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Post by Rita & Scout on Jun 8, 2024 16:48:24 GMT -7
06/02/2024 Scout, 11 year old, 50 lb IVDD surgery June 2 2024 ☆ 1 Is there still currently pain? X reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow, ginger movements X Holding back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight X not their normal perky selves - not very happy camper
★2 How much does your dog weigh? 49lb Age? 11 1. ▼ Gabapentin 100 mg capsules- Give 2 capsules by mouth every 8 hours for pain - first day trying to do it 12 hour apart2. Trazodone 100 mg tablets - Give 1 tablet by mouth every 8-12 hours as needed for confinement and for anxiety - giving her one pill in the evening only 3. Acepromazine 10 mg tablets - Give 1/2 tablet by mouth every 8-12 hours as needed for sedation - giving her 1/2 pill before going to sleep 4. Diazepam 10 mg tablets - Give 1 tablet by mouth every 8 hours, 30 minutes prior to bladder expression - giving her 1/4 of a pill 30 minutes before bladder expression 3 times a day - 7 am, 2 pm and 9 pm, tried higher dose and she was leaking urine [MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 40 lbs 11 y.o. post-op: left back leg paralyzed, right back leg very weak no anti-inflammatory on board, reported in pain 6/8 Gabapentin 200mgs ▼2x/day, dog reported in pain Diazepam 10mgs 3x/day AND 30 mins prior to expressing 2.5 mgs Acepromazine 5mgs 2-3x/day traZODone 100 mgs 2-3 x/day] C.. PEPCID AC: GI issues in the past, currently on Hills prescription dry food for GI, not taking Pepcid AC, nobody recommended it ☆ 3 -- Does you dog show red flag signs of stomach damage? none ☆ 4 What breed? mixed, 25% pitbull , Scout. Rita ☆ 5 🔘 2 ruptured disks L3/L4, ACVIM neurology - Blue Pearl Farmington Michigan 🔘 date of SURGERY? - 06/02/2024 -- How many weeks did your surgeon direct for post-op rest? - 3 weeks-- What did your surgeon direct for clinic or at home PT? - clinic after 3 weeks☆ 7 🔘 bladder control? - NO - no bladder control☆ 8 No walking, left back leg paralyzed, right back leg very weak
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,884
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 8, 2024 17:03:31 GMT -7
Welcome Rita, you have reported CURRENT right now pain! Call in to the surgery and report it. Meds need adjustment, there is no anti-inflammatory on board to resolve the swelling. Only pain meds which are supposed to block pain. It is the anti-inflammatory drug that's recommend to take Pepid AC. CONTINUED...Let us know what med adjustments were Rxd so that Scout suffers no pain. It can take about 14 days before all the surgery caused swelling resolves. What is the reason YOU have dropped his gabapentin dose down to only every 12 hrs. These pain meds last in the body for about 8 hrs? That is the reason they were Rx'd to give every 8 hrs (3x/day). CONTINUED 2...Does Scout stay dry expressing session to session? How often do you express him? When first learning it might take every 2-3 hrs. As you get more proficient (that is he stays dry) you can move to every 3-4, then 4-6 hours. CONTINUED 3...Setting up the recovery suite with a good mattress system plus lots of other great tips to make the next 3weeks of post-op rest go smoother are here: dodgerslist.com/strict-rest-recovery-process/
Check out our Large Breed tips for helpful options in overcoming caring for a heavy dog. Covers every things from best harnesses for lifting to how to carry out potty times: dodgerslist.com/large-dog-care-tips-ivdd/Let us know what areas of concern we can comment on for you.
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Post by Rita & Scout on Jun 8, 2024 17:36:06 GMT -7
Hello Paula I am not sure that Scout is in pain. She is a very quiet girl and doesn't complain much. She gets anxious and starts breathing hard and it usually means that either she wants something or she is uncomfortable. It looks like when she has BM about to happen, she gets anxious. it even seems to me that she gets anxious when she has to pee, not 100% sure about that, maybe just a wishful thinking. Last night was the first night she was home with us and she was well medicated, couldn't sleep, was anxious, kept me up half of the night. She was on carprofen prior to surgery for 2 weeks, but for some reason wasn't prescribed it post surgery, I will follow up with her vet.
We dropped Gabapentin to every 12 hours to give her less meds, but maybe we have to get her back on 8 hour schedule, don't want to overmedicate her if it is not necessary, but maybe we are wrong about it.
Scout doesn't stay dry between the sessions. Yesterday [6/7]was our first lesson with the vet at the hospital, after that she didn't stay dry, was leaking a lot of urine. I tried to express her bladder last night without much luck.
The vet told us if she is not dry after the bladder expression, it means that the medication dose was too high and we need to lower it.
We lowered it [▼diazepam] to 1/2 of pill [6/8] this morning, expressed her bladder and she was leaking after that for 2-3 hours. [MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 40 lbs 11 y.o. post-op: left back leg paralyzed, right back leg very weak no anti-inflammatory on board, reported in pain 6/8 Gabapentin 200mgs ▼2x/day, dog reported in pain Diazepam ▼5mgs 3x/day AND 30 mins prior to expressing 2.5 mgs Acepromazine 5mgs 2-3x/day traZODone 100 mgs 2-3 x/day]
We gave her 1/4 of a pill this afternoon and expressed her bladder again, she kept peeing on her pad or in the diaper and it wasn't just a few drops, it was decent amount every time. We are rotating the pads and the diapers. If we have to do it every 2-3 hours, do we need to medicate her every 2-3 hours?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,884
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 8, 2024 18:23:05 GMT -7
Rita, you reported these signs as being currently in pain. Was that report incorrect? X reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow, ginger movements X Holding back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weightX not their normal perky INTERESTED IN LIFE selves - " not very happy camper" unhappiness is not a sign of pain Since it takes about 14 days for all surgical areas to resolve painful swelling and it has only been 7 days post op.... then assume when something (a BIG surgery) ought be painful, it IS painful. I'd wait til 14 days then reduce pain meds. If Scout doesn't stay dry when you've only expressed for one day, that very like means you have not reach peak proficiency in expressing. ---- The more you have ability to know that you fully emptied the bladder, the longer it takes to fill back up. ----When the bladder is overfilled, it kicks in reflexes to allow some but not all urine escape. ---- Diazepam is both a muscle relaxer for muscle spasm pain. AND it also can relax the neck of the bladder to make expressing easier. --- Expressing is all about the ability to trap the bladder in your hands. Then press sufficiently on the bladder to build up pressure inside the bladder to overcome the neck of the bladder wanting to stay closed. --- Don't hesitate to get another hands on your hands lesson from your local vet or back at the surgery hospital. Also review the video both of them on bladder expressing and for poop expressing: ==> dodgerslist.com/bladder-bowel-care/-- With a week's worth of expressing under your belt you will be proficient! Express every 2 hrs. If she stays dry, the move up to a longer period between sessions. This is a new skill. Like playing the piano, it takes practice to get good.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,884
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 8, 2024 18:23:35 GMT -7
Is this what you meant about lowering Diazepam to 1/2 pill?
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Gina & Laz
New Member
MALE- German Shepherd
Posts: 14
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Post by Gina & Laz on Jun 8, 2024 20:19:41 GMT -7
Just wanted to say good luck! I'm reading this and learning.
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Post by Rita & Scout on Jun 9, 2024 9:09:06 GMT -7
Thank you Gina!
Paula, thank you very much for guiding me through this post-op process with Scout. Last nigh [6/8] I tried to express her bladder without any success.
This morning [6/9] her diaper was very full with urine. I gave her 1.25 mg of diazepam at 7 am and couldn't express it at all 30 minutes later, 2 hours later and 4 hours later. The process that worked yesterday morning and afternoon is not working at all today. She just released a lot of urine on her pad, I tried to express again and no results.
Last night [6/8 ]she tried to get up on her own and this morning [6/9] her tail was moving, it seems like she is able to control it a little bit.
Also this morning [6/9] she felt her left leg that is paralyzed, I was doing PT on her legs and she was reacting like it wasn't painful, but she knew I was doing it to her.
I will give her 2.5 mg of diazepam shortly and try to express her bladder again.
We are having issues with her sleeping at night, she used to sleep on the bed with us and first night she was on the floor in her small fenced area. She was able to move the fence and get out, I had to lay next to her on the floor to calm her down. Last night we set up pack and play crib for her with 2 inch dog mattress in it, so she had enough room to lay and turn, but she wasn't close enough to me. She was very unhappy about it and was trying to take off her diaper, scratching the walls of the crib, she was fully medicated and it took her 3 hours to settle down. Any suggestions?
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Post by Ann Brittain on Jun 9, 2024 10:03:33 GMT -7
I'm sorry you're having issues expressing Scout. It can be tricky. I would continue trying the method you used that was successful. Dogs can be resistant to the process as it doesn't feel natural to them. I've only expressed a male dog and I understand female dogs can be more difficult. With our Buster, I always tried to be calm, not rush the process, and not let the frustration I was feeling get to him.
We eventually took turns sleeping next to Buster, on the an air mattress, so all of us could sleep and we didn't worry about him hurting himself.
Hopefully as she heals, many of these issues will resolve themselves.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,884
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 9, 2024 17:34:41 GMT -7
Rita, did the surgeon say on discharge date that she did or did NOT have deep pain sensation? Confirm for us in specific neuro terms below ---- where you believe Scout is on nerve healing: 1. "she tried to get up on her own" 2. "her tail was moving" ORDER OF NERVE HEALING There is not a time table, just the known order. Often we need to think more in term of months rather than days/weeks for this slowest part of the body to self-heal. 1. _ Deep Pain Sensation: the first neuro function to return. DPS is the critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about this very tricky to correctly identify neuro function. 2. 6/9_Tail wagging with joy at specifically hearing YOUR happy talk, seeing you or smelling food. 3. _ Bladder control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. _ Weak rear leg movement to reposition in the suite, and then _ ability attempt with rear legs to move up into a stand position on her own, and then _wobbly walking. 5. _Being able to walk with more steadiness and _ properly place the paw without it knuckling under. 6. _Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. LEARN MORE: dodgerslist.com/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/Knuckling: thumb.ibb.co/k3dqRS/Knuckling.jpgMy thoughts, Rita, are IF you can confirm by using specific neuro terms (the details matter in neuro functions) as in the list above, that she can do a happy tail wag, has attempted to raise up with rear legs, she just maybe is having some bladder control return. Test urine control out too. SNIFF and PEE The "sniff and pee test" is the only way for humans to determine whether bladder control exists. If you can get her to your deck rather easily and safely with sling harness and leash do the test there. Put a pee pad on the deck. Spke it with some of Scout's old urine or better yet another dog's urine. Give Scout opportunity to sniff that old urine. Make sure that neither the sling nor your hands are on the stomach region as this could put pressure on the bladder. If urine comes out after she sniff, bladder control is returning! Until you are certain that full voiding is always occurring, continue to do a quick express check after shepees. Tell us what you observe. NOTE: When the bladder is full, it fills the entire area of the abdomen; therefore, any pressure can cause the bladder to release urine for dogs who do not yet have bladder control. It might be necessary to maintain the pressure for a little longer than you anticipated. The bladder shrinks as it empties, making it more likely to escape your grasp. Feel around for it once more. A small bladder can move back toward the pelvic region. Continue pressing the bladder until it feels so flat, that one hand can almost touch the fingers of the other hand. Let us know how the sniff and pee test goes.
Calmers. For some dogs ACEpromazine revs them up instead of calming. Discuss if that can be tested by stopping ACE and just giving traZODone. Consider some of these ideas for calming: -- Put a garment you have been wearing and have not washed in the crate. -- Thundershirt® to calm anxieties similar concept as swaddling an infant to calm. thundershirt.com/products/thundershirt-for-dogs-- Spend some time wearing your dog out with mental stimulation with tricks that do not make the back move such a nose touch a paw or a food bowl. Of course the training takes place inside the crate. And does not cause more movement than what the surgeon directed you stick with during the post-op rest period Teaching self-calming exercises can also help your dog to relax more. You can make something as simple as eye contact a very rewarding behavior that also acts as a way for your dog to “ask permission” when she wants something. Dogs are generally much calmer when they are focused and aware of how to act to get what they want. To achieve this, reward your dog with a high-value food treat the moment he looks at you. You can also say "yes" or use a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog looks at you. Then quickly follow up with a treat Wait for your dog to look up at you once more., Say, “Yes,” before giving treat. After about ten repetitions, say, "All done," and put the treats away. Come back later and repeat the exercise until you notice that your dog is genuinely beginning to make eye contact automatically in anticipation of hearing "Yes" once more and receiving his reward. [NOTE: treats should be deducted from the normal daily kibble intake to prevent weight gain gain weight during crate rest. The size of the treat is irrelevant to dogs. ] -- Provide a lick mat in the recovery suite. Freeze with some soaked and mushed up kibble, a slight slather of canned dog food or other lo-cal smear, as a very tiny treat but one that will take a lot of time to consume. Use as long as your dog is not exceeding the requirement of little neck/back movement during the recovery rest period www.amazon.com/s?k=lick+mat+for+dogs&crid=RO08LX3WJGGZ&sprefix=lick+ma%2Caps%2C302&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_7-- Make the crate or ex-pen more cozy by draping a blanket over part of the top. -- "Dodgerslist Emergency Crate Training" information has even more details: dodgerslist.com/adjusting-to-recovery-suite/
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Post by Rita & Scout on Jun 9, 2024 18:07:34 GMT -7
Hi Paula Scout had DPS in her left back leg prior to the surgery, it was gone next day after surgery and came back day 2 after surgery.
Scout can't wag her tail yet, but there is definitely change with her tail in comparison to yesterday, so we are not there yet, no wagging, but I see some movement.
I kept trying to express her bladder every 2 hours today without any luck. She urinates on the pad [bladder overflows(?) release of urine]every 4-5 hours a lot while sleeping. She also gets all anxious when she is about to have bowl movement and we started taking her outside when we see it and she poops. When I was doing PT today on her left back leg that is paralyzed, she tried to stop me couple of times, maybe it was sensitive/painful, not sure. She also started licking her left back leg today. Should I see someone tomorrow about help expressing her bladder?
Thank you so much for your help and guidance.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,884
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 10, 2024 7:08:46 GMT -7
Rita, would you confirm the meaning of 1. "she tried to get up on her own" Did you observe her back legs attempt to push up into a stand? Do you observe her attempting to push, to use the back legs reposition her body in the suite? 2. "her tail was moving" Did you specifically do some happy talk to her and then saw a attempt to wag?3. Have you tried doing the sniff and pee test? What did you observe about release of urine? Since you reported "the right back leg is weak", there may be enough nerve function to allow some degree of bladder control. The Sniff and Pee Test will give the answer.
Dogs who do have bladder control are able to release urine as directed by the brain. This ability is called: peeing, urinating...all terms indicated brain control. An "overflowing bladder" works via reflexes. Reflex will release urine when overfilled enough to kick in reflexes. But not all the urine is released. The urine not released fully by expressing the bladder: -- Can quickly provide an environment for bacteria to breed in the bladder requiring an antibiotic. -- Constant overstretching of the bladder wall muscle can cause loss of muscle tone. Then when bladder control comes back, the bladder may not work as it is supposed to like a healthy well toned bladder wall can. --YES, to get another hands on expressing lesson Monday 6/10! Many of us have gone back for such a lesson. This is a new skill for you to learn likely after a weeks worth of expressings. LINK for expressing the bladder, this is a good review: ==> dodgerslist.com/bladder-bowel-care/Also be very watchful of the back left leg licking that it does not progress to biting/chewing. Scout is already on Gabapentin which is what is usually Rx'd. If biting progresses, right away contact the vet to let them know. Sometimes the more stronger similar drug Lyrica is then prescribed. It is good to be armed with knowledge. Hopefully this licking sign you observed will not be related.1) Learn more about neuropathy (paraesthesia) here: dodgerslist.com/neuropathy/2) Dr. Andrew Isaacs, DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center from the Dodgerslist Neuro Corner: "Painful episodes are one of the more frustrating presentations we deal with. Unfortunately, there are so many potential causes of pain that it can be a difficult hunt to go on. It would be important to have a good exam performed by your veterinarian to try and localize the source of the pain (neurological, orthopedic, abdominal, soft tissue, etc.). Depending on their exam findings it may be warranted to perform additional diagnostic (radiographs, ultrasound, blood work, etc.). Potential causes related to IVDD surgery include residual compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, and paraesthesia secondary to abnormal healing of the nerve tissue. Sometimes it is difficult and risky to remove all fragments of disk material with surgery. Therefore, when your dog assumes certain positions there is the potential that the residual fragments irritate the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The other potential cause for the episodes is paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is a sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin with no apparent long-term physical effect. The manifestation of paresthesia may be transient or chronic. In cases of severe spinal cord injury I have seen dogs go on to develop paraesthesia. The fact that your dog had absent deep pain sensation prior to surgery is consistent with a severe spinal cord injury. Therefore, in the healing process there is the potential for signals to get “crossed” and result in paraesthesia. If the painful episodes are not increasing in severity or frequency, associated with neurological deficits, and your veterinarian is not able to identify any other causes a drug to discuss a trial course of is gabapentin (Neurontin). If the gabapentin helps some, but not adequately, another drug to consider in the same category (but more expensive) is pregabalin (Lyrica)." dodgerslist.com/random-episodes-of-pain/
3) Stay on top of observing for any signs of chewing on body parts. Immediately put a e-collar on or a lengthwise folded towel and secured closed with duct tape.
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Post by Rita & Scout on Jun 13, 2024 11:19:53 GMT -7
Update about Scout We had an appointment with the vet yesterday [6/12] who did the surgery [Blue Pearl Farmington Michigan].
Scout is progressing nicely, she started moving her back left leg just a little bit and getting more strength in her back right leg, she is urinating on her own as soon as we take her outside and her feet touch the grass, no more bladder expression for us. Her diaper was dry overnight and she went on the grass this morning [6/13]
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 40 lbs 11 y.o. post-op: left back leg paralyzed, right back leg very weak 6/13 bladder control regained. no anti-inflammatory on board, reported in pain 6/8 Gabapentin 200mgs 2x/day, dog reported in pain Diazepam 5mgs 3x/day AND 30 mins prior to expressing 2.5 mgs ✙Amoxicillin 300 mg 2x/day Acepromazine 5mgs 2-3x/day traZODone 100 mgs 2-3 x/day] She potentially developed UTI, I saw some blood in her urine day before yesterday and yesterday,
so she is now on ✙Amoxicillin 300 mg twice a day every 2 hours. They took her urine sample to test for UTI, but the blood in urine could also be from me squeezing her too hard trying to express her bladder.
It looks like Amoxicillin makes her feel very sluggish, she is resting most of the time, reduced appetite and not interested in drinking water much. I have to figure out ways to keep her hydrated. Thank you for your support!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 13, 2024 13:59:51 GMT -7
I am happy to hear the vet thinks Scout is progressing nicely.
UTIs are fairly common for dogs who need to be expressed. They develop despite our best efforts. Since she only recently regained bladder control, consider doing a quick express check after she urinates until you are sure she is completely emptying her bladder.
Antibiotics effect the gut, so nausea is sometimes seen. This could explain her not wanting to eat or drink much.
To encourage her to drink, try some tasty lo-cal, no-salt meat broth. Making broth yourself is better nutrition than the store bought which very likely contains onion which are not good for dogs. ---Simply boil up a hamburger patty or a bone with meat on it in about a cup of water, cool & toss the fat disc, trash all cooked bones. --- Boil some chicken parts. cool, de-skin/de-bone and toss the fat disc at the top. --- Add 1-2 teaspoons of the meat on top of her kibble as added tastiness and nutrition without getting the kibble formula out of balance (such as calcium to phosphorus ratios, etc.)
Let your vet know about this. He may be able to suggest something.
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Post by Rita & Scout on Jun 25, 2024 11:14:11 GMT -7
Here is the latest with Scout: The stitches were removed on Saturday, she is allowed to walk 4-5 minutes twice a day with the supported harness. She is on target with her recovery and good to start physical therapy. Her right back leg is strong enough to support most of her body weigh, left back leg is moving pretty good, but not supporting at all. She is off Gabapentin.Challenge - she can't sleep through the night, she wakes me up around 2-3 am being anxious, starts moving around and asking for attention, she doesn't want to go outside potty and not thirsty. I am getting only 4-5 hours of sleep at night. She is not crated at night, sleeps on the bed with us. She wasn't able to sleep in a pack and play crib or on the floor in a small area. Medication at night: ▼Acepromazine 5mgs ▼traZODone 50 mgs [MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit 40 lbs 11 y.o. post-op: left back leg paralyzed, right back leg very weak 6/25: left back can move 6/13 bladder control regained. Diazepam 5mgs 3x/day AND 30 mins prior to expressing 2.5 mgs Amoxicillin 300 mg 2x/day Acepromazine 5mgs ▼1x/night traZODone ▼50 mgs ▼1 x/night] She sleeps wearing a diaper at night and in the morning the diaper is completely dry. Thank you
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 25, 2024 13:28:28 GMT -7
It is common when recovering from surgery for one leg to be stronger than the other. As Scout heals further this may resolve.
Sometimes meds like trazadone and Acepromazine have the opposite effect of sedation. Please let your vet know about her middle of night awakening. He may be able to adjust her medication. You need your sleep. You have to take care of yourself so you can better care for Scout
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Post by Rita & Scout on Jun 25, 2024 15:52:25 GMT -7
I talked to our vet about the issue with her waking up and they suggested to increase the meds to Acepromazine 10 mgs traZODone 200 mgs We tried it, but the results were pretty much the same with her waking up in the middle of the night and waking me up, then she would go back to sleep for the rest of the night and most of the morning, but I wasn't able to sleep any more. I guess it is my issue to figure out how to fall asleep after she wakes me up. She started wagging her tale on the walks and is happier overall.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 27, 2024 13:08:30 GMT -7
Scout wagging her tail on walks is good to hear.
So sorry that the change in meds did not help her and therefore you to sleep through the night. Maybe something like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation would help you get back to sleep. Could be worth a try.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,884
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 28, 2024 15:41:22 GMT -7
Rita, now with graduation day from post-op rest these things may help Scout get a better night's rest. Increasing her supervised time out of the recovery suite on a gradual basis can lift her spirits, and tire her out. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free rein of the house and yard immediately! Look at the sample schedule and start her from the point your surgeon has directed: dodgerslist.com/back-friendly/GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION Follow your surgeon's directives on walks with support harness. Let us know if you are connecting with a rehab clinic for the physical therapy is is specifically Underwater Treadmill therapy?
To help Scout safety around your home 1) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for wobbly dogs that need sling support.: dodgerslist.com/traction-solution-improvements/2) When the time is right, teach Scout to be safe and not jumping up or down, but to use a ramp whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in the house. i.postimg.cc/BQ2d3gkd/Crusoe-Doggone-ramp600-1.jpg √ 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."
HAPPY DAYS AHEAD 1) You and Scout have survived a disc herniation! Learn what you can do from this point forward. Especially good to use with youngsters and others who may be around your dog to help them understand his disease: dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ivdd-6-Life-with-IVDD-Dodgerslist.pdf 2) Now for the everyday living with an IVDD dog things. 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/after-graduation-living-with-ivdd/ PT THERAPY AT CLINIC or HOME Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although your senior Scout needs to stay limber, IF she has severe arthritis, that might make certain movements inappropriate. -- Details about water therapy at home or in a clinic: dodgerslist.com/surgery-dog-water-therapy/-- Strengthening core muscles. 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. You will know when her back legs are ready and able to try these are 4 exercises you can do at home: 1) Sit toStand, 2) Down to Stand, 3) Three Leg Stand, 4) Backing UP. The last exercise presented in the video,⚠️ HIP extension, exercise is NOT for dogs with IVDD back disease!
At home PT ideas: --- Buy cheap cut of meat or chicken when on sale as really high value treats. Cook, cut into tiny treats and freeze to use as needed each day. Dogs don't care how big the treat is, just that they get treats! --- Do all PT where there are no other distractions of kids or other dogs. --- Do PT slowly so that steps are deliberate- helps to re-train the nerves and muscles to work together in a more normal gait pattern. --- Surface with good traction such as carpet or use of a Yoga mat or rug runners --- Do therapy at meal times. Feed dinner a few kibbles at a time, for stands, sits. Scatter some kibbles on a non-slippery floor and use sling if wobbly walking to get her food. ---Use sticks, broom, pvc pipes spaced out on good traction carpet. Dog then learns to lift paws as they walk SLOWLY over each one.
--- Single leg balance for the weaker leg. While standing, lift her stronger leg off the ground for a few seconds-this will force bearing weight on the weaker leg. Lower and repeat with the opposite side leg. --- Outdoors on leash/harnes/sling. Walk across a gentle slope, walk up and down the slope. Walk on different textures...low grass, higher grass, on sand. May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? Did you know there are less than a handful who volunteer daily to help dogs and their owners? We need helping hands from other Forum members in educating. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs are put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication have helped many dogs recover. We depend on all members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate! Pick what suits you....
We depend on you. Here are some ways to help.. -- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas, Frenchies) give out our free little wallet cards. Hand carry our literature and print out our letter of introduction for your vet. your vet and wallet cards for you -- Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions about surgery? We have a directory where you can share surgical info. Here is where you can share your dog's info: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendationsState: Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: And finally, don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love to hear how your dog is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see Scout in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD! if you see a new member in a tough spot, give them hope. A brief paragraph about your dog can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need! i.postimg.cc/8P5FkBYy/living-laugh-love-in-spite.pngPlease update us on her current back leg abilities.
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