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Post by HeatherDin on Mar 9, 2024 18:27:28 GMT -7
My miniature poodle, Stella (10), was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease about 4 years ago. She had a very mild case of back pain and has only had one other small episode since. Rest and pain meds helped. The last year or so she has not gotten around well and had random falls. There had never been anything too concerning or anything the vet has worried about.
Last night [3/8] she jumped off of the couch, yelped, and had not used her rear leg since. She isn’t in pain at all and knows her foot is there. She moved it and tries to use it but either keeps it hiked or drags it behind her. I did take her into the emergency vet but their only suggestion was rest and to see our vet next week (also on pain medication and anti inflammatory). She hasn’t drank all day, has went 1&2 this morning, and since last night has had some bladder leakage.
Would love to hear any thoughts on what I may be facing.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 9, 2024 20:39:33 GMT -7
Heather, welcome! So sorry to hear about the jumping off the couch likely damaged one of her discs to the extent of even causing nerve damage of dragging back leg. Possible bladder leaking also nerve damage?... will ask you more about that later. Did the ER vet think the disc was in the neck or the back?These are the things you can do to make sure Stella has every opportunity to heal the disc and with time also repair the nerve damage. #1 is to make sure she is inside of a recovery suite. Limited movement is how the disc heals. She should only be outside of the recovery suite for Potty time. STRICT rest means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - Sleeps and eats in her recovery suite (wire crate, 8 panel ex-pen, pack N- Play) Get all the tips and ideas to make the next 8 weeks of disc healing go smoother: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/ - POTTY TIME if she can sniff an old pee spot and then decide to release urine on it. Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!  ** If Stella's bladder is overflowing (not able to pee), she needs you to express her bladder. It is important you verify if she can pee or if urine overflows because she has lost control of the nerves to the bladder. ★7 Brain controlled "peeing" or reflex "overflowing"? Can your dog: -- Specifically sniff and squat and then release urine (bladder control)?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted? Indicator signs of an overflowing bladder (loss of control). Manual bladder expressing is necessary for health reasons. How to: ==> dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/ Lost bladder control means you need to take to the vet to learn how to express the bladder. Let us know.★1 Do you observe any of these signs of pain?
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned back
⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions
⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves
➕if a neck disc:
◻︎ head held high/ nose to the ground
◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily.
◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain
◻︎ holds back leg up flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
★3 List any red flag signs of stomach damage from the anti-inflammatory you are currently observing: _Not eating? _vomit? _loose stool? _bleeding ulcers? _red or black blood in diarrhea? Stella not drinking water sounds as if the anti-inflammatory IS causing stomach damage!★2 How much does Stells weigh? Age? Please list the exact names of meds currently given name of anti-inflammatory? date started? ?mg ?x/day for ? days name of each pain medication ?mg ?x/day Will be watching for your answers. The more detail we know, the better we can assist you and Stella. When you are able, please do register. It helps us to best track Stella. AND registering allow you to get an email alert whenever there is an answer waiting for you. ▼More detail on registering below 👀▼ |
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