Each day Rox is improving. Yesterday she followed me down the stairs to the basement. At once overjoyed and angry, I had to carry her back up and remind myself to never forget again to barricade the stairs.
Still on valium, at least for another couple of days. I'm going up to see Dr. Putt tomorrow, trying to catch her between patients. Rox has another 1.5 weeks of enforced rest then we see how she is. Hopefully, that will be the end of this "episode".
Valium + Roxie = Happiness.
27 May 2008
25 May 2008
Friday's Vet Appointment
I'm not gonna say she's better, because I don't want to jinx her. But when Dr. Putt did the neck maneuver Rox growled instead of cried. She was also able to manipulate her head further than 10 days ago. Apparently that means improvement. Yea!
We switched from Tramadol for pain to Valium for muscle relaxation and Rox has mellowed out! Actually we are seeing a return of our wiggly girl slowly but surely. She will talk to us again. We're clapping each time she "woo-woo's" and "rah-roooooooo's" She even wanted up on the bed last night. (Sorry Babe, those days are ovah!)
At this point we have two more weeks of enforced rest. No walks, no Bob-bed, no running. This is going to be harder now because before now she limited herself. She felt bad and didn't want to run or go for walks. Now....... now she is coasting on the valium and with the accompanying improvement in how she feels, she is ready to resume her old lifestyle. And she's not healed yet.
The hugely increased steroid appetite is pitiful for her and us. She is hungry! And with her weight problem we can't give in. She's only gained (much to our surprise) 11 ounces - from 29 lbs to 29 lb, 11 oz. Not to bad for steroids. Green beans have been the mail stay. She gets cooked green beans, and sometimes cooked carrots for her snacks. She wants to "snack" all day.... another sneaky trick is to give her the glucosamine as a treat, and even the vitamin as a treat. She thinks they're good.
The weight loss becomes even more of an issue, as it seems Rox will never be allowed to go up and down stairs again. She'll be using the people elevator from now on. This is just one more reason I can't wait to move to a ranch style home - her neck and our knees. Sigh.......
Right now she's laying out on the sun room, having found her patch of solar heat. It's good that she's feeling better. We hate, hate, hate it when she's not.
We switched from Tramadol for pain to Valium for muscle relaxation and Rox has mellowed out! Actually we are seeing a return of our wiggly girl slowly but surely. She will talk to us again. We're clapping each time she "woo-woo's" and "rah-roooooooo's" She even wanted up on the bed last night. (Sorry Babe, those days are ovah!)
At this point we have two more weeks of enforced rest. No walks, no Bob-bed, no running. This is going to be harder now because before now she limited herself. She felt bad and didn't want to run or go for walks. Now....... now she is coasting on the valium and with the accompanying improvement in how she feels, she is ready to resume her old lifestyle. And she's not healed yet.
The hugely increased steroid appetite is pitiful for her and us. She is hungry! And with her weight problem we can't give in. She's only gained (much to our surprise) 11 ounces - from 29 lbs to 29 lb, 11 oz. Not to bad for steroids. Green beans have been the mail stay. She gets cooked green beans, and sometimes cooked carrots for her snacks. She wants to "snack" all day.... another sneaky trick is to give her the glucosamine as a treat, and even the vitamin as a treat. She thinks they're good.
The weight loss becomes even more of an issue, as it seems Rox will never be allowed to go up and down stairs again. She'll be using the people elevator from now on. This is just one more reason I can't wait to move to a ranch style home - her neck and our knees. Sigh.......
Right now she's laying out on the sun room, having found her patch of solar heat. It's good that she's feeling better. We hate, hate, hate it when she's not.
23 May 2008
The Saga Continues
Rox is still having problems. We started her on Valium yesterday to see if that makes a difference. It's becoming obvious that this problem is not a temporary stiff neck or muscle pull.
I stopped by the doggie neurologist's office yesterday. It's a new facility near us, and also has a 24 hr vet ER. I wanted to get prices and find out what we might be in for, as Dr. Putt suggested the next move would be a referral to a neurologist.
Imagine my surprise when I walked in and the lobby was filled with dachshund art and statures. The vet I talked with about prices, etc had a Germanic accent. He and the receptionist were pleased to talk with me, very friendly. I mentioned the dachshund statue and they commented that they were 'dachshund city' there. As I mentally slapped myself on the forehead, it came to me. Of course they loved dachsies, they are one of the breeds most afflicted with neurology issues and disc problems. It's chicken or the egg time.
I left thinking many things: 1) it's going to be very expensive to have CT with contrast or MRI to diagnose problem, 2) they seemed very experienced in what Rox may have to go through, 3) they seemed very, very nice, and 4) I feel comfortable that Rox will be treated well there. I got the feeling they would love her like we do.
Other thoughts, in random order... if she has to have testing then surgery, it will be painful for her. I'm hoping and will insist on very adequate pain control. It breaks our heart to think we will have to put her through some painful surgery and won't be able to explain to her the reasons.
She's only 5 years old, so maybe this would be a one-time thing, she'd have the surgery, get better and never have problems again. We can afford the cost (sort of) and after crying over the cost issue, I just said, 'shit, shit, shit - no more worrying about this. We are going to do it if necessary, we're going to buck up and make the best of it'. (I tend to swear in a non-ladylike manner when stressed- not one of my most redeeming qualities. Sorry)
And so, how's she doing today? OK. Just ok. We have a vet appointment for follow-up at 4 pm today. The Valium seemed to help yesterday afternoon, but this morning she seemed tentative again. Mornings are hard. The 6 am Valium didn't seem to help as much as yesterday's dose.
We'll see. It doesn't help that this seems to be at least her second occurrence. We didn't know that she'd had a bad spell at home #3. Combined knowledge leads to speculation that this is more serious than we originally thought.
We have one more week on the tapering prednisilone, and enough Valium for 5 days total. More later, as it develops.
I stopped by the doggie neurologist's office yesterday. It's a new facility near us, and also has a 24 hr vet ER. I wanted to get prices and find out what we might be in for, as Dr. Putt suggested the next move would be a referral to a neurologist.
Imagine my surprise when I walked in and the lobby was filled with dachshund art and statures. The vet I talked with about prices, etc had a Germanic accent. He and the receptionist were pleased to talk with me, very friendly. I mentioned the dachshund statue and they commented that they were 'dachshund city' there. As I mentally slapped myself on the forehead, it came to me. Of course they loved dachsies, they are one of the breeds most afflicted with neurology issues and disc problems. It's chicken or the egg time.
I left thinking many things: 1) it's going to be very expensive to have CT with contrast or MRI to diagnose problem, 2) they seemed very experienced in what Rox may have to go through, 3) they seemed very, very nice, and 4) I feel comfortable that Rox will be treated well there. I got the feeling they would love her like we do.
Other thoughts, in random order... if she has to have testing then surgery, it will be painful for her. I'm hoping and will insist on very adequate pain control. It breaks our heart to think we will have to put her through some painful surgery and won't be able to explain to her the reasons.
She's only 5 years old, so maybe this would be a one-time thing, she'd have the surgery, get better and never have problems again. We can afford the cost (sort of) and after crying over the cost issue, I just said, 'shit, shit, shit - no more worrying about this. We are going to do it if necessary, we're going to buck up and make the best of it'. (I tend to swear in a non-ladylike manner when stressed- not one of my most redeeming qualities. Sorry)
And so, how's she doing today? OK. Just ok. We have a vet appointment for follow-up at 4 pm today. The Valium seemed to help yesterday afternoon, but this morning she seemed tentative again. Mornings are hard. The 6 am Valium didn't seem to help as much as yesterday's dose.
We'll see. It doesn't help that this seems to be at least her second occurrence. We didn't know that she'd had a bad spell at home #3. Combined knowledge leads to speculation that this is more serious than we originally thought.
We have one more week on the tapering prednisilone, and enough Valium for 5 days total. More later, as it develops.
18 May 2008
Spring Gardening in Full Swing
The following pictures are for your viewing enjoyment.
Most people would say. "oh, how cute!".
I say, "dirt boogers in the nose, brown eye boogers and hard dry clots of dirt that stick in her foot hair.
But that's just me. I may be a pessimist.
Most people would say. "oh, how cute!".
I say, "dirt boogers in the nose, brown eye boogers and hard dry clots of dirt that stick in her foot hair.
But that's just me. I may be a pessimist.
Tramadol Dreams
Rox is finally feeling better. She's talking to us and asking to be up in the chair with us. No more squawks when we pick her up. She's sure missed her walks though. The forced rest has helped her but she doesn't understand it.
The pain med seems to help her but I don't think she likes the feeling she gets from it. I know she's happier with the decreased dosing of it.
The steroid has done it's work; another week to go. She's down to once a day dosing now, but the extra drinking and peeing continues. Hopefully that will go away after the steroid stops
Now I just wish for warmer weather. It's been cool and damp. That can't feel good for Rox and it sure as hell is making me cranky..........
16 May 2008
On Her Way to China
Geez Louise! Rox is a DIGGER..........
Pictures to follow, after I accept the fact that out of the 14 dachshunds who have graced our home, she is the ONLY one who tunnels.
I need a moment............
UPDATE: I've been informed that Rox was not "digging". She was gardening.
Oh.
Pictures to follow, after I accept the fact that out of the 14 dachshunds who have graced our home, she is the ONLY one who tunnels.
I need a moment............
UPDATE: I've been informed that Rox was not "digging". She was gardening.
Oh.
15 May 2008
Getting Her Spunk Back?
So, she ate a wasp.
Bob noticed and tried to get her to leave it. That made her all the more determined. She leapt for it........ and SCORE! We can only hope the little bug was already dead. Ick.........
Sigh.............
Call to the vet. They love me there.
"Yes, Mrs. Flatley... what did she do now?" It's such a pleasure to provide them with their daily humor.
Check her lips and tongue. Watch for sneezing or excessive licking. Bring her in if she acts strange.
So far the only strange thing is her smug look of pride as she reclines on her bed in the dining room.
She seems to be communicating "you're not the boss of me, you can't tell me not to eat bugs".
Another day in the life of our girl........
Sigh again............
Bob noticed and tried to get her to leave it. That made her all the more determined. She leapt for it........ and SCORE! We can only hope the little bug was already dead. Ick.........
Sigh.............
Call to the vet. They love me there.
"Yes, Mrs. Flatley... what did she do now?" It's such a pleasure to provide them with their daily humor.
Check her lips and tongue. Watch for sneezing or excessive licking. Bring her in if she acts strange.
So far the only strange thing is her smug look of pride as she reclines on her bed in the dining room.
She seems to be communicating "you're not the boss of me, you can't tell me not to eat bugs".
Another day in the life of our girl........
Sigh again............
14 May 2008
Cutie Pie on the Patio
Another cold, damp spring day and Rox wants to sleep on the patio. We cover her with a warm flannel quilt to stave off the dampness and she almost immediately sheds it. Right after this picture was taken Bob heard her snorting and huffing as she rearranged her bed.
She's doing pretty well. Steroids and pain med can do wonders. Hopefully the problem is healing and not just being masked.
Isn't she cute? We just love her to pieces.....
Middle of the Night
Last night went.... OK. We carried Rox up to sleep with us as Bob didn't want her alone downstairs. She was tender and a little uncomfortable with the lifting I think. Slept fine until 3 AM then the steroid raised its head and she needed a drink of water and a pee-pee.
Lights on, robes on, lift the baby...... came to a screeching halt here. Bob started to pick her up and she screamed. He hadn't even really touched her yet, so that left us frazzled. Finally she let me pick her up and off I go with a 29 lb dog down a flight of stairs. Worried about falling!
Did you notice the weight? She's lost a whole pound on her green-bean and veggie diet. Yay!
So dark and cold last night, 3 AM. Bob made sure there were no possums or critters to scare Rox or make her run. Rox did her business, then stood like a stature surveying the yard. Must have stood there 5 minutes. Either she was in hunt mode or the tramadol was in full effect.
Finally back to kitchen, drink of water, 2 tiny treats and a lift back to bed. Momma's tired this morning!
Tonight, despite Bob's pleadings to the contrary, Rox will be sleeping in the kitchen. Gated to keep her on one level, on a vinyl floor, near her water bowl. She can sleep in her comfy bed and not have to get lifted. Seems the lifting is a tad uncomfortable for her and we cannot keep carrying her. She's too heavy and our creaky knees are too old. (Mind you, Bob and I aren't old, it's just our knees). My worst fear is that we would stumble or fall on the stairs and drop her - the stuff of nightmares....
She's sleeping as I type this, after a massage and pets... she's wagging her tail in what I call the "tramadol wag" - slow and easy, a rhythmic wave to say she's doing OK in spite of all that's going on. I don't think she likes the stoner feeling, but it does keep her sleeping a lot so that is good.
Lights on, robes on, lift the baby...... came to a screeching halt here. Bob started to pick her up and she screamed. He hadn't even really touched her yet, so that left us frazzled. Finally she let me pick her up and off I go with a 29 lb dog down a flight of stairs. Worried about falling!
Did you notice the weight? She's lost a whole pound on her green-bean and veggie diet. Yay!
So dark and cold last night, 3 AM. Bob made sure there were no possums or critters to scare Rox or make her run. Rox did her business, then stood like a stature surveying the yard. Must have stood there 5 minutes. Either she was in hunt mode or the tramadol was in full effect.
Finally back to kitchen, drink of water, 2 tiny treats and a lift back to bed. Momma's tired this morning!
Tonight, despite Bob's pleadings to the contrary, Rox will be sleeping in the kitchen. Gated to keep her on one level, on a vinyl floor, near her water bowl. She can sleep in her comfy bed and not have to get lifted. Seems the lifting is a tad uncomfortable for her and we cannot keep carrying her. She's too heavy and our creaky knees are too old. (Mind you, Bob and I aren't old, it's just our knees). My worst fear is that we would stumble or fall on the stairs and drop her - the stuff of nightmares....
She's sleeping as I type this, after a massage and pets... she's wagging her tail in what I call the "tramadol wag" - slow and easy, a rhythmic wave to say she's doing OK in spite of all that's going on. I don't think she likes the stoner feeling, but it does keep her sleeping a lot so that is good.
13 May 2008
Better Day Today
The pain med is working and the steroid has already begun its work. Rox is walking around, gingerly, but walking. She continues to spend a lot of time sleeping, allowing the healing to take place.
This morning was hilarious. In spite of the pain and drug fog, she wanted to go out the front door for her morning walk. It took both Bob and I to encourage her to join us in the back yard. Picture if you will, two adults in their jammies and robes, talking baby-dog talk. Well, as embarrassing as it may have sounded to neighbors listening, it did work.
Rox was pain-free (we're pretty sure) with that Buprinex shot, but she seemed mentally foggy from it. She was completely knocked out from it, except for the times she'd raise her head and look at us cross-eyed. I'm sure she was confused about why she was feeling spacey and because we couldn't tell her, she found her comfort in having us stay close by. Hence the back-breaking night on the floor for mom..... tonight she's in bed with us!
All day today she's been "clingy"..... well, that's not exactly right. She's communicated to us that she wants us to stay near her. When we go into another room she gets up to come get us. She insists that both of us go outside with her. We just feel so badly for her, you know...
I wonder if the oral pain med also makes her a little spacey - she is feeling reassured with us within sight. And of course, we are happy to comply.
Impatient me is hoping that she will wake up all healed in the morning, but I know this is going to be a weeks-long process. In the meantime, I'm getting gates for the stairs.
This morning was hilarious. In spite of the pain and drug fog, she wanted to go out the front door for her morning walk. It took both Bob and I to encourage her to join us in the back yard. Picture if you will, two adults in their jammies and robes, talking baby-dog talk. Well, as embarrassing as it may have sounded to neighbors listening, it did work.
Rox was pain-free (we're pretty sure) with that Buprinex shot, but she seemed mentally foggy from it. She was completely knocked out from it, except for the times she'd raise her head and look at us cross-eyed. I'm sure she was confused about why she was feeling spacey and because we couldn't tell her, she found her comfort in having us stay close by. Hence the back-breaking night on the floor for mom..... tonight she's in bed with us!
All day today she's been "clingy"..... well, that's not exactly right. She's communicated to us that she wants us to stay near her. When we go into another room she gets up to come get us. She insists that both of us go outside with her. We just feel so badly for her, you know...
I wonder if the oral pain med also makes her a little spacey - she is feeling reassured with us within sight. And of course, we are happy to comply.
Impatient me is hoping that she will wake up all healed in the morning, but I know this is going to be a weeks-long process. In the meantime, I'm getting gates for the stairs.
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