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Post by pennyh on Mar 18, 2013 8:07:14 GMT -7
My longhaired miniature dachshund, Nouri, had a hemilaminectomy in April of 2012. He was 5 years old. He had a full recovery. I followed procedures recommended on this site and it has helped me tremendously.
This weekend, I noticed he cried out when I picked him up so I immediately crated him and took him to our vet. The veterinary school I took him to last year doesn't recommend an MRI at this point. Just crate rest and meds. The school is a 3 1/2 hour drive away. I feel so helpless. He's at the local vet now. I'm so nervous bringing him home. I want to do the right thing. I've read all of your literature, I guess I just need some encouragement.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 18, 2013 9:51:25 GMT -7
Penny, I'm sorry to hear about Nouri. The good news is you knew what you were observing with yelping and wasted no time in crating and getting to the vet. So with his mild symptoms, Nouri is likely a good candidate for conservative treatment.
The crate rest is necessarily more strict than with a post op dog. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc.mhttp://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm
Why is he at the local vet? Most vets prescribe pain meds, an anti-inflammatory, Pepcid AC to protect the stomach and send the dog home to do the 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times for 8 weeks. Dogs most often heal much faster in familiar surroundings of home.
Let us know when he comes home. His meds, dose in mg and frequency.
If you are reading and absorbing our Disc Disease 101 information, then you are doing one of the best things you can... education is key to knowing the IVDD enemy and winning.
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Post by pennyh on Mar 18, 2013 16:06:07 GMT -7
Thank you Paula for your encouragement. I will let you know when I pick him up tomorrow about his medicines. He is in need of trimming the hair around his toes. should I leave it alone since he won't be walking on any surfaces anyway?
Again thank you,
Penny
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 18, 2013 17:15:40 GMT -7
Anything that will cause undo back movement will be on hold til after graduation: nail clipping, baths, etc.
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Post by pennyh on Mar 20, 2013 10:11:05 GMT -7
Yesterday morning Nouri lost ability to walk. Surgery was performed last night. I haven't been able to see him yet,but they said he is doing well and able to walk. I'm ready to again rehab him back to health. My question is : does the degeneration of the discs ever cease? I know no jumping, steps ,etc. but does this continue regardless of what we/he does? Just hate to see him going through all of this. I love him like one of my children.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Mar 20, 2013 10:35:53 GMT -7
Thank you for letting us know about the surgery. And when you learn more do keep us all updated. Nouri was born with a degenerative disease that prematurely ages discs. This disease is unpredictable in that some dogs have only one disc episode their entire life while other can have multiples. We learn to live with the disease by making our home back friendly, encouraging back friendly activities and recognizing early any hints of pain signaling a possible disc problem..... and crating at once and getting to the vet. All of this requires our investing time in self education which are are doing. How about the need to educate friends, family and others who will be around Nouri? Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm |
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member 
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294 
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Mar 20, 2013 13:43:34 GMT -7
So sorry to hear about Nouri's surgery Penny, praying everything is ok, I keep checking back for an update...  |
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Post by pennyh on Mar 20, 2013 16:48:58 GMT -7
I ordered my DVD last week and haven't received it yet. I received my brochures I ordered on Monday. Everyone in the family knows Nouri is fragile. I just hate this for him. He's such a sweet, fun-loving fellow. I'll keep you posted. On my way to visit him now.
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Post by Linda Stowe on Mar 20, 2013 21:20:18 GMT -7
Penny, If you don't receive your DVD soon, let me know. I show I sent it out.
Let us know how Nouri is doing after your visit.
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Post by pennyh on Mar 27, 2013 7:18:19 GMT -7
Thank you so much for your support. I did receive the DVD and am about to watch it with everyone in the household. Nouri is home and settled in his little ex-pen. He only gets out for bathroom breaks, but only a few steps. He is doing very well. Three areas around the discs were involved this time. He is moving much better after this surgery, possibly because I got him into surgery much quicker than last year's episode. He is currently taking 1/4 tablet once a day of Previcox 57 mg. with food. I am doing flexion and extension exercises on his back legs as prescribed by the DVM. Again, thank you for all of your support. This little man means the world to me.
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Post by Pauliana on Mar 27, 2013 9:22:33 GMT -7
Hi Penny! Thanks for the update on dear Nouri! I hope he is resting comfortably.. Are you also giving him Pepcid AC 30 minutes before the Previcox to protect his stomach? Previcox is a NSAID. Please read below: The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID. Pepcid is generally considered a safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for a healthy dog and good insurance. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlwww.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/stomachProtection.htmDoes his pain seem well under control? Previcox is an anti inflammatory and works by taking down swelling and is not a pain killer.. When the swelling goes down from the surgery, then the pain eases but that is not a quick process. Nouri may need some other pain killers on board.. My Tyler was sent home after surgery with Tramadol for pain and Gabapentin, for nerve related pain, both 3 times a day and Pepcid AC twice a day. He was on these meds for one week. Some dogs have muscle spasms and require a muscle relaxant such as Methocarbamol (Robaxin). Discuss with your vet what he or she thinks best.. If he is shivering, his tummy is tight, or he yelps or acts afraid to move, these are signs of pain.. If not, that's wonderful! Pauliana |
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Post by pennyh on Mar 27, 2013 15:07:37 GMT -7
Pauliana,
Thank you so much for your input. I'm going out now to buy him Pepcid AC. I'll call in the morning about pain medicine. He does shiver when I carry him back inside the house after peeing/pooing.
Penny
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Post by natureluva on Mar 28, 2013 5:57:10 GMT -7
Hi Penny, did you speak to your vet about pain medication? What did they prescribe? Hope Nouri is feeling better. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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Post by pennyh on Mar 29, 2013 10:51:55 GMT -7
Nouri is know taking 25 mg of Tramadol twice a day. The shivering has stopped. He is doing very well and is not needing a sling to walk. Still only allowed limited walking...only quick potty breaks for now. Staples come out next week. Thank you for your concern. Penny
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Post by natureluva on Mar 29, 2013 15:51:36 GMT -7
Penny, thanks for your reply. I'm so happy that Nouri's pain is controlled with the Tramadol! Hopefully you can both rest easy now while he recovers. Best wishes, ~Lisa
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