|
Post by austinj on Oct 11, 2013 15:07:00 GMT -7
Lacee is a 5½ yr old doxie/jack russell mix. She is the sweetest thing on the planet!
On 10/6/13(sunday) my wife and I noticed she yelped when a friend of ours picked her up. Later that evening you could tell she was becoming more withdrawn and having more pain. She was shaking and having shortness of breath as well as yelping when lightly stroking her back. We immediately put her in her crate because we had expierienced her having a small back issue a yr ago.
Monday morning we took her to the vet we had seen previously and he concluded it was indeed a disc/back problem. He gave us meds and told us that we needed to crate her. Were currently giving her
10mg prednisone/twice daily for 4 days and weening off 25mg Tramadol/twice daily Robaxin-v twice daily
She is still currently able to walk but her backlegs seem to be getting weaker and more "drunken" when she is going potty outside on her own. We have been carrying her in and out back to crate. However she isn't showing signs of improvement and she's been crated and on RX's for 4 days now. She still seems to be in pain(yelping when moving, short breathing, and hunched back) and we don't know what to do.
When we crate her at night she gets rambunctious and begins going crazy in her bed banging the door trying to turn cicles wanting out all while yelping bc of the pain??? HELP!
Thank you in advance!
|
|
Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
|
Post by Sabrina on Oct 11, 2013 17:14:17 GMT -7
Hi Austin, I'm Sabrina. Welcome to Dodger'sList! I'm so sorry Lacee is having another disc episode. Are you familiar with the main Dodger'sList site? In case you aren't, I'm going to link to pages so that you can learn all you can about IVDD to help Lacee get the care she needs. Here are some good places to start reading: Overview: Healing during a disc episode - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmIndex to Overview: Phases of healing - www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmAs you are seeing that Lacee's steps at potty time are getting more drunken, and that she is in pain, the first thing to do is to call your vet. Lacee's pain medicines will need to be adjusted so that she feels no pain from dose to dose: Pain Control: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmNote that Tramadol "has a short half life of 1.7 hours and may need to be prescribed at a minimum of every 8 hours". Here is a page to help you read up on all of Lacee's meds: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htmIs Lacee on a stomach protector like Pepcid AC? With prednisone, 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?”Medications used - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/medications_used.htmlHow much does Lacee weigh? Is today/tomorrow when she is scheduled to start the pred taper (weening off), or is 10mg 2x/day her current dose? Some dogs need a few weeks to a month or more at the anti-inflammatory dose for their weight before the swelling/inflammation is under control: Inflammation, swelling in the spinal cord: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmOnce Lacee's pain meds have been adjusted so that's she's pain free dose to dose, this page has a lot of helpful advice for helping her to settle down and rest in her crate: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htm#EmergencyconfinementIt is great to hear that you have Lacee crated. Are you doing 100% Strict Crate Rest? (And if so, did you start this 4 days ago - Oct 7?) That means Lacee’s in her “recovery suite” except for being carried outside for potty breaks (and vet appts). No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no Chiro, no VOM. In case you haven't seen these, here are some helpful links about crate rest: Conservative treatment for disc disease (IVDD) - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htmCrate Rest Recovery Process - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmClark's helpful supplies for crate rest - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmHow to safely lift/carry an IVDD dog: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/liftcarry.jpgDuring potty breaks, a "sling" will help to support her: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/slingwalk.jpgwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/Figure8.jpgSpeaking of potty breaks, is Lacee's poo ok? - normal color no dark or bright red blood? In case you haven’t seen this already, Dodger’s List has a comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD (shipping included) on IVDD. It’s great for showing to friends, family, and anyone else in Lacee's life so that they know what IVDD is and how to help her lead a safe and happy life. It’s great to have one to give to your vet, too: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Do let us know what the on-call vet says about adjusting the pain meds, Lacee's legs getting more "drunken", and getting the Pepcid AC on board. We are here to support you! ))Hugs!(( Sabrina Edit: I forgot to link to the page that gave me the most hope when my dog was first diagnosed! YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! - www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 11, 2013 19:54:31 GMT -7
I have read most of the literature on this site which was a great help! When I get worried I read the success stories and hope we will have one to add!
As far as her medications are concerned we plan on calling the vet in the morning to go over our concerns. We're suppose to start weening her down tomorrow but seeing that she still seems pained we may continue twice daily treatments. We aren't currently giving her pepcid ac but we will talk to vet about it! She weighs 21 lbs.
We did start crate rest on 10/7/13 only letting her out to potty. She does seem very resistant to it especially during bed time. I read the info on crate training and plan on doing better at working hard to crate train her better.
Thank you for all the info and your concern. It's comforting to know others are out there that care and give information this readily and freely!
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Oct 11, 2013 21:05:10 GMT -7
Hi Austin, welcome to Dodgerslist! Something to keep in mind when calling the Vet tomorrow.. Tramadol and Robaxin can be dosed at 3 times a day for better pain coverage. What is the dosage of the Robaxin? Pain control sometimes takes adjusting more than once to get it right, so being in frequent contact with the Vet during this stage is very important. For Lacee's crate anxiety it might help to cover the top of the crate with a towel. That creates a den like feeling that dogs love and sometimes calms them. This page has more tips: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmUsing any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option so you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html [pheromone diffuser] with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php [Composure] 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.comPlain Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) with no additional medications added. Buy at your grocery store or pharmacy. Get the dosage from your vet. The wrong dose can have dangerous side effects, so your vet needs to prescribe the proper amount for your dog. Looking forward to hearing what the Vet has to say on getting her pain free dose to dose so she can begin to heal in comfort. Best wishes to you and your wife and feel better wishes to Miss Lacee!
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 12, 2013 16:21:35 GMT -7
Well this morning we called the vet to let him know our concerns. He asked if we could bring her in which we agreed to do. He noticed like we did that she was still in a considerable amount of pain. I explained I was worried about trying to ween her off the steroids in which he agreed.
He up'd her meds to:
20mg prednisone/twice daily 50mg tramadol/twice daily 100mg gabapentin/ once daily Robaxin-v twice daily
Also gave a steroid shot in the office which seemed to reallt help but only for about 40 min. As soon as we returned home sgmhe seemed to start feeling the pain again.
I am becoming worried that she's not improving at the rate I thought she would. At her afternoon potty break I carried her outside and her back legs seemed weaker than ever before. I also turned her paw top side down which she just left and didn't try and correct the foots position.
Im hoping the new rx dosage will help things but I'm getting worried. I can't afford a surgery even though I love her to pieces!
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Oct 12, 2013 19:04:00 GMT -7
Dear Austin,
I'm glad that your vet has agreed to keep Austin on the Prednisone for a longer period of time. Could you please give us the mgs of the Robaxin? I'm also glad to see Gabapentin on board. Hopefully, that will control Lacee's pain. If not, don't hesitate to contact your vet. As Pauliana and Sabrina said, both the Tramadol and the Robaxin can be dosed three times a day. The Tramadol has a short half life of 1.7 hours and is most effective when given every 8 hours. So both of those can still be adjusted.
Did you speak to your vet about Pepcid AC? The dosage of Prednisone being given is quite a strong dose so it's even more important that the Pepcid AC be given 30 minutes before each dose of the Prednisone to protect Lacee's GI tract. Prednisone can cause severe side effects and bleeding and stomach perforation can happen very quickly, sometimes with no warning signs. So please get that on board ASAP.
Please don't get discouraged at the rate of improvement. The main goal right now is to get her pain under control so she can begin the healing process. The prednisone needs time to work at getting the swelling down. Sometimes that takes 1 to 2 weeks and sometimes a month. As long as there is swelling, there is pressure on the spine and as long as there is pressure on the spine, there will be pain and the nerves will not connect properly so there may be neuro deficits, such as the weakness in the legs and not correcting her paw. Don't expect too much in improvement in the neuro deficits as nerves can take a long time to heal - think more like months.
So hang in there. Lacee's symptoms are still mild ones. Please let us know how she is tomorrow on the new meds.
Blessings to you both.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 12, 2013 19:09:44 GMT -7
Austin, it can take pred time to get swelling down--could be 1 or 2 weeks or even more like a month. Pred with a disc problem is given at the anti-inflammatory rate. How much does your dog weigh? 20mg of pred 2x a day for about a 20 lbs dog is very high.
What your vet has not addressed really is getting pain under control while waiting on pred to work. Lacee is being under medicated for pain! --Tramadol given only 2x a day is not likely to control pain if not given at a minimum of every 8 hours. -- Gabapentin we see is usually given 2-3 times a day -- Robaxin could be given 3 times a day. So you vet needs your feedback asap, to modify the pain meds to get the dose and frequency just right for Lacee.
I'm conserned there is no stomach protector on your list with these very high doses of Pred. Pepcid AC. I would get a call in tonight about that as well.
What was the exact name of the steroid shot?
Where the organs checked via a blood test to know the safety in using IVDD Meds such as prednisone?
10 mg of Pred 2x a day for 4 days was a short course. It is always good to use these strong meds ohly when needed. The taper (weaning) is a test. During the time on the anti-inflammatory the pain meds do need to be adjusted so that there is no pain surfacing dose to dose of pain relief medications. Pain deters healing.
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. When the vet guesses swelling might be gone there will be a taper. 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 back on the original dose of Pred needed. So it seems that both pain increased and new neuro diminishment of knuckling paws is associated with the pred taper.
Let us know tonight what the vet has prescribed to get the pain back in control and that her tummy is protected.
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 12, 2013 19:47:20 GMT -7
The shot he gave her earlier this morning was Dexamethasone [shot]. She seemed very relaxed afterwards and had a much better attitude in her face and eyes! Like I said however it was short lived for only about 40 min. I did bring up giving her pepcid ac which he had no problem with and so we did begin that this evening before administering her meds.
As far as the Robaxin-v is concerned the exact mg is not posted on the bottle but the pill does say "west-ward 290" on it and I googled it and it showed that to be a 500mg pill so [Robaxin-v] cut cut in ½ twice daily would be 500mg a day?
At potty break time tonight she still yelps when picking her up to carry outside which to me indicates she is still in pain. She still has bladder control though.
I feel as though the vet is more or less just "phoning it in" when it comes time to talk about her rx's and the dosage. Seems that doesn't seem as concerned as I am about her still being in pain. I'm the one who brought up the gabapentin rx in which he said "sure if you wanna try it" but only gave us 7 pills to be given 1x day. I don't want to step on his toes by telling him how to do his job, but at the same time, I know my dog and can tell she is still hurting!?!?
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Oct 12, 2013 20:16:21 GMT -7
Austin, I understand you not wanting to step on the Vet's toes but he seems very tentative dealing with this pain control for Lacee and I think it would be wise to seek another vet who would treat her pain the way it should be treated. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmHere is a link that explains what to look for in an IVDD Vet..and it also has a search engine to seek one in your area. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmYou are the Captain of Lacee's healthcare team and it isn't wrong to insist that she has proper pain control. If you want to stick with this Vet, you will have to advocate for what you know to be right for Lacee. He did raise the dosages but not the frequency so be polite but suggest to him that every 8 hours is the norm in treating pain in IVDD. Once she is pain free dose to dose she can heal in comfort and that's the important thing right now.. We are here for you..
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 12, 2013 20:47:09 GMT -7
Austin, you are the team leader, you hire the right vet to do the job. It appears your vet is not comfortable in treating a disc episode. So you have two choices…you continue with him but you take more of a leadership roll meaning you will have to do your reading to get up to speed on meds, treatment process. This can easily be done over at our main web page… it's all there compiled and waiting for you. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm OR ... You with your new found IVDD knowledge go about hiring a vet tomorrow/Mondat who does know this disease. Believe me when I say how relieved people are when they find good support.. it makes a world of difference to you and for your dog. IVDD vets are out there you just have to go find them. You may need to see an ER vet Sunday to get quick help with pain control. weighs 21lbs. 20mg prednisone/2x daily 50mg tramadol/2x daily 100mg gabapentin/ 1x daily pills or capsules? Robaxin-v 250mg 2x daily Pepcid ACPain can stem from different sources. Robaxin treats the pain stemming from muscle spasm. "Initially, methocarbamol is dosed at 7 to 20 mg per pound (15 to 44 mg/kg) up to three times daily. The dose of methocarbamol should not exceed 150 mg per pound (300 mg/kg) per day." www.petplace.com/drug-library/methocarbamol-robaxin-v/page1.aspx
Your vet is under medicating for general pain with Tramadol! Gabapentin may have more effective coverage if given several times a day. Not only is pain immoral, but it actually deters the whole healing process…so that is why the first phase of healing is pain control. When the proper dose, frequency and mix are correct, pain is under control in one hour and thereafter dose to dose. We have seen these meds prescribed 3x a day at the proper weight for the dog: Robaxin, Gabapentin, Tramadol.
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 12, 2013 21:30:32 GMT -7
Paula- My wife and I both discussed finding a new vet Monday that may be more familiar with IVDD treatment. I used the sites search engine but came up with no results close to where we are located.
Lacee weighs 21lbs.
I have to say finding this site has been such a relief! I have read as much as I could and I feel so much more informed as well as prepared for what we are dealing with.
Tomorrow will be first full day of new rx dosages so I hope to an improvement. I will give an update as soon as I can!
Thank y'all for all the help!!!
I live in lubbock Tx.
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 13, 2013 20:22:14 GMT -7
Well Lacee seemed to have a better day today!
She had a bowell movement which wss normal in color. We did notice it seemed a little hard though. After reading about the pumpkin on the forum we bought some and fed it to her which she loved!
She seems to be in less pain today not yelping near as much when we went to pick her up. She was also wagging her tail at potty time. Today was the first full day of the rx's at the higher doses which is what I think contributed to her feeling better. I'm wondering if the gabapentin being introduced played more of a role in that. She was very alert at our dinner time wanting to be out of the crate and wanting our food which is the first sign in a week of really wanting to chow down.
Right now we'll see how the week goes and keep up with the crate rest and the new rx dosages. Keeping our fingers crossed!
Thanks again for all the helpful information!
|
|
Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
|
Post by Marjorie on Oct 14, 2013 6:23:06 GMT -7
I'm very glad to hear that Lacee is doing better, Austin. However, being in "less" pain and "not yelping near as much" when being picked up is not good enough. There should be no signs of pain at all from one dose of the medication to the next. Have no patience with pain. Here are some insights into pain management from leading physicians: Healing occurs faster when pain is under control. Pain affects blood pressure, heart rate, appetite, and general mood. Until all the swelling is resolved, there will still be a source of pain. Herniated discs, damaged spinal cord require a significant amount of time to heal. New tissue must be generated. Swelling must have time to subside. Pain is so important to the overall well-being of a patient that it has become the 5th cardinal sign of human assessment. (Philips DM. JCAHO pain management standards are unveiled. J.Am Med Association 284(4):428-429, 2000) Institutions can risk their federal funding if they do not routinely assess for pain. Michael Richards, DVM gives a very good explaination of pain control: When pain relievers must be given after an injury has occurred it sometimes takes much higher doses to tamp down the pain and get it under control. It is good to keep this in mind, because many people make the mistake of using low doses of pain reliever initially, hoping they will work. It is probably better to start with high doses and then to cut the dosage if it becomes apparent that lower dosages will work. Another way of thinking about it [pain] is like a seesaw. You can put a rock on the high end of seesaw and it might not cause it to go down. If you add a second rock that might not move it, either. But eventually you will reach the point where the weight on the upper end suddenly causes the high end of the seesaw to fall. This is how pain threshold works. You really don't feel pain even though something has the potential to cause it until there is enough "weight" to tip over the pain threshold -- then you feel it suddenly. www.vetinfo.com/dpain.htmlPlease let us know today if there are still signs of pain and if so, please contact your vet to insist on increased pain medication as Paula has recommended. All the best to you.
|
|
|
Post by Linda Stowe on Oct 14, 2013 8:42:31 GMT -7
Austin, I contacted the Dachshund Rescue out of Lubbock and they gave me this name. Above and pet care center www.aboveandbeyondpets.com/Hope this helps.
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 14, 2013 18:11:07 GMT -7
Thank you Linda!
Well Lacee seemed horrible this morning. When we picked her up for morning potty time she yelped quite loudly and you could tell she was in alot of pain. We gave her: 20mg prednisone 50mg tramadol 100mg gabapentin 250mg robaxin
It seemed that when we give her the meds and Gabapentin is included she does so much better. We also searched for a new vet today that would be more willing to help control her pain. After several reccomendations and our own personal Facebook poll we made an appt. for 5:00.
We talked to the new vet about our past vet issues as well as our hope in doing conservative therapy rather than surgery. He was completely on board with treating medically instead of surgically! He felt as though her pain meds were being under managed and changed them up. Our new rx's will be: 75mg Tramadol/3x daily-up 125mg daily 100mg Gabapentin/3x daily- up 200mg daily 250mg Robaxin/3x daily-up250mg daily 10mg prednisone/2x daily- down 20mg daily
He was worried that 20 mg prednisone twice daily was quite a large dose for a dog our size(20lb).
I really think that this new pain mgmt. schedule will help alot! And we have definately found our new vet. He took plenty of time talking to us and really listening to our needs for our dog.
I'll keep everyone posted. Fingers crossed!
|
|
Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
|
Post by Sabrina on Oct 14, 2013 19:01:47 GMT -7
Well done for seeking out a new vet - Lacee is so lucky to have you looking out for her! I'm so glad to hear that the new vet is taking pain control seriously!
(Is the PepcidAC still on board to protect Lacee's stomach?)
Let us know how Lacee does on this new med schedule - I do hope to hear that she's pain-free dose to dose!
))Hugs!(( - Sabrina
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 14, 2013 19:09:14 GMT -7
Austin, you are THE man! Kudos to you for seeking out an IVDD knowledgeable vet and using your new found knowledge to have a very good discussion on why you were looking to hire a new vet. It is like night and day difference when you have a good vet. After a few visits if you are still happy with him, please consider adding his name to our vet recommendation directory: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-postingI'm glad to hear Lacee is on an anti-inflammatory dose of Pred and that the pain meds have FINALLY been put in to an aggressive pain managment level!!!! Tramadol is known to manage pain better when used with Gabapentin…they work synergistically. We hope to hear good things about pain control in the morning. How about bringing this vet some of our literature to help him help another owner. Ask LInda to send you our free brochures: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.html
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 15, 2013 6:48:51 GMT -7
Guys I need some encouragement! My heart is breaking for my dog!
I know we just started our new pain rx plan today but this morning I could tell Lacee was still in pain. Her motor function in her back legs seems to just keep getting worse. When she does take a few steps her legs "scissor" pretty severely. When I knuckle down her paw there is no sign of her turning it back correctly either. I've read the articles and know that the next symptom/order would be for her to lose all motor function. It's killing me to see my best friend becoming a shell of what she was just over a week ago. If this new pain rx regiment doesn't show signs of improvement and she is still hurting WHAT SHOULD I DO??? I honestly can't afford a costly surgery and even if I could I worry about the success rate and the fear of a recurrance of a future disc episode.
I really would appreciate some thoughts and opinions on what I should expect and maybe some successful stories that would make me think it's goung to be ok!
|
|
alindstrom
New Member
Still working toward our Goal of walking on all fours again:)
Posts: 17
|
Post by alindstrom on Oct 15, 2013 7:40:13 GMT -7
Keep the faith its takes a few days for everything to click in.. My Dieter as well went through a few days as well before thing started to change he just sat there taking the pain and after a few days he start to re laze and getting some good sleeps..
But after a few days he started to eat again and drink water .. Make sure you give your pouch (Is the PepcidAC still on board to protect Lacee's stomach?)
about 1/2 hour before *prednisone/2x daily* so for each of these pills Peccidac must be used for protection
As well talk to your Dog and let him or her know everything will be all right and your there for them and show them the love (patting and supportive talk)
I know it heart breaking @ times for you both - but the key to success is to let your pouch know that your there for them and will try your best to help them.. One has to let mother time kick in as well ...
If this does not improve in a few days time then I might suggest to give your Vet a call..
sounds like to me your on the right track and now some time is required to let the meds work their magic - remember every dog is different what takes 24 hours for one might be 48 hours for another..
Arnold (the human) Dieter (the Dog)
|
|
|
Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 15, 2013 7:56:04 GMT -7
Not a moderator, just another "parent" like you. I too am going through this process and have had some ups and downs. My sweet Mimi got worse for a bit too. When you take her out, please try the sling. I found that it gives her some support and somehow makes her feel better.
The pain meds will work, but if they aren't call your vet. I cannot tell you how many calls I have had with my vet when I see changes or have questions. They probably hate me but I don't care. There is a lot they can do with pain meds so keep fighting.
Please hang in there. I can tell you I am in the beginning of week 4 of crate rest and we are still working on things. It breaks your heart, I get it. I too cannot afford surgery, the cost here where I live is $7000, which is just not possible for us financially. Many of us here are dealing with the financial realizations.
That being said, I am not giving up right now. We are being cautiously optimistic because we saw some positive changes in her behaviors recently (since a med switch this past Saturday). I think you are like me, you don't care if someday she needs to have wheels, as long as she isn't suffering and can enjoy life. Just sending (((HUGS))) to you.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 15, 2013 11:42:19 GMT -7
Do not loose hope. The meds still need a bit m ore tweaking. Tramadol can be giving every 6 hours…….so get on the phone asap with the new vet and advise him of what you observe. It may be you just need to adjust the med schedule to set an alarm at 5pm or so that by rising time at 6-7am she can be free of pain. Sounds like from evening to morning the pain meds were wearing off.
KNuckling is a sign of nerve damage…still again do not loose hope. Nerves can self repair, and while dogs are waiting they lead perfectly happy lives….handicaps are what people worry about but not dogs!
The pain control is of utmost importance now so she can get on with t he business of getting her disc healed over.
I know that Lacee has a friend in you, too! watch Jack:
Should Lacee need a wheelchair at some point that is definitely NOT the end of life…watch my Clark enjoy his daily activities:
Let us know what adjustments the vet make to the pain meds.
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 16, 2013 17:50:26 GMT -7
Called the vet this morning to ask if we could start giving Lacee her pills every 6 hrs instead of 8. We noticed that the pain was still returning before we could give her the next round of meds. He allowed the tramadol every 6 hrs but nothing else.
Her neuro symptoms continue to keep getting worse. She's dragging her knuckles and seems weaker on her legs. We tried to use a sling but she really hated it and wouldn't go potty with it on.
I'm becoming depressed just constantly worrying about her. I hate this...
|
|
StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
|
Post by StevieLuv on Oct 16, 2013 18:19:16 GMT -7
I am so sorry that you haveing such a hard time getting her pain contolled. How is she doing with the Tramadol every 6 hours? Don't give up - there is still room for adjustment if needed. I know how hard it is to watch them hurt - things will look so much better when her pain is controlled. Keep the faith! Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs)))
|
|
|
Post by twosmooches on Oct 16, 2013 22:06:46 GMT -7
Austin, Hello
I'm Ruthie (not a moderator) and my little one went down last week. It has been a solid week from ---- here. The worst part is knowing they are in pain and not knowing how to stop it or help them. My Detour the Delightful Dog is my best friend too and he had two runs to an emergency vet facility and one overnight in the doggie hospital before they decided it was IVDD. It just about killed me to watch him suffer and still only want to be by me or thump his tail when I came to get him because he couldn't move he was in such pain.
You are doing a great job for your best friend. Don't give up - I know I almost did and we had the best day ever today. For us, the meds were the key. My house looks like a campsite with blankets and crates and kennels in all Detours favorite spots - but it is all good. When Detours happy, so am I. You and Lacee will get there!!!!
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 17, 2013 18:27:23 GMT -7
Not a whole lot more to report today. Lacee is still struggling with just taking a few steps at potty time. She is still able to do her "business" on her own and at regular intervals.
We called the vet to see about adjustments on her meds and instead of doing 75mg 3x daily he wants to go to 100mg 3x daily. All of the other meds are to remain the same.
He did seem confident however that she would get through this. He mentioned that their success rate with cases like these that have similar symptoms is around 80% with this method of treatment. I sure hope he's right....
|
|
|
Post by Pauliana on Oct 17, 2013 19:55:06 GMT -7
Austin,
It's very positive that she has bladder and bowel control and goes on her own. It is so wonderful that your Vet is working so well with you and Lacey.
This is so heartbreaking and traumatic to go through, all of us here have been there and please know we are here to listen and care!
I hope the increased dosage of the Tramadol helps get her back in the comfort zone..
Prayers and hugs!
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 18, 2013 5:04:45 GMT -7
This morning her left leg seems pretty much paralyzed. She just drags it while trying to take just a few steps. Seemed to yelp louder this morning than in mornings past. We will start the tramadol 100mg 3x daily starting today. Her back seems less swollen but symptoms keep getting worse.
|
|
|
Post by Jean & Mimi on Oct 18, 2013 5:22:08 GMT -7
Austin, this happened to my Mimi too, she got what seemed to be worse before she started getting better. Please hang in there. The moderators probably have more advice for you. What about her anti-inflammatory - can that be increased?
|
|
|
Post by austinj on Oct 18, 2013 7:49:35 GMT -7
I don't know about increasing it. Our first vet had her on 20mg of pred. twice daily but our new vet thought that was to strong of a dose for our dog (20lb). We just keep hoping she'll start heading in the right direction.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,571
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 18, 2013 10:37:08 GMT -7
Austin, have you phoned in your observations to the vet, he needs your feedback to know if he should make more adjustments.. Why is she only today starting on Tramadol 100mg 3x a day instead of starting it yesterday? Tramadol can be given every 6 hours, did you get that Rx for just in case?
Let us know what your vet says about Pred and Tramadol every 6.
|
|