Vet felt a problem mid-back; does not believe it is a burst disc. Probably the result of a mild trauma yesterday BUT we all know that NO ONE can determine whether it is a single episode or the first signs of SERIOUS problems. (doc said "good call", BTW)
She prescribed rest (HA) but no need to crate 24/7. No jumping, etc--ya'll now the drill: GROUNDED.
Now, hears the rub. Since I gave 81 mg of aspirin last night, we cannot start the Metacam* until Thursday to avoid stomach upset. Vet sez Aspirin is no longer prescribed for doggies--so take it out of your first aid kit, due to the chance of ulcers. (I mean, we're talkin' about a dog that once et an entire pig knuckle fer cryin' out loud.) Have made a lovely bed for her on the floor and have closed the bedroom door and blocked the "path" to the sofas with a baby-gate. Will increase the crate time at night an hour or two, just to take advantage of the additional rest time, so she'll get 11 hours of crate time or more each day.
*The Metacam is used as needed. Is is going to increase thirst or urination?
And 2nd question:
Those of you with Hug-A-Dox harnesses, are they better than the regular harness for back problems?
oh man how much do I hate hearing of new ailments to our kids on the board. I can imagine how much that little girl scared you! Thank goodness it doesn't sound like something major.
Keeping in mind that I've been through so much crap with my last two kids healthwise, that I am now certifiable as a neurotic Mother extreme. But here is my 2 cents.
Often when a doxie has back problems of some level they may not poop like normal because it hurts to bend over and strain. So a lot of people who haven't been through it first think (and hope!) it's a tummy problem. Which of course it can be but with our doxies, it's way more often a back problem, with these kinds of symptoms. Tummy problems most often manifest along with other signs of gastric upset, runny stools, vomiting, not wanting to eat, etc. This isn't text book of course! But much of the time this is the case. I always suspect back problems first thing. Mid back...where the lumbar and thoracic vertebra meet, is the most common area for doxie back problems because that is where a lot of stress is put on the back, when jumping, running, twisting, etc. About 80% of doxie back problems happen there. About 20% in the neck. Rarely does it occur in the thoracic area because the ribs are attached and there is more stable in that area.
You probably already know this! And you are doing all the right things (yes do keep her verrry quiet as much as possible, if the disc is thinking about herniating and hasn't done it yet, complete rest is going to let it calm back down and not be a problem where one wrong twist or jump could just encourage it to go the other way. So the quieter the better). Especially when she is on drugs and feeling good, she could easily overdo and hurt herself.
Again, knowing you I'm sure you already know this but I feel better saying it :)
I'm not sure the answer to the metacam question...I have not used that one. The hug a dox...I also don't know for sure the answer to that but just talking out loud it would seem to me that since the pressure on the chest is displaced over more surface area (the entire mesh front panel) than the thinner strap of a regular harness I would suspect it could help some. But I'm not sure. I use the hug a dox on walks because the regular ones pop right over the top of Hallie's head no matter how tight I get them. Heh.
Hang in there Les, I'm sure Loki is going to be just fine! I know how scary it is though sometimes it's hard to be the mommy!!!!!
I guess they didn't take an x-ray? Just for a guideline in case something comes up later?
How scary for you - but rest, rest, rest is the most important. I am not sure what the Metacam is - but if it is a steroid - they do have to wait until the other is out of they system. I have had to do this with Rudy when they put him on Rimadyl and then later changed to prednisone. The reason was because of it causing ulcers. My vet has also prescribed baby aspirin, which I give every once in a while if my kids act like they are stiff. I know Miss Loki has a cast iron tummy, but I guess I would wait - just so she doesn't develop anything else.
Hang in there mom and don't let her do anything ! If you give her the meds - she will think she is better - but she does need time to heal.
I use the Hug a Dox for both of mine - I just like them - they seem easier to put on than the other kind of harness and as dd said - the pressure is spread out over their chest instead of neck when they pull.
Rays on the way- keep us posted on how she does!
EXACTLY. Because she showed NO OTHER signs of tummy distress and she wouldn't go up the step, after reading everything here for five years, I put two and two together and had the vet see her.
BUT!!! Daddy forgot to close the door to the bedroom and when he brought her home the first thing she did was jump up on the big bed. And since #&*@)!*-(^+! wasn't paying attention to the clock, when I got home from work she JUMPED OFF the big bed. For all the nuerotic contortions and hand-wringing this man goes thru when someone is sick, he doesn't have a lick of sense. !@#$%^&!!!??!:+_*&!
Uh oh sounds like Daddy's in the doghouse...don't you just hate when things like that happen. But they happen to me too and I don't have anyone to blame :grin: I really am sorry Les, please do keep us posted on how Loki is doing I'm sure she'll be fine. You are one of the most savvy mom's I know!