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Post by longdogrescue on Sept 28, 2013 19:18:47 GMT -7
--What is your dog's name? MaeBelle
--What breed is your dog Softwire Dachshund
and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD? 9/24/13
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? 9/21/03
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Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when
picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard
tummy? yes
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? As of today, I am not totally sure because she is still at the veterinary hospital, post op. Prior to surgery, at the insistence of my daughter, I took MaeBelle to a specialist surgeon. When she was hospitalized, the regular vet had put her on Tramadol, up to 3x a day, predisone, robaxin. MaeBelle gets just a 1/4c of dog food 2x a day and doesn't lose weight. She has recurrent ear infections and scabby skin issues that the regular vet said to "just give her a zyrtec daily and wash her in some Dial antibacterial." She also gave me ear wash (had it, been using it) and an antibiotic for the ear infection, both the kind that goes in the ear and oral. $200+ later on that saturday with the diagnosis of "she might be trying to throw a disc" we went home and MB could drunken sailor walk, use the bathroom normally but was in quite a bit of pain. Strict crate rest followed until I could get the appt with the specialist for a second opinion AND a thyroid panel.
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? MB lost her deep pain response some time today but can wag her tail. This tells me there's inflammation. I want her to have laser therapy but the hospital she is in doesn't have one. The regular vet does. I hope to bring her home on the 1st. She has be be expressed since surgery and doesn't attempt to bear weight on her back legs...she doesn't move her legs at all.
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
-- Eating and drinking OK? Like a champ and chowhound that she is!
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? Unk at this time, but the reports from those that are caring for her say yes.
My bone of contention is that WHY didn't her regular vet order a thyroid test before when all these skin issues and the failure to lose weigh have been an issue with my sweet MaeBelle all along? I darn near starve the dog and she still doesn't lose weight and lo and behold, she has low thyroid!!!!! Weight and genetics play a huge part in IVDD.....this could have possibly been avoided! I am sick with worry! She is 3 days post op so could it be that there's inflammation that will go down and she might start using her legs again? Please, please pray for my MaeBelle!
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Sept 28, 2013 19:38:06 GMT -7
Hi, my name is Maureen, what's yours? Welcome to Dodgers List. I am so sorry that your MaeBelle has had to have surgery for IVDD, but I am glad that you found us! If you can answer a few questions we will be better able to assist you: How much does MaeBelle weigh? What was the date of her surgery? Once you have her home please let us know what medications she is on and their dosages. Did her thyroid panel indicate low thyroid function? Is she on medication for that now too? It is unfortunate that she wasn't thyroid tested prior to this, but the important thing is that it is getting done now, and she can get meds for underactive thyroid if that is an issue ( I know that you want to choke the life out of the Vet that dropped the ball on this one, but it won't help:) ) Here are some links to help you get ready to bring MaeBelle home- www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmCreating a recovery suite and crate rest www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmOn surgery www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmSome ideas for making a list of discharge questions www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmI know that seems like an overwhelming amount of information sometimes - but by getting IVDD knbowledgeable we become the best advocates for our dogs that we can be. Please keep us posted, ask any questions that you can think of - we have all been through this and are here to help. You are not alone anymore. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs))) |
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Post by longdogrescue on Sept 29, 2013 14:07:11 GMT -7
MaeBelle is regaining some of her deep pain reactions after I asked about post-surgery inflammation and could that be the reason she didn't have any yesterday. They've since put her on Rimadyl and her deep pain sensations are returning. I don't claim to be a vet but to me, it just made sense. My dog, Walker, is paralyzed and hasn't any deep pain sensations so it really scared me when MaeBelle's was there one day, gone the next.
Mae weighs 19 lbs and should weigh in the 12-14lb range. I feel like I am starving her on 1/4c grain-free, reduced cal dog food two times a day. I even added green beans but she never lost weight. Add that to the recurring ear infections and skin bumps, it screamed low thyroid. The new vet did a thyroid test (not full panel) but it did come back low, indicating hypothyroid and she is on meds for that too.
MaeBelle isn't trying to potty on her own or use her back legs yet....they have the toed-under stance. I remain hopeful that the anti-inflammatory will reduce the pressure on her spinal column and all will come back with some time and strict crate rest.
I just don't know how I will be able to afford 2 paralyzed dachshunds and giving either of them up would be like asking me to choose between one of my children......I'm scared but I must remain hopeful and hope that someone here on DL has been through the same thing with a positive outcome and will share that with me.
Thanks for all the support you all give here......Cheryl
Walker, George, MaeBelle and Madeline
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Sept 29, 2013 16:54:41 GMT -7
Post surgical swelling does take a couple of weeks to subside, so keep looking forward to further improvement  Here is how nerves typically heal... in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord: 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. I'd bet that she starts to drop weight to even with cage rest because her metabolism will be speeding up to normal. Try and stay positive, so that your worry doesn't transfer to MaeBelle - hoping that she gets to come home soon. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs))) |
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Post by longdogrescue on Sept 29, 2013 19:37:12 GMT -7
Great news! The vet called me this evening and told me that MaeBelle's deep pain reaction is definitely returning AND when she was getting her bladder expressed, MaeBelle "pulsed" the stream of urine out. She also said that MaeBelle started twitching her back legs when she was lying in her kennel! I find this so very encouraging! I truly believe that the NSAID was needed and of course, the power of prayer is so great!
I am so humbled and joyous....God is listening to my prayers!
Cheryl
Oh, and she's never lost the ability to wag her tail.....she's a stoic lil gal with a high pain tolerance normally. She's always been very stingy with kisses for me mostly but I've gotten kisses on every visit and a sweet, sweet tail wag too!
I think she will be coming home Tuesday.....her initial bill is paid thru Oct 1st and after that, it's $300 A DAY! (I've never even stayed at a hotel that pricy!)
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 29, 2013 20:36:33 GMT -7
Hi Cheryl! So glad to hear signs of improvement this soon after surgery. That really does bode well for a good recovery! Keep in mind now that Maebelle is on Rimadyl her stomach must be protected…. most often the protector prescribed is over the counter Pepcid AC (famotidine). 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 my dog may 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. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. If you have a question about anything you read, let's talk! This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmI hope to hear of even more improvements in the days to come. Prayers headed your way! |
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Post by longdogrescue on Sept 29, 2013 20:50:48 GMT -7
The vet did say she was starting her on pepsid because of those reasons. MaeBelle had been on Predisone prior to surgery so protecting her stomach is happening. I am so grateful for this group of vets...and for the continued prayers!
Cheryl
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Sept 29, 2013 23:05:32 GMT -7
Wonderful update! Looking forward to hearing that she's home and healing up well |
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Post by longdogrescue on Oct 1, 2013 19:23:27 GMT -7
Good news! MaeBelle is coming home tomorrow. She's not peeing on her own yet but since I already have 1 paralyzed dog, they feel it will be ok for her to come home! I was playing with her back feet and legs and they aren't "noodles" anymore! She is tightening up her leg muscles and moved her leg away from me messing with her! YAY! She wags her tail and by all indications, I feel very positive she will make a full recovery, maybe not as FAST as I would like it but she will recover I'm just sure of it!
Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts! I know God hears our prayers and He will give me the strength I need to help my sweet MaeBelle heal!
((HUGS!!)) Cheryl, George E, Madeline, Walker and MaeBelle
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 2, 2013 21:10:11 GMT -7
Hi Cheryl,
Very glad to hear MaeBelle is coming home and is improving already! Let us know how she is doing once you get home with her and don't forget to review the discharge questions on the link Maureen (StevieLuv) posted for you..
Looking forward to hearing what the vet says at your discharge appointment..
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Post by longdogrescue on Oct 2, 2013 22:29:03 GMT -7
Well, one week post op and MaeBelle is HOME! Strict crate rest, expressing her bladder and sling walking on a leash only to go outside and see if she will potty on her own. Interesting enough (to me...I must have no life since I find talking about my dachshund's peeing! LOL!) When I expressed her tonight, she lifts her tail and pulses the stream out! She also put weight on one of her back legs!!!! YAY! I'm so glad to have my baby girl home!
God is soooo good and I know he hears all the prayers for my sweet MaeBelle!
Cheryl
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 3, 2013 7:49:20 GMT -7
That is a wonderful update! She is getting stronger every day We all talk about pee and poop the some people talk about sports scores - absolutely obsessed Give MaeBelle an ear rub from me and do keep us posted on that sweet little girl's progress. |
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Post by longdogrescue on Oct 5, 2013 17:49:07 GMT -7
10 days post op and MaeBelle doesn't want to bear weight on her back legs yet. I will mess with her back feet, pressing my finger tip between her pads and she will literally give a huge kick, as if to say STOP THAT! I do passive range of motion with her but when I take her out to potty, those legs and feet just don't turn under unless I make them. She's eating fine, pooping (when I do the trick my daughter taught me to do...squeezing the tip of her tail til it acts like a snake, then her tail wags some and she will lift it up and poop, if she needs to and she will whine and cry when she needs expressing or to poops so the feelings are there, right?  ) She cries in her crate when I am out of sight which makes the other 3 join in to SING....once cute and encouraged, it's not so great at 1am, 3am, 5am....and I'm getting no rest. In fact, I am exhausted. Walker is paralyzed and I have to attend to him and now my MaeBelle. I feel encouraged by the muscle tone, reactions to messing with her feet and all....I guess it's just going to take her longer than I had hoped. |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 5, 2013 18:45:41 GMT -7
She is doing great - it takes a couple of weeks for the post surgical swelling to go down, and she is showing great progress already. Here's hoping that you can get some rest soon- I remember telling my Vet that the first couple of weeks of IVDD rest were like caring for a newborn |
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Post by RustysMom on Oct 6, 2013 18:01:05 GMT -7
That is great that she kicks when you mess around with her feet...I was excited the first time Rusty did that too. It was bothersome to me at first when I would do all kinds of stuff to his feet and he acted like he didn't feel a thing. He has very sensitive feet, and doesn't normally like them messed with! So the first time I was playing around with them and tickling between his toes and he gave me a quick "knock it off!" little kick like normal for him, I was thrilled :-)
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Post by longdogrescue on Oct 7, 2013 17:47:21 GMT -7
Oh how I hate myself! I have to shove MaeBelle's meds down her throat! I feel so badly about it but she needs them to get better! She must have gotten a good taste of the Tramadol and now refuses to take her meds wrapped in cheese, peanut butter, pill pockets...nada, nope, no way! I feel like she is confused about what is going on with her and why she can't be the way she was. It pains me so much to see her like this and why oh why wasn't I more proactive about the thyroid test....one simple blood test and it explained so much. Now my baby is hurting and it's killing me. Is it neurological or is she actually trying to use her legs? When I express her in the bathtub, she will stretch her legs out and wiggle her tail and the urine stream is pulsing. Her toes still turn under but I can turn her feet when this happens and she can briefly stand but not balance. Seems worse on one side more than the other. We go to the vet tomorrow after school. I plan to ask about this but anyone else "been there, done that?" Any suggestions or advice as to what I should be asking the vet tomorrow, I would welcome all! God Bless and please keep us in your prayers, Cheryl, MaeBelle, George E, Madeline and Walker (the paralyzed dachshund that doesn't seem to slow down!)  |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 8, 2013 8:36:52 GMT -7
Check out this information from the treasure trove of all things IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmOften leg and tail movements during potty times are a reflexive movement. The way we humans discern which is reflex and which movements are controlled by the brain is to look for head level involvement along with the movement. So for example, we look for the head to sniff an old pee spot and the watch for urine to be released showing that a message did travel from the brain to the sphinter muscle. If she IS wagging her tail due to being happy (brain level) or seeing (brain level) a treat coming, then then as you read in the link above, bladder control would be the next neuro function. Let us know what you are observing. You know how smart MaeBelle is! Well, she can pick up on the slightest change in your emotions, your body language, etc. She takes her emotonal cues from you. So put on a happy and confident face anytime you are around her. What happened in the past is past, now you move to adjusting to what is… just like MaeBelle does. Look for the positives each day..you ARE able to pill her. The way she is today is that she IS here with you and after crate rest no matter the degree of healing she WILL be back enjoying life with you. MayBelle has a most dedicated friend and caregiver…. YOU! Let us know how the vet visit goes. |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 23, 2013 19:33:51 GMT -7
How is MaeBelle doing ??
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Post by longdogrescue on Oct 26, 2013 20:07:50 GMT -7
Well it's now 1 month since MaeBelle went down and I'm excited to report she has bladder and bowel control! She wags her tail when she's excited to see someone. The only thing she isn't doing is walking. I put her in my big tub filled with water til her butt floats and she wags her tail like a rudder under the water and sorta moves her back legs. Her left side seems more affected than the right. Dr has her on Rimidyl daily and thyroid meds (she's lost over 1 lb! Too bad her regular vet didn't test it sooner....shoulda woulda coulda, right?). We sling walk around the back yard and she pulls her legs forward to pee or poop but just doesn't want to walk yet. It is coming, right?
I would love it if someone else has gone thru a similar situation and their furkid eventually walked would share their experience (and hope!) with me.....
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 26, 2013 20:52:26 GMT -7
Hi Cheryl, While waiting for personal experiences to be posted, here is a link to some Dodgerslist success stories. These should give you lots of hope! www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htmREGAINING NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION has no time limit for nerves to heal. Nerve repair is individual as each injury is different and each dog’s ability to heal is different. If deep pain perception (DPP) is present, even in paralyzed legs, there is a chance your dog may be able to walk again. For those dogs who have lost DPP, do know nerve regeneration can take place and that function may return. Once deep pain perception is regained, your dog has a chance at a walking recovery. Thousands of dogs on Dodgerslist have regained functions in as little as 2 weeks, others 11 months, and still others 3 years later. IVDD is a disease of patience to allow the body to heal on its own terms. Acupuncture and Laser Therapy stimulate the cell’s metabolism that leads to the body’s natural repair abilities and can be started at any time. Once nerves have repaired then muscles will also have to be retrained to relearn proper placement of the paws. Some muscles will need to regain strength for walking. Consider learning to walk again as it would be for a stroke victim or a baby learning to walk. At first, the steps will be weak and a bit unstable. Relearning to walk takes coordination, building up strength, and lots of patience. There is no timetable anyone can give you when to expect nerve repair to happen. In fact, there is no time limit for nerves to heal...it can take weeks to more like a year or even longer. However, it is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag! 1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk. 3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test. Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine. 4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. Maybelle is well on the way.. She is on #3 right now and leg movement and walking is next. You are doing great with her water therapy.. Keep up what you are doing, it's working! |
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Post by longdogrescue on Oct 27, 2013 8:21:15 GMT -7
Thank you Paulina! With one completely paralyzed dachshund (Walker) and seeing how quickly his leg muscles declined to limp appendages, being able to compare my MaeBelle's progress to his keeps my hopes alive for a full recovery.
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Post by longdogrescue on Nov 2, 2013 10:06:54 GMT -7
Happy November everyone! MaeBelle is still letting me know when she needs to go out and will stand briefly on stiff legs. When we sling walk she drags me around and behind all bushes and trees, really seeming to enjoy her time outside. The vet wanted her to stay on Rimadyl but it began a several day bout of vomiting and diraherra so I've taken her off and she only takes her thyroid meds daily. I've added Berry Balance from Solid Gold for protection against any UTIs. Everything I've read in researching this product for MaeBelle and for Walker has been very positive. I've put both of them back on Nutro Senior kibble, which in the past feeding kibble only has sparked UTIs in Walker but the ingredients in that nasty canned Rx stuff goes against everything I've learned about pet nutrition. I was cooking ground turkey, rice, canned pumpkin, green beans and carrots but I worried about ratios not being right and them not getting the proper nutrition. I need my other 2 dachshunds, George E and Madeline to lose weight because I just cannot survive any more IVDD issues due to weight. Emotionally, financially and physically this is HARD! I live my dachshunds so if I take anything away from this experience it's these thoughts: 1. If you are owned by a dachshund, weight control is paramount. 2. If your dogs isn't losing weight, even on calorie-fat-reduced diet, ask for a thyroid blood test. It's way cheaper than back surgery! The meds are really inexpensive too! 3. Educate your vet about dodgerslist! More dachshund owners need this site BEFORE they have issues! I really appreciate everyone on here and all the advice and support I've received. I continue to ask for your prayers that MaeBelle will make a full recovery....soon! Cheryl, George E, Madeline, MaeBelle and Walker. <*Dg]]]]]%~~ |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 2, 2013 14:20:02 GMT -7
Cheryl, next week is graduation day. Can you tell us if you have seen any happy tail wags. The important thing is she is pain free and going to be able to get back to enjoying life with her family after graduation. Do you have a schedule in mind of how to gradually reintroduce her back into physical activity and and tips for making your home back friendly? Here's two valuable pages of information: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmExpect loosing weight to take several months. Good tips on doing that: www.nonprofitnw.org/drnw/id47.htmlYou may want to investigate a non-senior food. Most senior foods use not very digestable ingredients to fill the dog up so as to not gain weight. Increased fiber is really not the best nutrition. Look for protein as that is what senior dogs need more of as they process it less effectively. You could consider just adding a little real meat/protein source to the meals... 1-2 teaspoons per kibble meal so you are not throwing off the of balance the vitamins and minerals of the kibble. A good page to help you assess dog foods: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htm |
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) She cries in her crate when I am out of sight which makes the other 3 join in to SING....once cute and encouraged, it's not so great at 1am, 3am, 5am....and I'm getting no rest. In fact, I am exhausted. Walker is paralyzed and I have to attend to him and now my MaeBelle. I feel encouraged by the muscle tone, reactions to messing with her feet and all....I guess it's just going to take her longer than I had hoped. 
