Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32 
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Post by Angela on Sept 23, 2013 15:21:10 GMT -7
It has been a little more than a year since my sweet Harper we rushed int he middle of the night to the Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers, NY. His front legs were completely paralyzed, it was the worst night of my life. Harper had ruptured a disc in his neck and needed emergency surgery, we have had small bouts of IVDD in the past, both times in his lower back, he was on strict crate rest and recovered. Nothing could have prepared me for that night last September, I thought I knew about IVDD but my husband and I had no idea this could ever happen. Dr. Berg and his team are nothing less than angels who performed a miracle that night in the ER and then again the next morning in surgery. No one could believe it when Harper got up and walked that night, not even 12 hours post-op (he looked like a drunkin sailor but he was walking!). My Harper may be a little guy but he is a BIG fighter! It was in those dark hours, when we didn’t know what would happen that I found Dodgers List, awake all night in the ER, I came to find this site. What amazing support and information, it was so comforting to know other dachshunds have gone through this and made it to the other side OK. The support and prayers helped to give us strength and hope. Fast forward to 1 year later, Harper is doing great! he is running and walking, the rules have changed in our house NO JUMPING AT ALL and no stairs, if not for his faint scar on his neck you would never know what Harper has been through. I thank God every day for watching over Harper and for this forum, for all the love and support is gives to people and for the education it provides. Thank you Dodgers List, for all you have done and continue to do, Harper, my husband Philip and I will always be forever grateful and comforted knowing you are here. Love & Doxie Hugs - Angela |
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Sabrina
Helpful Member 
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Sept 23, 2013 21:29:31 GMT -7
Hi Angela, I'm Sabrina. Thank you for sharing Harper's progress - what wonderful news! He's such a cutie - reminds me of my little guy. How wonderful that you have made a "new normal" for Harper, so that he can have a safe and happy life!
))Hugs!((
- Sabrina
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 26, 2013 20:14:27 GMT -7
Hi Angela, welcome back to Dodgerslist!
Thank you for such an inspiring update on Harper that should give lots of hope to others that are walking this road right now with their beloved dogs.. We love hearing how our Dodgerslist dogs are doing in their careful new normal lives!
Best wishes!
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 9, 2013 10:22:27 GMT -7
Unfortunately our celebration was short, Harper is back in the hospital, we rushed him last night. He was having pain and didnt want to take any chances. They are in no rush for surgery and have him resting on pain meds and steroids, hopefully he will come home tomorrow for antoher round of strict crate rest. I posted a new thread in the conservitive treatment section as that is the course of action for now. Hoping he will recover and not need surgery. Asking for prayers, love and good heathy vibes.
Harper's new thread: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/989/
-- What is your dog's name? Harper
-- How much does your dog weigh? 11 pounds
--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD? Harper is a 7 year old mini dachshund.
Last September Harper presented with minor back and neck pain, he was given steroids and pain med and put on crate rest, a few days later Harper was not able to move his front legs. We rushed him to the Amimak Care Specialty Center in Yonkers, NY. He was monitored overnight and givin an MRI first thing in the morning where they found the ruptured disc. He was given surger and amazingly walking (like a drunkin sailor but walking!) later that day. He remained in the hospital for 3 days and came home to new rules that he didnt always aree with. He was no longer allowed to jump on the couch but always would sneak a jump if you werent looking. Now one year later Harper was showing signs of pain last ngiht, we rushed him straight back to Animal Care Specialty Center where was put on an IV drip and resting comfortably. He is looking like he is feeling better (Im sure all the drugs are helping) so they are not in a rush to do another MRI or surgery, the MRI is only a snapshot of todaay, as Harper is looking to be responding to treatment they do not want to take an MRI todaay only to possibly have to take another should conservitive treatment not work. He will bei nthe hospital tongiht and monitored for any change, hopefully he will come home tomorrow and back on strict crate rest withthe hope that he will heal and no surgery will be needed this time.
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7? Today Oct 9th at 4 AM
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? The neurologist say he is responding to treatament, no yelping, and is resting comfortably.
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? I believe they are giving him steroids and tramadoll and another, I apologize this was a lot to take in over the phone this morning.
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? Harper is walking, he was taken outside for a walk this morning, and he is wagging his tail for the nurses
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? not lasst night when we brought him to the neurologist, he is still there but I will ask when I call for an update.
-- Eating and drinking OK? He did not eat his food but did happily eat cookies.
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood? all normal.
Please send Harper prayers and good healthy vibes that he can come though this again and without surgery.
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Oct 9, 2013 11:36:36 GMT -7
Hi Angela, I'm Sabrina. I'm so sorry to hear that Harper is having another disc episode. I know you're unfortunately no stranger to IVDD, but I'm going to link some Dodger'sList articles for you in case you haven't seen them or need a review. (Here's an index page www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm ) Did the clinic tell you what they meant by "taken for a walk"? With conservative treatment, it's vital that the dog be carried outside only for potty times, and then allowed on the fewest steps possible to "get the job done". www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmThis page has a video on why it's so vital to limit steps during conservative treatment: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htmIf you aren't sure what the clinic meant by "a walk", or if you know that Harper was allowed more steps than he needed to go potty, do call the clinic and ask that he be on 100% Strict Crate Rest: "Damaged Discs take about 8 weeks to heal and form secure scar tissue during conservative treatment. There are no medications that help this along—only time and limited movement of the back and neck with STRICT crate rest. When a dog walks and moves, the vertebrae move, tearing down the important scar tissue that is forming to stabilize the disc rupture. Anytime out of the crate is a dangerous time for a healing disc. Only potty time and vet appointments are a necessity to be out of the crate. Be diligent about crate rest, cheating on crate rest promotes damage to the disc: no chiropractic therapy, no couches, no sleeping with you, no baths, or water therapy during the 8 weeks of conservative treatment's crate rest." www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingdisc.htmThe other thing to check today is to see if Harper is on any sort of stomach protection (like Pepcid AC). With anti-inflammatory drugs, there’s a risk for GI problems, and often times we don’t know that GI problems are going on until they are advancing to a dangerous stage. For all dogs on anti-inflammatories, Dodger’s List urges you to ask your vet: “Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?” (If there is, ask what stomach protection is safe for Harper to take.) Medications used - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/medications_used.htmlI hope Harper is able to come home tomorrow! We are hear to support you, so let us know how you and Harper are doing! ))Hugs!(( -Sabrina |
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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 9, 2013 13:17:40 GMT -7
Gosh, Angela, sorry to hear Harper is having another disc episode. You did great in getting vet help at once!!! Good job. With conservative treatment rest will be more strict than with a post op dog. So do check in to that walking at potty time the hospital mentioned. Ensure only a very, very few footsteps and that Harper is carried to and from the potty place. And as Sabrina says, it does not hurt to make sure Pepcid AC is on board with the steroid.
The good news along with your prompt action to keep symptoms mild, is that he is a good candidate to recover with conservative treatment. I'm so glad to hear your hospital also recognizes the value of conservative treatment for Harper's case.
As you recall we LOVE details, so when he comes home let us know the names of his meds, the dose in mg's and how often you give them.
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 9, 2013 13:51:44 GMT -7
I asked about the "walk" and just as you said he was just taken out to potty and was allowed to only take a few steps it was not an actual walk. they still have him on an IV but will be switching him over to oral medication later today, from what I understand that will be the true test to see how well he responds.
I will ask about something for his stomach, this hospital specialized in this sort of thing so I expect they will have him on something for that.
My one question and I will ask the doctors as well is wheni bring him home to his crate, I have a bed in there for him, with a temprapedic pillow, can he have that or should I get something else. He also has his blankets because he loves to be cuddled up.
thank you so much for your help, guidance and support.
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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 9, 2013 14:43:34 GMT -7
Since you are the captain of Harper's health care team, it is good to know all the details about his care. So it does not hurt to double check. Do not be disappointed if perchance not all the swelling (pain) is gone in a matter of a couple of days on IV. It might or it might not. So home steroid pills would be prescribed if needed. During the time on the anti-inflammatory the pain meds need to be adjusted so that there is no pain surfacing dose to dose of pain relief medications as pain deters healing. Discuss having the knowledge of what the range of dose and frequency is you may give pain meds. That way if at night or on the weekend when they are closed you have the knowledge of how to help with pain by upping doses/frequency. Often it takes being at the anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone (5mg 2x/day) for 1-2 weeks or even for some dogs more like a month before all the swelling is gone. Each dog is individual in their need. When the vet guesses swelling might be gone there will be a taper test. The dose is lowered to less than the anti-flammatory dose your job at home would be to assess just how well reduction of swelling is going by observing for any hint of pain. To have a clear picture on a taper, pain meds are also stopped or backed off too. Rule of thumb is: pain = swelling = more time on Pred needed. If there is no pain on the taper then it goes to completion. Then no meds at all are needed. Disc healing will continue for the remainder of the 8 weeks. We hope to hear they get the right combo of pain meds to cover pain while the oral pred is working on resolving all swelling. Both emory foam and egg crate are good mattresses. Have you reviewed our crate rest supplies… it has lots of great tips for getting the mattress set up, water bowls and lots more wonderful tried, true and tested ideas: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmLet us know when Harper is home and the med details. |
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 10, 2013 6:46:42 GMT -7
Just got a call from the neurologist, Harper is looking a little more wobbley this morning, they are going to make the decision to do an MRI in the next 30 min, sadly one of the things that is comlicating the decision is that I do not have the 75% of the fees at this moment to give them. i have explained that the money is on its way and I will have it by tomorrow Monday at the latest, hopefully they will be understanding and Harper can get the care he needs. This is so very frustrating....
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 10, 2013 7:15:55 GMT -7
Angela, so many of us understand the financial concerns. Hang in there...by the way, Harper is a cutie!
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 10, 2013 7:40:08 GMT -7
Hi, Angela
Why are they considering an MRI at this point? Usually an MRI is done to rule out other diseases or just prior to surgery. Also vets don't usually recommend surgery if the dog is able to walk, even if it's wobbly. Wobbly walking is considered to be a mild symptom and is indicative that Harper would be a good candidate for conservative care. It's only been one day and the anti-inflammatory hasn't had a chance to get the swelling down yet.
Please keep us updated on this. Prayers coming your way.
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 10, 2013 8:39:23 GMT -7
Because of his past history, this is exactly as he presented before, I agree the MRI is best at this point so we can see exactly what is going on. The decision for surgery has not been made yet, it all depends on what the MRI shows. I spoke with the neurologist and just like you was concerned but he feels because of his history, and him more wobbly and crossing his front legs the MRI is best at this point. The MRI is the best way to know exactly what is happening and make the best decision on surgery or continued conservative care.
Update-The MRI has shown that the disc between C4-C5 is severly compressed, just as bad as last time when it was C3-C4). He is in surgery now. My poor unlucky little guy, of the 700 MRIs they reviewed only 1 other dog has and to have a second neck surgery.
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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 10, 2013 10:13:57 GMT -7
Keep us posted - poor little guy to have a second surgery. Very lucky little guy to have you as a Mom!
Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs))
ps - moved Harper's thread to the surgery side of Dodgers List.
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 10, 2013 11:02:58 GMT -7
Good News!! Harper is out of surgery with no complications. I will be calling for updaates but the doctor said he did great! i can visit him tomorrow and hopefully he will be home on Sunday!
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 10, 2013 11:33:31 GMT -7
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 10, 2013 13:19:11 GMT -7
Question for you, would you recommend giving Greek yogurt for stomach issues due to the meds? My brother gives Greek yogurt to his Bassett Hounds with dinner after speaking with his vet about preventative methods for stomach issues, he says it is a fantastic probiotic. Just wondering what your thoughts were on this. |
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erin
New Member
Izzy - still wobbley somedays ---- is that normal ???
Posts: 4
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Post by erin on Oct 10, 2013 18:45:36 GMT -7
Hi Angela - thanks for sharing Harpers story..... he sounds like a wonderful little guy. My Izzy had IVDD surgery 12/24/12 - she is wobbley on somedays.... Was Harper wobbley  i was just wondering if it's "normal" to be wobbley. Thanks --- Hugs  Erin (Izzy) |
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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 11, 2013 11:10:30 GMT -7
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 11, 2013 11:13:02 GMT -7
He has not been sent hom yet, as surgery was only yesterday. He will be in the hospital at least until Sunday. I am going to visit him this afternoon. I will post an update as soon as I can when I get home.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 11, 2013 12:08:20 GMT -7
Erin, nerve damage resulting from a disc episode can take many months to heal. I know my Jeremy was still improving a year and a half after his surgery. Sometimes it just takes time and sometimes they get to a certain point with no further improvement. As long as Izzy isn't showing signs of pain or if this wobbling isn't new and she's been like this since the initial injury, then that may just be her new "normal" way of walking. If you'd like to post a new thread on behalf of Izzy in our Updates section, please do so and we'll be glad to assist you further.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 11, 2013 20:30:08 GMT -7
Hi Angela,
Hope your visit with Harper this afternoon went well. Glad his second surgery went so well..
Feel for you and little Harper and sending prayers..
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 13, 2013 16:37:35 GMT -7
Our visit went great, yesterday Harper continued to improve and I am happy to report Harper is finally home. He is resting in his recovery suite.
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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 13, 2013 17:15:50 GMT -7
Wonderful to have him back home!! What meds if any was he sent home with? What directives did the surgeon give for PT and for rest?
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 14, 2013 8:19:43 GMT -7
Harper was sent home with Tramadol 50mg tablets - we are to give him 1/4 tablet 2-3 times a day, as needed for pain.
We monitor the surgery site for signs of infection, excessive redness, swelling, heat, pain or discharge - if any of these signs are noticed we have been instructed to call ASC right away.
Because the surgery was preformed on his neck, Harper gets the treat of eating canned food for the next 2 weeks until we go back for his recheck on Monday Oct 28th, at which point if all goes well he can go back to his dry food.
To help with Harpers rehabillitation we were instructed to preform PT on his front and back legs. Massaging the muscles from toes to upper legs; gently flex each joint (10-15 times), also bring each leg into bicycle motion. This can be done for 3-5 min, 3-4 times a day.
Harper has been instructed to be confined to a small space on a well paded bed that is kept dry and clean. We have his crate in our bedroom, in that is a temprapedic pillow and a blanket, he is in there at night with the door closed so he cannot get out and walk around. He is very good at waking us up should he need to go to the potty in the middle of the night. Durring the day we have a pen set up in our living room so he can be where we are. We followed your instructions on how to set it up, they were super helpful with what we would need and how to get the pen the the small size we needed for him,as well as where to place his dises. Harper is loveing being able to be out where he can see my husband and I while resting on his orthopedic bed.
Harper is also instructed to stay as quiet as possible for the next 2 weeks (which is when we go back for our recheck and I suspect he will then be instructed for an additional 4 weeks rest). He is on strict exercise restriction, No running, jumping or stairs. Short walks at potty time, are allowed on flat surfaces with a harness, however Harper is house trained so we are having him use wee wee pads for now. We live in upstate NY and there are too many interesting critters outside for him to want to chase so we are just avioding that. We allow him to take a few steps from his bed to the wee wee pad in the pen, or at night from his crate to the wee wee pad.
Harper has also been instructed to only use a harness going forward for walks, this is not a new rule for us, we have the hug-o-dox harness for him which we absoloutly love and highly recomend for all dogs!
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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 14, 2013 9:20:10 GMT -7
So glad to hear that Harper is home. The recovery crate and pen that you have set up sound perfect! Be ever vigilant for signs of pain - he will heal better if he is pain free and there is alot of room for increasing his pain meds if he needs them. I would suggest calling the Vet to confirm that he only gets Tramadol as needed, as opposed to a regular dosing schedule for the next few days. By the time pain appears it is harder to control. Give Harper an ear rub from me, and keep us posted |
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 14, 2013 9:27:35 GMT -7
I should have been more clear in my meds decription, he is to get the Tramadol at least twice a day for the next few days and we can give a thrid dose if needed for pain.
Thank you so much for your help, concern and advice. I dont know what I would do without this site!! You are all truly angels here. I will keep you posted on how he is doing. I am back at work today but my husband has the day off so he is home with Harper monitoring him.
Now that we have his new recovery suite it is super easy for me to open the pen and get in there on the floor with him for ear rubs, PT, kisses and lots and lots of love!
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 16, 2013 8:00:39 GMT -7
UPDATE***Harper had a little bit of a rough night last night, he has been doing well and taking the Tramadol every 8 hours but yesterday when my husband got home from work he noticed he was just a little bit more mopey. He ate with no issue and went to the bathroom, he peed a few times but no poop. When I got home from work around 930, I noticed he was mopey and was not crying but whiney every now and again. He had his pain pill at 5 so he wasn’t due for another until 1 AM, he was walking and didn’t look painful. I called ACS around midnight because I was concerned about him whining. They advised to give him the pain med and that should help. I also thought maybe he had an upset stomach since he had not pooped all day. As soon as I got off the phone with ACS we gave him his pill with some peanut butter which he loved! He drank some water he finally pooped and went right back in his crate. He slept until about 430ish when we heard him whine again, (he is not crying just letting put a sigh or a little whine but this is not like him so I am worried, also this being his second clavicle surgery I am very sensitive to everything. I gave him his pain pill at 7 AM (the vet said that was OK) and he was still mopey. He doesn’t look painful just not himself, I called ASC this morning and they advised to increase his Tramadol with his next dose at 5 PM (when my husband gets home from work, Harper is crated when we are not home), this is his second surgery in the same spot and he may be more sore this time around. Of course they said if we think he is in any pain or just want them to take a look we can bring him in. Hopefully the increased meds will help and Harper can continue on the road to recovery! Please send good thoughts and healthy vibes his way.
UPDATE***My husband just got home and Harper seemed a little painful, not able to get comfortable, crying and shaking a little. He Gave him the half Tramadol pill as instructed this morning but is currently on his way with Harper to ASC so the doctors can look at him (I am stuck at work and cannot be there with my sweet baby and am pretty much freaking out at my desk). I spoke with the neurologist over the phone and she said they will of course check to ensure nothing else is going on and possibly add an additional medication for pain with the Tramadol, I believe the second drug she mentioned was Gabapentin but I am not 100% sure, once my husband calls to let me know what they said once they look at him I will post another update.
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Post by Linda Stowe on Oct 16, 2013 14:54:02 GMT -7
Angela, Hoping its something that more pain meds can help. Thinking of you and Harper and sending healing thoughts his way.
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Angela
New Member
First Surgery Sept 9, 2012 c3-c4; Second Surgery Oct 10, 2013 c4-c5.
Posts: 32
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Post by Angela on Oct 16, 2013 15:03:47 GMT -7
Thank you Linda, for your thoughts and prayers and all you do here for the so many of us scared and upset pet parents. Hopefully it is just a meds adjustment that he needs, I cannot even imagine what else it could be! I am hoping that because this is his second surgery in the same place in a year its just a little more painful this time to recover and with a meds adjustment he will be back on the road to recovery!
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 16, 2013 16:38:33 GMT -7
My thoughts and prayers are with Harper. Please keep us updated.
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