It start two days ago with, my 4 year old beagle, my best friend, Crying won't eat or drink. I took her to a new vet, she was nice, but scared me. Cookie has a slipped disc, she was sedated and given a shot I go back on Wednesday. She is barly moving they gave me pegrazone to give her. The vet ran my credit and found out I can't afford a 3500 surgery and I got a different answer from her than the assisatants. They said Cookie would be OK with rest etc. The vet scared me told me of possible parilation. (sp) I cant get her to eat or drink, They gave her a shot. I just need some advice, I am so not tring to cause any problems for the vet. I just need a 2nd opion and help with get her throught this time. I work and my kids are in college. starting in a couple days. They sadi no runing or walking or jumping. She is so sad and not moving. HELP give me some peace please!!
Optional Information: Age: 4; FemaleAlready Tried: Vet gave shot and they gave me pregnazone pills, but she barly eating and she told me to buy pepsi for her stomach from the pills. I love my dog as my child. I need to know care for hr. She has NEVER been crated
Hello and thanks for researching this very important question! I am so sorry that you are all having this difficult and distressing experience.Slipped disc symptoms in dogs are every bit as awful as they are in people...a dog's neck bones and back muscles work very hard to hold the head up all day. It can take quite a long time for a pet, especially one that may have disc material squeezing out of the spinal cord bones, to feel back-to-normal.Each pet is an individual, but even a "simple" strain or nerve pinch can lead to an extreme experience of pain. Affected dogs prefer to not move, hold the head forward or slightly down, and are distressed when they anticipate pain...ie, they tense up even before anyone touches them or picks them up.Morning is often worse, especially for those pets that don't move a lot overnight during sleep, or sleep on drafty flooring, or are overweight. Making sure that she has a most comfortable surface to lie on in a room that is not too cool may help, but let her rise at her own pace and limber up slowly.
Prednisone is a very strong medicine meant to help reduce swelling and pain, but it is not a total pain-reliever and cannot heal her spine.
It is not exactly clear to me what the diagnosis is...some folks do have surgeries performed on arthritic spinal cord bones to Prevent ruptures, but most surgery is reserved for discs that have already ruptured material out of the bones and into the spinal cord nerves. Knowing whether rest will be helpful or not depends on the Exact Diagnosis of the xray results...if you are not sure, do call the office to find out.
Some areas have Veterinary Chiropractic or Acupuncture services available, your vet's office would know about this and can give you a referral. Adult dogs have a very good response to this type of treatment. A licensed practicioner can review her xrays with you and let you know if they can help. If you need resources for finding such a vet, let me know.
In the meantime, do continue allowing her to rest as much as she likes...limit all activity that is not necessary, even when she starts to feel better, to prevent re-injury or exacerbated injury. These patients often have relapses periodically throughout their lifetimes, unfortunately, so you will always want to be somewhat careful of crazed activity and early signs of discomfort.
You might try putting a Very Stable ramp at any stairs for her.
***When you need to pick her up, scoop her with the whole arm between the front legs...so she is lying on your forearm...and then let her "sit" on the other hand or forearm so that her back is a straight as possible and she can lean her shoulder against you if needed. Don't rush...let her settle as much as she can before lifting so that she gets the idea that you are trying hard to not jostle her. This can help her release her muscles.***
Medical approaches to pain are pretty varied...here is just one example of the different approaches different vets take, depending on their experience and background:
http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/ivapm/professionals/members/qow/clinical002.htm
Paralysis is a possibility if she has a large amount of disc material pressing out on her spinal cord nerves...there is no way to really predict if or when this might happen, and surgery is the only way to avoid this for certain.
Soda is NOT a good antacid treatment...carbonated drinks contain a lot of acid and can contribute to damage of digestive linings. I'd rather suggest that you use some Mylanta Plus or similar strong antacid medicine 1/2 hour before her prednisone doses. Make sure she takes some kind of food, if possible, as well. Use the 13-year-old children's dose.
Boiled chicken and oatmeal can be liquified in a blender to make it easier to lap and swallow (or give with a spoon) to get some calories and stomach buffer into her. 1/4 cup of a 50:50 meat/cereal mix can be given 4 times throughout the day and is sufficient to meet her calorie needs...overfeeding can cause intestinal discomfort since she probably is trying to avoid moving her bowels, or may not be able to, depending on where the problem is along her spine.
As long as she remains somewhere warm and quiet, she can rest out of a crate...if she starts picking up too much activity or is bothered by visitors, then you'll have to consider stricter alternatives. Immobility is VITAL if she has a ruptured disc. and 'cage-rest' is best.
If she is even the slightest bit overweight, everyone will have to be made to understand that treats and table foods will worsen her situation 100%. A reduced-calorie diet must be started right away since she cannot exercise.
If you need additional support at this time, please click "Reply", otherwise I thank you in advance for your "Accept" and will hold a Good Thought for you all.
Experience: Lhasa,Shih Tzu Breeder/ B.A.Neurophysiology & Animal Behavior/I use plain English!
Thank you so much for your help. The disc is in her neck. towards the top the vet said that she cxan't be certain with out doing some exstensive tests, but she should me the xray and there is not the same amount of space between the vertibrae She believed it to be sliiped and said a motn of rest. She said the cartilge is not there and the bones could be rubbing. Heres my question now. She is quite in my walkin closet and has not left. Thats good right? She finally had some fliud and food last night but she isn't really eating ro drinking now. She has had a couple bowel movements yesterday. I try put water on her lips and she likes it. Will she instincitively get water when she treally needs it? I will try the food mixture you suggest. should I just put it in the closet by her water? Should I lie in ther with her or does that make her stressed. I am afraid she is lonely and scared in the closet... but it soudnd like she is doing what she need to heal? I want her to be copmofrtable. I can't figure out how I am going to get this medicine down her if I can barely get water down her. Will she start getting better and wking around?
Some company of a Trusted Friend can be VERY BENEFICIAL! Do spend time near her so that she has your support.Neck pain is EXCRUCIATING for our pets, and will take a least a month to feel really better. The muscles in her neck, shoulders, chest, back and stomach are all straining to compensate whenever she has to move...this increases her overall discomfort and tiredness. Just things she will have to cope with for the time-being...sleep and quiet are Good Medicine.Bringing food and water to her is best at this point...her hydration will start to suffer if she does not take in enough to process the prednisone out of her kidneys. Try adding extra to the Soup mixture. Prop dishes up on some books so that she doesn't have to bend, or offer the plates straight on to where she can hold her head. It's fine for her to confine herself, as long as you are able to monitor her water intake and urination. If she is not taking in about 2 cups water total today, she may need to be hospitalized tomorrow...not very comfortable, but necessary, so do frequently offer her some "soup". Chamomile tea (cooled to room temperature) is fine, can help her stomach settle and relieve some muscle tension. Most dogs like the fruity flavor.NO aspirin or other pain relievers, as these can react with the pred and cause other problems.Petting may bother her, so just soft talking...read a magazine out loud, soft music, TV, etc. to provide some "white noise" and mental distraction.Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.Gen B.39448.487840625
Reply to Gen B.'s Post: Hi again, It took me a couple days to update my credit card info so I could talk to you again. I am getting 2 plus cups of fluid/food down her. It is difficult to get the food in her. I am using a spoon. So only moves to go to the bathroom, and set the shakes in her neck area only after I feed her or pet her, it goes away after I let her b a minute or so. I asked the vet for pain meds, as she seems in so much pain, but she hasn't cried out in two days, so I am hanging onto that. The vet percribed pain meds that start with a t I have to get through this w/out surgery if at all possible, I am a single mom with no money, really no money. So i have already sent 450. so much for my credit cards. I just need to know if she sounds ok, all things considered. It is hard to get her to eat. should I let her be in the morning? when I try to give her food and liquid in the AM she doesn't want it, she used to eat at night.
Whatever schedule she can keep will have to be fine...if Something is at least nearby, she can work with it as she is able. Mornings are usually Worst of all.There are many medications that are used in these cases: strong anti-inflammatory drugs similar to those used in human cases of advanced arthritis, tranquillizers and steroids. The arthritis drugs are pretty ineffective in disc ruptures or severe twists, tranquillizers can help sedate a pet to keep them from feeling 24-hour pain, but may also have side effects. Steroids are often seen as "old-fashioned" these days...they do have side effects, but are the quickest way to really get massive swelling and discomfort under control.I suspect your vet prescribed a tranquillizer since she's already taking a steroid (prednisone), and this may help her sleep more deeply anyway. The vet's office (or your pharmacist) may be able to sell you an inexpensive Feeding Syringe that would be easier to control than a spoon (less drippy). You can add a few tablespoons of honey to her "soup" or tea to bump the calories up a bit and encourage her appetite, as long as she is not overweight.2 cups should be sufficient for a dog that is supposed to be about 15-20 pounds.The tremor may be related to fatigue or compression of nerves.Dogs that have continued severe pain do continue to vocalize about it...whining, moaning, crying. I do find it a bit relieving that she is not calling out, but still remain Guarded about her overall progress. This can take a really long time to resolve without extensive medical support--you just do your best, XXXXX XXXXX continue to know that you are with her and will let her decide how she feels most comfortable, and be patient.Your "Accept" from Tuesday is sufficient for me to continue our discussion as you need help.I am continuing to Hold a Good Thought for your family.
Hello, You are my lifeline so Thank you seems so uneffective. The meds she gave her is Tramadol no milligrams listed. Igot her to eat both the tramatol and Predizone not the pepsi pill she is sitin up and panting. I am afraid that she is having trouble with her back legs. I am so tired, but her bed is in the living ropom she has a night time bed but she isn't moving. My wonderfuk 20 yr old daughter was with me till today... she helped keep me normal. She went back to college. How long with the pain med take to work it's been almost an hour. I am so sorry to bother you. I just don't know if I can go in the next room and go to sleep. She has a bed in my walk in and is noting wlking in there. do I have to stay in the kliving room, I feel like I am makeing her worse. The only good thing is that she seeems a little more alert in the last 1/2 hour or so
You are very effective i meant I am ineffective39451.9657982986
Sorry to have missed you last night...I'm on the East coast.Panting can mean a number of things...discomfort of any kind (even needing to go potty), stomach discomfort (prednisone can irritate digestive linings--the Pepcid tablets should be given an hour before her prednisone if possible to help reduce acid in the stomach).Disability can progress from front-to-back in a case of disc rupture, or severe swelling of spinal cord nerves...something to keep an eye on.Tamadol is a tranquillizer--not, strictly speaking, a pain reliever. Tranquillizers can cause a pet to sleep more, but do not generally make them more comfortable when awake. Sometimes tranquillizers can cause some brain excitation, so the dog will seem a bit weird. You will have to watch closely to decide if this treatment is helping her or not.The pepcid pill (I had thought you meant the soda drink Pepsi on Tuesday! sorry) is probably large...your regular pharmacy may have a liquid form of a similar drug called Tagamet (chemical name cimetidine)...you may need a written prescription from the vet to get some, but this would be easier to give for sure.Make sure you are getting enough rest and exercise to help cope with your own feelings about this...sleep in your own bed if you need to, take a walk outside a few times a day for fresh air and mental relief. If you are too exhausted, your nursing will not be at its best level. When you mind is calm, you will be better able to guess what she needs.Your Little Gal can certainly feel your anxiety, so doing things to relax your heart and mind are really important. Many people are in situations where medical science and their resources are limited...then we all just do the best we can with what we have. Your love and devotion are all that are important to Her. The rest is always out of our hands!I will be away from home (Saturday) from 11am EST until about 7-8pm, but I will check my messages right away.You are sufficient,
I can't Thank you enough for your help!! You are very kind, I have gotten her pills down for the 1st half of the day. She isn't crying, see has a liquid stool and seems to wait as long as she can to go. (on newspapers by her daytime area next to me. I just quickly clean it up after. She has been sitting up almost all day. I don't know if that is good or bad. I am convinced that she was not getting the proper dosage of medicine b4. So basically 2nites dose will be her 1st real day of meds. I have 1 more day b4 I am back to work 9-5. My son is coming in at lunch time to feed her. I want to get her so she will be OK 3-4 hour stretches... How does she sound? Is there a pain killer you could suggest that would be better. I was hoping for something, that when she woke up she would feel better. Thanks again for letting me talk to you. You are keeping my sanity. Any advice, or encouragement would be greatly appriecated. Tawny
Unfortunately, the other type of medicine for pain can have Bad reactions with the prednisone (which she Must have if she is to get any better, or at least not worse). Staying quiet is the best course of action to manage pain at this point.I am quite concerned about her diarrhea situation...the prednisone might be causing this, so do call your vet first thing Monday morning to discuss it. In the meantime, give a teaspoon of Pepto Bismol 4 times a day to see if this helps. It is easier for her to pass liquid stool, but we do not want her intestines to start bleeding. Getting the Pepcid into her routine may help control acid production from the stomach.Keep an eye on how her back legs, bladder and bowel perform...if she looses coordination and sphincter control (or cannot "go" at all), these are signs of paralysis. Most dogs that loose sensation in the hind quarters end up sitting with the back rounded under...the feet stick straight out...a posture that is abnormal for dogs. Paralysed small breed dogs that can still "go potty" when they need to can do fine with physical support at home, but it is not advisable to keep a dog going when the bladder and bowel cannot be relieved on time. You may need to prepare yourself emotionally for this kind of outcome...focusing on removing her from a suffering condition, and not worrying about "what might have been done" (surgeries are getting better, but are not guaranteed!).Since she is used to your work routine, she will just rest when you go out...keep a good supply of paper near and underneath of her nest (in case of incontinence or leakage), a dish of soup and a radio or TV.Any improvement is a VERY LONG ROAD away...just stay in the Present Moment with her. Read your favorite book with her or listen to your favorite singer.Keep me posted...
OK, She has set with her legs out in front of her for at least n2 years. She is kindof doing that now. But I have to help her. I know I can I just know it. She still kisses me back and I have to help so so please.. She has sat with her legs straight in front of her for 2 years at least,
It's hard to know without seeing her...if your son can help you take a digital photo, you can load it into a Reply box using the little Tree icon on the tool bar.The kind of thing that I consider a problem is a dog sitting with its lower back rounded under and the toes pointing straight out...the ankles do not bend and the pet scoots on the back side. This is different from a dog sitting straight-backed on its hips and just lying the leg out straight at the knee joint. The leg is not able to bend at all along any of the joints. Veterinary offices often use a kind of shorthand term for this posture: "Down In the Back". Once spinal cord nerves are compressed or damaged to this extent, it is unlikely they can heal.If when you help her up she has trouble putting her feet flat down, there is a problem. If she scrapes the toes against the floor before getting the food down...not good.The prednisone still has time to work, but if we lose her back end, we are in a pickle.Beagles and Cocker Spaniels unfortunately seem more likely than other breeds to develop these kind of spinal problems. I do not want you to feel down about this, or to loose heart...while we still have her, you can continue carefully nursing her and sharing your companionship. But I do not want to Candy-coat any of the medical facts...this would not be fair to you.While she is able to get around some for herself, it is too early to make predictions.I will continue to rely on your descriptions...if anyone is able to help you upload some photos of her resting, sitting and standing postures, I can TRY to indicate my personal opinion.Your vet's office is the best resource for a prognosis, since they are able to examine her close-up and compare her progress from the beginning.One Moment At A Time!
Here we are Tawny and Cookiee, my kids are will to let me use there credit with
Credit care.... She seenms a little better this afternoon, She is walking to each of her two beds, al little wobbley, she has a good appetite and has gone the bathroom three different times and they are not as liquid as they were, she seems much more alert. I am conviced that up til yesterday meds weren't getting to her in the both. I just give them now in chicken. I call the local vet and got the on call guy, he told me to call the vet that saw her tomorrrow, Also I thought i would find out how much money the lkids qould qualify for if that i9s the right way. I am sooooooooooo confised help
I await yourrespinse
Care Credit is a very reputable and long-standing veterinary service lender...they are an independent "bank", so do contact them directly to get info. You can get a list of estimated repayment plans by entering an Amount needed on their linked page.Gosh--Beagles are one of my All-time favorites! She's a beauty.I'm glad that her knees seem relaxed in this photo, and that she is sitting on her bottom (not rounding under so that she would be sitting on her lower spine). Her toes are relaxed, not curling under...good as well. I'm assuming this is the direction she always curves her back now...typical for neck problems, since turning the opposite direction causes a pinch. If you notice that she is curving her spine only this one way, be sure to put her right side against you when you have to lift her--she will be more comfortable. Have her chest resting on your entire right forearm, with your right hand holding her belly...the bend of her neck can then rest against your upper arm muscle...your left hand holds her back side so that her spine is completely straight, reducing the pull on her neck.Her eyebrows do tell the Whole Story...poor kid."Wobblers" is the description of what happens to the movement of the legs when the cervical neck bones are troubled in some way. I am encouraged that she seems better to you...a consultation at least with your regular vet or a surgeon may give you a better sense of what progress you can expect continuing on at home.More Movement combined with a Clearer Head is good...dogs headed for paralysis seem to be in less pain, but have reduced ability to get around. Make sure she does not start trying to over-do things now...Beagles especially can try zipping along their routine way too early, and then hurt themselves again. You may need to keep the bedroom door closed to insure that she is not getting up to no good while you're at work.The goal is gradual improvement over a long period of weeks and months way before starting to recondition her muscles slowly.Keep up the great work--I'm so glad to see how much she is giving you her attention! You are obviously Best Friends.Gen B.39453.8026001505
This is the last time I bother you without sending you more money, I get paid on Thursday. I will send you more money then. I have to ask. I had two great lows and one great high I need to know if things are going better or if I need to go for money for surgery. If so what is the name of the surgery and how do I find a good surgeon. Where do I look? The kids agreed we would go for money on their credit. I need to know the best way to find one in the boca Raton Florida area. My docter wants to send me 45 minutes away. Ithnk she is getting a refferal fee, don't get me wrong I have nothing against wentrepinurship just not now. I need a place that is good and close. How do I search??? What do I have to have?.
What happened today is:
I left her alone for the 1st time. I got stomach and pain med in her in the AM Gavin came at noon and got the pregnazone in but said she seemed bad. I got home at 5 and she had diarehea, was having trouble with her front legs and shakling not eating. I was very upset.. my girlfriend came over with Chinese. Cookie got up and ate almost a whole chicken breast and and a portion of the fried rice. she stoodup and ate it and drank out of the bowl! Then she was worse but then better again sat between my friend and I. After about 10 minutes she wnet to sleep. I was so happy. Within about 11/2 hours she was up with diarea shaking having trouble walking it was horrible. I think she is finally asleep however, I am afraid to look. Is she just sick from eating to much and it was a sign eailer that she is on the mend. or is she getting worse and I have to do this surgery right away.... I am so sorry to bother you but I don't know where else to turn.
please
Dietary changes will cause a lot of complications to her digestion, and excess gas in the stomach can be painful...try to use bland foods whenever possible.A specialist would want to examine her from scratch to tell you what kind of procedure needs to be done...you would tell the receptionist that Cookie has a tentative diagnosis of disc rupture in her neck, and has worsening symptoms today.An associate of mine here at JA has given me this information from her personal experience:
"There are two clinics I know of that may be able to help out the client with the Beagle. I hope this helps. I know both clinics and they are very good. Especially the one in Cooper City. Joan
The 1st is : http://www.drjaffe.com/
2nd is in Ft. Lauderdale but a Very comprehensive clinic :
Fort Lauderdale:
Cooper City Animal ClinicXXXXXbr />Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
Tel:(NNN) NNN-NNNNbr />Fax: None providedEMail Cooper city Animal Clinic
Dr. Raul Mindy
Hours: 8Am-6PM Mon,Tues, Thurs,Fri. 8AM-1PM Wed & Sat extras = Small animal"
hi,
I wanted to give you an update. We rushed Cookie to theCritical care hosptial in West Palm beach. She the neck injury but also, she was dehidrated and has strees colitis. The vet said that we can try for 5 days. That is how much a 1,000 gives me. SHe is resting, but only ate 1/4 cup of food today. The vet sadi she growls when nyurswed try to feed her which means they aren';t helping her. I am going up later today. I have to try to rasie 4000. My kids and I have about 900 so far. Do you know anyone organizatiopn that might help us, either in a gift or a loan.
The following is a link to a company that can help extend credit for pet health care...the second link give you a general payment schedule for $4000.00 for specialist care: www.carecredit.com $4000.00 care credit estimated payment schedules There is a long list of other charity links to investigate in the first posting at this community site: http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/luciedove/vpost?id=920492She is quite attached to you and your care, so some bonded pets can have trouble accepting help from 'strangers', especially when away from home in a busy environment, etc. Your visit will do her a lot of good.
I am going to send more money buit I wanted to give you an update. becasue of the list you sent me. We were able to raise money, the vet took the cost from 4000 to 1500 and she came through it well it was at 4:00 PM today. She had a ruptured disc and they believe they got it all. you are a very wonderful person I would like to write a letter of praise if it would help I would also like to keep you updated as to Cookies condition Much love to you Tawny
I'm so relieved and glad for you all! It is always a thrill to hear a good report, and I'd very much love to hear about her progress.You can leave Feedback for me through your account, but you can also contact administration directly by emailing to:XXX@XXXXXX.XXXMany Experts have been following your case, so thank you again for this news!Kisses to Cookie,Gen B.39458.2402961458
Good Morning! Well it's a long road we are on but I wanted to touch base and give you another THANK YOU and an update as to Cookies progress. As you might remember, she had a ruptured disc in her neck. She is eating good and is getting her spunky, stubborn personality back. In the past if she didn't want to do something she would just turn her back to me and sit down with her nose in the air. it was very cute. She is not to the point she can do that so if doesn't want to do something now she clamps her month shut and give me this look. Very cute. When my son come over in a day or so I'll send you some pictures. She stills shakes in her neck area after she eats or drinks... it's like it hurts her after she's done?? We are still wobbly. But the horrible panting and shaking has died down. We are taking it a day at a time and I have been, able to be with her almost the whole time since she came out because it fell on the weekend holiday! Yeah! your wonderful! Me and Cookie will in be in touch soon Always, Tawny Gaines(NNN) NNN-NNNN
HOORAYYY!!!!!Great news.It does take a long time to get healing completed...she may have some discomfort or tingling when moving the neck for extended periods of time. Elevating her food/water dishes on some heavy books or cinder blocks may help keep her neck more straight, and less strained.Would love to see some pics!You are to be commended for your remarkable Devotion that got her this far!!!