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Post by Deb & Ruby on May 26, 2019 10:54:40 GMT -7
2nd go around with IVDD Ruby has had another episode. 3 years ago -2016 she had a disk issue in her neck that was operated on and she recovered 100% Wednesday 5-22-2019 she was running in the yard and went down. She stopped, turned and looked at me in panic. I knew just what it was and ran to her, she tried to come to me but her legs were dragging. We rushed her to the ER. The neurologist this time is recommending conservative treatment, as he states she has feeling in her legs. I believe she does have feeling in her legs (left leg better than the right) but walks like a drunk with the help of a sling when out for a potty break. Ruby weighs 10 pounds Meds: Prednisone 2 1/2 mg every 12 hours, Tramadol 25 mg every 12 hours Prescribed Gabapentin 50mg every 12 hours, since dropped to 25 mg as it appeared to be too much for her due to almost total loss of coordination in back legs. [Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
10 lbs
Prednisone as of 5/23: 2.5 gs 2x/day for ? days, then a test taper to reveal if any issues: __ pain __neuro
tramadol 25mgs 2x/ay
gabapentin 25mgs 2x/day
no GI tract protector Pepcid AC on board! ]
My question is that I would like to start therapy with her as soon as is beneficial. I have read that the cold laser therapy is very beneficial when started early to assist healing. Any comments about this therapy and when to start? Thanks! Deb |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 26, 2019 12:24:05 GMT -7
Deb, sounds like you did the right thing immediately recognizing the need to get vet help asap. Getting meds on board and restricting movement are key elements in preventing worsening or permanent nerve damage--- good job! Rest for the conservatively treated dog must necessarily be much stricter than for a post-op dog. STRICT means: ◼︎no laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you ◼︎no chiro therapy "whys": __ www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm ◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times. ◼︎no PT for conservative dogs during 8 weeks to heal disc ◼︎laser or acupuncture for severe neuro damage is best at home via a mobile vet. Transports are always a risk to the disc of too much movement. Vet visits must be weighed risk vs. benefit when often things like med adjustments can be taken care of over the phone. Is Ruby now moving her legs in a walking motion when supported by the sling at potty time? And she has bladder control proved by observing that she sniff and then releases urine and she is not leaking on you when lifted up? IF yes, on both accounts, keep up the strict rest and limited movement of her back to ensure she will have ample opportunity to heal those nerves with time and heal the bad disc in 8 weeks. Can you verify with your vet if Ruby has any health issue to prevent her from using Pepcid AC? All anti-inflammatories can damage the stomach. Proactive vets don't wait til there is nausea, vomit, diareah leading to serious bleeding ulcers from the extra stomach acids predisone causes. The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) with a disc episode for doxies is 5mgs 2x/day (0.44mg mg per pound every 12 hours.) Get at the grocery store but FIRST do ask your vet in this very, very particular way: Is there a medical/health reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC (famotidine)? Doesn’t need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question! Understand your pet's meds, knowledge IS an important safety factor: 1) www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html and 2) marvistavet.com/famotidine.pml Is all pain in control right up the next 12 hr dose? IF not call and get an Rx for the more usual every 8 hrs these pain meds need for round the clock relief.
— Methocarbamol works on the pain of muscle spasms. — Tramadol is the general pain reliever. — Gabapentin works on nerve pain. Have no patience with pain as it does hinder healing. Look for your dog to be acting their normal, perky self when pain is fully under control round the clock.
SIGNS OF PAIN: ◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy ◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ◻︎ not their normal perky selves |
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Post by Deb & Ruby on May 26, 2019 14:34:33 GMT -7
Paula,
Update on Ruby's meds Prednisone 2 1/2 mg every 12 hours for 7 days 2 1/2 mg every 24 hours then 2 1/2 mg every 48 hours. End of script at that point. But we see the Dr after the 2 nd week.
There is no reason she cannot take pepcid... I will add it.
You mentioned using a mobile vet for the Cold Laser but there is not one near us. There is an outstanding vet rehab close though. Also, when is it best to start...asap or after 2 weeks etc?
Thanks Deb
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Post by Julie & Perry on May 26, 2019 16:08:08 GMT -7
Deb, it's a judgement call.
Of course it's best to have a mobile unit visit.
However, if Ruby is severely impacted neurologically, you have to decide if it's worth the risk to transport her to get the treatment done.
When my Nala was having a severe episode and was down in both back legs and not responding to conservative crate rest, I decided to transport her to a vet's 5 minutes away for cold laser treatment.
I took her in a crate with rolled towels all around her and seat belted the crate. Carried it in and held her on the table during treatment.
She responded well, and for me and Nala it was the right decision.
Hopefully this helps you and Ruby.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 26, 2019 17:54:08 GMT -7
Deb, is Ruby now moving her legs in a walking motion when supported by the sling at potty time? And she has bladder control proved by observing that she sniffs and then releases urine and she is not leaking on you when lifted up?
It helps us in answering to understand Ruby's neuro issues when you can give us details.
Take a look at the healing order and where Ruby is on the list below. If not a severe neuro issue, then one must carefully weigh the risks of transporting in to a vet clnic to get laser therapy vs staying at home where the disc is protected from too much movement. Nerves can actually heal all by themselves. Just like a broken bone heals all by itself IF there is limited movement of the cast. The recovery suite is that cast for the damaged disc, that is can heal and not tear with too much movement. If that disc would further tear, then the spinal cord is subject to worse damage.
As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. Where do you observe Ruby in the list below —has bladder control? paws knuckle under? or is walking but wobbly?
1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord
2. Wobbly walking, legs cross
3. Nails/toes scuffing floor
4. Paws knuckle under
5. Weak/little leg movement, can't move up into a stand
6. Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down)
7. Bladder control is lost. Leaks on you when lifted. Can no longer sniff and then pee on that old urine spot outdoors.
8. Tail wagging with joy is lost
9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment.
Let us know when you have Pepcid AC on board— ?mgs and how often giving it.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on May 26, 2019 19:06:54 GMT -7
Paula,
Ruby is moving her legs in a walking motion (wobbly, but in a walking motion) when supported by the sling at potty time. Yes, she has bladder control. She does not leak urine and she is not leaking when I lift her up.
Depending on how tired she is, she falls into 2 categories
2. Wobbly walking, legs do not cross though. I am afraid to let her walk on her own. I use a sling.
4. Paws on right side knuckle under when set down, but she does correct [knuckled paw]
✙Pepcid AC 5 mg at meals with meds 2x a day 7am and 6pm. She seem to be more comfortable after I gave it, so her tummy might have been upset.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
10 lbs
Prednisone as of 5/23: 2.5 gs 2x/day for 7 days; 5/30 test taper to reveal if any issues: __ pain __neuro
tramadol 25mgs 2x/ay
gabapentin 25mgs 2x/day
✙Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day]
Thanks,
Deb
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Post by Pauliana on May 26, 2019 19:22:31 GMT -7
Hi Deb,
So sorry to hear Ruby is having another disc episode..
It's best to give the Pepcid AC 30 minutes prior to the Prednisone and it's great you are giving with a meal for added tummy protection..
It's great she corrects her right foot after knuckling and that she has bladder control both excellent signs that she should recover very well with conservative treatment..
Is her pain under control from dose to dose with the current medications? If not let the Vet know so they can adjust the medications..
SIGNS OF PAIN:
◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved
◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy
◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground.
◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions
◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily.
◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain
◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
◻︎ not their normal perky selves
Healing thoughts!
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Post by Deb & Ruby on May 28, 2019 7:01:56 GMT -7
Pauliana,
Hello! Yes I believe her pain is well controlled. She is not herself but who would be with what she has been through and being required to stay in the kennel 24x7. :-( She does not move around a lot in her kennel but there is not a lot of room quite frankly. She does adjust her position and moves easily to eat etc. She will even in the morning (when her meds must be worn off) put all her weight on the back legs as she wants FOOD NOW....she is a bit of a foodie...lol Not over weight but LOVES to eat.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on May 28, 2019 10:05:27 GMT -7
Deb, the prednisone taper to test for pain or neuro diminishment is to start May 29, tomorrow.
Can you let us know which your vet wants on the pred taper?
Often when the anti-inflammatory is stopped the pain meds ares stopped also. This is done to determine if the swelling in the spinal cord is gone. It is this swelling that causes the pain and neuro deficits. If the dog is still taking pain meds it will mask the pain that indicates the swelling is still there. If the anti-inflammatory and pain meds are both stopped and no pain surfaces the swelling is gone and only the remaining period of crate rest is needed. If pain returns when these meds are stopped, more time on all meds is needed.
--- full stop of pain meds on May 29's test for pain prednisone taper? OR...
--- tapering off of all pain meds on the begin of the May 29 pred taper? Depending on the dog's case some vets prefer to back off the pain meds.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on May 28, 2019 12:43:51 GMT -7
Paula I am not sure I understand your question. As I said above Ruby's meds
Prednisone [course]2 1/2 mg every 12 hours for 7 days
[Taper begins]:
2 1/2 mg every 24 hours then
2 1/2 mg every 48 hours. End of script at that point.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
10 lbs
Prednisone as of 5/23: 2.5 gs 2x/day for 7 days; 5/30 test taper to reveal if any issues: __ pain __neuro
tramadol 25mgs 2x/ay
gabapentin 25mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs 2x/day]
But we see the Dr after the 2nd week. I brought her home on 5/23 so starting 5/30 she will go [to taper] to 2 1/2 mg every 24 hours. They expect me to continue pain meds until she sees him again on june 4th.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 28, 2019 13:45:53 GMT -7
Best wishes for a successful taper for Ruby.
During a pred taper it is quite common for the vet to stop or cut back the pain meds, in Ruby's case the tramadol and gabapentin. The pred treats the inflammation in the spinal cord which is what causes the pain. The taper doses are to get back down to the level the body normally produces and thus signal the body to again make its own steroid hormone, cortisol but it is also a good time to check if the inflammation in the spinal cord is gone. Pain meds on board may mask the pain that indicates there is still inflammation. If any pain is seen during a taper there is still inflammation and the vet would want know this right away and would most likely want to go back to the full dose of pred for a while and then try another taper. If no inflammation no meds would be needed.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on May 30, 2019 10:38:00 GMT -7
Today is Ruby's first day of tapering her steroids and her meds are now
2 1/2 mg Prednisone every 24 hours
▼tramadol 12.5 mgs 2x/day
gabapentin 1/2 Mil 2x/day [how many mgs in one mL?]
▼Pepcid AC am 5mg
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
10 lbs
Prednisone as of 5/23: 2.5 gs 2x/day for 7 days; 5/30 test taper to reveal if any issues: __ pain __neuro
tramadol ▼12.5mgs 2x/day
gabapentin how many mgs in one mL?: ?mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs ▼1x/day]
Doctor visit on tuesday June 4th
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 30, 2019 13:18:12 GMT -7
Please keep us updated on Ruby's taper and best wishes for success.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 1, 2019 8:17:28 GMT -7
Ruby has had her tapered dose of Prednisone for 2 days and is now off of the Tramadol completely.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
10 lbs
Prednisone as of 5/23: 2.5 gs 2x/day for 7 days; 5/30 test taper to reveal if any issues: __ pain __neuro
gabapentin how many mgs in one mL?: ?mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs ▼1x/day]
She seems to be doing fine. No signs of pain and seems to want to do more walking... so I think she will be a bit of a handful shortly... She is a smarty and thinks she can manipulate me by procrastinating when out for a potty trip. :-)
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 1, 2019 10:01:06 GMT -7
Deb, let us know when you have full ability to identify existance of pain when gabapentin which masks nerve pain is also stopped. Then you will have the full accurate picture if all painful inflammation is gone. Til then the prednisone taper test is being delayed in finding out the truth.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 4, 2019 11:29:37 GMT -7
Ruby had her check up and the neurologist is pleased with her progress. He termed her a conservative treatment success. He detected no pain. She is walking but still with a small back leg wobble and will cross her leg a little as well. I think it is her right leg actually. He believes she will progress to recover 100% of what she was prior.
She is to continue weening prednisone as original plan. Therefore, 2.5 mg today and tomorrow. Then 2.5 mg every other day for 1 week and then done. Continue with .25 mil of the Gabopentine every 12 hours. Not for pain but to keep the edge off as she remains in the crate.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
10 lbs
Prednisone as of 5/23: 2.5 gs 2x/day for 7 days; 5/30 test taper to reveal if any neuro or pain issues:
gabapentin how many mgs in one mL?: ?mgs 2x/day
Pepcid AC 5mgs 1x/day]
He did not prescribe acupuncture but approved when I asked about it for her to begin in 1-2 weeks.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jun 4, 2019 14:19:38 GMT -7
Ruby is doing very well with her walking and she may continue to walk with more steadiness. Acupuncture can kick start nerve healing, although Ruby's nerves are healing nicely.Some acupuncturists will come to the home. If you have someone who will do this it will remove the risk of transporting Ruby while her disc is still healing. We have some information about acupuncture here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htm |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 4, 2019 15:44:47 GMT -7
Debi, the prednisone taper is to test for re-surfacing pain and if any worsening neuro issues arise. Gabapentin is also used to block nerve pain...so it masks pain. What do you think about discussing with your vet about something else to help her relax in the recovery suite that is not a pain reliever? You now have blinders on regarding if prednisone has really completed its mission of getting rid of the source of pain and if neuro function might resurface if there is still the source of inflammation/swelling remaining. If there still would be swelling, you'd want no delay in knowing about it and getting another course of pred on board asap. Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives (ACE, alprazolam or trazodone). Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Place a DAP pheromone diffusor at floor level where the recovery suite is: --DOG Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml www.adaptil.com/Use diffusor with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com A small wobby and crossing the leg a little is rather mild. All of life is a weighing of the risk vs the benefit. I have to agree with Romy, there is risk in any transport that could jeopardize the healing so far. |
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 4, 2019 19:08:10 GMT -7
Thanks for the calming tips. I was thinking that the calming chews I have used in the past for thunder storms might be a good substitute as well. So you kinda read my thoughts.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 10, 2019 5:26:15 GMT -7
Just a quick update. Ruby is continuing to taper on her Prednisone 2.5 mg every other day. Her meds will be finished completely by Thursday 6-18-2019. She is off of all pain meds. I took Paula's advice (had doctor approval) and went with the diffusor and ANXITANE chews. Not quite the same effect in keeping her calm as the Gabapentine...lol But I am much happier to have her off drugs. Ruby seems to be walking better and does not appear to have any pain returning. She does not cross her leg anymore but may wobble a little from time to time. She is not cleared to really take a walk until 6-19-2019 starting at 3 minutes 2x a day.
Thanks to all of you for your advice. It is so helpful at a time like this.
Deb
Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 4, 2019 at 8:08pm
Thanks for the calming tips. I was thinking that the calming chews I have used in the past for thunder storms might be a good substitute as well. So you kinda read my thoughts.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 10, 2019 7:33:12 GMT -7
Deb, what good news todate — nearing the end of the every other day pred taper and....so far no pain reveal and leg neuro function improving!!! Love hearing that. Hope to hear at the final dose of pred the report will continue to be a good one. Mark your calendar for Graduation day on July 17th. Then and only then will it be time to move to active PT such as gradually taking walks. With all the excellent progress Ruby has made so far, stay the course with crate rest til graduation day. By then the disc will have been able to form secure scar tissue where it will be safe to begin activity. Right now the few footsteps she is only allowed to take at potty time every 4-6-8 hrs will keeps her joints flexible and provide muscle activity. Once crate rest has been completed then it will be safe for the conservative treated dog to begin a slow introduction back to activity. Muscles will bulk up again. click to enlarge picture: |
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 10, 2019 10:52:21 GMT -7
Paula,
You quote July 17th as when Ruby can begin walks. However, her Neurologist said to begin 3 minute walks 2x a day on 6-19-19. and each week to increase the time 2 minutes a walk. So I am a little confused.
Deb
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 10, 2019 13:37:17 GMT -7
Deb, you may need to find out the thinking behind your neuro's prescription for PT before the disc has healed. Maybe he knows something we/you are not aware of.
--- It is not proven exactly how long the disc takes to heal. Also there have been no MRI's to see what is going on with soft tissue like the disc. There have been some dogs who short cutted the 8 week to heal the disc and were ok. Mostly we see shortcutting the disc time to form scar tissue results in a set back. That is the disc re-tears, relapses. That might mean just pain, more meds and restarting the count of 8 weeks from square one. Also a relapse has the possiblity to be more severe in that the spinal cord is severely damaged (loss of bladder control, paralyzed legs). Then an owner might be in a position to decide on an expensive surgery.
-- I have not observed dogs being harmed by being conservative about conservative treatment and doing the whole 8 weeks of crate rest. Here on this Forum there have been too many dogs relapsing with shortened time for the disc to heal.
Here at Dodgerslist, we follow those vets focusing on the disc to heal before starting PT.
In the end it is you with the consultation of your vet who makes the decision about crate rest time. There is no cost to crate rest, but there could be a cost with increased vet bills, an expensive surgery and the cost of seeing a dear loved one hurt again with too much movement.
Let us know what you are deciding.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 11, 2019 8:12:43 GMT -7
Paula,
Hello! Just got off the phone with Ruby's neurologist. His specific instructions are that she will remain on crate rest for another 4 weeks. However, during that time in addition to potty breaks, week 5 - 2x 3 minute walks , week 6 2x 5 minute walks , week 7 2x 7 minute walks, week 8 2x 9 minute walks. After that very careful monitoring, no jumping, stays on lead etc. In kennel at night and when we leave the house.
Deb
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 11, 2019 8:43:26 GMT -7
Crate rest during conservative treatment to get the disc to heal is for 8 weeks. Doing crate rest for the non-surgical dog is necessarily more strick because nothing has been surgically removed. Conservative crate rest is kinda like being pregnant.
---Either you are pregnant or you are not.
---Either you are doing the 100% STRICT rest 24/7 (only out of suite to potty and for fewest of footsteps) that it takes to heal the disk or you are not.
Be very, very careful. Fingers crossed that Ruby will be very lucky and be one of the few who do not have a disc relapse while the disc is still healing as you gradually increase physical activity.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 28, 2019 12:25:01 GMT -7
Just a follow up on how Ruby is progressing. She has been totally off her prednisone now for 9 days. No sign of pain. She has been doing her 2x 3 minute walks for a week now. Walking very well on cement, both feet centered under her hips.
6-27-19 she had an evaluation with a Veterinary Rehab Dr and Rehab Specialist. The Dr evaluated that she has recovered quite nicely, had full sensation in both legs. When her feet were placed with the top of her paws down her left foot immediately corrected. Her right foot corrected but slightly slower. He said she would benefit from therapy. She was given a cold laser treatment, which she loved.....mellowed her right out. I was given some stretches to do with her legs this week. She will return next Friday 7-5 for another laser treatment and depending on evaluation perhaps under water treadmill.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 29, 2019 5:21:52 GMT -7
Has the neurologist given his approval of these leg stretches and possible underwater treadmill? I'm very concerned that he approved the short walks but now there is even more therapy being added. Underwater treadmill therapy is quite strenuous and most definitely needs to wait until the 8 weeks of strict crate rest is done. In fact, we would recommend that underwater treadmill be held off for at least 2-3 weeks AFTER the 8 weeks of crate rest until muscle strength has a chance to be gradually built up again before starting that. Without an MRI, none of these doctors can look at the disc and determine whether it has completely healed and formed enough scar tissue yet. The fact that Ruby can place her feet correctly is a wonderful sign of nerve healing but not of disc healing.
It would be terrible for Ruby to have a relapse at this point due to too much movement. If the disc should tear more due to not being sufficiently healed yet, the 8 weeks of strict crate rest would have to start all over and she might suffer more nerve damage than she did previously. It's too much of a risk to take. I'm very concerned about Ruby. Please seriously consider continuing strict crate rest with no walks other than at potty time and no therapy until July 17th. Continuing with strict crate rest for a bit longer will not harm Ruby while too much movement too soon may cause harm.
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jun 29, 2019 8:50:10 GMT -7
Marjorie,
Hello! The leg stretches are simply while she is laying in her kennel to move her legs in a walking motion 5x on each side...no affect on spine. Honestly they are do nothing exercises as she moves more than that in her kennel in a upright position or her walks. The treadmill, as I said above is dependent upon evaluation. That is the Neurosurgeons evaluation, so it is not decided yet. He has thus cleared her for the small walks 2x daily, laser and or acupuncture treatments.
Thanks,
Deb
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Jun 30, 2019 6:54:56 GMT -7
Anytime the legs move, the spine moves. That's why walking has to be kept to a minimum during conservative care. Yes, she moves in her kennel (which should only be large enough for her to stand up, turn around and lie down with legs comfortably extended so not much room to walk around) and she moves when she goes out to potty (which should only be a very few steps during potty time) and that is enough to keep her joints and muscles toned. Adding more movement of legs is unnecessary and very risky as it could result in too much movement which could tear the not-yet-healed disc. Even transport to a vet should be done only when absolutely necessary during conservative care as there is a risk of too much movement.
If you haven't seen this video, please do take a look at it. It may help you to understand how a disc damages the nerves in the spinal cord:
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Post by Deb & Ruby on Jul 15, 2019 9:45:21 GMT -7
All still going very well. Just had Ruby's last consult with her neurologist. He was very happy with her and felt she did not need to have therapy, so water therapy etc. is off and she will continue her slow and steady walks with increasing the time 2 minutes each walk per week. He said that at 12 weeks (August 14th) she can resume normal "pre IVDD incident" life with some modifications. Most important is that he recommend she always be crated at night and when we are out of the house. Also that she remain on lead outside of the house. Ruby unfortunately has a tendency to hop in and out of her bed and to jump up. We have been and continue to reinforce 4 on the floor for her...she is quick and very food motivated, so that is going well.
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