Baby is paralyzed

[Chickenlegs]

I posted earlier about a possibility of maggots in a baby's anus. I gave him some Capstar and pretty sure it was a false alarm. I was so concerned about the possiblity of maggots I didn't notice his back legs don't move. No strength or pain response. They hang like two little ropes. He weighs 70 grams and is about 3 weeks old--maybe a little older. I have Gabapentin (thanks to a TSB angel). When may I start it or is it appropriate. I have Prednisone in suspension per Nancy's instructions. Would that be a good place to start? I don't feel any bumps or breaks and of course he can't get to the vet till Monday at the earliest. In either case I need dosing from a smart person--pleeeeeeze!

[DarkLies212]

Positive vibes :hug

[stepnstone]

I posted earlier about a possibility of maggots in a baby's anus. I gave him some Capstar and pretty sure it was a false alarm. I was so concerned about the possiblity of maggots I didn't notice his back legs don't move. No strength or pain response. They hang like two little ropes. He weighs 70 grams and is about 3 weeks old--maybe a little older. I have Gabapentin (thanks to a TSB angel). When may I start it or is it appropriate. I have Prednisone in suspension per Nancy's instructions. Would that be a good place to start? I don't feel any bumps or breaks and of course he can't get to the vet till Monday at the earliest. In either case I need dosing from a smart person--pleeeeeeze!

I would start with the Prednisone, you have that dosing per Nancy I assume?
I've used Gabapentin on older squees dosed by vet, I'm not much help there.

[Milo's Mom]

I'd go with Pred.
Gabapentin is not really helpful for stuff like this and it usually is better when dosed with Metacam as they work synergistically. In other words Gabapentin is usually not used by itself as it is not a very powerful drug...unless you have a small problem and need small help then Gabapentin alone might be a good choice.
And if you go with Pred you can't use Metacam.
If you suspect pain Tramadol would be better, IMHO.

[lennysmom]

Well I can only speak from experience with my little Ana who came to me paralyzed from the waist down - she was on pain meds as well as Prednisone for the first week or so with a little movement - I'm sure the Pred brought the swelling down, but we had reached a plateau in her progress after several days. However when I started the Gabapentin, it was like a miracle drug for her. Within a couple of days, she began to lift her tail, and then later was able to push against my hand with her legs.
It did wonders for her!

[Chickenlegs]

Thanks everybody. I don't have the dosing for a 70 gram baby. I do have pred in suspension for Luray. He doesn't seem to be in pain--just lethargic and exhausted. We had a big storm last night. He was found at the University of Richmond. LOTS of trees over there. A maintenance man found him at 11 this morning. Little guy was out in the heat most of the day (not in the sun thank heavens) He's perked up a little? I hope to see improvement tomorrow. I have doseing for Luray who weighs a lot more than baby does. I guess I can work down to 70 grams so he gets something tonight. I guess he needs a name. Name him and he can't leave--right? How bout Skeeter.

[lennysmom]

Hopefully someone can give you the dosing instructions soon.
Sending many prayers for little Skeeter's recovery.:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

Thanks everybody. I don't have the dosing for a 70 gram baby. I do have pred in suspension for Luray. He doesn't seem to be in pain--just lethargic and exhausted. We had a big storm last night. He was found at the University of Richmond. LOTS of trees over there. A maintenance man found him at 11 this morning. Little guy was out in the heat most of the day (not in the sun thank heavens) He's perked up a little? I hope to see improvement tomorrow. I have doseing for Luray who weighs a lot more than baby does. I guess I can work down to 70 grams so he gets something tonight. I guess he needs a name. Name him and he can't leave--right? How bout Skeeter.

Pat what do you need dosing help with?
I will send it in a pm for the Prednisone.
Do you also want it for the Gabapentin?

Edit: You can use Gabapentin and Prednisone together.

[Chickenlegs]

Pat what do you need dosing help with?
I will send it in a pm for the Prednisone.
Do you also want it for the Gabapentin?

Edit: You can use Gabapentin and Prednisone together.

Thanks Nancy. I got the PM for the Prednisone. I'll start Gabepentin if you think it will help. Little guy is hangin with me (literally--in a pouch around my neck. The other babies were piling on top of him). He takes diluted formula now and tho he doesn't eat a lot, he eats eagerly. I did give him a drop of pred last night and another just now (it was VERY late last night) He's hangin in there and as long as he does I will.

[redwuff]

Hi Pat,

Prayers for your little... Is he urinating and pooping?

It might be how he is laying but it does look like there might be a problem in his spine at around T-10. But pred is definitely the way to go as Betsy said.

[Chickenlegs]

Hi Pat,

Prayers for your little... Is he urinating and pooping?

It might be how he is laying but it does look like there might be a problem in his spine at around T-10. But pred is definitely the way to go as Betsy said.
He does pee and poop. I thought his back was broken but in the picture he's desperately trying to get his blankie around him. I'll take better pix tonight. He's started Prednisone and I have fingers and toes crossed that I'll see progress today. At least he's moving now!