Welcome back to Dodgerslist, Melanie. I am sorry that Penny is having another disc episode. Some dogs have only one episode of IVDD but some have more than one. A dog can have a disc episode even if the pet parent does everything possible to protect the spine.
You did the very best thing by immediately crating Penny. Eigth weeks of crate rest will help the disc to heal.
I am concerned that there is no anti-inflammatory working on the spinal cord inflammation which causes the pain and neuro deficits. An anti-inflammatory is important in the treatment of IVDD. If she has not taken any anti-inflammatory but the Rimadyl within a 5 day period it is okay for her to take Rimadyl again. It is only when switching between antibiotics that there are problems. While on any anti-inflammatory she will need a stomach protector like Pepcid AC to help prevent stomach damage. Ask the vet if your dog has any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC (famotidine)? (doesn’t need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question!) If you get a “no health” issues answer, then go to the grocery store to purchase over the counter Pepcid AC containing one single active ingredient (famotidine).
The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound, every 12 houra
Since Penny had diarrhea while on Rimadyl it would be best to add a second stomach medicine, Sucralfate. Sucralfate works differently then Pepcid AC. Pepcid works against excess stomach acid while Sucralfate serves as a sort of bandage to the tissues. Please speak to the vet ASAP about adding back the Rimadyl and tell her that you are concerned about possible stomach damage and would like a prescription for Sucralfate.
Crate rest for a dog being treated conservatively is much stricter than crate rest for a post-op dog. I know you have seen the definition of strict before but I am putting it again here for easy reference.
STRICT means:
◼︎no laps
◼︎no couches
◼︎no baths
◼︎no sleeping with you
◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times.
◼︎no PT for conservative dogs during 8 weeks to heal disc
◼︎At home laser or acupuncture for severe neuro damage is best. Transports are always a risk to the disc of too much movement. Vet visits must be weighed risk vs. benefit for dogs with little to mild neuro diminishment.
Carry Penny to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog’s back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/slingwalk.jpgIs Penny showing any signs of pain? Pain shots sometimes work against pain only for a short period.
Please give us more info on the pain meds and what shot she was given. The signs of pain we look for are:
☐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?
If the pain meds are right she will be relieved of her pain with an hour and stay that way between doses. If she is in pain let the vet know right away so the pain meds can be adjusted.
It will be easy for you to get back up to speed on IVDD and particularly how the conservative treatment works. We have an excellent video series here:
--use the printout as your roadmap to avoid dangerous detours in your dog’s care
--make notes/highlight to keep yourself on track
