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Post by ElaineXB on Mar 9, 2023 16:25:05 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Care for Senior IVDD Dog]
☆ 1 Is there still currently pain?
Sometimes Shivers but usually when it's meal time.
Not their normal perky selves? - YES
Gabapentin 50 mg 2x a day
Pepcid AC 5mg 2x a day
Cerenia 1/2 tablet every other day - Not sure of the mg
Denamarin one tablet once a day - small dog
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
12 lbs 16.5 y.o.
Cerenia ?mgs EOD
Denamarin 1x/day -
Gabapentin 50 mg 2x a day
Pepcid AC 5mg 2x a day]
Maya weighs 12 lbs
My 16.5 year old miniature dachshund had an episode of cervical IVDD June 2022. We did 10 weeks of crate rest and she seemed to be okay but
the last few weeks I've noticed that she will lean to the side when she sits and has been tripping up some as well as her right back paw will turn in. I've also noticed her neck will spasm.
She also has pancreatitis, elevated liver enzymes and is receiving fluids to help her kidneys.
When she was put on steroids in June, she ended up in the ER for two days with acute vomiting and diarrhea and they took her off of them. Since August 2022, she had become a picky eater with some days resulting with me hand feeding her and trying various foods to hold her interest. She wants to eat and shows interest but is reluctant to [eat-pain?] do so. I have been through this before 10 years ago but it was her back at that time, not her neck.
I guess my question is, should I opt for surgery at her age given her other medical issues that are going on? I think with it being cervical she would have a better success rate than conservative which is the only thing I have done thus far. Thanks for your help.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 18,886
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 9, 2023 16:45:42 GMT -7
Moderator Paula is now reading and preparing a reply. Refresh your browser to watch for post. When you are able, do register to get all the benefits of the Forum. More detail if you need it: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7353/register-bookmark-dogs-post-thread➡️ EMAIL ALERTS You can receive email alerts when someone has posted. Timely interaction/communications is needed when helping your dog. Bookmark your dog's thread to receive an email alert when someone has replied. ➡️ QUICK REPLY: Easy, fast and recommended! Go to the "Quick reply" typing area at bottom of your dog's thread to write a reply. Quick Reply allows scrolling up to a previous post & back down to the "Quick Reply" typing area to continue your own post. i.postimg.cc/SQ95jsfc/QUICK-REPLY350.jpg |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 18,886
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 9, 2023 19:14:19 GMT -7
Elaine, welcome to the Forum. Would you round out the info about Maya so we know we have the correct picture of whether she's been diagnosed with a current NECK disc episode. Did your vet say Maya is currently suffering with a disc episode? Date diagnosed currently? Date crated?
1) If Maya is newly knuckling under her paw, crate her at once today to prevent increased neuro damage.
2) Call your vet asap!
3) Review how to manage providing Maya with the STRICT crate rest needed when there is a disc episode: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/ Normally a disc episode is treated with an anti-inflammatory drug. In light of her liver and kidney issue, your vet may have to carefully consider how to manage swelling.
Conservative treatment REST is MUCH more strict than for a post-op dog's rest. Conservative vs. Surgical crate rest  **PAIN & PAIN MED What is the reason she is on gabapentin? This pain meds helps with nerve pain for if there would be pain from a disc episode, it may be blocked from you. What is the reason for the acid suppressor Pepcid AC for Maya?
What to you observe that has you using the term neck spasms? 1. Does she hold her head high or low to the ground?
2. Does she only look with eyes, not wanting to turn her head? Does she shiver only at mealtimes...could then be a sign of being anxious
Does she shiver when the room is cold?
Does she shiver whenever she has to move. That could be arthritis and it can be a sign of disc episode painCheck out this graphic. Seeing two or more signs of pain often will be helpful to confirm a dog is in pain and needs attention of the vet. Let us know what you think ** NEURO DIMINISHMENT IF the back paw is knuckling under as shown in the GREEN circled paw above, that is neuro damage. Could likely be due to a current disc episode that has damaged the spinal cord. If the paw is knuckling under CRATE YOUR DOG ASAP. Notify the vet the date you have newly been observing this. IF this is a neck disc episode, along with the MOST essential STRICT Rest these are the other things you can do to help at home. Such as softening hard kibble, raising food/water dishes to head height inside the crate, etc. How to info here: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/cervical-care-tips/Only a surgeon can make a valid judgement if Maya would be a candidate for surgery. Most surgeons would first choose the least invasive method of STRICT REST in a crate at home with a dog who can still walk. Good reading for you on conservative vs. surgery and when.... dodgerslist.com/2020/02/10/surgery-vs-conservative/= |
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