Ricky hit by car...and survived!
 

We are new to this forum, and very happy to find you.

Ricky was hit a few days ago and immediately taken to the hospital. He was medicated and xrays were taken. Amazingly, no bones were broken, but possibly one rib fractured. He has no feeling/control over his right front leg. 4 days later, still not responding to any touch in that leg/paw.

The vet gave us 3 medications...Gabapentin(50mg), Omeprazole(10mg), and tramadol(50mg)1/4 tablet.

Seems like the Gabapentin causes marked drowsiness and short quick breaths...any one experience this and is it normal? I know the drowsiness is but the breathing concerns me. A vet told me last night that he was probably worked up in a dream...really?

As I write this...he popped up from his restful state, wanted to go outside and do his business. Which leads me to the next question...runny stool with what looks like a little blood...to be expected after being hit by a car/side effect of medicine perhaps?

Anyone have experience with these meds and there effects...

Ricky is 6 yrs old, 14 lbs....a tough little dog. 4 Vets that have evaluated him are split on hope for regaining control of the leg, any thoughts on that?

Thanks all...This has been very difficult...and I have read some of your threads for hope.

Bill

I'm so sorry about your little boy. I'm others with more experience will come on to help. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ricky.

Hi Bill, I am so sorry for you. Unfortunately, I have experience in this area. My dear Charlie was hit by a car several months ago. The xrays did not show any breaks, but he was paralyzed in his hind legs. He survived 4 more days but had internal injuries and passed on the 4th day at the vet's. Our baby was 15 pounds and 5 years. Our vet told us from the first day, that he felt his feeling would come back. He explained it as some type of shock on the spine. However, he also told us to not get our hopes up until after 4 days. He passed early Sunday morning, which was the 4th day. If I were in your place, I would call the vet and tell them about the blood in the stool. Charlie also took little tiny pants, but he was not walking or eating. Count your blessings that it appears to be only one affected leg. I read that it can take up to a year for them to get total mobility back and some never do. I am truly sorry for you. I know my family will never be the same. I will be praying for Rick and your family.

So sorry about Rickey. Saying prayers here.....

I am so sorry. I will say a prayer that he recovers fully.

If he has blood in his stool, I would let the vet check him ASAP. Let the vet determine what that is from and what to do. If he's got a slow bleeder or late effect from the trauma, vet needs to know as it can pool slowly inside the abdomen. Could be from stress colitis or his meds but the vet needs to see him after what he's been through.

I am so sorry... sending prayers for your poor little guy.

Oh my. I hope the little guy is ok. I would go back to the vet for the blood in stool.

Oh no poor little Ricky I'm so sorry. Saying Prayers for Ricky

Crossing our paws and fingers for Ricky and sending our love and prayers to the little boy,

Welcome to YT and sorry it is under such circumstances. Since Ricky has been evaluated by 4 vets, it sounds like you are staying on top of his condition, but like the others said, I would report the blood in his stool. I would be concerned about internal injuries. Neither the gabapentin (for nerve pain) nor the tramadol (pain med) are known necessarily for irritating the stomach, and the omeprazole (prilosec) is used to treat stomach irritation. The potential for internal injuries concerns me as a more immediate problem. The use of the leg sounds like a longer term recovery issue, once you know he doesn't have any internal damage. I would think that a contrast CT scan or bleeding scan wouldn't be a bad idea at this point. Good luck and keep us updated. Prayers for Rickys complete recovery. (Love the names Ricky & Lucy!!!)

sending prayers for your ricky..

Hi, I am so sorry to hear about your little Ricky. I hope he recovers from his injuries. I agree...the blood in his stool has too many possible causes to let it go. I'd want to have that checked. Sending healing thoughts and best wishes, hugs and Yorkie kisses.

Thank you all for the words of support! It means very much to us.

It was a long weekend, but he has made it through and we feel improving. He is seeking out food and water on his own and taken to walking on three legs quite quickly. His poops have solidified and I dont see anymore blood. He is still not his old self, but am hopeful that when we ween him of the medications this week, he will start to regain his strength and attitude.

Had a follow up with my vet this morning, and he was a little disappointed that there is still no sensation in the right front leg. We are moving next week, so we will give the leg more time to mend(we hope).

Thank you for the advice, some have mentioned the use of chiropractic care for dogs....anyone have experience with this? I personally had a bad fall years ago and felt that it helped my joints and associated nerves...maybe can do the same in dogs?

Also, he is not currently on a joint supplement, but think I want to begin one for him...what do you all like for your pups?

Thanks again,
Bill

I have had lots of experience with Chiropractic care for dogs & I very much favor it. You can read about VOM here in the YT Library.

Great news...After a move across country, getting Rickster off the medication and All the good vibes everyone sent Ricky's way has helped. He has regained his strength and attitude.

Still no use of the right front leg. He does not seem to be slowed down by it. He is happy and playful once again. At some point we'll have to decide about the leg, which is not a decision I like making.

Thanks all for the thoughts, comments, and advice,

Bill

So sorry this happened to your Ricky, glad to hear he's improving. A vet physical therapist would probably help, too. We took Bogey to one after he fractured his elbow. We weren't given good odds for surgical results so we opted out of surgery. He is on a joint supplement (forever) and runs and plays like nothing ever happened. We were also told to keep his weight down to reduce stress on the joint.

Prayers for Ricky. I am so sad that sweet little guy was hit. I hope he recovers soon. Yorkies are fast little fellas. Tough too. Lots of love and attention and hopefully he will be fine.

Im so sorry, hope he is better soon

So glad ricky is better- our prayers are heard and favor given- my yorkie tàkes dasuquin a med for his legs- check this out i hope it could help rickys leg- i am thanking the lord today for precious ricky-