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Post by Amber & Cookie on Sept 11, 2022 18:25:13 GMT -7
☆ 1 No pain
2 Cookie is 8 years old and weighs 15.8 pounds. She is taking the following:
1. Prednisone 5mg tab #30 - Give 1 tablet orally every 12 hours for 7 days, then 1 tablet orally every 24 hours for 7 days, then 1tablet orally every other day for 7 doses.
2. Omeprazole 10mg Cap #40 - Give 1 capsule orally every 12 hours while on prednisone.
3. Trazodone 50mg #30 - Give 0.5 tablet orally every 8-12 hours as needed for anxiety
4. Gabapentin 100mg cap #9 - Give 1 capsule orally every 8-12 hours as needed for pain.
5. Diazepam 5mg tab #9 - If needed, give 0.5 to 1 tablets orally every 8 hours, 20-30 minutes prior to bladder expression
6. Amantadine 100mg #15- Give0.25 tablets orally every 24 hours.
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
15.8 lbs 8 y.o.
Prednisone 5mg 2x/day
gabapentin 100mgs every 8 or 12 hrs
diazepam 2.5- 5mgs 3x/day prior to bladder expressing (NOT GIVEN as dog as control)
amantindine 25mgs 1x/day
traZODone 25mgs as needed
Omeprazole 10mgs 2x/day for duration of prednisone ]
☆ 3 -- stomach damage. None at this time
☆ 4Cookie is a Shih-poo (or so we were told when we rescued her). My name is Amber
☆ 5 There was right-sided, extradural spinal cord compression present at the level of the L1-2 disk space, extending to L2-3 disk space, consistent with herniated disk material.
Cookie was diagnosed by a Board Certified Veterinary Neurologist
☆ 6 Cookie had surgery on September 5, 2022
--Cookie came home from the vet September 10 yesterday. She goes for a recheck in 2 weeks. She has a PT appointment September 30. We were not given a specific number of weeks for post-op rest, only we had to wait 3-4 weeks before starting PT
☆ 7 Cookie had bladder control when she left the vet after surgery
[? ? Diazepam Rx dose prior to expressing]. Her first night home she barked to let me know she needed to go 1 & 2. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to her crate in time before she wet her bedding.
☆ 8 Cookie has tail control and greeted us with a tail wag when we arrived to pick her up from the vet. She does not have any movement with her right leg. Her left leg has some movement. She cannot stand
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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 11, 2022 19:13:02 GMT -7
Amber, welcome to the Forum. We are glad you are here. With Amber being released with bladder control, and some movement in one leg, that really bodes well for more nerve healing to take place with time! While on prednisone she will have more thirst and drink more. Also need to be taken outside to potty more often. Maybe every 3-4 hours. Make sure she has a potty break right before bedtime and last drink of the night an hour before potty. Hopefully she will stay dry til morning. If night you may need to set your alarm for a middle of the night pee break. What at home PT did your vet direct for the legs with no to weak movement. Let us know which ones you do at home for the back legs? Appropriate physical therapy can help maintain those muscles with lost nerve connection and keep the joints flexible while watiing
on nerve healing to take place..
Post-op PT for the paralyzed IVDD dog: Do you have any concern or questions we can zero in on for at home care? |
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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 11, 2022 19:17:40 GMT -7
I just caught the Diazepam to be given before bladder expression? ?
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Post by Amber & Cookie on Sept 11, 2022 19:31:47 GMT -7
That is helpful advice. Hopefully it will help keep her dry through the night.
We are doing at home PT. The vet told us to flex her toes, then her feet, then her knees and then 5 bicycles each side. We are to do that 3x a day. I do this with her standing (supported). Does it matter if we do her exercises while standing? I noticed in the video the dog is lying on its side.
Cookie has bladder control. We were given the Diazepam just in case we needed to express her bladder. ,I think she gained bladder control the day we took her home, which is why the Diazepam was prescribed. She does the sniff and pee and lifts her tail slightly before peeing. She has a very steady stream when she goes.
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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 11, 2022 19:38:38 GMT -7
Amber, if you can do some of the exercises while standing that is a good thing. Weight bearing exercises is good for the health of bones. IN the video you will see the "bicycles" are while the dog is standing.
Excellent to get that cleared up she has bladder control!
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Post by Amber & Cookie on Sept 12, 2022 14:47:17 GMT -7
Cookie again wet her bed overnight. We tried cutting off water before bedtime, but she was crying so we gave in and gave her back her water. I think we are going to try taking her out sooner in the morning or checking on her overnight.
She does go potty when taken outside. She appears to even put herself in a squatting position when going 1 & 2. She does not yet have the ability to stand on her own and we continue to support her with a sling.
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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 12, 2022 14:51:25 GMT -7
Amber it may be that it is just too long (8 hrs overnight) for her to control the bladder. The control may not yet be 100% . So good idea to set the alarm for mid way during the night for a potty break.
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Post by Amber & Cookie on Sept 13, 2022 7:58:31 GMT -7
Cookie stayed dry overnight. I also [9/12] saw her move her left leg to get more comfortable last night. Still no movement in the right leg. Any little improvement is exciting
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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 13, 2022 9:11:39 GMT -7
Amber, nerve healing can be a slow process that one ought to think more in terms of months rather than days/weeks. The fact that she CAN move one leg makes it very likely with time she will also be showing self healing nerves for the right leg. Keep up the good work on the at-home PT to keep both legs in good condition (flexing joints, weight bearing, and muscles movement/massage)while waiting on more nerve repairs.
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Post by Amber & Cookie on Sept 26, 2022 8:42:31 GMT -7
Cookie had her stiches removed on September 21, 2022. We were on vacation when Cookie initially went down on September 4 and we were lucky that we were able to get her into a neurologist for surgery less than 24 hours after her symptoms began. Unfortunately, the neurologist who performed her surgery is over 4 hours away from where we live, so she saw her primary care vet to remove her stiches and do her 2 week follow up. I am going to try to find a neurologist nearby to see if we can do a follow up and in case Cookie ever has another episode.
Cookie is starting to use her back left leg when walking sling assisted for bathroom breaks. Still not a lot of movement in the back right leg. She has not tried to stand on her own. She has an initial consult for PT on September 30.
We are starting to taper her off of the prednisone. Cookie seems happy, especially if we give her a stuffed Kong, then she doesn't even notice that she is in her crate. Lots of happy tail wags and she hasn't had an accident since her first night home after surgery.
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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 26, 2022 9:10:40 GMT -7
Amber, thank you for the update. Looks like graduation day is still on the calendar for Oct 3? Then we'll have lots of information to help you slowly transition her back to enjoying family life. It is pretty typical for the local vet to remove stitches. I lived 6 hrs away from where my dog had a surgery. Good news that PT (hopefully underwater treadmill) is on tap for Sep 30. This video will show you just why at this point of being able to move a back leg, the treadmill can specifically help. The movement of the hip joints and muscles and the changes in pressure on the paws from the underwater treadmill triggers spinal cord communication with the brain. Water bouyancy makes it easier than leg movements against gravity. There is not only the potential to regrow damaged neuronal pathyways but also for neuron to muscle re-education to learn the art of walking again. Please keep us updated on the PT consult. |
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Post by Amber & Cookie on Oct 4, 2022 8:59:41 GMT -7
The initial appointment with PT was very positive. It seems the question isn't if Cookie will walk again, but when. I scheduled her first session for Thursday, October 6. The plan is for therapeutic exercise[?] and laser treatment this week and next. Then acupuncture is added in week 3 & 4. I contacted the neurologist who performed the surgery and he cleared Cookie for longer (assisted) walks (5-10 minutes). There is a store down the street from us that gives dog treats to its canine customers, so Cookie is very motivated to walk when we take her out. She is starting to try to stand on her own. However, she falls back down after a step or two. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 4, 2022 9:38:47 GMT -7
Amber, sounds like the boat is being missing in not using underwater treadmill. Is it not available in your area? What does "therapeutic exercise" include? GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION Determine how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation from rest. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free riegn of the house and yard immediately! LOL Your dog's muslces are soft and out of shape after the rest period. Gradually build up their muscles and their lungs over a month's time. SAMPLE SCHEDULE Here is a sample schedule to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity. Lots of ideas for never again things and those to encourage: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20scheduleDIY back PROTECTION around the house  ** Introduce training to use a ramp going up and down from furniture or any steps to the outdoors your home has. Dogs are best at visual learners rather than verbal commands. Dog trainer Anna Jane Grossman says “Dogs learn in pictures. Inside your dog’s brain is a very simple algorithm – pleasant images in one place and unpleasant images in another."
HAPPY DAYS AHEAD 1) Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog: dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 PT THERAPY AT CLINIC or HOME Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although senior dogs need to stay limber, severe arthritis might make certain movements inappropriate. - Strengthening core muscles. Core exercises don't require specialized equipment. Here are 5 exercises. Add them as Cookie reaches the doable point: totofit.com/five-basic-exercises-essential-to-building-core-strength/May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? Did you know there are less than a handful who volunteer daily to help dogs and their owners? We need helping hands from other Forum members in educating. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs are put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication have helped many dogs recover. We depend on all members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate! Pick what suits you....
We depend on you. Here are some ways to help.. i.postimg.cc/R0y7zpGx/IVDD-survior-gallery.jpg ** -- Please celebrate Cookie's graduation! Add a graduation photo and a short caption to our Gallery to give other members inspiration about your IVDD Survivor! dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas, Frenchies) give out our free little wallet cards. Hand carry our literature and print out our letter of introduction for your vet. linkable [► ORDER BROCHURES & cards, they're free!◀︎] for your vet and wallet cards for you  -- Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions about surgery? We have a directory where you can share surgical info. Here is where you can share your dog's info: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendationsState: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: Don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love to hear how your Cookie is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see her in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD! if you see a new member in a tough spot, give them hope. A brief paragraph about your dog can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need!  |
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Post by Amber & Cookie on Oct 4, 2022 11:56:20 GMT -7
The facility offers underwater treadmill. It just isn't part of Cookie's treatment plan, yet. The therapeutic exercises are to help with functional mobility and body awareness. During the second session, they will teach us additional exercises we can do at home. Once she is standing and walking more, they will add the treadmill to help with gait training.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 4, 2022 13:14:47 GMT -7
I am glad that Cookie will be getting therapy on an underwater treadmill. This helped a lot after my dog's surgery. Starting this sooner rather than later will benefit Cookie.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 5, 2022 10:21:50 GMT -7
Amber, would you be able to get a 2nd opinion about starting underwater treadmill sooner to take advantage that Cookie IS showing movement ability in her legs with trying to move up in to a stand?
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Post by Amber & Cookie on Nov 9, 2022 14:42:34 GMT -7
Cookie is up and drunk walking. She is still weaker in her right leg than her left. She was also recently diagnosed with a luxating patella in her right leg. However, she does not appear to be in any pain. Everyday Cookie practically runs (with assistance) to her favorite stores in our neighborhood, none of which sell dog supplies. We joke that the promise of being able to go shopping has been her motivation to walk again.
She started on the water treadmill last week. Hopefully this will help her with foot placement with her right leg. Even if this is the best she gets, we are still very happy with her progress. She continues to be a happy girl who loves cuddles, ear scritches and car rides.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 9, 2022 17:45:03 GMT -7
Amber, love hearing Cookie is able to move up into a stand and now wobbly walking with support. Sounds like she is in very high spirits to accompany you on shopping excursions, what fun!
I hope to hear with next report you are seeing the water treadmill is helping Cookie to improve her gait.
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