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Post by elizabeth1 on Oct 10, 2013 10:52:54 GMT -7
Hello! My 10 year old pup had IVDD surgery in February for a herniated disc and recovered wonderfully. However, 7 weeks ago he began walking gingerly and had that unmistakable arch so I took him to the vet. Our vet is great but I am not sure that they are all that informed on IVDD. Luckily I had found Dodgerslist back in February so I knew to immediately crate him. So as of right now we are in week 7 of crate rest now and he seemed to be doing great. Until last week. We went out of town this past weekend and boarded our 2 dogs at the vet. This is not our regular boarding place but we thought Oscar would recieve the best care and he would also be crated at all time except potty breaks. We left explicit instructions to carry him outside and only let him walk a few steps. When I picked them up on Monday the vet tech brought them out on a leash and they were both running towards me. I was horrified. So I brought them home and put Oscar in his crate. Well I started noticing that his walk was a bit more wobbly than it had been the last few weeks and this morning he had the arch again. I'm so devastated. I took him to the vet and he was given Metacam for the pain (the dose is for a 15 lb. dog). I asked about steroids but the vet I saw today says they do not give steroids for this anymore. So obviously he has to be back in the crate for more than 1 more week (that would have finished out our original 8 weeks). Do I need to prepare myself for 8 more weeks? He is eating, peeing and pooping fine. I just can't believe this is happening and I want my sweet boy to be better. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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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 11:56:36 GMT -7
Dear Elizabeth, I'm so sorry that someone you put your trust in didn't follow your instructions for Oscar. It does sound like the disc has re-torn, which is causing the wobbly walk and arch. And yes, the 8 weeks will have to start again from the date of the re-injury. I have changed the subject line of your posting to show a date of 10/7 as the beginning of crate rest. I know that's not something you want to hear but the scar tissue needs to build up again over the re-torn disc. Steroids are still given for IVDD symptoms. Your vet has given you a NSAID (Metacam), which some vets give instead of steroids when the symptoms are mild. The Metacam will work on getting the swelling around the disc down. Please let us know the exact dosage in mgs and the frequency of the Metacam. Here is Dodgerslist's information about Metacam. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#metacamThe vet should also have prescribed pain medication, such as Tramadol. Pain hinders healing and must be under control from one dose of medication to the next dose. Please contact your vet and discuss adding a pain medication. Pepcid AC should be given to protect your dog from the excess acid produced by the anti-inflammatory. The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using anti-inflammatories. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking anti-inflammatoriess. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before each dose of the anti-inflammatory (not to exceed every 12 hours). Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep her from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board. Again, I'm so sorry this has happened to your boy. But the time will pass and he will heal again. Please let us know what your vet says after speaking to them. All the best to you and Oscar. |
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 10, 2013 12:04:49 GMT -7
Another IVDD "mom" just wanting to say so sorry. But also to tell you that Oscar is so cute!
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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 11, 2013 10:22:21 GMT -7
I am so sorry that this has happened to Oscar. Marjorie is right about starting the crate rest all over, it is a rotten shame that the boarding Vet didn't ensure that your instructions were followed. I sure hope that you let them know that they failed you and Oscar, and betrayed your trust. Oscar needs time to heal - again- and we are here for you.
Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs)))
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 11, 2013 10:56:43 GMT -7
Your vet should at minimum be financially responsible for Oscar's disc setback care, appts, and meds not to mention giving his vet tech(s) some continuing education on what happens when you cheat on crate rest. Oscar was one lucky boy the disc did not have a full blown tear with the potential to cause permanent leg and bladder loss.
Is his pain under control with only an anti-inflammtory on board now? This drug can take 1-2 weeks to get swelling resolved. IN the meantime Oscar should not have to suffer with pain (arched back). Do you have Pepcid AC on board?
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