Trihounds Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 (edited) Update Feb 3 Thanks for all your thoughts and concerns! The good news is that we've got Bumper's pain under control and it has not gotten worse in the last 24 hours. Previously, during the 'descent', he had to have 2 Fentanyl patches to get him comfortable. With a little help, he's able to get outside to the bathroom fairly comfortably. I took his harness off today as he seems to be a little steadier on his feet. He's still being very careful when lying down and doing it very slowly, but at least he can get himself up without yelping. This is great progress! I don't know, yet, if this is an autoimmune flare, but if it is, we've at least got the pain managed and with the increase in steroid dosage, we should avoid additional spinal swelling. He is showing no signs of neurological defects so at least I know things aren't squishing his chord anywhere like last time. This is great news...he just needs to continue resting comfortably and staying steady (as best as he does on a good day, anyway) on his feet. Will keep you posted! D Original Topic Feb 220 months ago, a skant 6 months afterbringing Bumper into our lives, he had a terrible health issue that was ultimately diagnosed as an auto-immune disorder affecting his spine. He had uncontrollable swelling in his lumbar region which eventually resulted in loss of sensation in parts of his hind end / legs / feet. It gives him quite a cute shuffle today and an awkward gait, but we love this guy like you all love your favorite hounds. Yesterday, I noticed a stiffness in him and heard an audible 'cry' when he shook himself and by 2pm, he would cry when he would simply get up from lying down. By 4pm, he was at the vet and she found a pain spot midway along his spine but thought it was a disk issue given his history of lumbar issues and the resulting stress it places on the rest of his spine to compensate. She prescribed a muscle relaxant and upped his steroid med - dexamethasone - as it has anti inflammatory properties. I slept with him on the floor in the family room last night and woke up with a completely different thought today....his auto immune issue must have kicked into gear and it's not a disk issue at all. (she wanted to do filmstoday, but i) I was not convinced it was a disk and ii) he was at the point where he was VERY uncomfortable and not moving on his own. I saw this downward spiral in 2009 and it is fast and evil and almost cost my dear boy his life. I spoke to the vet today, pitched my hypothesis, she agreed it is quite possible and, given there is no negative impact IF it's a disk issue, agreed to change the cocktail of meds. Bumper is now on Gabapentin and Tramadolfor pain, 4x his normal dose of steroids and sucralfate and Pepcid to help with any GI issues as a result of the cocktail. I pray pray pray that it's just a flare upand that we got it in time so it doesn't progress and cause further irreparable damage. Please keep crossed whatever you can and hope that we got it in time. Thanks, GTers!! Here's an unusual pic with Bumper and kitteh....Bump doesn't allow any animal near his bed (only his people!) so this is quite unusual. I suspect kitteh got cozy in the most Mission Impossible kind of way while Bump was sleeping!! Or maybe Mr Bigglesworth put him up to the task and told him his secrets?? Edited February 3, 2011 by BrucieDad Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Derek, Good thoughts for Bumper and white light. I hope the meds do their job and he's on the mend soon. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Sending prayers for your boy. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fostr_Mom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Sending prayers for you and your sweet boy. Very sweet of kitteh to lend his support. Quote <p>Mom to Kyle (Diehard Kyle) & Angel Gracie (KB's Sankey) Foster Mom for AFG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Very best wishes for Bumper. Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patsy Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 If it's crossable, it's crossed! Quote Patsy and DH with the Humane Society specials, Linus & Jazz, in North Dakota Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 If I can cross it, it is crossed. Sending good thoughts and prayers for Bumper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamsmom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Good thoughts for Bumper and for you Quote ~Beth, with a crazy mixed crew of misfits.~ Forever and Always missing and loving Steak, Carmen, Ivy, Isis, and Madi.Don't cry because it's ended, Smile because it happened.Before you judge me, try to keep an open mind, not everyone likes your taste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbotaina Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Good thoughts for Bumper. How's he doing today? Quote Meredith with Heyokha (HUS Me Teddy) and Crow (Mike Milbury). Missing Turbo (Sendahl Boss), Pancho, JoJo, and "Fat Stacks" Juana, the psycho kitty. Canku wakan kin manipi."Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Yes, how is Bumper doing Derek? I hope things are starting to slowly improve. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greys2cats Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Sending healing thought for Bumper, hoping he is doing better. Quote Roberta & Michael with Furkids- Flower (Shasta Flowers 6/7/06) & Rascal the kitty - Missing our sweet angels - Max(M's Mad Max) 10/12/02 - 12/3/15, Sara (Sara Raves 6/30/01 - 4/13/12) Queenie & Pandora the kitties - gone but never forgotten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Update post 1. Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 VERY glad to hear Bumper is feeling some better. Prayers that he continues to improve. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Adding all of our house's crossed pairs for Bumper. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Derek, Just seeing this! Sending love, hugs, prayers and good thoughts to Bumper and to you! Hugs! Dee and The Five Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted February 4, 2011 Author Share Posted February 4, 2011 Derek, Just seeing this! Sending love, hugs, prayers and good thoughts to Bumper and to you! Hugs! Dee and The Five Thanks Dee - I remember when this happened the first time, you were so supportive and always checking in on the big guy!! Overall, Bump continues to improve and had a good night. He accompanied my DD and I to her school bus stop this morning and did well. I think he was glad to get out and smell the roses, so to speak! . Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Derek, Just seeing this! Sending love, hugs, prayers and good thoughts to Bumper and to you! Hugs! Dee and The Five Thanks Dee - I remember when this happened the first time, you were so supportive and always checking in on the big guy!! Overall, Bump continues to improve and had a good night. He accompanied my DD and I to her school bus stop this morning and did well. I think he was glad to get out and smell the roses, so to speak! . Aw!!! HOW CUTE!!!! Let me know if you need anything! :-)) Sounds like Bump is on the mend! THAT is GREATTTT!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Gosh, I'm only just seeing this - I've been away from GT for weeks and weeks due to a lack of time. So sorry to hear about Bumper, but I am very pleased to read that you managed to get his pain under control! I am keeping you and Bumper in my thoughts. :goodluck :goodluck Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartdogs Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Glad to Bumper is doing well, keeping him in our prayers. Love your pictures with his "nurse" kitty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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