No experience. It sounds like he's doing well...sure hope the new meds continue/improve on his current status.
Apollo went to see the neurologist today. Since the incident in mid-February, he has improved significantly, and I feel like he is almost back to his normal self. The neurologist thought that an MRI was not needed at this time. He thinks that, based on the x-rays and Apollo's improvement, Apollo probably has a lateral disc extrusion that affected the right hind leg nerves, and that Apollo has since "adjusted." He confirmed yet again that Apollo's poor back is horrible. He said that if Apollo deteriorates again, then we can get an MRI. He does, however, want to change all of Apollo's meds. He wants to discontinue the Vetprofen, Robaxin, and Tramadol and start Prednisone, Famotidine, Amantadine, and Gabapentin. He also suggested acupuncture. So.... now I'm just worried about changing the meds since he's doing so good now. I know that there are potential problems with any medications long term, but at least I know how Apollo reacts to the ones he's been on. With him doing so well I don't want a change to be a setback. I may be overthinking all of this I don't know. Any thoughts, advice, experiences?
No experience. It sounds like he's doing well...sure hope the new meds continue/improve on his current status.
Apollo (03-06-2017)
No experience either with those medication combinations.
Sending mojo that the new regime works well. Please keep us updated.
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Kissing Bandit
Apollo (03-06-2017)
I too send healing MOJO and good thoughts for more improvement.
Apollo (03-07-2017)
Has he given you a rationale for switching meds? Looks like he is changing him from a combination of NSAIDS, muscle relaxer and Tramadol (opiod pain killer) to a steroid, an acid reducer, and two painkillers which are specific for nerve pain. It might be a good cocktail for him, but since he is managing well on his current regimen, I’d want to know the rationale for switching.
Annette
Cookie (HIT HC Jamrah's Legally Blonde, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Sassy (HIT Jamrah's Blonde Ambition, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Chloe (HIT HC OTCH Windsong's Femme Fatale, UDX4, OM6, RE) 6/7/2009
And remembering:
Scully (HC Coventry's Truth Is Out There, UD, TD, RN) 4/14/1996 - 6/30/2011
Mulder (Coventry's I Want To Believe, UD, RN, WC) 5/26/1999 - 4/22/2015
And our foster Jolie (Windsong's Genuine Risk, CDX) 5/26/1999 - 3/16/2014
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Apollo (03-07-2017)
Annette47 you are right about the meds... and I think that the steroid is what I was worrying about. He said that even though Apollo has improved and done well the last few weeks he thinks Apollo could be doing even better. I spoke with my regular vet today and she was very reassuring and thinks that we should definitely try the new regimen. She explained that if I don't see improvement or if the side effects are too much we can go back to NSAIDS and muscle relaxers. I did already know this, but I think I just needed to be reassured. I'm still nervous, but I do want Apollo to feel as good as he possibly can, so we will see how it goes.
Also, I really appreciate all the feedback I have gotten. It's very stressful being so worried, but it is so nice to get "mojo" and input from others. So thank you so much to everyone
Annette47 (03-08-2017)
Acupuncture is far and away the best therapy for this scenario. Find a good veterinary acupuncturist that can do e-stimulation for the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. You will be amazed. Good luck.
Apollo (03-13-2017)
FWIW- Kimber had a different spinal injury in 2012- a high velocity disc extrusion- and has been on low dose rimadyl since then. She's had monthly acupuncture and chiropractor since then, and along with keeping her consistently active, she's been okay. Best of luck to you and Apollo.
Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
Birthday 9-13-18, Gotcha Day 11-11-18
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Miss Kimber, CGC, 6/15/2005-1/27/2018 forever in our hearts
Apollo (03-13-2017)
Thanks for all the responses. I'm definitely going to look into acupuncture, but the only person in my area that I've found who does it is out of the country until April. Apollo stopped his NSAIDs on Tuesday and started the prednisone on Saturday (so the NSAIDs would be out of his system). He has seemed good until tonight. He is definitely uncomfortable tonight and seems to be having trouble getting his hind end down when he wants to sit or lay down. I don't know if its just adjusting to the new meds or if it is because he had to go so many days without any anti-inflammatories at all. I'm hoping tomorrow will be better.
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