or towel to discourage jumping - they can't see anything out of the sides if they don't have all four on the floor  some members have had great success with this idea. Please keep us posted |
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 8, 2013 12:02:21 GMT -7
That's great that he's feeling better! One thing I did want to point out - since Snoopy is still on medication, it's not a good time to change his diet. The medication he's on can cause tummy and GI tract problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If Snoopy is eating different food, it will be difficult to tell if the GI tract problems are from the change in food or the medication. Plus his body has a lot of repair work to do so he needs his normal food rations. Once he's off of crate rest, then you can start his diet.
Also, I don't see Pepcid AC listed in the list of medications given. Paula and Pauliana had recommended that. Pepcid AC is given to protect your dog from the excess acid produced by the anti-inflammatory. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before each dose of the anti-inflammatory. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says Coco has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep her from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board.
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Post by snoopsmom on Sept 8, 2013 17:04:59 GMT -7
Ok, I started the Pepcid for his tummy. Sorry for the confusion, we started the diet prior to all this happening!
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Post by snoopsmom on Oct 25, 2013 6:37:37 GMT -7
I just wanted to give a update on Snoopy. We've completed the 2 month crate rest, and i never thought I'd say this, but it worked. snoopy is 100% again. He is back to his playful self. He seems to have no deficiencies. I call him my little miracle dog! I'm so grateful I found this website, it gave me the hope & courage I needed to keep fighting for Snoopy's recovery. Thanks so much for your support & prayers! Tammy Snoopsmom  |
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 25, 2013 6:45:15 GMT -7
This gives me such hope! COngrats to you and Snoopy |
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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 Oct 25, 2013 8:46:21 GMT -7
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 25, 2013 8:48:38 GMT -7
Congratulations! This is wonderful news. Often times, the nerves need more time to heal after the crate rest, but Snoopy didn't need that extra time and I'm delighted about that!! Just be sure to take it nice and easy with him. He's been immobile for two months and his stamina and muscles need to be gradually built up again. Here is a suggested schedule for gradually re-introducing him to movement again: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmAnd here is how to make your house back friendly if you haven't already seen it as Snoopy should no longer be allowed to jump up or down on couches or beds or do stairs: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmAgain, congratulations - you've done a wonderful job with Snoopy and it shows!! |
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some members have had great success with this idea. Please keep us posted 
