Whining

[Walliered]

I am putting this under the "health" topic because it started here. It has been over 5 weeks since Da Vid had his back surgery. He is still whining every few minutes. I will admit it has gotten better in the middle of the night, but last night he got me up 3 times and finally at 4:00am I just decided to get dressed. It seems that he just needs to know I am around. When I first got him home, he cried every 10 minutes around the clock and this lasted 2 weeks. I finally called my vet and told her something had to give, either she knocked him out or she knocked me out. She knocked him out. Any advice? I think I already told everyone he lost 18# in the almost 2 weeks they kept him. Oh, one more thing..he is now going through water therapy there. He does not want to go back there and they will not let me go with him. I have thought about telling them that if they won't allow me then we are finished, but want to do what is best for him. Could this be why he whines all of the time? Thanks

[OwnedBySummer]

The only thing I can actually comment on, having never experienced this situation, is that MY vet welcomes the owner's attendance during water therapy. I find that very odd that yours does not. They also have a viewing window, so if the dog is too distracted and won't work with the owner in the room, then the owner can step outside and watch through the viewing window.

 

I can also hazard a guess that if Summer was separated from me for 2 weeks for surgery and people were also sticking her with needles and feeding her pills... she would not be a happy camper. I don't think she'd want to return to the vet for therapy, either, and I also think she'd constantly be checking on me. If I go out and leave her for an afternoon, she will lie on my feet all night. So she's either checking on me or holding me down so I can't escape again, LOL!

 

I hope your baby feels better soon!

 

ETA: Here is something else which my vet provides, which may be of interest to you and you could ask your vet about it. I don't know anything about it but it sounds potentially useful, what with DaVid's back surgery and all. "We also provide neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) to help build back muscle."

Edited August 5, 2012 by OwnedBySummer

[Batmom]

I would insist on being there.

 

I'm sorry he's restless and hope that he improves soon.

[Burpdog]

He does not want to go back there and they will not let me go with him

 

If I couldn't go he wouldn't go. How long are they doing water therapy? Is it an underwater treadmill? I've seen people who don't know what they are doing seriously injure a dog. Never should a dog go more than 20 minutes. They should start around 2 minutes. Do you have any idea what they are doing and for how long?

[Walliered]

Thanks, that settles it. Come Monday I will insist they let me back there or we quit. I forgot to tell say that the other day they gave me back 7 two pound packages of frozen ground beef that was left over from his stay. No wonder he lost weight. No one in Savannah has the water therapy so we can't switch, but can quit. I wonder if just walking him will build up his muzzles? They have cautioned me not to walk him earlier on. They said we could walk 15 minutes a day now. Wonder why?

[Walliered]

He started last Monday at 3 minutes and they have increased it 2 minutes per day. So, it was up to 11 minutes on Friday. The surgeon wants him to do the therapy for 3 weeks so we are scheduled for 2 more weeks. Yes, it is an underwater treadmill. When he comes out to the waiting room he is very happy with his tail up high and ears alert. They said he whines like hell while it is going on and they don't think I can take it. That is crazy because he whines like hell around here and I am taking it.

[OwnedBySummer]

It can be hard watching someone going through physical therapy but if you want to be there, then be there you should be. It sounds like they are now giving you the option?

[Walliered]

No, no option. They said I could not go back there. I just feel that Da Vid has been through so much in the last 5 weeks. I have already said that if anything comes up ever again we will go to OSU even if it is a 12-14 hour drive. I am just worried that by leaving the therapy I will be doing him permanent damage. They have said he was a "turd" and really spoiled. I told him he was a Greyhound and needed to be treated like one. I can tell they do not have a clue about Greyhounds, but like I said there is nothing else in Savannah and I cannot drive to Atlanta everyday (3-4 hours).

[OwnedBySummer]

A "turd"? WTH? I'd have a problem with THAT! Do you have copies of DaVid's records, x-rays, etc., having to do with his back diagnosis/surgery/treatment? You could see if OSU would do an email consultation with you. I've done it with them before, albeit I only had a couple of documents to send them.

 

I still think it's wrong that they won't let you back there. Especially now that I know they are clueless about greyhounds and think he's a spoiled "turd", I'd be very concerned with how he is being handled. It sends up my red flags for sure.

 

Here's a hydrotherapy location I found. Sorry if this is already where you are going!

 

Veterinary Specialists of the Southeast

Georgia Canine Sports medicine

Savannah, Georgia

Lori Immel, MS, PT

Phone: 843-566-0023

Edited August 5, 2012 by OwnedBySummer

[Walliered]

This is where I am taking him, but the phone number is wrong. That number is in Charleston, S.C. I only have his discharge paper. It says in part: there was a significant disc herniation at L7-S, the herniation appeared to have been a chronic process based on the size and calcification of the disc material additionally the anomaly of the lower spine likely contributed to biomechemical alternations which potentially contributed to disc disease. Surgical decompression went well but was extended due to the anomaly contributing to a much longer laminectomy. I really do not know what any of this means, except he had disc disease. I do know it was a 6 1/2 hour surgery. I was not allowed to see him that day. But, came every day after that. He did not recognize me for a week. He steadily lost weight and went from 81# to 63#. When I finally got him home, he ate like a wild dog. He has whined ever since I got him home, but has gained weight everyday. I pick him up and load him into the SUV everyday and take him into Dr. Paul Shealy's office in Savannah for his hydrotherapy.

[Burpdog]

Sounds like they are doing it ok regarding time, however, I don't think it's suppose to be everyday (I'll check). I have no idea why they don't want you in there. My vet has the dog treadmill in full site of anyone who goes thru the door from the reception room and encourages the owners to encourage the dogs. Grace would go nuts if she couldn't see me. Huston could care less. Grace at first we had to push in. Huston -- take off the collar and lead and he walks in from across the room (vet has a video of it). He loves that treadmill.

[Guest greytchloe]

Is is possible the whining is not related to the water therapy at all? Is your pup on any pain meds? My girl was recently on Tramadol after a splenectomy and was absolutely nuts on it--whining, barking, panting, etc. We stopped the Tramadol and she immediately improved. If he is on pain meds, maybe this is a side effect, or maybe his pain meds aren't quite cutting it?

It is lousy that they won't let you watch; water therapy is supposed to be great for recovery.

[Walliered]

Yes, on the pain meds. I am tapering him off of Gabapentin 100mg. He was on two a day, but now is on one every other day. He is also on Tramadol as needed. The surgeon had him on 5 50mg every 8 hours. I now give him 2 as needed. I have only noticed that he slept on these meds, but does whine most all of the time and pants sometimes. Yes, it could be the meds. But, it is a damn if you do and damn if you don't situation.

[Batmom]

I would simply tell them when you go to the appointment that you will be watching this time. You need to see what is going on with your dog. If they protest, ask to speak to the head/owner of the practice. Don't argue, don't give explanations, just repeat that you need to see what is going on with your dog and ask to speak to the head of the practice (and repeat same to him/her). If they insist, then cancel your appointment -- no more; don't argue, don't get tempted to make critical remarks or ask what they're afraid of; just cancel your appointment and leave. And then call the surgeon and ask about alternatives.

 

The one issue they might have that I would honor -- partly -- is that sometimes dogs behave differently or are distracted when the owner is in the room. If that is their concern, I would say that I'd stay out of view as best as possible and leave if that becomes a problem.

[KF_in_Georgia]

He is also on Tramadol as needed. The surgeon had him on 5 50mg every 8 hours. I now give him 2 as needed.

 

250 mg of tramadol every 8 hours is quite a high dose, I think, and some dogs exhibit anxiety behaviors on large doses of tramadol. (My 65-pound boy is on one or two 50mg pills, as often as every 8 hours.) If you've stepped Da Vid down to 100mg as needed, that still might be on the high end for him if you have to give that dose more often than every 8 hours. At any rate, I'd wonder if Da Vid's whining might be triggered by his tramadol dose. Knowing he's been taking such a large dose of tramadol, the whining may be a little less alarming.

[tbhounds]

Ugh-just want you to know I'm sorry you are going thought this. Totally agree-if and when there is a "next time" try and make the drive to OSU. The clinic your having to go to just really sucks in so many ways-it should never ever be like that. For the record-if someone called my hound a "turd" they better be prepared for a not so ladylike response. Give your boy a hug from me.

[hikinghounds]

Sorry you are dealing with this and that DaVid is not feeling well and happy. When Zephyr went for physical therapy not only did I go with him but I helped and they were happy about it. From others I know or have read about that have done physical therapy that seems to be normal. No way would I go to a place that wouldn't even let me watch. You need to know what they're doing. I don't think it's right that they called him a turd and said he was spoiled either. It doesn't sound like they respect him. It sounds like he's very attached to you and it's probably stressful for him to be away from you. Zephyr is the same and when he was very sick over a year ago not only did the Drs./neurologist and techs let me visit him for hours they encouraged me to bring my other dog to help him and motivate him. I can see taking him to the back for a blood draw, something quick, but not therapy. They should be showing you and even showing you things you can do at home to help. Sorry to go on. I know you already said your going to go back with him or not at all, that's great. I hope he starts feeling better soon.

[Guest greytchloe]

My girl was wacky on a dosage of 1 1/2 pills of Tramadol (75mg) twice a day. She is now taking Gabapentin for pain with no ill effects.

Good luck getting them to let you watch; it may answer some questions for you. I have had 2 dogs do water therapy, one LOVED it and the other just tolerated it, but it greatly helped both of them. Hope your boy is feeling better soon!

[Walliered]

Today they let me watch his hydrotherapy after first saying I could not. Finally one tech said I could come back once they got him in the machine. I said no. Then she said I could come back, but would have to leave immediately when he started whining. I just ignored her as I walked my dog down the hall. He walked up the ramp and into the machine just fine. Since there is no lid to it, I was able to just stroke his back the entire time. He NOT ONCE made a sound and walked for 13 minutes. They drained the tank and then he walked out again without making a sound. I didn't say a word to them about it. But, when I got home I got a phone call from one of the techs saying they had heard from my regular vet that I was very unhappy with the care my dog had gotten. My vet had called them to complain after I had asked her if there was another vet in the area with a hydrotherapy machine. They were very rude to her as they were trying to get with me. The conversation ended with them saying the surgeon would be calling me. We have the rest of this week and all of next week scheduled for therapy. I dread tomorrow and am thinking about not even going. Opinions please. And thanks for all of the support.

[tbhounds]

Don't dread it-embrace the opportunity. They need to hear how you felt you and your boy were/are being treated. Comments like turd are not acceptable nor is refusing you the opportunity to be with your dog to comfort him. Don't get me wrong there is definety a time and place for an owner to be present during procedures--believe me I get it but, for hydrotherapy?. Give me a break. Write everything you want to say down so, you have all of your thought/concerns in front of you when he calls. Don't hold back--no need to be rude but, don't beat around the bush. I'm sure the surgeon would want to know exactly how his staff treats his surgical patients.

Edited August 6, 2012 by tbhounds

[Burpdog]

I think 13 minutes is too much. Plus he is on pain meds which is not good because you can't judge how bad he is. Usually 2 - 3 times a week -- so the muscles can regenerate.

 

My vet would not exercise him that often, nor build him up that quick.

[hikinghounds]

It sounds like it went much much better with you there with him. No whining right? I don't understand why they wouldn't want you, or any other owner, there when it helps the dog. Owners who are willing to have these kind of surgeries and get their dog therapy are usually very involved. I would think they would understand and incourage that. Very strange that they aren't. When we went to therapy (not water, but treadmill and other exercises on wobble boards, etc.) they wanted me to give him treats to distract and reward him, help move or stabilize him, etc. while the vet and tech were doing the exercises. Just to give you an idea of what it was like for us. That's what I've seen and heard from others who went to different places too. I don't know about his condition, but it does seem like a lot to go every day. We only went once a week and had results, but I was able to walk my boy so he got other exercise too. I would definitely let your surgeon know everything. One thing I learned when Zephyr got sick (encephalitis) was to trust my insticts, speak up, and ask questions, and it really paid off. Your doing the right thing to advocate for your boy. I'm glad he was happy having you with him and I hope he continues to feel better.

[Walliered]

I have decided he needs a day off tomorrow. I am also on the computer trying to find hydrotherapy in Savannah, Statesboro or Brunswick, Georgia. Also looking at Hilton Head, South Carolina. I will almost bet you Hilton Head has a few vets that have them. That is an expensive area to live in. Wish I could afford one.

[tbhounds]

Think you both need a day off :-)

[Walliered]

I agree, Tracy!!!