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Post by Mary Linville on Oct 12, 2013 6:01:11 GMT -7
Goliath is my 3 year old mini doxie. He's on the chubby side, something like 11lbs, I believe.
The 3 vets who've seen him believe it is IVDD, he is under-going imaging and surgery today, and then we'll know more. This has been a whirlwind of frustration and terror.
Events in sequence:
Goliath has had back injuries on two previous occasions, one each year of his life. On those occasions he limped, did not want to move and was in obvious pain. However, he still had full sensation, could walk unassisted and could still potty on his own. He was given conservative treatment and fully recovered.
Wednesday night (Oct 9) is when I believe this third injury must have occurred. I was going to bed, dog was fine, came out of the bathroom and he had gone into his crate. He was quiet but not complaining. I thought nothing of it and closed his crate.
Thursday morning (Oct 10), he did not wake my husband and I to go out as early as usual, and when I went to let him out, he seemed stiff, did not want to move, and when he finally did he seemed to limp. He did not appear to be in as much pain as previous episodes, so I thought I would wait and see how he would do through the day.
All Thursday he was crate rested, since I knew if he was hurt like before, that was an essential thing. When I took him out for his last trip outside for the evening, I was shocked to see he had total hind limb paralysis and of course no bladder or bowel control. I managed to help express his bowel and we brought him to the emergency.
The vet said he thought it was chronic IVDD. I would have to go to the city 2.5 hours away for surgery (nearest imaging facility and neurologist) or try conservative treatment. I decided that surgery seemed like best outlook for him, and was told it would need to be soon though not imminently. I had to get a referral from my regular vet.
He was given injectable metacam, sent home with liquid metacam, and I think tramadol(?) and some other pill (don't have them right now). Came home, gave him the two pills as directed, and locked him back in his crate.
Friday morning (Oct 11) I called our vet so that I could get help with bladder expression and get the referral. I took the only available appointment left at 3:15pm, and had to see my vet's associate. She showed me how to express and would do the paperwork for referral. The clinic would call me.
Two hours later, I get a phone call from the same vet. She had been trying to fax the info but their fax wasn't working. So she called the clinic. She now tells me that I have to leave with Goliath right now or he could be paralyzed for life.
I was so taken aback at this sudden urgency, since the two had previously seemed to indicate it was important to do so, but their behaviour lead me to believe I would have a little more time to figure out how to get myself and the dog to this other city and back (I do not drive). This is now complicated by the fact my husband really should not drive at night and he's exhausted. I managed to shove some dinner in me, and got myself and him to the clinic, by 9pm (it is a 24 clinic).
Goliath gets examined and then I finally see a third vet at his clinic in the next city. The bomb is now dropped: they want $7,500 (and "didn't my ver tell me this?"). I am told his chances for recovery are possible with conservative treatment, but really unknown without trying, and if he loses the deep pain sensation he does have, surgery at that point is far less likely to help.
My dog is three years old. I want to help him. Luckily, we do have a credit limit that will allow for carrying that kind of extra debt, but it has to be weighed carefully. Things will be much tighter now. Ok, go forward with surgery.
I leave them my home and cell number and tell them the cell number is the primary number to call. They will call the radiologist and neurologist immediately and get him done asap. They will call me. It is now 11pm.
They called my home number. At 2:30am I call them to find out what the deal is, and am told the neurologist can't come until morning, so he'll have his imaging and surgery done somewhere between 8-10am Saturday.
I am ready to kick someone.
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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 12, 2013 10:12:09 GMT -7
My name is Maureen, and it is 10:04 am PST where I am. Has Goliath had surgery?? I am so sad and horrified by the run around that you were given - IVDD is hard enough to manage without being left hanging. But now we move forward! There is alot that you can do to prepare for Goliath's homecoming after surgery. General info surgery www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmAfter Surgery Jot down questions for discharge day. This list will get yours started: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmCrate rest The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmGeneral IVDD info www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWe are all here to help, we have all been through IVDD with our dogs - some of us more than once! Please keep us posted. Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs))) |
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Post by Mary Linville on Oct 12, 2013 11:17:11 GMT -7
He just got out of surgery now (noon MST) and I talked with the neurologist on the phone.
There was a lot of disc material to clean up, and he had some bruising and hemorrhaging of the spinal cord, but he's all cleaned up now and he did fenestration of the area involved (I believe just below the ribs was what he mentioned). He said he believed Goliath's prognosis was good, now we just wait.
I will get to visit him this evening, then decide whether I should remain in town until discharge (potentially 4-5 days), or go back home and wait for them to call to tell me that he's ready. More difficult decisions!
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 12, 2013 11:47:12 GMT -7
I don't blame you for wanting to kick someone, Mary! Here you were so frightened for Goliath and the hospital and vets had to add to that anxiety. Thankfully that's all behind you now and Goliath just needs to heal. Enjoy your visit with him this evening. I'm sure he'll be so very glad to see you! Please keep us updated.
Prayers for a speedy recovery for Goliath.
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Post by RustysMom on Oct 12, 2013 11:56:13 GMT -7
Your situation sounds quite a lot like what I went thru with my boy 4 weeks ago today. He ended up with complete back limb paralysis, and in emergency surgery at 6 PM on a Saturday evening. They also told me that they removed a very large amount of ruptured disc material, but they also felt that his prognosis was good.
Good news is, it's now 4 weeks later, and Rusty is doing fantastic. We just got home from his 3rd swim therapy session, and he has had a series of 6 laser therapy treatments, beginning soon after surgery. He is walking better by the day, getting stronger and feeling more and more like his feisty self! And he is 10 yrs old, were with Goliath being 3, that may be in his favor also.
Best wishes for you and Goliath, please keep us posted!
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 12, 2013 19:45:06 GMT -7
Hi Mary, so glad you are here with us on Dodgerslist.
You must be exhausted after all you and Goliath have been through. Hope your visit with him tonight went well and that he is getting the great care both you and he deserves..
Let us know how you are getting along and I hope you get some rest in the meantime, you will need your energy to take care of Goliath when he is ready to go home.
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Post by Mary Linville on Oct 13, 2013 8:31:07 GMT -7
I was exhausted and went to bed immediately after seeing Goliath. Here's the current situation:
I went to see him about 7:30pm. I heard the woman at the front call to ask if he was on oxygen because he had a visitor, so I don't know if that was just a general question she asks or if he had been on it earlier. Whatever she was told, he was disconnected from his UV meds and whatever else and brought to me in a little room.
He was fairly alert and aware if his surroundings, but obviously very tired and sore, with his back bandage, iv catheter and urinary catheter in place. He saw me and got somewhat excited, and was placed next to me on a soft bench.
He did look very good considering what he's been through - my family (including a human healthcare worker) agreed and remarked upon this. He was crying very softly and I just held him and tried to soothe him as best I could. I tried not to soak him in my tears. He occasionally wanted to wiggle around which I took as another good sign. He calmed down somewhat. The look on his face abd the sound of his quiet cries was so hard to see and hear. I was only allowed 10 minutes as he needed to have his IV reconnected to his medication, and he did look so very tired.
I asked for a dr to call me this morning to give an update on how he's doing, but last night he looked to be progressing well. If he is still doing well and the vet thinks it should be ok (I know there are no guarantees), I will go home this morning and wait for him to be ready to come home. I would like to be able to visit him every day, but on balance I don't know at this point if it would be a help or a hindrance to recovery.
Rusty's Mom: your experience gives me some more hope too. Thank you.
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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 13, 2013 9:55:10 GMT -7
I am glad that you got to visit with Goliath - it eased both of you to have that contact. This has been a shock to your system too. You now have the time to prepare your home for his return and get up to speed on all things IVDD. Don't forget while doing all of your learning to stop and check into the success stories here - lots of happy, uplifting, real stories to lift your spirits and give you hope and courage. Keep us posted - we are here for you (((hugs)))
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Post by Mary Linville on Oct 16, 2013 9:05:46 GMT -7
I have been getting daily calls from either the neurologist or the attending vet.
Monday (Oct 14) he was neurologically stable and was weaned off iv medication.
Tuesday (Oct 15) his pain was well-managed with oral meds. He had slight movement in his hind legs.
Wednesday (Oct 16) he has small but clear movement in his hind legs. They have removed his catheter to see if he can go on his own, and will call me if he does. If he continues on this path of improvement he may be able to come home tomorrow!
So relieved and happy he's getting better.
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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 16:21:44 GMT -7
That's a wonderful update, Mary! I hope he's home with you soon. Please keep us posted and let us know what medications he's sent home with. I'm very happy for you and Goliath that things are going well.  |
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Post by Mary Linville on Oct 19, 2013 23:28:35 GMT -7
I picked up Goliath Friday morning. He can stand, and you can tell he is trying to walk (though not succeeding). He was sent home with a sling and a lower dose of Tramadol. For other Canadians looking at possible prices: in Calgary he was hospitalized for almost a week, and the whole thing with tax came to just over $7200, in between their high and low estimates. I couldn't have "shopped around" if I wanted to: there is only one veterinary neurologist in all of Alberta. I am going to have to ask the vet about sedatives. This little guy won't stop wriggling and trying to jump around in his crate. I am fairly confident his crate is the right size, he just has enough room to turn around, but he still keeps trying. He's very upset. He likes to be in there, but not all the time, especially now that he's starting to feel better. Even before he was a very clingy, mama's boy, so now that he's been away from me and the stress, he is worse. As an example: he starts literally screaming and howling as soon as I shut the bathroom door, and continues until I come out. I am really worried about him doing himself a mischief again by being too physical too soon. I saw that benedryl can work, so I will call the vet Monday morning to ask about the possibility and dosage/timing. He does get soothed by soft music playing sometimes (he likes this one: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0019ENOAY ), but I'd like an option for when that doesn't work. I have ordered casters for his crate from Amazon, so my husband doesn't have to keep moving his kennel while I hold the dog. Plus, he'll have to be back at work on Monday. |
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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 20, 2013 10:32:22 GMT -7
Mary, great news on trying to move his legs. His pain if fully under control, too? Would you consider sharing surgery costs in our diretory with future members trying to make a decision. dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting Country Hospital: Address: Cost: Date of surgery: What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.) Comments: |
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 20, 2013 10:45:29 GMT -7
Mary, if Goliath is trying to jump up in his crate, you can try lowering the top of the crate. Just cut out a piece of cardboard the size of the crate, punch holes at the corners and tie it with string to the inside of the crate to lower the ceiling. You can also cover the top of the crate with a towel, which gives a den-like feeling and can be calming. It sounds like you may have already seen this page but here's the link in case you haven't - some good ideas there: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmIt sounds like he's doing very well and feeling much better, which is great news. Please keep us updated. Continuing thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for Goliath. |
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