Charlotte, the good news is most dogs do a lot better with home care. So it is good to hear his stress level instantly reduced once home! Less stress is what is needed for healing.
For the care giver, once once home there are then new things, new routines which can raise stress levels. You and Ben will figure out the priorities and easiest way to give care. It may take a couple of days. I have some ideas for you.
MEDS
1) Gabapentin is VERY bitter. Make sure those two sizes of pills gets down the throat without him getting a taste.
-- wrap each pill in a yummy bit of deli meat, hide in some cream cheese, liverwurst, etc.
-- IF you pill him, review this vet's excellent how-to demo:
2) Phone the hospital and explain difficulties in getting meds down him. There
are a lot of meds. Ask which are "the" top priorities after pain meds
(Gabapentin, Paracetemol) Omeprazole (acid reducer) and antibiotics (
Erythromycin, Marbocyl, Synuloz)?
• traZODone for anxiety, could this be on an as needed basis like Synuloz?
• discuss the GI TRACT meds
• Metoclopramide (increases intestine movements)
• Cisapride(stimulate motility for treating gastric reflux)
• Pro-kolin (digestive support: 'friendly' bacterium, prebiotic, binder)
BLADDER HEALTH
The vet comment is not clear enough to us. The essential key is understanding if Clyde has actual bladder control function. Before Clyde can control his bladder first he must have DPS.
-- Did the surgeon say he had DPS upon discharge?
-- Or at home have you seen his tail stump do a joyful wriggle?
-- A dog who has bladder control can sniff and then make the choice to pee in an appropriate place in the yard.
-- Dogs who leak on you when lifted or leaking urine in bedding are OVERFLOWING via reflexes They do not yet have brain controlled bladder. They must be expressed on a schedule to prevent bladder infections, prevent urine scald on skin.
Order neuro functions will return in:
1. ?
Deep Pain Sensation (DPS): 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. ?
Tail stump wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. ?
Bladder control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
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 place the paw without knuckling under.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
LEARN MORE:
dodgerslist.com/2021/02/06/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/A dog who does not have bladder control will need to be expressed every 2-3 hours when first learning this new skill.
Did you get a hands on your hands expressing lesson on discharge day? How to express bladder: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/Zinc is toxic to dogs should they lick the Sudeocreme. Best to use a barrier cream without any ZINC ingredient on the label. Options: Aquaphor Baby, Aquaphor regular Healing Ointment, Bayer's A+D® Original Ointment
EXPRESS FOR POOP
Clyde's anus opening stays open? Does not stay closed in the normal way due to neuro damage?
Expressing for poop is so that before mother nature would just let it plop out anywhere, you get there first. Most of us express on the toilet: upon awaking in the morning, maybe at 1-2 pm during the day and again before bedtime. First you should make a chart of eating, poop plopping times and try to figure out when you should be expressing. You really do not need anyone to demonstrate how to express for poop. This video shows how easy it is:
DIAPERS (NAPPIES)
Usually we say diapers are a last resort things. They can cause the same problems babies have rashes, sores. HOWEVER.... while you are learning to get good at expressing promptly every 2-3 hrs to keep him dry, a diaper save you work of cleaning bedding up. If you can find a size to fit your 17kg dog, the diaper can be a temporary good thing.
Do you have his bedding made up to be least amount of work?
From our member's tips page: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/
Change of bedding: 100% synthetic (no cotton) Fleece fabric as a bottom sheet wicks moisture away from skin (have 2-3 on hand) and dries quickly. Inexpensive fleece throw can be cut to sizes at Big Lots, Walgreens 2/$10. You can buy fleece yardage at JoAnn Fabric Store or the like. This is a no-sew project as fleece does not ravel.
Layer bedding in this manner: 1 Trash bag enclosed mattress
2 pee pad on top*
3 fleece bottom sheet tucked in all around mattress.
*OPTION to disposable pee pads are reusable waterproof absorbent bed pads. Look for children’s disposable bed mats at your grocery store. Cut down the twin size to make several suite-sized ones.
I hope some of these ideas will get you on the smoother path to home care. Please keep us posted that we may see if there are any other ideas to share with you.
