PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 1, 2013 15:20:49 GMT -7
Posted on behalf of Kristi (lovedox):
My dog Brandee 3 yrs had her back go out on Sunday. Took her to vet and she is on meds. We can't afford surgery so it isn't an option. She had a good night slept well but panting this am I am going to call vet for more or different pain meds. We lost our 5 yr doxie in Jan to the same thing. Our 11 yr old had this 3 yrs ago and recovered with crate rest. Thank you Kristi
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 1, 2013 15:30:25 GMT -7
Kristi, welcome to Dodgerslist, we are glad you are here. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Brandee to get back to enjoying life after recovering. Some dogs do have mulitple disc episodes. What can make a great deal of difference is your own self education. Knowledge is the best defense in fighting and winning with this disease. Reading others posts on the forum can be of comfort. But the meat of what you need to know is on our main web page. A very quick way to get up to speed on meds, how healing happens and when for each of the phases is the "Overview: the essentials" yellow button. Then work your way through the rest of the orange and blue buttons to complete your education. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm This Disc Disease DVD is a wonderful way to help other family members understand and even others who might be around or taking care of Brandee: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htmWe'd love to learn a bit more about Brandee, can you fill us in on these details: -- Are you doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out for a very few footsteps at potty time? 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. -- Is there still currently pain or pain nearing the next dose of pain meds - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? -- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Pepcid AC is the most often used stomach protector with an anti-inflammatory med. If not 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 anti-inflammatory This directory is very helpful in getting up to speed on each of your dog's meds, it's the one I use: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? -- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? -- Eating and drinking OK? -- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood?
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 1, 2013 17:33:38 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Thank you so much for your response. We are doing 100% crate rest. Brandee seems to be stable not showing signs of pain. She is a 3 yr old dachshund. She has not been an active dog. Has bowed back legs and her joints are loose and go out of joint very easy. She is happy being in the crate or baby port a crib we set up today. She has lost all back legs and bladder control.
We just moved to a new area so she is being seen by a new vet. The medications she is now taking are tramadol 2.5ml every 8 hrs prednisone 1/2 every 12 hrs for 7 days Methocarbamol 1/4 every 12 hrs for 3 days.
She has been having some pain the last month. Yips when picked up. She blew her back out on Sunday 9/29 we took her in right away. Since surgery isn't an option we told him we would crate her and see how she does. He told us if surgery was an option he would have had us drive to Portland OR to a specialist.
I am in need of help with learning how to express her bladder. We are willing to help her as long as we can keep her pain free. We lost our other dachshund in Jan of this year the same thing we could not get her out of pain even with heavy morphine at the Vets office. I could not stand to see her in pain so I made the hard decision to let her go. I also have another dachshund 11 yr old Schatzi who had a disc problem 3 yrs ago and was able to recover well with crate rest. Has not had any problems since.
I appreciate any feedback.
Thank you, Kristi
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 1, 2013 19:24:02 GMT -7
Kristi, first getting a hands on top of your hands type of expressing lesson is the best way to learn. You will learn how much pressure to apply and get a "feel" of where the bladder is and what it feels like. I would review this inforation before going for a lesson. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Does she leak on you when lifted, are you finding urine leaks in her bedding? Those are sign bladder control has been lost and expressing is needed. The way to tell if she still has bladder control is let her sniff an old pee spot and then see if she will release urine, maybe attemp to squat a bit. Let us know. How much does she weigh? Prednisone, how many mgs was she prescribed to take 2x a day. I.e. is the tablet 5mg and 1/2 equals 2.5 mg's? Has the pred dose recently been reduced (a taper)? How many mgs of methocarbamol does she take 2x a day? Have you observed any hint or sign of pain today, currently? If she IS yipping when lifted then her pain meds are not YET right for Brandee's needs. Your vet has many options to get the right mix, the right dose and the right frequency. This page explains about pain meds to discuss with your vet first thing in the morning: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm My go to page for indepth info on each of my dog's meds is this vet's website: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlIs she eating and pooping normally? Is the loss of legs and bladder control something just in recent days or started on 9/29
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 1, 2013 19:58:40 GMT -7
Hi Her pain is under control she weighs about 15 lbs kind of chunky or curvy girl. No pain when we pick her up. I think she can control her bladder. She wets her bedding but never lets go when we pick her up that happened with my other dog. She still feels pain when I pinch her paw or leg. She was having pain when lifting the past month. This happened on Sunday. I set her down off the sofa and she went down in pain and scooted across the floor peeing. I knew right away she blew her back out.
I have looked at the demos on expressing the bladder but I want the DR to show me before I try it. No tail wagging nothing really she just sits in the baby pack and play and seems fine doesn't cry to get out. She is not an active dog. The last month if we go for a short walk she will go right to the dog stroller and want to get in. I think I answered your questions. Sorry I may have confused you with talking about our dog we lost in Jan. Kristi
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 2, 2013 7:54:48 GMT -7
Kristi, while on pred you will likely need to carry her to and from the potty place every 3-4 hours IF she does have bladder control. If she has lost control of her bladder then you would need to express every 2-3 hours until she is off of Pred. The only way for us humans to know if there is bladder control is with the sniff and pee test. Carry outdoors, set on an old pee spot to sniff it. See if urine is then released. She may also attempt to squat an other indicator of control. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder, in effect expressing the bladder. Let us know what you observe. If she has lost bladder control it is a health reason to express…to keep urinary tract infection (UTI's) away and to preserve the tone of the bladder by keeping it from being overstretched full of urine. Can you update us regarding this information: --Prednisone, how many mgs was she prescribed to take 2x a day? I.e. is the tablet 5mg and 1/2 equals 2.5 mg's? Has the pred dose recently been reduced (a taper)? --How many mgs of methocarbamol does she take 2x a day?
-- Do you now have Pepcid AC (famotidine) on board. 5mgs 30 mins before Prednisone and thereafter every 12 hours. Give Pred with a meal for extra stomach protection. I would avoid pinching her leg or paw. Most general DVM vets don't have the training to correctly identfy what they see so likely you will not gain any information but may cause undo movement of the back. When you say she just sits, does that mean she won't lie down, is reluctant to move- change position because it is painful? Let us know a bit more detail on that. Good news if pain is under control that is the first phase of healing to achieve. Now you need to observe about bladder control and get an expressing lesson this morning if she can't pass the sniff and pee test. This article if very good, it has a list of the order neuro functions are lost and return in, something I know you will want to monitor for: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm So since she can't wag her tail if you do some happy talk to her, is it suspicious that she would still have bladder control. Let us know how the expressing lesson goes today.
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 2, 2013 9:31:29 GMT -7
Hi, Brandee is on 2.5 pred. for 7 days then tapering. She is on day 4 now. She had a hard time with it this morning and started foaming in her mouth. I have pepcid so we have her half a pill now I will give it to her 1/2 hour before meds. I stopped the methadone a few days ago so she is on Tram. and Pred only.
I will try the express you spoke about. We really don't know what we are doing and I don't want to hurt her. She isn't really eating much just a few bites of cooked chicken. She lies down I mean not sits. She doesn't seem to be in any pain maybe a little discomfort. She doesn't move around much just stays where we put her in the pack n play during the day and kennel at night. She does change position and doesn't seem to feel pain. She will drag herself around if we let her. She seems sad and unhappy. She cannot squat at all if we set her outside she just sits with her front legs holding her up. It is too wet outside where we are to set her in the grass she just gets very wet. I bought pee pads and am thinking of trying to get her to go on those on the patio.
I will check out the lesson. Thank you.
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Sabrina
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Post by Sabrina on Oct 2, 2013 19:30:21 GMT -7
Hi Kristi, I'm Sabrina. So sorry to hear of Brandee's struggles with IVDD. For expressing - have you been to the clinic so that they can give you a lesson in expressing Brandee's bladder? That way the vet/vet tech can help you learn how to express properly. Was it the Methocarbamol that was stopped? Since Brandee isn't eating much, give your vet a call now. This is suspicious of GI trouble. It would be good to ask your vet if Brandee's able to be on another stomach protector, Sucralfate, which forms something like a "band-aid" over the upper GI tract to help protect and heal damage: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugsAre her poops normal? Brandee shouldn't be in any pain or discomfort. "Signs of pain are holding the head in an unusual position...head held high or nose to the ground, shivering/trembling, not wanting to move much or moving gingerly, yelping, tight/tense stomach muscles, holding leg up flamingo style...not wanting to bear weight on the leg, just not their usual perky-interested-in-life self." www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmLet your vet know that you are observing that Brandee isn't her "normal self" so that the vet can get her pain meds adjusted. Also, while you have the vet on the phone, I'd discuss if the vet would increase Brandee's pred to 5mg 2x/day, which is what I've seen as the often-used anti-inflammatory dose for doxies around her size. With two stomach protectors (sucralfate if it's ok for Brandee to take and pepcidAC), hopefully she would be able to be on the anti-inflammatory dose of pred so that the swelling/inflammation can be resolved: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmPrednisone and Tramadol both taste awful. For my dog, who loves sardines, I used a little bit of sardine (no salt, tinned in water) to moosh up around the pills so that he couldn't taste them. Hang in there! Let us know what the vet does to protect Brandee's stomach and get her out of pain! ))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 2, 2013 19:48:19 GMT -7
Kristi, Have your vet or Vet tech teach you how to express. Watching the video at the link you were given will help you get more out of the lesson on how to express. Once you have expressing down pat, it will cut down on accidents on her bedding. While on Prednisone they drink a lot and as a result have to urinate a lot. It's a good idea to try to Pee Pad since it is wet outside.. It is concerning that Brandee isn't eating much. That is a red flag for stomach/GI distress caused by the Prednisone.. It's great you are starting Pecpid AC but in addition to Pepcid it sounds to me as if she is in need of Sucralfate to heal her stomach and GI tract. Tell your Vet she isn't eating well and request Sucralfate. It is also important to always give the Prednisone with food.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.htm www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/stomachProtection.htm
www.marvistavet.com/html/sucralfate.html -- staggering sucralfate administration with the administration of these other medications by at least 2 hours. -- If possible, it should be given 30 minutes prior to the administration of an antacid. -- at least one hour before feeding or two hours after -- One dose of Sucralfate lasts approximately 6 hours after it is taken orally. The fact that she isn't moving around much is also a sign of pain. Dogs are experts at being stoic and not showing pain. Appearing to be in pain makes them vulnerable and it is an self preservation instinct in dogs to avoid showing pain at all costs. Please discuss this with your vet and have her pain medications adjusted. She is unhappy because she is in pain..and once her meds are adjusted to the right levels for her and she feels better, her happy spirit should return.. Also if she is still in pain, it isn't time yet to begin the taper of Prednisone because the swelling that is causing the pain is still an issue.
Let us know what the Ve t has to say.. Sending prayers and healing throughts to Brandee..
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
Posts: 33
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Post by lovdox on Oct 3, 2013 8:46:37 GMT -7
Thank you so much for the advice. Brandee isn't in pain from what we can see she does move a bit. She can sit up and lay down. Going to get lesson on expressing today. I will get the tummy meds she seems to feel better since I gave the pepcid. Not eating kibble but chicken I cook for her. I appreciate all the help on this site. We just moved to a small area in OR. WANTED! We live about an hour from Portland OR. IF anyone has a suggestion for a vet in the Portland area who is familiar with disc problems. Thank you
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 3, 2013 12:21:14 GMT -7
Hi, Kristi, I'm glad to hear that Brandee doesn't appear to be in pain. And good luck with the expressing lesson. I'm also glad to hear that you'll be contacting your vet about the Sucralfate as Pauliana and Sabrina recommended. Brandee should be eating her regular kibble as chicken is not a complete diet for her. Her body has a lot of repair work to do and she needs her regular diet. So I'm hopeful that the Sucralfate will help her in that regard. Hopefully, one of our members will have a recommendation for you as to a vet. I did want to pass along this webpage where you can do a search for a neurologist knowledgeable about IVDD in your area: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmPlease keep us updated. All the best to you and Brandee.
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 4, 2013 9:46:02 GMT -7
Brandee is improving! Not much luck with expressing her but she goes on her own when we take her outside now and does not wet in her crate. I did ask about the Sucralfate and he thought the Pepcid would be okay. The vet did say he thinks she may walk again with the progress she has made so soon. Not great but doing better. She seems happy. We live in a small town and I trust our new vet but I don't think he has a lot of experience with this sort of problem. I am looking into a second opinion in the Portland area. I should be getting my DVD today. Thank you to everyone who has helped me with the advice. I really appreciate everything. We are happy she is doing so well. Kristi and Brandee
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 4, 2013 13:37:59 GMT -7
Really good news on neuro function of bladder control…pees on her own when taken outdoors!!! Is she eating her kibble now? If not press for sucralfate….on top of Pepcid AC. My own dog was one of those which Pepcid AC alone was not enough to protect the stomach. So whenever Prednisone was prescribed, we did not wait, the vet also prescribed sucralfate with Pepcid AC right off the bat. How much does she weigh? Is she back to her normal self, moving and shifting weight/sides in the crate indicating she is not in any pain? Which city do you live in? To find a local vet rather vs. a neuro specialist you may have to interview before hiring a vet. This info can give you some ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm In the article are links to directories to specialists.
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 5, 2013 7:51:49 GMT -7
Brandee seems to have taken a step back this morning. Sort of groaning like she is hurting. Gave her the pain meds. Still not eating kibble just a few with cooked chicken. Yips again when being picked up. Taking this day by day.... I will check into a specialist today. Thanks again for all the advice. Kristi
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Oct 5, 2013 8:39:58 GMT -7
We go to VCA in Lynnwood , WA north of Seattle. Too far for you to drive, I'm sure, but you might call them to see if they can recommend anyone in the Portland area. (425) 742-7387
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 5, 2013 8:40:34 GMT -7
Based on reading back through your posts, this information would explain what is going on. Let us know if there is more current info on her meds. Points to discuss with your vet/new vet: INFLAMMATION resolves with steroid at the anti-inflammatory dose --Today is the taper for prednisone is that right? You do need vet help today, to get prednisone back up on an anti-inflammatory dose. We predominately see vets prescribing for a 15 pound dog 5mg of Prednisone 2x a day. It is on the taper that if there are signs of pain, then it is clear not all the inflammation is gone…so the steroid needs to be extended a bit longer.
PAIN needs AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT -- Methocarmabol is no longer on board. This med is needed to give relief from the kind of pain so often associated with a disc probem. Discuss getting this med back on board. -- Tramadol can be given every 8 hours and it has been given at 50mg every 8 hours. Discuss with your vet about increasing the mg's of Tramadol. You need to look at your bottle to see how many mg's of Tramadol are in one ml of liquid. -- Gabapentin can also be added to the two pain meds above if further pain relief is needed.
NOT EATING -- This could be due to pain. But I would discuss not taking any chances that this is one of the signs of Predisone. I would ask for an Rx for sucralfate..some dogs just need two stomach protectors… pepcid AC and sucralfate to avoid serious damage to the stomach lining. For a 15 pound dog you should be giving 5mg of Pepcid AC 2x a day. Preferably 30 mins before Prednisone AND giving Prednisone with a meal…. have you been doing that?
I'm so sorry Brandee is needlessly suffering…she really does need you to be a strong advocate for her needs. Let us know you made contact today with a new vet who is more comfortable in the meds used with a disc episode and will be able to move her meds to a more aggressive dose, frequency and mix. Hugs as we anxiously await news from the vet visit.
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 5, 2013 9:42:54 GMT -7
Thank you. I found a VCA hospital in Portland. I appreciate all the help!
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 7, 2013 9:29:19 GMT -7
I just re read your post from 10/6
Brandee is taking Tramadol 25mg 3 x day now Prednisone 5 mg 2 x day pepcid 5 mg bdfore meds.
I'm sorry I had some info incorrect before. I still have a difficult time with this site... I am adding my email address for anyone to contact me that way as well.
Brandee was doing better on Thursday and Friday tail wagging. Once we get her pain under control I think she will feel better. She only make a little groan when we lift her and put her back in her crate. She can scoot around a little. She seems content as long as she can see us.
I am contacting our vet to day to see about the other pain med you mentioned Garapentin. I may end up bringing her to Portland to the VCA hospital where we used to take our dachshunds when we lived there.
Thank you Kristiexxxx@xxxx.com
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 7, 2013 10:19:36 GMT -7
For your protection from those who are not members, I have changed your email addy. Members can always find your email address. However we do prefer that all messages stay on the forum, so there is a history to refer back to when answering questions and so that all members are kept in the loop to learn or to comment. That is the purpose of this forum to learn from one another. Do you have your thread bookmarked. A bookmark will email you whenever anyone has responded to one of your posts.
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 7, 2013 10:22:24 GMT -7
Okay thank you.
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Post by carriesovery on Oct 7, 2013 10:49:31 GMT -7
Hi Kristi, sorry you are going though this. Our girl went down this past Friday. So gratful for this site! I am wondering what vet in Portland you found? I am about 1.5 hours S of Portland. I am going to call over to OSU and see if they have any specialists over there. Hope Brandee keeps improving!
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 7, 2013 17:33:59 GMT -7
Hi Carrie, If I come to Portland I am going to SE Portland Animal Hospital on SE Stark St I used them years ago when I lived in Portland. They are now a VCA hospital I hope this helps. My Brandee is doing better. Rest and meds they say is the best and lucky for us she enjoys resting in her crate/baby pack and play!
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 8, 2013 9:18:54 GMT -7
Brandee is doing okay. She still gets very nervous when picked up and put back down no yelps but a nervous cry. She doesn't seem to be in pain while in crate. She can get around to her water. Lets me know when she needs to go outside to potty. Taking her in Thursday for a check up. My vet had us stay on Pred for another 7 days. Half pill every 12 hrs. She was wagging her tail last Thursday and Friday but that has stopped I feel like she has regressed since last week but we are going into week 2 of crate rest.. Keeping positive thoughts
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 8, 2013 9:38:45 GMT -7
Kristi I feel you. Watch for regression and be an advocate for Brandee if you need to be. I have seen the regression and this is the second failed taper we have had. If the next two weeks at full level for steroid doesn't work, I don't know what will happen. Hang in there...we love our babies so much.
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 9, 2013 8:17:34 GMT -7
Thank you for all the great advice. Going to the Vet tomorrow for a follow up. She seems to slowly be getting better. Got a small tail wag this morning when I took her out to potty. She is eating well and is bright eyed. We are looking into acupuncture now. Will be going into Portland or Vancouver WA for that.
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 12, 2013 8:15:02 GMT -7
Brandee update. She is progressing slow. I suggested to our vet the use of Gabapentin. He said we could try it as she still cries a little when we pick her up or put her down. We are very careful with her. She is taking her first dose this morning. We also are on▼ Prednisone 5 mg once a day and Tramadol as needed. Hope this will help. She is going potty when we take her out. She seems a little restless now and when we take her out if we hold her legs she can really get around so we are looking into a cart. I know it is too early for that but something to think about. She also needs to lose weight. She is just under 14lbs so we are working hard with that she is eating well now. They always get cooked chicken with kibble but I am reducing that too. Any advice on the new medication is appreciated. Thank you Kristi
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 12, 2013 9:43:27 GMT -7
Gabapentin works synergistically with Tramadol to give the best pain relief - so regular dosing is going to give better results than only giving it on an as needed basis. Generalized restlessness and cries when picked up indicate that she may still be having pain, you know her better than anyone, so watch carefully. You may find that regular dosing eliminates those signs Researching carts is always a good idea - but like you say - save your money until you know that you will need one. You are doing such a great job, and she is one beautiful little girl!
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 12, 2013 12:54:32 GMT -7
There are several reason why the pain. 1. Her med that works on resolving inflammation is now being diminished to a level that does not really address swelling…it is being tapered now to 5mg 1x a day. So it is clear it is NOT the time to start a taper Prednisone. You need to report signs of pain (restless, cries when lifted) to the vet today. So 7 days on the anti-inflammatory level was just not long enough to get the job done. Do not be dissapointed… it can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks or even more like a month to get the swelling down. EAch dog will be different in their needs. 2. Doesn't make sense to me to taper Pred when you know she has pain and yet increase and add pain meds. Sounds like the vet is not aware of your observations? Pain meds can't work on swelling only Pred does that. Do let us know what the vet says today. What is the exact mg's dose of gabapentin and the frequency you give it. So advocate for Pred back up at 5mg 2x a day. Give pain meds promptly on schedule not on an as needed basis. By time you see pain you are late in helping as needed. Now is not the time to be on a diet…. Brandee has lots of repair jobs her body is doing and that requires nutrition. After all 8 week so crate rest is over then when it is safe to allow physical activity, she will lose weight over several months accompanied by a bit of cut back on her meal portion. This page is really a wonderful guideline to help you through this disc episode. I know I needed to re-read often to keep things straight. You might even want to print out certain pages for the Frig. This page covers each of the 4 phases of healing: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm
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lovdox
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dog went down this am 9-29 meds and crate rest for now
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Post by lovdox on Oct 13, 2013 9:18:01 GMT -7
Brandee was taking pred. half of 5 mg twice a day now he said give her 5 mg once a day. I will call him on Monday. Is it okay to keep the pred going for a longer time? Also was sort of worried about the new pain meds. Thanks for all the advice I won't worry about her weight right now. Her pain level seems to be worse only when moving her? She moves around a little in her pack and play. Heading into week three. Should I be seeing improvement by now with her pain level? I give the tram three times a day the new Gabap. 25 mg once a day.
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StevieLuv
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Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
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Post by StevieLuv on Oct 13, 2013 9:39:24 GMT -7
Sometimes prednisone needs to be at an anti-inflammatory dose for longer 1-2 weeks, or even a month to resolve the swelling. She may need to be on it at the original dose of 5mg twice a day - it is too soon to start the taper to once a day if she is still having pain. Is she getting the gabapentin with one of the tramadol doses? Keep in mind that Gabapentin can also be given 3 times a day with Tramadol, so if she is still having pain ask the Vet about increasing the dosage. Here is a link on lifting and carrying - I don't know if you have seen this one
Hang it there (((hugs)))
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