Tips for a post-spinal tap distemper dog

[edbondny]

I've been going through info I've received from dog owners who have been able to get through the toughest part of this battle, when it seems the dog is getting worse, not better, after the spinal tap. There are no guarantees, but some have made it. From what I have read, intense TLC, love and affection can make a big difference. Follow your instincts. Other tips from owners, and please add your own insights, suggestions and experiences:

Keeping the dog quiet and sedated for the first two weeks after the procedure is key.

To control the seizures:

Phenobarbital

Valium -- can be given rectally if you cannot give it by mouth.

Morphine for dogs

Baclofen
http://www.drugs.com/baclofen.html

Lyrica
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000327

To help repair the nerve damage:
fat soluble b1/b12 vitamins
http://www.mcvitamins.com/neuropathy.htm

For more insight:

http://www.dachshundrescuesouthflorida. ... Romeo.html


From Dr. Sears about B vitamins:

As to your B vitamin question. B vitamins, it seems, stimulate the growth of cells, especially viral cells. So., any addition to the system allows for increased replication of said cells. Enough said. Don't use B vitamins.
Vitamins ONLY have an effect when there is a deficiency. C has no effect, A can be used to help reduce scaring caused by viral disease in the skin, NOT A CURE. All the B's are thought to enhance the replication of viral diseases. None, No vitamin is known to enhance the growth of neural tissue. Sorry. Doc

Another tip: Tramadol may help with the bad neck pain that may follow the NDV spinal tap. http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cf ... treat-pain

[edbondny]

Relaying information from Vickie Novak in Orlando:

I forgot to mention that Sookie was given an anti inflammatory injection post spinal for the trip home and was sent home on metacam--it's a anti-inflammatory med more specifically in reducing the localized trauma to the neck area to relieve the swelling or inflammation, so this is getting at source of pain versus tramadol just getting rid of pain-- the dogs can have both meds at same time but as always folks should follow their vets instructions both are rx meds

the most important thing is getting these dogs over pneumonia if they have that, keeping hydrated and fed well- you know  better than I many dogs have made it over the neuro to die of pneumonia.