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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 14, 2015 8:33:17 GMT -7
Hi everyone,
I'm Hops. Please forgive me if this posting is in the wrong place! My 16 month old Pembroke Corgi is Rango. He's about 11kg/24lb and he's a very active dog. We play soccer in the park almost everyday. He's amazing the way he controls the ball with his snout! We have a long hallway in our apartment building where we play fetch with the racquetball when it's too hot to be outside.
Because he's so active, he's taken a few knocks. A few times we've taken him to the vet because he's limping on one of his front legs. Always the same results. We cut all activity except walks on the leash and give him something for the pain and he's fine in a week or two.
Recently, he's been limping again, this time favoring his front right leg. It's time to re-up his vaccinations, so I took him to the vet on Wednesday (It's now Sunday.) and asked about it. The vet didn't seem too bothered by it. He's not holding himself all hunched or in a strange position, just favoring the leg. Probably another pulled muscle or something similar.
But, she checked his back, like she always does on every visit because he's a corgi, just feeling each vertebra and putting mild pressure to see how he reacts. When she got to about the middle of his back, he tensed up. I could see it. He didn't yelp or anything, just reacted when she got to one spot in a way that he didn't when she was feeling the rest of his back.
She said, possibly an infection, since he had a bit of a fever. Possibly trauma, since he's so active. Possibly IVDD. She gave us a few days of pain meds and something for the infection. She said to avoid all exercise. Walks only, no stairs, no running, no jumping.
We're pretty much used to the restricted exercise with his injuries, but I'm worried, so we've been super careful. There are stairs at the entrance of our building and we've been carrying him over them since Wednesday to go for walks, avoiding all curbs and keeping him on the leash so he doesn't run.
This is a complete surprise to us. I know corgis are predisposed to IVDD, but our breeder assured us that none of his dogs ever had it, and Rango never showed any symptoms. We still don't know if it is IVDD. I mean, the only thing we have to go on is that he tensed up when the vet touched his back.
We went back to the vet today. His last dose of meds was Friday night. This time when she touched the same spot on his back while he was standing, he sat down. I got him to stand up, she felt the same spot again, and he sat down again. So he has discomfort there. But what does that mean? His gait is normal. He's not hunched. No issues urinating or defecating. No signs of discomfort being picked up or handled in any other spot.
We consulted with two surgeons today who both advised against getting an x-ray with contrast to determine if it is a disc issue. They said it's invasive and risky and he hasn't suffered an obvious traumatic event and isn't in extreme pain or paralyzed.
We have another 4 days of pain meds and another appointment for Wednesday. Meanwhile poor Rango is losing his mind and wondering why we're not playing ball or tug like we always do. We're still going for walks on the leash. He still sleeps with us in the bed. We don't even own a crate that will fit him anymore.
So, I'm sorry for the long post. How can I get more answers? What should I be doing to help my pup? Thanks for any advice or ideas you all have.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Jun 14, 2015 9:00:26 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your dog to get back to enjoying life whether immediately walking or waiting on more nerve repair.
It sounds like Rango is having pain issues.
Here are some questions to consider to determine if IVDD could be the cause.
Has your vet recommended 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks?
NOTE: 100% STRICT rest 24/7 for 8 weeks only out for a very few footsteps at potty time means: no laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. There are no meds to heal a disc... just time of 8 weeks and limited movement. If there is muscle atrophy it will come back soon after crate rest when it is safe to do active PT.
PAIN -- Does he shiver, tremble, or yelp when picked up or moved? Or is Rango reluctant/slow to move head or body and is his tummy tight or hard? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour of pain meds and stays that way dose to dose. Your vet needs to know asap to adjust meds if there are pain signs.
-- I noticed you posted Rango's weight in kg. What country are you from?
-- Please list the exact names of meds currently given, the start date, their doses in mgs and how often you give.
-- Eating and drinking OK?
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood?
Also crating a dog with IVDD symptoms is necessary to insure healing. The following are guidelines for insuring Rango gets the rest he needs.
It is imperative to keep the dog quiet 24/7 during the recovery period of 6 weeks post surgery or 8 weeks if the dog is recuperating with conservative treatment (crate rest and medical management). Conservatively treated dogs, however, follow a plan of 8 weeks of quiet and rest to allow the disc to fully heal. Dogs on conservative treatment are limited only to a few minimal footsteps at potty time.
Options for recovery suites
Wire crates are tolerated well by most dogs over the plastic airline crates. Wire crates can be purchased or modified so the top opens to lift the dog in and out of the crate. Playpens, ex-pens or with noted restrictions for pet strollers are other options. Size of the recovery suite should only be big enough to stand up, turn around and when lying down to fully stretch out legs. Pad out extra room with a rolled up blanket or towel
We have a nice refresher summary of how conservative treatment works. Even if you have been through a disc episode with a previous dog, it is always good to make to hit all the important points again. Here is the link — look for the yellow button on our IVDD 101 page: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm
You may like to look over our member tips and ideas to help make crate rest go smoother for the next 8 weeks. 8 weeks is how long it takes for the disc to heal. Check out the rose color box to the far top left for lots of good supply tips for your dog's recovery suite: www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm
Our supplies list www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/cratetopconvert.pdf has many very good tips including Michelle's. You can adapt your own crate to a top opening one www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/cratetopconvert.pdf
It's good Rango is still getting pain meds. Did your vet recommend Pepsid to avoid stomach upset while on the pain meds? If not, you should discuss it with her. The following contains information and links regarding the use and benefits of including Pepsid with your dog's meds. It is available at most pharmacies and does not require a prescription. IF your dog is taking a steroid or a NSAID then Pepcid AC should be on board.
PEPCID AC (the generic is Famotidine) is an acid reducer to protect the stomach from bleeding and ulcers. Available in 20 mg tablet only. Doxies typically take 5mgs 2x a day. A non-prescription brand X famotidine out in the store's shelves in a 10 mg tablet for quite a savings over brand name Pepcid AC. Just like people get stressed and get ulcers from stomach acids..dogs do too. When you talk to your vet ask her in this particular way: Does my dog have any health issues of heart, kidney or liver that he may not use Pepcid AC? Pepcid AC has been made over the counter because it is generally safe and good insurance for a dog during an episode. More detail on Pepcid AC: www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html
IF the dog is taking a steroid or a NSAID then Pepcid AC should be on board.
If you are from ENGLAND
Pepcid is only available via prescription in the UK so you would need to ask for one from the vet. Ranitidine, a different acid reducer, is available over the counter at the chemist there in the UK.
IF your dog is taking a steroid or a NSAID then Pepcid AC should be on board.
I know how hard it can be to keep an active dog confined, but the time he spends healing will help to insure his life returns to normal. Please keep us posted on how Rango's condition progresses. Good luck to you both.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 14, 2015 9:54:28 GMT -7
Hops, I want to underscore what Ann wrote you--- the need for 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out at potty times any time that there is a suspicion of a disc episode which your vet did suspicion. No going on walks---only a very, very few footsteps at potty time. Movement of walking, too much movement of the back can cause a worse disc tear leading to loss of leg functions. Until you know for sure you are not dealing with a disc episode, crating is essential. Right now the symptoms are mild of pain only and if this is indeed a disc episode you want to ensure the symptoms do not progress beyond pain into nerve damage: We look forward to learning more about Rango with the answers to Ann's questions. |
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 14, 2015 18:26:57 GMT -7
Thank you so much for your responses! We will confine Rango to his exercise pen starting today. We go back to the vet on Wednesday. Do you have any suggestions for what we should ask her? It's making me a little bit crazy that we don't know anything for sure.
We live in Taiwan. The vet mentioned that we could travel to Taipei from our city for a neurological exam. This would be quite expensive and difficult for us to undertake. Of course I'm willing to do anything to make sure my pup is getting the best care possible. Would you advise doing this? Or waiting to see how he responds to confinement?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 14, 2015 18:52:22 GMT -7
Hops we are a bit challenged to make comments until we learn more about Rango.
Can you answers these questions to fill us in on Rango?
☐ Do you see any of these signs of pain currently/today: - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy?
☐ How much does Rango weigh? Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given? Please include the stomach protector: Pepcid AC (famotidine)
☐ Is there any neuro diminishment, such as the nails grazing the floor? Are the legs a bit wobbly?
☐ Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood?
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 15, 2015 6:26:48 GMT -7
We are one sad family right now. Rango is in his pen and doesn't understand why. And the humans are just worried worried worried. I'd like to post some photos of his set up and get some feedback, but I'm not sure how.
I wonder if it's advisable to get some doggy Benadryl or something similar to help him stay calm and adjust to his new (temporary!) life. With the pain medication he's taking, he seems totally fine and wants to play. I'm also worried about him while I'm at work. I think he usually just snoozes while we're away, but I definitely don't want him jumping up and injuring himself more.
Also, I'm so, so thankful for this board and all the resources you people have compiled. If I hadn't read through the materials you posted, (and then kept reading and reading!) I'd still be trying to take Rango on walks, still letting him go up stairs, still putting him in situations where he could cause himself serious harm. I can't say thank you enough. This is just the beginning of our journey, but already I'm feeling more hopeful and it's because I'm informed! THANK YOU.
[9 hours ago]:
☐ Do you see any of these signs of pain currently/today: No signs of pain at all. He's full of beans. On Sunday, he didn't have any pain meds since Friday night. I took him with me to brunch and he was reluctant to walk, though I think that was more due to the fact that it was 35C/95F outside. We went slowly and then when the shaded walkway ended and we needed to cross the street in the sun, he stood firm and wouldn't walk anymore and I carried him the rest of the way.
☐ He weighs 11kg/24lb. He's taking
Prevocox and
Famotidine once a day (morning) with his meal. I don't know the mg, but it's a half a small white pill for the Famotidine and one brown pill for the Prevocox.
☐ Is there any neuro diminishment? No wobbly legs, knuckling, incontinence or any of that. When he was off the pain meds on Sunday, his old limp on his front right leg returned, though it was better than last Wednesday. He was slower, like he wasn't feeling too hot (or maybe like he was too hot. It's really hot here!)
☐ Still eating and drinking with gusto. Urine and feces normal.
Of course I'm wary that the pain meds make him think he's ok when he's not. He's so full of energy now and is currently looking at me like "why aren't we playing?"
My boyfriend wants to take him off the pain meds tomorrow so we can see how he is without them, like any signs of pain or discomfort. It seems logical to me, but I'm worried about the inflammation. He also tried to walk him Sunday evening (when it was cooler) before Rango's meds kicked in. He said Rango just didn't want to go. He kept stopping and refusing to move.
Ugh. This sucks! I'm so worried about my little guy!
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Post by Debbie Blackwelder on Jun 15, 2015 9:09:52 GMT -7
Hops, This is your quote from your vet, "She said to avoid all exercise. Walks only, no stairs, no running, no jumping." Avoiding all exercise means no walking either. If this is IVDD then you are doing Rango additional harm by walking him.
100% Strict crate rest for 8 weeks means: only out for a very few footsteps at potty time means: no laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. There are no meds to heal a disc... just time of 8 weeks and limited movement. If there is muscle atrophy it will come back soon after crate rest when it is safe to do active PT.
Why would you try to wean Rango off pain meds if he is clearly still in pain? IVDD takes time to heal and lots of patience. If you do not give the suspicious disc time to heal then Rango will continue to hurt and not heal, keeping you in a vicious cycle of returning back and forth to the vet for more meds and more healing time.
Thank you for answering those questions that were asked earlier. Your crate rest started on 6/14 for Rango, so you are only one day into treatment, this is going to take 8 full weeks of no walking to heal.
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 15, 2015 9:23:50 GMT -7
Got it! He's in his pen and comfortable until August 14th. We're committed to seeing his conservative treatment through 100%! Thanks very much. I'll post again with updates later.
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 16, 2015 8:36:46 GMT -7
OK so we're on day 2. We folded Rango's old ex pen into a small square and put a bed inside and some rolled up towels in the extra space. I think I need to beef up the towel side maybe with a blanket, or should I try to keep it the same height as the mattress? (See photos below.) We tied some water jugs to keep it in place in case he gets antsy and tries to move it. He is getting quite sad to be in there and whining sometimes. I think I will definitely ask the vet for something to calm him. I already use a spray of a few drops of lavender essential oil and water, but I'm not sure how effective it is. It's going to be a long two months unless he can chill out! I'm going to have some amazing arms from carrying him outside our apartment building to pee 5x/day! He tries to run down the street as soon as he finishes. I keep him on a leash and limit his movement as much as I can.We crate trained him as a young pup and then he had a few months more in the ex pen once he was housebroken until we felt comfortable leaving him home alone. He never really took to it. I've been putting cushions on the floor so I can sit close to him. Do you have any suggestions for helping him cope with his new situation? Or is it like the nerves and it just takes time? 
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Post by Debbie Blackwelder on Jun 16, 2015 10:34:56 GMT -7
Hops, here are a few tips and suggestions for you to try if you can. ENTERTAINMENT: Place the crate near a window with a view, on the coffee table in front of couch where you sit. Place the crate so the dog will be in the middle of family activities, near your bed at night. Secure crate to a flat moving dolly (or put casters on plywood) to easily move the crate room to room. Fill a kong with a slight slather of soft dog food and freeze. Put part of the dog's total daily dinner kibble in the kong to lengthen time to consume dinner. Good low cal snacks are carrots, apples, or frozen green beans, licking a frozen low sodium broth ice cube. Good thick low salt/no fat chicken broth is full of cartilage-building proteins and amino acids. Freeze it up into cubes for easy access as you need it. Fun and keeps the body hydrated: place cubes in a bowl for licking. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSETTING UP A CRATE AND OTHER TIPS: Crate Rest Recovery Process - Crate Rest Details www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmThanks for the pictures, it really helps to see what you are describing. Maybe this will give you a few ideas to try. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 16, 2015 11:07:07 GMT -7
Hops, the size of the recovery suite looks good. I would attach his water and food bowls to the inside of the crate so he has full use of his recovery suit to fully stretch his legs out and turn around in. Make a bowl holder from any plastic food container. You punch two holes in the plastic container, secure to the crate wires with a tie wrap, wire, etc at head height.  |
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 17, 2015 5:12:37 GMT -7
We went back to the vet today. Rango was thrilled for the change of scenery! She felt his back three times and he showed no reaction at all. He did have painkiller this morning though, about 11 hours before our appointment. How long does it provide relief? Am I wrong to get my hopes up? She gave me 3 more days of meds, but said only to give them to him if we see signs of pain. She also said that if we don't see signs of pain, that we could take him for a ten minute walk each day to help bring his spirits up. Of course I'm worried that this is too soon. Although, his signs of pain were mild and he had no loss of function or other symptoms. So if the pain is gone, does that mean it wasn't a disc issue? We have another appointment on Sunday.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 17, 2015 7:50:07 GMT -7
Hops, so we can follow along, can you give us an updated list the meds with dose in mg and often given. 11kg/24lb Prevocox ?mgs ?x/day Famotidine ?mgs ?x/day Exact name of pain med(s) ?mgs ?x/day  There are 4 phases of healing during a disc episode and each phase is healed differently. Many forget, including vets, the single most important part of conservative treatment is the care of the disc so the body can heal the disc. Meds work only to get painful swelling down, mask pain, and protect the GI tract. There are no meds to heal a disc. Any time it is suspicioned this might be a disc problem as your vet told you (possibly an infection, possibly trauma, possibly IVDD) then it is prudent to continue with conservative treatment and not cheat on it. A disc takes 8 weeks to form good secure scar tissue. If crate rest is cheated on by going for walks then there is the real possibility that too much movement will disrupt the scar tissue forming on the bulging disc, causing a tear (herniation), causing damage to the the spinal cord beyond just mild symptoms of pain..... moving to loss of leg function, loss of bladder control. |
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 17, 2015 8:56:36 GMT -7
Rango had his last dose of famotidine (25mg) and prevocox (125mg) this morning (Wed) with his meal. There's no other medication. As per the vet's instructions, we're not going to give him any tomorrow and watch for signs of pain. We have more to give him if he needs it. We have a long weekend coming up here in Taiwan, and I will be spending it on the floor next to my sweet Rango. I won't take him for any walks until my vet is sure that 1) it's not IVDD and it's safe or 2) it is IVDD and he's completed his confinement period and it's safe.
Thank you again. My mind keeps looking for ways to get out of this situation, but we just need to be strong and tough it out.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 17, 2015 16:45:34 GMT -7
We all have our fingers crossed there will be no signs of pain with the stop of Previcox now. Do keep us posted how things are going.
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 18, 2015 22:56:26 GMT -7
It's now Friday afternoon, two days since Rango's last dose of Previcox. He's full of energy and showing no signs of a limp (front or back) when I carry him down to use the hydrant. I let him take a few extra steps to gauge. No wobbly walk or any other signs of pain or loss of function. Regardless what the vet tells us on Sunday, we're going to get a second opinion, just to be sure. Before we went back upstairs just now, I let him sit next to me on the stoop and watch the world for a little bit. It's hard being all cooped up all the time. I'm not giving him as many treats as I want to because I'm worried about weight gain. But, as you can see, he really enjoyed sitting outside for a few minutes!  |
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Peyton
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Post by Peyton on Jun 19, 2015 10:15:06 GMT -7
What a great photo! I'm so glad he's doing better - keep up the good work on crate rest!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2015 12:19:54 GMT -7
Hops good to see Rango remains comfortable when off of Previcox. Looks like Rando has a collar and leash on. With an IVDD dog, collars are relagated to becoming a necklace to simply hold tags. Can you get Rango a harness for him to wear from now on whenever you need a place to attach a leash to. |
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 19, 2015 20:18:18 GMT -7
I can definitely get a harness. What do you think about the Gentle Leader type ones that connect to the leash in the front? Is that safe for him? I've seen so many dogs in harnesses pulling hard and Rango does pull sometimes. When we can go on walks again, I'd prefer it not to be a struggle. (Of course, I could be a better owner and work harder to train the pulling tendency out of him.)
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,548
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 19, 2015 21:48:57 GMT -7
A Gentle Leader may be a good harness for training. Right now the concern is to control speed, control darting off, so we are not training but protecting during conservative treatment. I believe a normal harness would be best suited to control movement whenever Rango is out of his recovery suite until graduation.
You may want to view this video for ideas to use after graduation in training Rango not to pull.
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 21, 2015 2:42:36 GMT -7
OK, so it's Sunday, 11 days since we first took Rango to the vet and she felt that his back had some discomfort. We went back today and she felt his back again with her hand and he showed no reaction. He remains off all medication. He walked down the hallway and she said his gait was normal. He also got his 8-in-1 vaccination booster today. When I said that he seems fine, she agreed and advised limited activity for the rest of June. She asked me if he jumps up on the furniture or on the bed. He doesn't; we always pick him up to put him on or take him off all the furniture. She said then he can come out of his confinement as long as he doesn't jump up. Very short walks on the leash (with the new harness!) only until the end of June and then in July we can gradually start upping his activity.
When we left the vet, we drove around the block to the other vet for a second opinion. I've never taken Rango to this second vet before, but they come highly recommended. I explained the whole situation to vet #2 and asked her to take a look and tell me what she thought. She did a thorough examination, including using forceps to lightly pinch the skin all down his back. With each pinch, I could see the skin rippling like a reflex reaction. She said his spine is a little bit compressed, maybe from genetics, maybe from too much activity when he was a young puppy, or maybe it's just his shape. She said he can exercise and he can run, but no jumping and no stairs and no more soccer. She gave me Synoquin EFA Small Breed Tablets as a supplement and said we should do what we can to protect his back, but that he can live a pretty normal life. She suggested that we get a ramp, not stairs, so he can climb up onto the furniture by himself.
Right now, Rango is snoozing on the floor beside me. I haven't packed up his crate yet, as I'm anxious to hear your opinions and discuss it with my boyfriend when he gets home.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 21, 2015 4:22:24 GMT -7
I'm so glad you haven't packed up his crate yet, Hops! The fact that Rango's pain is gone is great and means that the swelling that was pressing on the nerves of the spine has resolved. The fact that his gait is normal is wonderful, too, as that means that there has been no nerve damage from the damaged disc pressing on his spine. His healing is proceeding in a wonderful direction.
However, that does not mean that the damaged disc has healed yet. It takes a full 8 weeks of strict crate rest with limited movement of the spine for a torn, ruptured disc to heal and form scar tissue. Too much movement and the damaged disc can re-tear and you'll be back to square one or even worse if nerve damage occurs. Just a few days ago, Rango as showing signs of pain and reluctance to move, which are signs of IVDD. The proper steps were taken to help his spine heal and he has made excellent progress in getting the swelling down. But that's only the first steps in his healing. Please do take another look at the video Paula posted on 6/17 to see how movement can cause further damage to a disc.
The second vet even observed spinal compression during her exam. Spinal compression is caused by any condition that causes pressure on the spine. This could very well be caused by IVDD. Until you get a diagnosis that is other than IVDD, you must take the safest direction and treat for IVDD. It just isn't worth the risk of causing further damage to Rango's spine, possibly resulting in loss of bladder/bowel control and paralysis, which may or may not heal once it happens.
I understand that you have taken Rango to two different vets, both of whom say that he can now discontinue crate rest. Please understand that often we see vets in this forum who have not seen enough cases of IVDD to fully understand how to treat it. We at Dodgerslist are in a position to have watched over 7,000 vets world wide, watch the effect their treatments have. Over the years since 2002 since this group has been observing, a clear pattern established itself on what works and what does not. We have consulted with neurologists and have done our own additional reading and research into medical literature to try and understand the why's with meds, with rest. That is what we have to share with you.
Please do continue with 100% strict crate rest, carrying Rango in and out to do potty with a very few steps at potty time, for the full 8 weeks to protect his spine from damage and allow the disc to heal. It's a small blip in time versus the risk of serious spinal damage.
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 21, 2015 5:34:35 GMT -7
OK. I'm worried and conflicted. Thank you for the strong recommendation. My vet told me last week that I could get a more definitive diagnosis from a neurologist in Taipei. This would be incredibly difficult and expensive for us. Can you please share what a neurological exam entails? And is it possible that the diagnosis would still be unclear even after the exam?
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 21, 2015 6:13:07 GMT -7
The only reason a neurologist's services would be necessary at this point is if Rango's condition worsened - loss of neuro function such as bladder/bowel function, leg movement. At this point, the swelling has obviously resolved since all meds have been stopped and there is no pain. IVDD is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, some of which have already resolved. So it may be difficult for a neurologist at this point to make a good diagnosis. The only definitive way to diagnose IVDD is with an MRI, which is very costly and is usually only done prior to surgery, which is not indicated in Rango's case as he has no neuro deficits. Also anesthesia is necessary for an MRI and that can be dangerous for a dog with IVDD as all core muscles supporting the spine are relaxed.
The best course of action for you at this point would be to continue with what has been working - the strict 100% 24/7 crate rest. It doesn't cost anything and is the safe, prudent way to go. Yes, he'll be crated for that period of time. But if you let him have too much movement and he gets worse, even paralyzed, you'd have so many regrets and you can't go back and make the decision again. If you continue with the crate rest, you'll know that you're doing everything possible to prevent spinal injury.
I meant to mention, too, that the ramps onto furniture is a very good idea for after the 8 weeks of crate rest and no stairs, rough playing or jumping will be for the rest of Rango's life as IVDD is a lifelong disease and a degenerated disease can tear or rupture at any time in the future.
I was given incorrect advice by my Jeremy's ER vet. Though given a diagnosis of IVDD based on his symptoms alone (pain and a little wobbly in his hind legs), he said I could let him walk around the house. Within a day and a half, his hind legs were completely paralyzed with no deep pain sensation. Emergency surgery was required and it took 6 months for him to walk again, though he still doesn't walk normally and his bladder/bowel control has never returned. So please play it safe and continue with conservative care.
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Post by Hops & Rango on Jun 21, 2015 21:45:22 GMT -7
Marjorie, thank you for sharing Jeremy's story. That is a heartbreaking kick in the pants that I needed. Rango is back safely in his pen, where he will stay for the duration. We have another vet appointment in a month to reassess. I'm spending a lot of time at home just sitting with him and petting him through the door in his pen. We rarely get this kind of sweet, quiet time because he's usually all about playing, so I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can.
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