Pinched Nerve :( - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Care28 · 05-05-2005, 08:47 AM

We recently adopted a Yorkie in February. On Sunday, we were bringing groceries into the house and Kelli (yorkie) was naturally excited. She always jumps and gets excited when people come back home. In putting the bags on the table, Kelli got right behind us and one of us stepped back, which caused Kelli to jerk backwards. She yelped pretty loud and limped a bit, we scooped her up and loved on her and all seemed to be fine. But Sunday night through Monday afternoon the yelping seemed to get worse, so we called the vet immediately, told us to bring her in. She was diagnosed right away as having a pinched nerve. The Dr. Gave her a cortisone shot and prescribed her these pills and drops that she has to take for a week. She told us within 48 hours we'd see a major improvement....and we did, until yesterday when she got excited, jerked again and now the yelping and limping is back full force.

My question is....should we take her back to the vet? Did the cortisone shot just wear off? She seems to be limping alot more and favoring the leg where the pinched nerve in her neck is (there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with her leg, the vet checked and double checked and said this was most definitely a pinched nerve in her neck). I don't want to keep putting her through the vet over and over again, but the pain scares her so bad that she shakes and pants and has a hard time calming herself down. This is heartwrenching to watch, because we can see how painful it is for her. The vet didn't act overly concerned, but said if she's not better within a week to bring her back and they will do x-rays on her. I guess I'm just wondering if any of you have had similar experiences and could give me some advice, or ease my mind that this will clear up and she'll be okay with time.

I should mention that she came from an abused home to us, so alot of the shaking may be anxiety because she doesn't understand where the pain is stemming from. I'm just so confused over this and at a loss over what to do.

kp&nala · 05-05-2005, 08:51 AM

i don't have any advise but i do hope your baby feels better. did the vet say how long it would take to heal or anything. i'd say atleast call the vet and see what they think, would another shot help or does it just need time to heel and try to keep her from jerking around? sorry i'm not much help.

Care28 · 05-05-2005, 08:54 AM

We called the vet, I just couldn't take it anymore. Waiting for a callback now (as Kelli's Dr is in surgery). The assistant said that it will take a while to heal, and it won't just go away like we want it to (well of course we do, hearing a dog yelp like this and not being able to help them is heartbreaking). She wrote everything down and is going to have the Dr. call us back. If we don't hear from her by this afternoon, I'm calling again. She's shaking more than anything because she's so scared. I feel like the worst doggie parent in the world.

kp&nala · 05-05-2005, 09:03 AM

so sorry to hear your baby is so scared. i'm no doggie expert but mabye a warm bath and snuggling w/mom may help her feel better. i know when i'm sick a bath always makes me feel better. well unless your baby is like mine and can't stand bath time. did the vet say anthing about massaging the area? again sorry i don't have any good advise just trying to think of something i know what it's like to see your baby in pain and not be able to do anything for them. i would think if it is hurting her that bad then another shot may be your best bet so she will be comfortable. let us know what the vet says. nala sends puppy kisses to your baby.

Connie · 05-05-2005, 09:12 AM

The poor little sweetie! I'm so sorry she's in pain and it's so hard to see these little ones hurting! I hope the vet calls you soon and does x-rays. I don't have any advice but just wanted to wish you and your little one well! I'll be checking back to see what you find out! Good luck!

Care28 · 05-05-2005, 10:43 AM

Thank you so much, both of you. Kelli isn't yelping that much this afternoon, but she's still shaking alot and if she jerks away from you it causes her to feel a little pain and yelp....I think after all she's been through it's painful, sore and tender

I've never experienced this with another animal I've had, I have another dog and a cat....my cat is 15 years old, had him since he was 2 weeks and he's always been perfectly healthy, so this has startled me alot.

Apparently, according to the Dr and our groomer this is fairly common in smaller dogs. I NEVER would have thought so, but the vet said they can even turn their neck the wrong way while looking at you and pinch the nerve. The meds they gave her are just to help with the pain, I guess it's somethign that has to heal on it's own....similarly to when we have pinched nerves. Still waiting on her Dr. to call back, she was in surgery and I'm not sure how long that will last. I'm anxious though to find out if we're on the right path to recovery or if we need to bring her back in. I'm sure I sound just like a nervous parent calling over everything. (she JUST got over a bladder infection that she had when we got her....they thought it was her kidneys at first).

YorkieRose · 05-05-2005, 11:39 AM

The key word is "abused". She is jumping back from instinct she learned in her previous home. She is nervous and it will take time to learn trust and relax.
I would guess some of the yelping is also fear. Dogs are no different then an abused child...if you took an abused child into your home you would expect a long "recovery" period..fortunately, dogs recoup faster then humans..but she needs time and patience.
She is excited out of fear and anxiety..she wants attention and love..but attention in her former life may have brought pain to her also. ..so she is a combination of mixed emotions...unfortunately with dogs, bad attention is better then no attention..that is why a dog will lick the hand of the one who abuses them...bless you for gving this little girl another chance at love...go slow and let her come to you, try not to make any quick moves around here. talk to her all the time and reassure her..best wishes

YorkieRose · 05-05-2005, 11:48 AM

PS...I have one who has never known a single moment of abuse..my little Claire..BUT I can get her so worked up by babying her.LOL Nothing wrong in babying them.LOL
I, almost stepped on her once and I scooped her up so fast and a made a big deal out it..she starts yelping and crying louder and louder...my foot didn't touch her...now all I have to do is act worried, look at leg or paw, ask het if she is hurt..and she will start crying, the more fuss, the more she eats it up and cries louder. It really is funny..we call her Greta Garbo, sheis such an actress.

Care28 · 05-05-2005, 01:09 PM

lol, I wish Kelli was just faking this somehow...the part that bothers me is when she gets scared, now she hides. She'll go behind the table or a plant in the living room, or under the kitchen table. She hasn't been this skittish since she first came here in Feb. It took her a few days to warm up to all of us, but she finally did. I just hate the thought of her thinking we'd EVER harm her, I've done nothing but cry over this since she got hurt.

The vet finally called back and prescribed some stronger medication. I'm heading up there to pick it up in a few....if this doesn't calm things a bit and she doesn't show some kind of improvement in the next 24 hours after taking her initial dose, we have to bring her to the vet so they can check her out. I just want her to be all better

I miss her little playful bark even, I never thought I'd say that. She won't even bark much now because I guess it makes her jerk and it hurts her.

YorkieRose · 05-05-2005, 04:30 PM

I am sure the vet is on the right track with stronger meds..as she feels better, she will return to her playful self..she sounds like a wonderful find!

snoody2004 · 05-05-2005, 04:31 PM

Im sorry that has happend but hold it I think she might get better with the pills all dogs yelp when they are hurt but its normal
Hope she feels better!

whispersmom2 · 05-05-2005, 04:48 PM

I am so very sorry to read this about your adopted baby. YorkieRose is right on target about her going back to the abuse part of her previous life...I am dealing with a herniated disc in my own back and I can tell you they can take forever to heal. The important thing is to love her, give her time and make sure you give her the meds the doctor prescribes. Even if she appears to not need it. You don't let her meds wear off and the pain start again. This will be a setback. As for hiding..I am like that myself but I can tell you-soft strokes and soft words of encouragement go a long way. I personally would NOT give her a bath. What I would do is look for one of those hot/cold paks that you can warm in the microwave. Hold her and wrap the heated pad gently around her neck and sing, rock, talk softly and soothing and tell her how much you love her. One thing more-ya gotta stop that crying and put on a happy face! She is very sensitive to negative actions (again from her previous life) and crying is seen as that. Talk upbeat and give her handfed treats-good foods not junk..Leave the heat on for 20 mins every 2 hours..
OF COURSE, YOU HAFTA RUN THIS BY YOUR VET FIRST!! And, if you have a holistic vet in your area, your baby could benefit from massage and any other therapy they offer.
Your baby is in my prayers

Yorkie_GirL · 05-05-2005, 04:53 PM

I'm very sorry to what happened to your baby! I have a Cat that came from an abused shelter with cigarette burns all over her and all that stuff.

She may be like YorkieRose said above, jumping back in fear, nervousness because she remembers what happened to her. I really hate seeing my doggies in pain.

I know it can be very costly to bring to the vet, but I think the medication will help her feel better and she should be able to get back to her usual self. and in due time won't be so nervous/jumpy i hope

best wishes to you and yours.

Marie · 05-05-2005, 05:22 PM

Im so sorry your baby is hurting. I really dont have any advise, but wanted to tell you that I will have you both in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that the new meds work for her and she start to feel better. Gucci sents huggies and puppy kisses.

Care28 · 05-05-2005, 05:23 PM

Thank you all so much, I'm so glad I found this board. Kelli hasn't yelped since earlier this afternoon *crosses fingers* - so we're hoping the meds are doing the trick. She still shakes and hides, but she just started that today so I'm hoping in a couple of days that will wear off. She started the new med tonight, so now she has three things to take - 2 types of pills and the drops (they taste like honey, according to the vet, she loves them!). We're being really ginger with her, not letting her jump a whole lot (she actually seems to be afraid of jumping now, for the most part, so that's a plus....but hopefully she won't shy away from it for good, as she loves to jump on the couch with her mommy).

I'm hoping with this increase in meds she'll be back to herself in no time.

05-05-2005, 08:47 AM	#1
Care28 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 248	Pinched Nerve :( We recently adopted a Yorkie in February. On Sunday, we were bringing groceries into the house and Kelli (yorkie) was naturally excited. She always jumps and gets excited when people come back home. In putting the bags on the table, Kelli got right behind us and one of us stepped back, which caused Kelli to jerk backwards. She yelped pretty loud and limped a bit, we scooped her up and loved on her and all seemed to be fine. But Sunday night through Monday afternoon the yelping seemed to get worse, so we called the vet immediately, told us to bring her in. She was diagnosed right away as having a pinched nerve. The Dr. Gave her a cortisone shot and prescribed her these pills and drops that she has to take for a week. She told us within 48 hours we'd see a major improvement....and we did, until yesterday when she got excited, jerked again and now the yelping and limping is back full force. My question is....should we take her back to the vet? Did the cortisone shot just wear off? She seems to be limping alot more and favoring the leg where the pinched nerve in her neck is (there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with her leg, the vet checked and double checked and said this was most definitely a pinched nerve in her neck). I don't want to keep putting her through the vet over and over again, but the pain scares her so bad that she shakes and pants and has a hard time calming herself down. This is heartwrenching to watch, because we can see how painful it is for her. The vet didn't act overly concerned, but said if she's not better within a week to bring her back and they will do x-rays on her. I guess I'm just wondering if any of you have had similar experiences and could give me some advice, or ease my mind that this will clear up and she'll be okay with time. I should mention that she came from an abused home to us, so alot of the shaking may be anxiety because she doesn't understand where the pain is stemming from. I'm just so confused over this and at a loss over what to do.

05-05-2005, 11:39 AM	#7
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	problem The key word is "abused". She is jumping back from instinct she learned in her previous home. She is nervous and it will take time to learn trust and relax. I would guess some of the yelping is also fear. Dogs are no different then an abused child...if you took an abused child into your home you would expect a long "recovery" period..fortunately, dogs recoup faster then humans..but she needs time and patience. She is excited out of fear and anxiety..she wants attention and love..but attention in her former life may have brought pain to her also. ..so she is a combination of mixed emotions...unfortunately with dogs, bad attention is better then no attention..that is why a dog will lick the hand of the one who abuses them...bless you for gving this little girl another chance at love...go slow and let her come to you, try not to make any quick moves around here. talk to her all the time and reassure her..best wishes

05-05-2005, 11:48 AM	#8
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	My Claire PS...I have one who has never known a single moment of abuse..my little Claire..BUT I can get her so worked up by babying her.LOL Nothing wrong in babying them.LOL I, almost stepped on her once and I scooped her up so fast and a made a big deal out it..she starts yelping and crying louder and louder...my foot didn't touch her...now all I have to do is act worried, look at leg or paw, ask het if she is hurt..and she will start crying, the more fuss, the more she eats it up and cries louder. It really is funny..we call her Greta Garbo, sheis such an actress.

05-05-2005, 04:30 PM	#10
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	pain I am sure the vet is on the right track with stronger meds..as she feels better, she will return to her playful self..she sounds like a wonderful find!

05-05-2005, 04:31 PM	#11
snoody2004 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: YT! Posts: 548	Im sorry that has happend but hold it I think she might get better with the pills all dogs yelp when they are hurt but its normal Hope she feels better! __________________

05-05-2005, 08:51 AM	#2
kp&nala Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 972	i don't have any advise but i do hope your baby feels better. did the vet say how long it would take to heal or anything. i'd say atleast call the vet and see what they think, would another shot help or does it just need time to heel and try to keep her from jerking around? sorry i'm not much help.

05-05-2005, 08:54 AM	#3
Care28 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 248	We called the vet, I just couldn't take it anymore. Waiting for a callback now (as Kelli's Dr is in surgery). The assistant said that it will take a while to heal, and it won't just go away like we want it to (well of course we do, hearing a dog yelp like this and not being able to help them is heartbreaking). She wrote everything down and is going to have the Dr. call us back. If we don't hear from her by this afternoon, I'm calling again. She's shaking more than anything because she's so scared. I feel like the worst doggie parent in the world.

05-05-2005, 09:03 AM	#4
kp&nala Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 972	so sorry to hear your baby is so scared. i'm no doggie expert but mabye a warm bath and snuggling w/mom may help her feel better. i know when i'm sick a bath always makes me feel better. well unless your baby is like mine and can't stand bath time. did the vet say anthing about massaging the area? again sorry i don't have any good advise just trying to think of something i know what it's like to see your baby in pain and not be able to do anything for them. i would think if it is hurting her that bad then another shot may be your best bet so she will be comfortable. let us know what the vet says. nala sends puppy kisses to your baby.

05-05-2005, 09:12 AM	#5
Connie Loved by Maddie & Libby Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 10,732	The poor little sweetie! I'm so sorry she's in pain and it's so hard to see these little ones hurting! I hope the vet calls you soon and does x-rays. I don't have any advice but just wanted to wish you and your little one well! I'll be checking back to see what you find out! Good luck!

05-05-2005, 10:43 AM	#6
Care28 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 248	Thank you so much, both of you. Kelli isn't yelping that much this afternoon, but she's still shaking alot and if she jerks away from you it causes her to feel a little pain and yelp....I think after all she's been through it's painful, sore and tender I've never experienced this with another animal I've had, I have another dog and a cat....my cat is 15 years old, had him since he was 2 weeks and he's always been perfectly healthy, so this has startled me alot. Apparently, according to the Dr and our groomer this is fairly common in smaller dogs. I NEVER would have thought so, but the vet said they can even turn their neck the wrong way while looking at you and pinch the nerve. The meds they gave her are just to help with the pain, I guess it's somethign that has to heal on it's own....similarly to when we have pinched nerves. Still waiting on her Dr. to call back, she was in surgery and I'm not sure how long that will last. I'm anxious though to find out if we're on the right path to recovery or if we need to bring her back in. I'm sure I sound just like a nervous parent calling over everything. (she JUST got over a bladder infection that she had when we got her....they thought it was her kidneys at first).

05-05-2005, 01:09 PM	#9
Care28 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 248	lol, I wish Kelli was just faking this somehow...the part that bothers me is when she gets scared, now she hides. She'll go behind the table or a plant in the living room, or under the kitchen table. She hasn't been this skittish since she first came here in Feb. It took her a few days to warm up to all of us, but she finally did. I just hate the thought of her thinking we'd EVER harm her, I've done nothing but cry over this since she got hurt. The vet finally called back and prescribed some stronger medication. I'm heading up there to pick it up in a few....if this doesn't calm things a bit and she doesn't show some kind of improvement in the next 24 hours after taking her initial dose, we have to bring her to the vet so they can check her out. I just want her to be all better I miss her little playful bark even, I never thought I'd say that. She won't even bark much now because I guess it makes her jerk and it hurts her.

05-05-2005, 04:48 PM	#12
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	I am so very sorry to read this about your adopted baby. YorkieRose is right on target about her going back to the abuse part of her previous life...I am dealing with a herniated disc in my own back and I can tell you they can take forever to heal. The important thing is to love her, give her time and make sure you give her the meds the doctor prescribes. Even if she appears to not need it. You don't let her meds wear off and the pain start again. This will be a setback. As for hiding..I am like that myself but I can tell you-soft strokes and soft words of encouragement go a long way. I personally would NOT give her a bath. What I would do is look for one of those hot/cold paks that you can warm in the microwave. Hold her and wrap the heated pad gently around her neck and sing, rock, talk softly and soothing and tell her how much you love her. One thing more-ya gotta stop that crying and put on a happy face! She is very sensitive to negative actions (again from her previous life) and crying is seen as that. Talk upbeat and give her handfed treats-good foods not junk..Leave the heat on for 20 mins every 2 hours.. OF COURSE, YOU HAFTA RUN THIS BY YOUR VET FIRST!! And, if you have a holistic vet in your area, your baby could benefit from massage and any other therapy they offer. Your baby is in my prayers

05-05-2005, 04:53 PM	#13
Yorkie_GirL Oreo,Ginger&Cloey Owned Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: none of your business Posts: 1,270	I'm very sorry to what happened to your baby! I have a Cat that came from an abused shelter with cigarette burns all over her and all that stuff. She may be like YorkieRose said above, jumping back in fear, nervousness because she remembers what happened to her. I really hate seeing my doggies in pain. I know it can be very costly to bring to the vet, but I think the medication will help her feel better and she should be able to get back to her usual self. and in due time won't be so nervous/jumpy i hope best wishes to you and yours.

05-05-2005, 05:22 PM	#14
Marie Mom loves Gucci Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 6,427	Im so sorry your baby is hurting. I really dont have any advise, but wanted to tell you that I will have you both in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that the new meds work for her and she start to feel better. Gucci sents huggies and puppy kisses. __________________ Huggies, Gucci and Marie http://www.dogster.com/?132187 "I have been egged" Last edited by Marie; 05-05-2005 at 05:45 PM.

05-05-2005, 05:23 PM	#15
Care28 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 248	Thank you all so much, I'm so glad I found this board. Kelli hasn't yelped since earlier this afternoon crosses fingers - so we're hoping the meds are doing the trick. She still shakes and hides, but she just started that today so I'm hoping in a couple of days that will wear off. She started the new med tonight, so now she has three things to take - 2 types of pills and the drops (they taste like honey, according to the vet, she loves them!). We're being really ginger with her, not letting her jump a whole lot (she actually seems to be afraid of jumping now, for the most part, so that's a plus....but hopefully she won't shy away from it for good, as she loves to jump on the couch with her mommy). I'm hoping with this increase in meds she'll be back to herself in no time.