14 year-old Shih Tzu With Recent Cushing's Diagnosis

Hope your Monday is a good one and Hannah has a good day.

Thinking of you both and sending love and prayers

How did the laser treatment go?

Hi guys,

The laser treatment went fine. The vet said Hannah's back muscles are really tense-almost hard like rocks. She said she is probably compensating or guarding her pain, like we would. She recommended we add a muscle relaxant, methocarbamol, to the mix. She also suggested seeing an animal chiropractor (she knows a woman who only treats dogs and horses) but I am a little worried about that. She did say the woman won't do an adjustment if she is worried about a disc issue, but I just don't know if I am ready for that yet. We'll try the muscle relaxants first.

Now she will be on Hydroxyzine for allergies, Metacam for pain, and methocarbamol to relax her muscles (2-3 times/day). I have not added the herbs back in, and I am not going to add the Gabapentin right away either. I am like Addy. One thing at a time so I have a better clue of what might be going on if there are reactions. I guess I could give all of them together, but I would prefer not to. I asked about possible side effects from methocarbamol, since she has never taken it, and the most likely is sedation.

I have decided that for today I will give the Hydroxyzine twice (and skip the 3rd one tonight) and I'll give the methocarbamol before bed. I am always so worried to give new meds, but it sounds like it could really provide her some relief and it is listed for helping with back spasms and disc disease.

I have a call in to the other vet just to run it past them. The guy we saw is out of town for a week (of course) but someone else will call me back. She is about the same. She has a tough time getting up (but it is worse when she has been asleep or lying down for a long time), is a little wobbly on her feet at times, but them sometimes I am having to keep her calm because she is trying to run away from me or trot to the kitchen to look for food or beg for treats. It must not be as bad at times.

Thanks for checking on us!

Julie & Hannah

Oh Julie, maybe the muscle relaxer will do the trick. I sure hope so.

Did anyone ever say if you could put cold or warm compresses on Hannah? I just wondered if that was someone you could try.

Love ya bunches and I thought you did a really good scream today.

I think Sharlene needs to have more Scream Mondays!!!!!:D;)

Good idea muscle relaxers. I hope they work. I wonder if they have something similiar to human ibprophen, that combinations of muscle relaxer and anti - inflammatory all in one.

Glad laser went well.

hugs,
Sharlene

glad the laser went well Julie. do they think the chiropractor would be better than the acupuncturist? hope you and Hannah had a good night

Hope you and Hannah and Izzy are having a good day!

Hugs,
Sharlene

I hope the pills relaxed the back:):):)

Thinking good thoughts for both of you.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))

Hi Guys,

I need positive vibes and prayers for tomorrow....Hannah is trying acupuncture again. The vet who performed it after the other dog shook her is going to do it. She said we could try it again, and if Hannah is not doing well we can just leave. I want to try it because it helped, but I hope it isn't horrible because then I'll feel bad. We go at 9:30 in the morning and my mom is coming with us. I'm glad it will be over with early. I've been wondering how many of Izzy's Xanax I would need to take to be calm. ;) :p

We have another laser treatment on Fri. so hopefully all this is helping her. It's hard to tell. The muscle relaxant went fine. I gave it this morning too and I'm about to give it again.

I'll let you know how it goes...

Julie & Hannah

Well at least you know this acupuncturist and are familiar with her, so no surprises. Hopefully it will go well and help Hannah. I'm glad your mom is going with you. Two thumbs up for moms. :)

We are all about positive vibes and prayers! Right there with you!

Hugs,
Sharlene