6.20.2013

June 20, 2013

White Dog and the White Dog Army are thankful this Thursday for the remarkable progress Quinn is showing on his newly rearranged medicine regimen. It has been almost two weeks since we worried that it was time to put The Other White Dog on stronger seizure medication and to consider a more pharmaceutical   solution to his back leg issues.

Thank dog for our wonderful Dr. Julia and Cindy, her #1 who is an expert in homeopathic alternatives. They were reluctant to step up traditional medications because of the side effects and because they believed that Quinn still showed enough response to the Gabapentin that we should make some enhancements, not changes.

Developed in the human realm, Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a pharmaceutical drug, specifically a GABA analog. It was originally developed to treat epilepsy, focal seizures, and currently is also used to relieve neuropathic pain. Through comparative studies (which the WDA particularly loves) Gabapentin has been found to be very effective treating those same issues in canines. Since Quinn suffers focal seizures and has neuropathic back end pain, Gabapentin is an ideal choice for him...if we could just get the dosing stabilized. The side effects that most trouble Quinn are dizziness and insomnia so finding the perfect dosage that they be avoided is important but a moving target based on all kinds of elements like weather, stress, back pain.

At the suggestion of our advisers, we added liquid B-complex vitamins to Quinn's daily diet (the nerve vitamins), and at night he gets a melatonin tablet. It still takes about 30 minutes for him to settle down but he now sleeps through the night without the hours of pacing. We also have begun leaving a night light on in the bathroom. Odd as it sounds, having a night light seems to give our boy confidence when he wakes in the night that he is not alone or lost. For Quinn confidence means the ability to shift position and return to sleep rather that startling in panic and pacing.

Gibson's mom, from the Five Sibes, suggested we look into a pain management nutrition supplement called Alenza to help with the chronic back end pain. Since it is a natural compound it has none of the hazards associated with rimadyl. Dr. Julia agreed to let Quinn try this protocol as an test study. Since we started this supplement, we have been able to take Quinn off of his nightly 1/2 tramadol as well as all rimadyl. He is walking better and looking brighter-eyed...and is pain killer-free.

It makes all of us so happy to see enthusiasm creeping back into TOWD's demeanor and Steve nearly weeps with joy to see his boy handling the steps without straining or grunting in pain. Quinn will have a lifetime of balancing his condition and its "fixes" but for now we are grateful for all of the out-the-box thinking and helpful advice that has gone into his customized health plan. It is working and we are thrilled.

9 comments:

FiveSibesMom said...

Oh this news brings tears of joy! I am so, so happy to hear Quinn is feeling better! I am so glad the Alenza is helping! Woo! It is such a delicate balancing act trying to find, test, keep treatments for our Epi-babies. I wish Quinn continued improvement, good health, and days filled with love and joy and absolutely no seizure monster. Here's to the Mighty Quinn! Sending you woos and wishes for continued improvement and good health...and big loving hugs to you!

bichonpawz said...

We are very happy to hear that Quinn is feeling better!! We may just try some of that Alenza supplement for our legs too...thank you for sharing that with us.
xoxo Chloe and LadyBug

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Such wonderful news for Quinn. It makes us feel good knowing that he feels better.

Random Felines said...

yeah....we love your devotion to Quinn and are so glad he is doing better!!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Quinn is so lucky to have such good care. Our Dad was on Gabapentin too for neuropathy and is now on Lyrica - seems to work better for him. Don't you just love the Five Sibes' Mom - always there with something helpful.

Hope Quinn continues to improve.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Brian's Home Blog said...

Well don't mind us silly kitties, but we are doing a happy dance!!!

Little Reufus said...

O My... It iss amazing the difference lubbs makes in a life!!! I amb so full ob the fanks that lubbs and a watch full eye hubber ober the White Dog Army!!!

Whee lubbs yeu all so berry much.

Little Reufus and the Mom

Jo's World said...

The Mighty Quinn marches on! Hooray for him and the people who love him for finding the way.

cheers and hugs,

Jo, Stella and Zkhat

Kari in Alaska said...

Hooray Quinn!

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/