Benjamin’s Gracie 2/21 conserv. siezures GRAD 4/18

[Original subject line: Benjamin’s Gracie - mini dachshund - calcification c3/c4]  

Trying to figure out if conservative or surgery option is better for Gracie and our situation.

My wife is pregnant and due in June. We want to try the conservative approach but we will opt for surgery if things do not get progressively better and closer to 100%. If we crate rest for 6-8 weeks and she is not returning to her normal self, we would be looking at surgery and another 4-8 weeks post op crate rest and recovery which would coincide with our first baby being born. We want to avoid this scenario and we are leaning towards surgery now to avoid further issues/damage and to get Gracie back to herself in time to meet her new baby human.

We are also concerned because we certainly don’t want to spend $6,000-$8,000 if her calcifications are minor or can easily be mended through conservative treatment. The mineral opacity in her neck on the x-rays is alarming especially when compared to other x-rays of dachshund cervical calcifications.

Gracie has had no neurological deficits but was taken to vet because of shrieking pain. She sits and lays down in very awkward and stiff positions. Front legs have been slightly wobbly a few times but never consistently or severe.

☆ 1 Is there still currently[?] pain?    No[?]
☐ reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow, ginger movements - Yes
☐ shivering, trembling - No
☐yelping when picked up or moved - Yes
☐ tight tense tummy - No
☐can’t find a comfortable position, appears restless - No
☐ Arched back - Yes
☐head held high or nose to the ground - Yes, nose to ground
☐ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight - No
☐Not their normal perky selves? Definitely not herself

2   12 lbs  8.5 years
    Rimadyl 25 mg - 0.5 tablet every 12 hours.  Attempted to stop after 4th day home from emergency vet (2/21/23) Pain and stiffness became much more noticeable. Started back on taking 0.5 tablet every 12 hours, 25 mg Rimadyl on 2/22/23 and is currently still on this medication
    Pepcid A/C - 5mg every 12 hours before Rimadyl
    Methocarbamol 500mg - 0.25/0.5[?] tablet every [?] 8-12 hours
    Gabapentin 100 mg - one capsule every [?]8-12 hours
    Phenobarbital 16.2 mg - one tablet every 12 hours for therapeutic dose to control seizures
C.. PEPCID AC: yes  [?mg ?x/day] 
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
12 lbs 8.5 years
Rimadyl as of 2/17: 12.5mgs 2x/day for 4 days,  2/21 test STOP: √2/21 Pain/_neuro
             as of 2/22:  12.5mgs 2x/day for ? days 
methocarbmaol  ?mg     ?x/day
gabapentin 100mgs  ?mg ?x/day
phenobarbital 16.2 mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC ?mg ?x/day ] 

☆ 3 -- List any red flag signs of stomach damage. None
☆ 4 Dachshund Gracie.    Benjamin
☆ 5  Yes, after x-rays were taken on 2/17/23, Calcification in neck was diagnosed
-- Is the vet a general DVM? Yes
-- Consultation with ACVIM neurology surgeon on 3/1/23

☆ 6         2/15/23 (no x-rays taken because of Gracie shrieking in pain) emergency vet 2/17/23
☆ 7  bladder control? Yes
☆ 8 Currently can your dog wobbly walk? No neurological deficits
Very ginger walking and moving with a few minor wobbles