View Full Version : Molly is down
HotDogMama
04-29-2009, 10:03 PM
My heart broke into a thousand pieces today.
I got home from taking Alison to the Dr. and Molly was doing "the wobble" I immediatley got her to the vet and she was still wagging her tail and trying to move her legs and he did the toe test and she felt it. He gave her two shots (he just called them an anti-immflamatory) and said to bring her back on Sat. He also told me how to help her go to the bathroom and all that.
She seemed to feel better almost instantly.
After we got home I put her in her crate and let her rest for a while. I tried to get her to go potty when we got home, but she wouldnt go. I just checked on her again and took her out of her crate and she yelped and bit me. Now she won't move her legs or tail at all. Why would she had gotten worse after the shots? She was biting at her back, but I thought she might be sore from the shots. I am at a total loss here, I have no idea about any of this, and I really need your input!! (and all the rays you can spare!) Thanks so much........
Jennifer
Oh no !!!! I am thinking that you should get her to an emergency vet. There is only a limited amount of time between them going down and having a good chance of recovery if surgery is needed.
I really am not able to offer advice, as I have not been through this... sending tons of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: and :hug99: for you. I know it is scary as hell.
Hopefully others who have been through this will be on tonight and can give you some guidence and stuff to look for. If you don't take her anywhere else tonight, I would call your vet back in the morning.
Please keep us posted -
lotsadox
04-29-2009, 10:17 PM
Barb's right. There is a limited window after they go down in which to have surgery done for optimal results. If she's biting her back, it's probably because it hurts. I'd get her to an emergency vet ASAP. She needs relief from the pain.
Sending tons of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
ebmw1975
04-29-2009, 10:21 PM
I too would go to the E vets. when Barkly did the wobbles he got shots AND pain meds but before the pain meds he too was kinda biting at his back but after he didnt at all. I know with the meds and stroller/crate rest for two and a half months he is ok now but I am a hawk watching him. Lots of :bigrayz: for Molly.
Dont be upset she bit you as she is hurting nd its not personal :hug99:
areese
04-29-2009, 10:32 PM
She really does need to go to an e-vet tonight and hopefully they can refer you to a neurologist tonight as well.She is in pain and that needs to be relieved.
I am sure the shots did not make her worse but I would bet money a disc was ruptured already and no shots fix that. It may have been leaking slowly and reached a critical point. Now the debris is pressing on her spinal cord and you do not want it to be damaged. Most regular vets don't know much about doxie disc disease so a specialist is best...I know you want a good recovery.
Steroids can reduce swelling which can help prevent damage, but if she's already had NSAIDs, that can be dangerous (to mix the two).
Lots and lots of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
Dodgers has a list of neurologist on their site...
http://www.dodgerslist.com/
I hope you are at the E-vets now. :crossfin: Sending lots of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: and positive thoughts for Molly.
Many :hug99: :hug99: for you at this difficult time. Please give us an update when you can.
Rileybugg
04-30-2009, 03:04 AM
:hug99: :hug99: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
Hi Jen, please give us an update. As stated, this is an emergency situation and she needs to be evaluated by a neurologist. :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
On a personal note, a couple of us know what you are going through emotionally. And I just wanted to send you lots of :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: Our individual journeys with IVDD are pretty much documented through our medical wellness section, if you need any type of emotional support, just holler. :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99:
Hi Jen, please give us an update. As stated, this is an emergency situation and she needs to be evaluated by a neurologist. :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
On a personal note, a couple of us know what you are going through emotionally. And I just wanted to send you lots of :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: Our individual journeys with IVDD are pretty much documented through our medical wellness section, if you need any type of emotional support, just holler. :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99:
Big :ditto: here. I know what it's like as Jax had surgery on his back last July. Sending lots of healing :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Molly and :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: for you!
vferraro99
04-30-2009, 07:32 AM
I hope you got Molly to the e-vet, and she's on her way to see a neurologist. I've been through this before, and it's horrible, but it will get better, it just takes time and a lot of stamina from us. The furkids recover well before we do. Sending many :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Molly and :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: to you.
Please give us an update.
HotDogMama
04-30-2009, 09:15 AM
I did take her in last night, and they gave me some pain killer for her. We are home now, and she seems to be doing better. (Resting better)I still can't get her to pee, they did it for me there also. It is pouring down rain here so we all know why she won't go now.:rolleyes: Thanks for all the advice, we go back on Sat. So I will let you know more then. Thanks again, :hug99:
lotsadox
04-30-2009, 09:38 AM
I"m so glad that you got her to the e-vet. She may not be able to pee on her own. If she can't, her bladder will need to be expressed daily.
What was the prognosis? Did the e-vet suggest a neuro?
HotDogMama
04-30-2009, 09:44 AM
I have tried to express her myself and I can't get her to do it. I don't know what I am doing wrong.
They just said that to try to keep her comfortable until she goes back to her vet on Sat. He did give me the number to a surgeon, but said that we can try just crate rest and medication first. That is was up to me if I wanted to call and talk to the surgeon.
I have tried to express her myself and I can't get her to do it. I don't know what I am doing wrong.
They just said that to try to keep her comfortable until she goes back to her vet on Sat. He did give me the number to a surgeon, but said that we can try just crate rest and medication first. That is was up to me if I wanted to call and talk to the surgeon.
If you just can't get her expressed, be sure to take her back to the vet - let them do it - and have them show you again. Too easy to get an infection if her bladder gets full. I personally would touch base with the surgeon - just talk to them about her symptoms and see if he/she has any suggestions. Then if things don't get better, you might feel more comfortable having already talked to them. Sending lots of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Molly and :hug99: :hug99: to you.
lotsadox
04-30-2009, 09:49 AM
You can try crate rest. I've had two that came back from being down with crate rest and VOM. The downside is that once you are outside of the 12-48 hour window for surgery, the chances for a complete recovery go down dramatically. Calling the surgeon might be a good idea so that you can make an informed decision.
Courtney posted a really great link the other day.
http://www.12many.com/duchwood/backproblems.html
I agree with the above, time is really crucial to make a decisions.
areese
04-30-2009, 10:18 AM
If you just can't get her expressed, be sure to take her back to the vet - let them do it - and have them show you again. Too easy to get an infection if her bladder gets full. I personally would touch base with the surgeon - just talk to them about her symptoms and see if he/she has any suggestions. Then if things don't get better, you might feel more comfortable having already talked to them. Sending lots of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Molly and :hug99: :hug99: to you.
I agree 100%. 1000%!!! With all of it and esp. the bladder expressing. You can't just leave her unable to urinate. Soon she will dribble, infection is likely and if the bladder is stretched for too long it can lose elasticity and you'll have an incontinence problem even after her recovery. Surgeons are good even if you aren't going to do surgery...and it's best to have something lined up anyway.
vferraro99
04-30-2009, 10:32 AM
I agree 100%. 1000%!!! With all of it and esp. the bladder expressing. You can't just leave her unable to urinate. Soon she will dribble, infection is likely and if the bladder is stretched for too long it can lose elasticity and you'll have an incontinence problem even after her recovery. Surgeons are good even if you aren't going to do surgery...and it's best to have something lined up anyway.
:ditto: Make sure you learn how to express her if she's not able to go on her own. It is very important. Also talking to the surgeon will give you more insight, and it does not hurt.
LUVMYGUNNER
04-30-2009, 10:38 AM
I remember you....Please go and take her to a neuro--regular vets don't know enough about IVDD. Gunner had surgery in Feb, he is 1 month off crate rest right now and doing well....
There are about 3-4 of us that have had surgery on their dogs, in the last few months. Crate rest is a must.. and please join www.dodgerslist.com
Alex's Mom
04-30-2009, 10:47 AM
A BIG :ditto::ditto: to what everyone's said...I'd also give the surgeon a call and see what s/he says...better safe than sorry! Many many many :bigrayz::bigrayz::bigrayz: and :hug99::hug99::hug99: coming at ya. Keep us posted, OK?
daisys
04-30-2009, 12:00 PM
HUGE :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: from us and please do keep us posted. Lisa, thanks so much for posting that link. It gave me a lot more detail on one place than all the tiny nuggets I keep locating.
More :bigrayz: :rayz::bigrayz: :rayz::bigrayz: and positive thoughts for Molly.
Oh no!!! Sending lots and lots and lots of those magical :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: Molly's way. And a few :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: for her worried Mom, too.
Any update?
AgileOllie
04-30-2009, 03:12 PM
That's so scary. I've been there (twice) so I know how hard it is for you. I hope there's some good news soon.:hug99:
jenfer
04-30-2009, 10:00 PM
Sending your little girl :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
Otto'sMom
04-30-2009, 10:31 PM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: And then some. Keep your thoughts positive.:hug99:
bittyup
05-01-2009, 06:15 AM
Lots of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Molly and :bighug: for the whole family.:hug99:
LUVMYGUNNER
05-01-2009, 09:19 AM
Please take her to a neuro--Gunner was on crate rest for 1 week, and then his disc ruptured and he had to have surgery anyway...The neuro is not gonna talk you into doing surgery... unless he thinks its necessary...most try the crate rest first..If you join dodgers Tom on dodgerslist, is going the conventional way, and his dog is doing real good. But he took him to a neuro and they worked out a good plan for his dog...
Here is a good one also..
http://www,lbah.com/canine/ivd.htm
http://www.gvcs.com/surgery/interver/htm
HotDogMama
05-01-2009, 09:15 PM
I just wanted to check in with everybody. Molly is still about the same, I finally got the hang of expressing her bladder, and am doing that like I should. We go back to the vet in the morning. I have not contacted a surgeon. I am hopeful that she can be treated with medication. I do not have the money or credit for surgery. I am sorry that I can't provide it for her, and I know it is nobody's fault but my own. My parents are helping me with the medication exspense for now, I am just trying to stay positive and hope for the best. I am sorry if I have dissapointed you all. Which I know I have and I have let my best friend down. I will let you all know if anything changes tomorrow.
Mama S.
05-01-2009, 10:00 PM
Jen - no one is disappointed in you. No one here is perfect or a vet - they have experience and have gone through it but I pray that no one here is going to post something negative because you have a funds problem.
Due to Shadow's foot I have right at a thousand dollar vet bill.:holyshp: Do I have that?Uh. NO. I also do not have a single credit card. I got lucky - my vet takes post dated checks so he now has most of a book of checks from me for the next 10 weeks.
Day by day - we are here for you!:hug99: :hug99: and :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Molly!
vferraro99
05-02-2009, 10:12 AM
Nobody is disappointed in you. Nobody expects their furkids to have health problems that cost a fortune, even though we all know that it does happen. Just remember that if you are going to take the medicine/crate rest route it will have to be a long and absolute crate rest. The ideal is for Molly to be on crate rest for 6 to 8 weeks, getting out only to go potty, nothing else. Tough love, I know, but necessary.
Have you joined dodgerslist yet?
oceangirls
05-02-2009, 11:05 AM
Jennifer, I am so sorry! You have most definitely NOT let your best friend down - you are doing all you can for her. Sending lots of rayz :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: and please keep us updated! :hug99:
KansasDoxieMama
05-02-2009, 12:43 PM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
I am there too with funds and the economy. Still in college, with three furkids and a foster, they are spoiled to a limit!
Lost both of my jobs and jobless, my BF is getting surgery and will be out for 6 wks, I hope to have sinus surgery soon, so I can get a job.
But last year of college! Yes furkids do get sick and its a fortune....but we all get thru it. I will pray for you and ur furkids!
Keep ur heads up! This is the GREATEST support group I have been too, plus everyone loves DOXIES! Even greater!
:hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99:
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
:love9: :love9: :love9: :love9: :love9: :love9: :love9: :love9:
LUVMYGUNNER
05-02-2009, 07:44 PM
The main thing is crate rest...out to potty only..Get her on some supplements-Ester-C and glucosamine/chondroitine. You can buy them anywhere... if money is tight...peoples is fine...is she taking pepcid with her medications?? If not you may want to get her the off brand--if she is taking prednisone--- she will need it.
Lots of people go the conventional way--not everyone has that kind of money to pay for surgery. You might check into the adequan series-here it runs about 400 dollars for 8 shots. There is accupuncture and water therapy you can do after crate rest. Please keep her crated about 6-8 weeks.
Here are rays for her:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
For those of you that have thought of pet insurance--- I had a few friends check out all the doggy insurances and Embrace sound like a good one. It is realy worth it--- when you think of the long run. Thinking of getting it for Petunia.
LUVMYGUNNER
05-04-2009, 07:14 PM
How is your Molly doing....
You have not let her down~at all. You do what you can for your family(furkids included)and if someone thinks that you are not doing enough for her~fruck 'em!!
:hug99: :hug99:
How is Molly doing? Any update?
Sending more :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
laura
05-04-2009, 07:35 PM
Let us know what the doc says...
Sending :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Molly, and a :bighug: for you!
I know you'll do your best for her.
HotDogMama
05-04-2009, 08:58 PM
Hey everybody~
Just wanted to pop in, sorry if I left you hanging....
We went back to the vet Saturday. He was not really suprised that she had gone completly down. He gave her another steriod shot and i got her prescriptions filled at the other place. She is taking Rantitdine for her stomach Irma. She was also taking another liquid for her stomach, but they said we could stop it and just take the Rantitdine. He said she is probally not in pain, but I still have the pain medicine if I think she needs it. Then the Pred of course. He did the toe test and she didn't flinch. :( Still not peeing on her own, but pooping okay. I just have to be ready to catch it. :rolleyes:
He asked me about taking her up to Purdue University where they have a Paralysis Research program at thier Vet school. He said it would probally cost little to nothing to put her in it and all I would have to do was take her up there. I asked him to at least call them and get all the details for me which he is supposed to be doing and calling me back with a message. He also said that he would help me measure and fit her for a cart if we decided to go that route.
In the meantime she is just taking her meds and staying in her crate. I take her to potty every 6-8 hours and make sure she is drinking and eating regulary.
Thanks again for all the comments and help. This is such a horrible time for us, and I knew you guys would be the ones to turn to. :hug99:
lotsadox
05-04-2009, 09:10 PM
The prednisone should keep the swelling down which is what causes the pain so she probably isn't in pain. I would definitely look into taking her to the vet school hospital at Purdue. University hospitals are usually very good.
Bogart was almost completely down. He could barely stand and his toe test was very slow. He was on pred for quite a while, but did come back so that he could walk and even run! At 15! No matter what route you take just know that miracles do happen.
I'll keep you and Molly in my :pray: and :crossfin: :crossfin: :crossfin: for a good outcome.
Sending tons of Texas :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
You have not let her down. Letting her down would be giving up, which you are obviously not doing! :bighug:
Hang in there and keep us posted! I will keep your family and Molly in my good thoughts and prayers!
oceangirls
05-04-2009, 09:46 PM
Thanks for the update. Continuing to send rayz :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: ! and :hug99:
LUVMYGUNNER
05-05-2009, 12:41 AM
Purdue is one of the best. I "think" Linda Stowe owner of dodgers, took her dog there.
The main thing is to give her the medication and crate rest..If she poops she should be able to be pee pee soon. Keep check that she doesn't get a UTI. If I were you, I would give her some cranberry pills, to be on the safe side.
Gunner didn't pee or poop for a few days when he went down.
Here are more rays for her:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
Rileybugg
05-05-2009, 04:21 AM
Your vet sounds very helpful. Hope you can get into Purdue. Good luck with the crate rest and do join Dodgers list! Hang in there- you sound like a very caring mom. Many hugs and rays coming your way!!!!!!
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