Lucygoo - Pit. macroadenoma, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, trans-oral approach

It's me being a pain in the butt again....Just a question. Has anyone else had experience with MRI and how long it takes for the anesthesia to wear off? I'm getting really worried about Lucy...she's still out like a light for most of today, has not eaten anything except a couple of bites of lamb stew dog food...finally!....and a few licks of chicken broth....and she keeps hunching her back, like in a spasm, and dragging her hind legs when she first rises. She has moments of clarity where she's perky and runs around, but then zonks out again.
I e-mailed Dr. Bruyette and he said it's probably a combo of the anesthesia and the tumor, and to let him know if it doesn't get any better.

I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with the kind of anesthesia they do for MRIs and what it does. I gave her 20mg prednisone and a tramadol this morning. was waiting for the prednisone to really kick in and give her an appetite, but so far just a couple of bites.

This waiting is awful....but this site is so helpful and comforting.

Thanks, G and L

There is one member active here (that I know of) who's dog has had an MRI (of his back) - Barney's Mom. I'll PM her to make sure she looks in on your thread. I think the anesthesia they use for MRI's would be a little different from that which is used for surgery etc. because of the magnetic fields involved and the type of monitoring/supporting equipment that can be used.


The tramadol could be contributing to Lucy's grogginess (on top of the anesthetic and the tumor) - it is somewhat sedating and can also cause some tummy upset too! It seems individual dogs need/tolerate different size doses with some being really zonked out on a pretty moderate dose - how much does Lucy weigh and what dose of tramadol is she on? I've never used tramadol myself but a lot of other people here have.

The pred she is on is being used to reduce inflammation/swelling and when it is being used for that reason it has been my experience that it seems to kick in to the point that you can see a definite improvement about 10-12 hours after the first dose and (as long as you continue with it) things seem to improve further over the next 3 days or so. My kids have needed oral pred for asthma and I have (although we (me and the treating vet) didn't know it at the time) used it for a dog with symptoms caused by a brain tumor - in both asthma and with the brain tumor there was a definite visible improvement at around the 12 hour mark with further improvement over the next few days.

Hope this helps - and I'll go PM Cheryl.

Alison

Hi Gina,
I just read your story from start to finish. Wow, you and Lucy have been through a lot the past few days!

My dog Barney had a couple of MRI's. Unfortunately it is really hard to tell how long the anesthesia will hang around for, as it depends on what they used an every Doc has their own preferences.

I know for Barney they used Propofol. It doesn't hang around long at all. I am an ICU nurse and we use it at work to sedate people who are on ventilators. They can be completely awake within a few minutes. (2 or 3 minutes they are stirring, within 10 minutes they are completely awake)
Some anesthetics need to be "reversed" (another medication is given that completely stops the action of the anesthesia) and alot of times they may use a narcotic in conjunction with a sedative.
Too many variables to even venture a guess, but if I had to guess, I would say propofol.

But.......
I am wondering if what you are seeing is the effects of the anesthesia or if it is just the effects of the macrotumor combined with Lucy having a really stressful day. If my dog is at the vets all day he comes home absolutely exhausted. Plus Lucy was sick before she went there with diarrhea as well as the neuro symptoms from the tumor. (I would almost bet that is what you are seeing with Lucy's back)
The effects of anesthesia are usually lethargy and respiratory depression. She is up and moving and breathing ok, but just sleepy, I would give it more time. If she was unarousable with slow shallow breathing then I would worry.
Also......
Careful what you are feeding Lucy. I gave BArney pancreatitis by feeding him fatty foods when trying to gets meds in him.
I know its hard to see them not eating, but if there is a reason she isn't eating, trying too hard to feed her could make things worse.

Its so hard to see them like this :(

Hope things are getting better as the pred helps with the neuro signs.

PS.........
I think you are a wonderful mom and you and Lucy are in my prayers.
Try to get some sleep!

Cheryl

Hi Gina,
Sorry it's so late. The pred may be being used to ease the swelling so it could take a little while before you see any neurological improvements. It may also increase her appetite slightly, but more than likely you will definitely notice an increase in water consumption, resulting in.....yep increased peeing. But that is a small price if it is helping. I hope that she is doing a little better by now. Keep the faith.

Fingers & toes crossed that Dr B has good news for you tomorrow.

Continued healing thoughts and prayers for Lucy.

~ Mary Ann

Nothing to add, just that I hope that you and Lucy have a good night sleep.

I think Cheryl is giving you great guiding points. The hydration I think is most important than the feeding. Although Tramadol is the best option for our cushings dogs for pain management it makes them quite groogy and weak on their hind legs. My dog was on Tramadol for 3-4 days (can't remember well) and I had to help her move and stand up while on it.

Will be praying for you.

Marcela & The Choco Labs

Alison, Cheryl, Mary Ann and Marcela....thank you so much! I was getting worried that the prednisone wasn't working. I'll just be patient. And you're right about the food, too....I think that's what happened with the diarrhea...I was so thrilled she was eating, I didn't care what it was.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, everyone. You guys are like my lifeline at this point:)

Gina and Lucy

Hi Gina,

Just dropping in to let you know we are pulling for you and your Lucygoo. Be positive and strong for her, I really feel that they can sense our stress. Keeping good thoughts and prayers.

John (Roxee's Dad)

I hope you got some rest. It is so hard to just "wait" for things to get better when you see your pet suffering.

Hope Lucy's feeling better today.


Cheryl

Dear Gina,

Just wanted you to know that I've also been following all that you and Lucy have been going through these last couple of days. Everyone has given you such great advice and support. I can only "second" what has already been said. I do so hope that the surgery remains a viable option for Lucy. But whatever happens, we'll be here for you both!!!

With (((hugs))) and hopeful wishes,
Marianne

Hi Gina,

I hope Lucy is feeling better today and that you are too!!! I know this is a very difficult time for you girls and we are truly hoping you get the surgical option. You are remarkable and doing all you can...and that is what you need to remember. Hang in there and keep up the fabulous and supportive job you are doing.

with best wishes and prayers,
Dorothy and Mikey