urge to herd Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 So Gibbs had a normal game of fetch yesterday morning, just like he does 2 or 3 mornings a week. Ate breakfast, laid down for his mid-morning nap, got up when I called him, and then wouldn't move. When I got him to walk, it was evident that he was in a lot of pain - kind of hunch-backed, crab-walking, very reluctant to move at all. I went to work, thinking he might just sort of snap out of it. He has before. Came home 6 hours later and he's just the same. Off we go to the E-vet. Vet did a neuro physical exam, making sure all his reflexes are good, which they are. He did show some pronounced wincing when she pressed right around T12, so a tentative diagnosis of bulging disc at T12. Not doing an MRI just yet. Sent us home w/Tramadol and Gabapenten for 2 weeks, strict crate rest, etc. She recommended he get blood work done and then possibly start some anti-inflammatory med. We'll do that at our regular vet, saving some $. He slept through the night, just gave him his second dose of pain med. Oy. I need to find a ramp so he can get to the back yard, will be looking at some videos for activities I can train while he's in a crate or x-pen. Need to re-arrange my work schedule just a bit. I do have wonderful dog walkers, but he goes nuts with excitement when they visit. So, it's just me for at least 2 weeks. I guess I just need some board mojo and sympathy for him, and general support for me. It was a long day yesterday. Ruth and Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 So sorry for Gibbs, and you, too! Here's hoping for relief and healing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 So sorry about Gibbs. Healing mojo sent. Have you considered going to a rehab/orthopedic vet? Maybe they can help him heal faster with chiro/laser/acupuncture. That would be my next step. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 So sorry to hear this, Ruth. I think Id be incline to seek out either a veterinary chiropractor or an ortho vet myself. Wishing you and Gibbs the very best dealing with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted September 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 Thanks, my friends. He's feeling much better w/a few doses of pain meds. I'm waiting to hear about contact info for a much recommended chiro. And I am aware that the meds are masking the pain, so he remains on strictly limited activity. I was loaned a folding ramp. It fits in my car nicely, and will live most of the time on the back stairs. Neither Gibbs nor I liked lifting him up/down the stairs. A nice benefit of agility classes from last summer is that he's quite comfortable walking on ramp devices. I put it down in the living room, just to let him get used to it flat before we tried outside. He was on it practically before I had it stretched out - no problems outside, either. Phew. Ruth and Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdawgs Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 I would not do chiropractic on a dog with an acute injury and a possible bulging disc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 On second thought, I'm recalling I had a dog with a disc problem some years back. I think we did several months of strict crate rest and managed to avoid having to do surgery. So, in looking back, I'm not sure one way or another if chiropractic would be helpful or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted September 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 I'll do my research, you can be sure of that. Thanks for the input - I'm just glad he's calm and so far accepting the restricted activity. The woman I took agility lessons from sent me a link to things you can teach a dog on crate rest, so we've got some fun stuff that's not taxing to do a few times a day. Ruth & Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisandgabe Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 Get well soon Gibbs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloria Atwater Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 Aw, man! That sucks so much. Poor Gibbs. I wish a good outcome for him and for you.~ Gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted September 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2016 Pupdate - he's now giving me the sad eyes, because he hasn't gotten to run around like a nutcase for, gasp! Almost Two Whole DAYS! The pain is well managed, he's walking with almost a normal gait, eliminating w/no problem, (Friday he wouldn't even lift his leg to pee, his back hurt so much) and the appetite is not suffering at all. I'm doing some of the trick training that my friend Karen suggested - all things that he can lay down and do with very little motion. He's actually pretty calm, I'm sure the sedating effect of the pain meds is working in my favor. And I was shocked to learn that he's gained 4 lbs! So his total intake is now lowered by about 20%, measured out and that includes training treats. I've been a careless dog owner, but no longer. More news as it occurs - Gibbs sends a "Thank you" woo wooooooo to all who are sending us good mojo. Ruth and Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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