|
Post by moletteuk on May 14, 2023 8:51:14 GMT
Wow, what terrible service for the tramadol.
I think a splint is worth some thought.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 14, 2023 12:06:58 GMT
I'm thinking it's because it's a regulated substance? I've never had an issue with this online pharmacy before. I'll call them Monday for an update. I should have been more on top of this I'll try buying some normal splint bandages, see if I can put them on myself.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 15, 2023 23:18:59 GMT
So...attempting to splint the leg of a small, very squirmy creature by yourself...not the best idea! Do not recommend!
I called both the pharmacy and vet (twice) today. Since the tramadol is regulated, pharmacy needed written/faxed signature from the vet (I would think a prescription would be good?). They faxed it over, vet faxed signature right back, but the pharmacy missed it. But its shipping today, so hopefully will be here by Wednesday at the latest!
I noticed today that the bruised/scabbed area that started it all is still bruised and slightly scabbed. I dont know if that means anything? Does he keep falling on that area, or maybe his brothers are nipping at him? Or is there something else underlying his issues? It is in a boney area (spine and back of hipbone adjacent).
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 16, 2023 19:43:07 GMT
And after ~2 hours chatting with UPS, the tramadol has been delivered to my neighbor! I'll see how he does on the first dose tonight.
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 17, 2023 9:08:25 GMT
I can imagine you would need quite a few hands to wrangle a splint onto a goo leg!
Glad you got the tramadol, how did it go?
Honestly no idea about the bruising and scabbing still being present, seems weird that it is both.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 17, 2023 11:02:15 GMT
Hah, yeah, two other people would have been nice!
No visible negative side effects last night after the first dose, which is good! He didn't immediately start using his right leg again (absolutely didn't expect him to!) But he turned into destructo-goo! Which I would think is a good thing, since isn't chaos their natural form, haha?
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 18, 2023 15:43:51 GMT
I like your reasoning!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 20, 2023 19:29:03 GMT
As of today (four full days of tramadol 2x/day), I'm not seeing any significant changes in how Mooney is moving around. He's still dragging his right leg (might be better about getting it under him while sitting, but hard to tell). He still can't lift his left leg to scratch his ear, either. The bruise on his hip is still there too, maybe even darker? I'll make sure it mention that to the vet.
Good news is that he hasn't taken any more toe bits! And his tail is looking much healthier after the antibiotics, so hopefully not falling/reinjuring and potentially opening himself up to infections.
Ive booked him an appointment on the 31st because I wanted to give the tramadol a fair chance before bringing him back into the vet. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated!
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 21, 2023 20:53:58 GMT
Sounds like a mixed bag. It's a shame you haven't really seen an improvement, but it's pretty positive he's left the toes alone, and the tail is looking better. I'm glad you've made another appointment, I think you need to work closely with the vet, it's so complex and unusual whatever is going on.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 21, 2023 22:43:05 GMT
Yeah, definitely a mixed bag. Still hoping for a miraculous comeback, but it's looking less and less likely unfortunately. I saw him dragging his left foot during playtime today (just the once) as it got caught behind the right foot. He fixed it himself, but that worries me.
Definitely trying to do so. I'm glad they're so helpful. I'm really wondering if there's something else going on, especially with that bruise. Maybe a purpura? Part of me wonders if there is something spinal, or cancerous.
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 22, 2023 18:35:41 GMT
Yeah, I don't know, maybe there's more to the spondylosis, maybe he could have an awkward bone spur bruising him from inside?
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 29, 2023 21:07:45 GMT
He's been dragging the left leg more now during playtime the past two days. It does look like it gets caught behind his right leg, and then he decides it's just easier to slide across the hardwood floor.
Maybe it's the gabapentin? Apparently, hind leg weakness is a fairly common side effect in dogs? I'll try calling the vets office tomorrow, though my appointment is on Wednesday. I haven't seen him drag his left leg in the cage, so that's something, I guess.
I just feel a bit defeated right now. With this and now Tom's eye is gunky/not gaining weight, I just wish I could better help them. At least Mooney looks good other than this--his eyes are shiny, his coat looks healthy, and he has all his attitude!
|
|
|
Post by savvy on May 30, 2023 1:12:00 GMT
I think you're doing all you can. Hang on in there, it can take time to get the right combination of meds sorted out.
Hugs!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 30, 2023 20:17:56 GMT
Thanks Savvy, I appreciate that. I just hope this is something we can treat. But if not, I just need to make sure I keep a close eye on quality of life. But at least he seems happy at the moment and I should hopefully know more soon
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 30, 2023 22:10:23 GMT
You are doing all you can, and it's no small thing that he seems well in himself, I hope the vet is helpful tomorrow.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 30, 2023 23:11:25 GMT
Thanks, I hope so too.
I've caught him dragging his left leg in the cage now too. Really hoping its the gabapentin or maybe needing more anti-inflammatory meds? I need to stop speculating though!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 31, 2023 15:39:25 GMT
So, not the best news. It seems like it might be the arthritis getting worse and causing further hind leg degeneration. There's not a ton we can do at this point. He's already on all the meds we can realistically try. The metacam should be helping as it is anti-inflammatory.
The vet said it's rare, but gabapentin can cause hind leg weakness. I'm going to take him off and see how that goes for 5 days. Depending on how that goes, I'll then try doubling the tramadol dose.
The vet also wants me to try Cosequin hip and joint for cats, though it may be too late for that to do much good.
If none of this helps, we can try injectable meds, but those come with potential additional side effects/complications.
She said she's glad he seems happy and otherwise healthy, so we'll support him as long as he wants to keep going.
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 31, 2023 16:22:23 GMT
I'm sorry it's not good news about the arthritis. I hope tweaking the meds bears some fruit.
I think it can be difficult for humans to come off gabapentin, do you have scope with the dosing to wean him off it over 2 or 3 days?
Did she say what the injectibles would be?
Is the skin on his feet still holding up ok?
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 31, 2023 17:09:15 GMT
Thanks, I thought it would be the case, but it was still hard to hear. I'm hoping so, but at least we'll do our best to keep him happy and comfortable.
Vet said to stop giving it, the dose is low enough it should be fine. I'll keep a close eye on him though.
She didn't. Mainly said it would be an option, but not what she would recommend at the moment. Apparently can cause issues since there are nerve issues involved?
So far, yep! There's been hair loss on his bad foot but the skin looks ok. He hasn't been dragging the left leg as long though. He is back on antibiotics for his tail anyway, so hopefully that will prevent some issues.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 1, 2023 12:36:26 GMT
Well, good thing he's on antibiotics. He injured his tail sometime yesterday. It was deep enough to leave a divot, but looked fine this morning.
And then I checked him one more time before I left for work. I don't know what happened, but the tail is hanging on by a skin flap at that location. I quick checked the cage, but can't see blood in any suspect spots, just where he was laying down. It had mostly stopped bleeding and was clotting at that point. If he hasn't taken care of it by the time I'm home, I'll take him to the emergency vet. But the bone is completely severed, it would only take a cut/bite to get through the skin.
This sucks.
|
|