Gracie is in pain, don't know what's wrong... Help!

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

Since it's Sunday, the vets office will be closed... but this seems like an emergency to me. Gracie is a Cockapoo, 5 yrs. old. About 5 days ago we were playing with her pretty hard, we'd throw her toy from the bed and she'd retrieve it, jumping back up onto the bed (which is pretty high up). We did that for about 5 min. and she was having fun... but a few days later she is crying in pain certain ways she moves. I'm not sure if it's related at all ?? Then the next day she couldn't jump onto the bed, and even had a hard time jumping into my lap. Also, she likes to crawl under the bed and didn't do that for a few days. I was careful with her... and yesterday she was showing signs of improvement, even jumped onto the bed a few times by herself. But.... last night she crawled under the bed and couldn't get out and was whimpering. We moved the bed, got her out and put her onto the bed and she started flailing back in pain, then finally got into a position and stayed there all night. This morning she jumped off the bed early and went underneath the bed again. Once again I moved the bed and got her out, but she is in terrible pain, and her body is shaking. About a year and a half ago she had an incident with her back and the vet gave her pain meds and muscle relaxer and I had some left so gave it to her. I'm thinking I should get her into the vet today, but it is sunday and they're not open. Has anyone else experienced anything like this with their dog? Do you think it could be her back? And do you believe it may be related to the hard play from days earlier? I am sick about this and so sad for my Gracie. Thanks to all.

Lara's mom · 12-13-2009

You mentioned that Gracie had a prior back problem. It's possible that she could have injured it again. The only thing I can suggest is that if she's in a lot of pain, take her to an emergency veterinary clinic. I hope she's better soon.

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

I did call the vet and have an appt. scheduled for 11. Right now she's stable, awake and alert with only occasional trembling but she's not moving much. I tend to panic whenever something like this happens, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. My husband seems to think we should wait, but I think I'd feel better having her checked out. Though he loves her dearly too, sometimes he tends to look at the cost above all else. Thanks for your input, sometimes it's good just to have someone to share with.

cherylmartin · 12-13-2009

Based on my experience with my peekapoo Jasmine, Gracie needs to get to the vet now. Jasmine went thru this in early '97 and had to have surgery on both legs, caused by her jumping on and off beds. From what you have told us, she is indeed in a great deal of pain and only the vet can provide relief for her.

Let us know how Gracie is doing.

Cheryl and Angel Jasmine

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

Thanks. I am taking her today, and your post helped me to know in my heart that I'm doing the right thing. We are having an ice storm right now, but our vet clinic is just up the street so hopefully we can make it with no problem.

CorkyMax · 12-13-2009

Sounds like a spinal injury. Dogs can injure themselves easily from jumping on and off things and sometimes it is only a small jump. I have seen in this forum (and from talking to a member or 2 on the phone) several posts on this very situation. I hope in future you will not let your poor baby jump off of the bed---You can get stairs for them to climb up to a bed (or whatever else). I know after I realized what could happen I moved a patio table away from my steps as my 2 dogs would jump from the steps upon the table and worst of all, when they wanted down--would jump from the table directly on the cement patio--pretty long jump (cocker spaniels). I am lucky that nothing had happened before I 'got smart' and moved that table.
Hope this is not as serious as it could be! Keep us posted as we worry about your puppy if we never hear back!!

cherylmartin · 12-13-2009

Be careful and let me know how Gracie is doing.

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

I guess I didn't realize how she could get hurt from jumping off the bed, and she was having so much fun It didn't occur to me that it might be harmful to her. I got some steps a while back, but they aren't big enough, so I'm going to look into something else. Is there such a thing as a ramp for dogs? I don't worry so much about the other furniture, cause it's a lot closer to the floor, but my bed is high. For now though, I'm lifting her onto everything... As far as going under the bed, I'm going to fill that space up so she can't crawl under... at least for now, because I think that's what made it worse last night. It's sad, because she loves to go just under the bed and relax.
I'm praying that this has not become something serious, and I will post when I return from the vet hospital today to let you know. Oh, I just got a call from the vets office. The doctor is iced in (we're having an ice storm) and won't be able to make it at 11 but she said she will call me when he makes it in. Gracie is sleeping now, and I'm trying to keep her still and quiet. I feel so bad for her....

Thanks for your input and concern!

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

Oh, one more thing... What do you think about taking a dog to a choirpracter (I know I spelled that wrong) My sister worked for one and someone brought a dog in that was going to be put to sleep because of a spinal injury... I think he had been hit by a car, but not sure... the dog couldn't even walk and was incontinent. The vet said nothing else could be done, and agreed that taking him to a choirpracter was worth a try... Weeks after the choirpracter began adjustments on the dog, he was walking again! He's like a new dog. She witnessed this.

Lara's mom · 12-13-2009

I'm for anything that works. You may also want to consider accupuncture as a means of pain control.

As for the stairs, if either of you is at all handy with tools, a set of stairs is easy to make and will cost you a great deal less than the ready made ones which in my opinion are too small to give a dog a feeling of security when using them and too light to prevent them from moving.

Good luck at the vet. Let us know how your baby is doing.

CorkyMax · 12-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracieownsme

I guess I didn't realize how she could get hurt from jumping off the bed, and she was having so much fun It didn't occur to me that it might be harmful to her. I got some steps a while back, but they aren't big enough, so I'm going to look into something else. Is there such a thing as a ramp for dogs? You could build one of these too--I have one that is an outside ramp to the doggie door. It is topped with that lathlike lattice work that you can get fairly cheap at Menards or Home Depot or your lumberyard.---Give better footing --At least when I have it outside and it snows or ices up! The problem here, would be that it would prob. take up a lot of space in your room unless it was fairly steep--which might not be a good idea? I don't worry so much about the other furniture, cause it's a lot closer to the floor, but my bed is high. If I were you I wouldn't let her jump up or off anything ever as she has to be pretty susceptible to this happening again and easily. For now though, I'm lifting her onto everything... As far as going under the bed, I'm going to fill that space up so she can't crawl under... at least for now, because I think that's what made it worse last night. It's sad, because she loves to go just under the bed and relax.
I'm praying that this has not become something serious, and I will post when I return from the vet hospital today to let you know. Oh, I just got a call from the vets office. The doctor is iced in (we're having an ice storm) and won't be able to make it at 11 but she said she will call me when he makes it in. Gracie is sleeping now, and I'm trying to keep her still and quiet. I feel so bad for her....

Thanks for your input and concern!

I would wait and see how things go and also get some input from the vet on going to the chiropractor if things are not going to improve as is. Your vet may take x-rays and would have first-hand knowledge of your dog's condition and whether it would be advisable in your dog's present condition. I am definitely not against chiropractors--I have gone to them many times myself! And if you do ask the vet--Make sure the answer is not based on your vet's opinions of chiropractors in general.

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

I don't know how I'd keep her off the other furniture, any suggestions? We work during the day and she is home by herself. She loves stretching out on the couch or chair and looking out the window... thanks.

cherylmartin · 12-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracieownsme

I don't know how I'd keep her off the other furniture, any suggestions? We work during the day and she is home by herself. She loves stretching out on the couch or chair and looking out the window... thanks.

Yes I understand your delima. I also did my very best to keep Jasmine from jumping after her surgery. I did what I could to block all access to furniture (pillows, turned chairs around) when we left her alone. I tried steps to our bed/sofa etc. but she never accepted them-Jasmine would just try to out jump the steps! So we just resorted to picking her up and letting her down. Oh, on the sofa I did lift the cushions up so that the jump to area was closer to the floor!

Keep us up to date.

Cheryl and Angel Jasmine

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

Just returned from the Animal Hospital. X-rays showed that her problem is in the same area of her spine as before. It's no worse, but was probably aggravated by the rough-play up and down off the bed He said to keep her calm and from jumping for a few weeks, then if she seems better she can resume her regular routine. He also added a strong pain med. to be taken as needed in addition to what she is on now. I'm so thankful it wasn't more serious... and have learned that I need to take it easy on my baby when it comes play-time. Thanks everyone, for being there when I just needed to 'talk' to someone who would understand and who would give me good advice based on their own love for their pets.

Lara's mom · 12-13-2009

I'm so glad she's going to be alright!!! As for keeping her from jumping while you're away, the only thing I can think of is to keep her confined in a room where there is no place for her to jump; maybe the kitchen, laundry room or bathroom.

cherylmartin · 12-13-2009

Happy to hear it was a good report. I also sincerely hope you received a Client Information Sheet on the drug you are about to give your baby. If not, I hope you research it for side effects, adverse reactions as a precaution.

Cheryl and Angel Jasmine

CorkyMax · 12-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracieownsme

Just returned from the Animal Hospital. X-rays showed that her problem is in the same area of her spine as before. It's no worse, but was probably aggravated by the rough-play up and down off the bed He said to keep her calm and from jumping for a few weeks, then if she seems better she can resume her regular routine. He also added a strong pain med. to be taken as needed in addition to what she is on now. I'm so thankful it wasn't more serious... and have learned that I need to take it easy on my baby when it comes play-time. Thanks everyone, for being there when I just needed to 'talk' to someone who would understand and who would give me good advice based on their own love for their pets.

Please tell me that the strong pain med is not RIMADYL!!! And what is the other med. she was /is already on!!! If on Rimadyl--Look this up -----Look up all the pain meds she is on--Some are 'killers' and sometimes it only takes 1 or 2 to do it. You can fiind info on Rimadyl in this forum and be aware that the word carprofen is another word for Rimadyl!!! Please tell me what the meds are!

Woe is me!!! Just went to see if you left an email address as a way of contact---Quick contact!! And you didn't!! I have stressed this point to as many members as I could----It is great to have in case of an emergency----And I consider this a possible emergency. And to think your dog is on 2 pain meds at once too--Does this last vet know you have her on 2 pain killers at the same time??!!! And even if this vet knows--Does not mean there isn't a real danger here!! I really don't understand how any vet could prescribe Rimadyl in the 1st place---It should be taken off the market--And if you do have Rimadyl---The vet is suppose to do bloodwork to check liver and kidney functions 1st!!!! This could kill your dog!!

Please check this out!! Please Do not Give Rimadyl (carprofen)--CAN KILL

There are 2 posts with links in the above address to check out (about 4 dif. links---important links!!!)

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

Actually the Rimadyl was the first pill I gave her this morning along with Robaxin. ???? So far she's okay... but now I'm afraid to give her any more. Now the vet gave me Tramadol to take as needed, but said to continue the Rimadyl and Robaxin. What should I do? I don't want her to be in pain, but I don't want to give her something toxic either... I'm confused. I'm not one to take meds myself, or give them lightly to my dog... Any suggestions? Oh, I just joined this forum and I am still learning so I'll try to get my email up. What signs should I look for as a adverse reaction to this drug and how long before she would react? Are the other drugs okay to give her? Thanks.

CorkyMax · 12-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracieownsme

Actually the Rimadyl was the first pill I gave her this morning along with Robaxin. ???? So far she's okay... but now I'm afraid to give her any more. Now the vet gave me Tramadol to take as needed, but said to continue the Rimadyl and Robaxin. What should I do? I don't want her to be in pain, but I don't want to give her something toxic either... I'm confused. I'm not one to take meds myself, or give them lightly to my dog... Any suggestions? Oh, I just joined this forum and I am still learning so I'll try to get my email up. What signs should I look for as a adverse reaction to this drug and how long before she would react? Are the other drugs okay to give her? Thanks.

Will go find more info on the signs in a few minutes so keep checking back for it!! Just wanted to catch you here quick right now--Can you call the vet and tell them about not wanting to use the Rimadyl (Tramadol and Robaxin I will have to look-up, BUT, I am pretty sure that this is too much to be giving at one time!! Be back as soon as I check some things out. But I would ask for safer meds now if you can!!

gracieownsme · 12-13-2009

Ok. Thanks