Hi and welcome to Dodgerslist. Everyone here has an IVDD dog so you have come to the right place. The first thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Yost to get back to enjoying life whether immediately walking or waiting on more nerve repair - IVDD is not a death sentence. Find out why that is true:
www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmI remember how upset I was after Frankie's surgery. After I learned more about the disease I felt less frightened and more able to care for him. A good place to start your education path and learn about the meds, the phases of healing, etc. is here:
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmI am going to ask a few questions to help us understand Yost's situation better.
▷ What is your name? I am Romy.
▷ Is the surgeon a general practice DVM or a specialist (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)?
▷ What was the date of the surgery? Are you now doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty and the surgeon directed PT? …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No chiro (aka VOM). What did your surgeon direct for PT and for post-op crate rest?
▷ Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move, tight tense tummy, can't find a comfortable position. Arched back. Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight, head held high or nose to the ground. Not their normal perky selves. Pain means your vet needs to know asap so that pain meds can be adjusted.
▷ How much does Yost weigh? Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given?
Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive against not eating, vomit, diarrhea, bleeding ulcers by giving doxie weight dogs 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory.
▷ Currently can Yost wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
▷ Can Yost specifically sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
▷ Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark or bright red blood?
▷ If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet.
www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/ Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
Healing thoughts for Yost.
