Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Marjorie - what's yours? So glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you.
Disc disease is not a death sentence!Struggling with quality of life questions? Re-think things:
www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmWhen do they expect to discharge Zippy for the hospital? Once Zippy is discharged, we will have some questions for you, such as the names and dosages of all meds he's sent home on, for how many weeks does the surgeon want him on crate rest and what PT is prescribed.
Nerve damage can take a very long time to heal, think more in terms of months, even a year or more. It is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag!
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk.
3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test.
Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine.
4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
Since Zippy's deep pain sensation has not returned yet, he will not have bladder/bowel control.
Be sure to get a hands-on-your-hands demonstration on how to express his bladder before he comes home. Review this information prior to your demonstration.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmHere's Dodgerslist page about what to expect discharge day.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm#dischargeHere is a list of questions to ask on discharge day, too.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmAlso these two pages would be helpful for you to read:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmBe sure to get his recovery suite ready for the homecoming. Here are some links to show you how:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmAcupuncture and laser light therapy are helpful treatments that can be very beneficial to assist with re-establishment of nerve connections in the body and usually can be started right away if within your budget.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htmAlso water therapy can be performed after the stitches/sutures are removed. Some of these exercises can be done right in the bathtub. Please check with the surgeon before starting any of these.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htmNeuropathic pain is not common but it is something you should be aware of. This kind of pain is abnormal, phantom pain sensations with severe spinal cord damage. Signs are obsessive licking of paw, leg, genitals, tail. Escalates to biting, life-threatening chewing off parts. Immediately put on an e-collar (or lengthwise folded towel around neck and duct taped closed) to prevent access to lower body. Contact vet immediately for Gabapentin or stronger Lyrica (pregabalin) for neuropathic pain. More info:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/neuropathy.pdfKnowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!!The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD as soon as possible. Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works. Your dog will be depending on your ability to learn:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/theater.htm --- PRINT OUT this link and tape to your fridge:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm --- use the printout as your roadmap to avoid dangerous detours in your dog's care --- make notes/highlight to keep yourself on track
--- follow all the links in the next days to become the IVDD savvy pet parent your dog needs.
Use the “search box” to easily locate topics over at our Main
www.dodgerslist.com website:
www.dodgerslist.com/index/searchBOX.jpgWe're here for you and Zippy and will help you through his recovery. Stay strong, stay positive and never give up hope. We'll be looking forward to updates from you. Healing prayers for Zippy.