Laurelin & Sadie
New Member
FEMALE -cur/lab/pek/bgle mix .rght kidney removed, cancer free
Posts: 2
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Post by Laurelin & Sadie on Feb 1, 2023 8:40:59 GMT -7
[Original subject line:Intro: Sadie, IVDD+Kidney Disease ]
Hi! Happy to have found this group. We're always looking for more tips and info, especially on alternative treatment options. Basic intro info (including reason for alternative) :
Sadie is a SF 14 y/o 34lb mix (cur, lab, pekingese, beagle, plott mix per DNA, but dachshund proportions), mobile with full bladder/bowel control
Diagnosed polycystic kidney disease in 2020, right kidney removed April 2022, positive for Cystic renal cell carcinoma but currently considered cancer free. Remaining kidney has 55mm cyst. Also partial cruciate tear in left hind leg.
Genetic testing + for IVDD in 2022,
Diagnosed IVDD (3 older damaged discs, 1 lumbar disc actively "slipped", inflamed) by neurologist via MRI and symptoms in October 2022. Initially presented with severe pain, off stance and gait, reluctance to move, reduced appetite. 8 weeks rest and very conservative prednisone as contraindicated by kidney disease (2mg x5 days, 1.5mg x 5 days, 1mg x 5 days). Also on gabapentin as needed (100mg 3x day) and Amantadine (with ketamine starter) 1.5mg 1x daily.
12/9/22 [Feb 3, 2023 grad] - flare, extreme loss of coordination, especially back end, unable to stand without wobble, walk straight line, lasted est 3 hours. Started 1mg prednisone 2xd for 3 days, 1mg 1xday for 3 days, moved 1mg EOD repeated 5x then 1mg every 3 days for est 1 month. (see below for other treatments)
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
34lb 14 y/o
Right kidney removed 4/2022
Dec 9, 2022 severe disc episde
prednisone as of 9/22: 1mg 2x/day for 3 days, 9/25 test taper for: 1/28 pain / 1/28 neuro
gabapentin 100mg 1x/day]
1/28/23 [during pred taper]- Flare, sudden severe over of loss of back end coordination/ strength, balance - unable to stand still or walk with intention, painful stance, hot spot to slight right of lumbar spine, est 8hr duration
During both flares, complete activity restriction, 10 min cold compress on lumbar spine 3x day, add 100mg gabapentin mid day, laser therapy 2x week with licensed rehab veterinarian. Also taking .45cc Ellevet CBD 2x day (stopped when on pred), increased to .7cc 2x day during & immediately after flare. Laser has been HIGHLY effective for us. Also takes salmon oil and Dasuquin with msm supplements at highest dosage for size.
Has also done hydro-treadmill in 2022 for cruciate, post-surgery recovery and initial ivdd flare recovery.
Veterinary team includes primary/general, rehab, internist (consults with full specialty hospital staff), and neurologist. At their recommendation will be starting magnawave therapy with licensed practitioner. Recommended with caution to try back brace during activity periods when not in recovery (we live in 5 acres, so for example during long walks that may involve running/ scent trailing). All treatment (med and otherwise) is a always under direction of her vet team.
Also of note, we use waterhog mats throughout the house for traction and use Ramps for couch/bed access (not allowed when in strict rest), as well as Busby toe-grips on hind feet.
We are curious about other folks experience with non-pharmaceutical supports/treatments!
Regards, Laurelin
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Feb 1, 2023 10:20:22 GMT -7
Welcome Laurelin! We are glad you've joined us all on the Forum. When there are multiple diseases/issues is certainly can complicate dealing with a disc episode. Sounds like you have added a good compliment to Sadie's IVDD health care team. At the age of 14, Sadie may well have the type of IVDD labeled Hansens I. Normally these types of discs do not cause damage to the spinal cord. However if severe enough to damage the cord, then the strict rest is very necessary. It takes 8 weeks of strict rest to heal the disc. Usually the prednisone would be up at the higher "anti-inflammatory" level dose for a 5-7 day course. Then pred begins to taper. It is the taper that determines whether more time on anti-inflammatory level prednisone is needed. RULE OF THUMB on the pred taper Pain= another course of PRED + all pain meds, GI protectors back on board.
No Pain= go to TAPER's conclusion...finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal.From what you report, the disc episode occurred on 12/9/22 thus a graduation date of Feb 3, 2023 from the strict rest. 1/28/23 during the pred taper both pain and neuro issues appeared. Indicating prednisone had not yet completely resolved the painful swelling around the spinal cord. The best "brace" is an internal brace. If a brace is to be considered it should be Rx'd by the neuro for correct fit. Please scroll down to read over why in general back braces are not recommended for IVDD dogs: dodgerslist.com/2020/02/24/devices-supplements/On graduation day Feb 3, then begins a slow and gradual introduction safely back to physical activity. Being on strict rest, leaves muscles soft and out of shape and reduced stamina. STRENGTHENING CORE MUSCLES. Safety first! You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with Sadie. This applies not just for humans, but REALLY applies to the IVDD dog: "...improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that surround the spine so they can act like the world's greatest back and neck brace." www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/spondylosis Core exercises don't require specialized equipment. Here are 5 exercises you can do at home: totofit.com/five-basic-exercises-essential-to-building-core-strength/ Underwater treadmill would be an excellent therapy and good exercise, now that the 8 weeks disc healing with strict rest will be completed on Feb 3. HAPPY DAYS AHEAD -- Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog such as dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more: dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 -- See if there are any additional traction aids you are not already doing for slick floors: Ideas and products: dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/ -- Any issues with Sadie taking a shortcut off of your ramps? There is a way to train her to not take shortcuts: Dogs are best at visual learning 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."
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