Welcome to Dodgerslist! We are 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.htmIt will help us work together with you and avoid offering ideas that could cause harm or lead the discussion in the wrong direction delaying help for your dog — please share a bit more detail with us:
Is Remy still showing any signs of pain? These are the signs of pain we look for: ☐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? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. If not in control your vet needs to know right away to adjust meds.
How long will Remy be on the Carprofen?
Dogs on anti-inflammatories need to take a stomach protector like Pepcid AC to prevent GI tract damage caused by excess stomach acid. All anti-inflammatories, including Carprofen, cause this excess acid. 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).
Doxie weight dogs usually take 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) every 12 hours. NOTE: Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound, 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours for as long as your dog is on the anti-inflammatory.
Is Remy eating and drinking OK? No nausea/not eating, no vomit? --Poops OK? Normal firmness & color -no dark black or bright red blood indicating bleeding ulcers? No more diarrhea?
Post-op crate rest is to allow the surgical sites to heal.
See if you can make him even more comfortable by checking out these super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more! —>
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT for a post-op dog means:
◼︎no laps
◼︎no couches
◼︎no baths
◼︎no sleeping with you
◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times.
Post-op dogs will follow surgeon's directives for PT during post-op rest as the offending disc material was surgically removed.
1. How many weeks did your surgeon direct for post-op rest?
2. What did your surgeon direct for at home PT?
Acupuncture, laser and water therapy are excellent post-op therapies, if within your budget. Check with surgeon prior to starting. Water therapy helped my dog Frankie the most after his surgery. He walked on an underwater treadmill. I do not think he woudl have recovered nearly as quickly without it. This can usually start after the stitches/staples come out at about two weeks. This video shows how the underwater treadmill works:
Here is other info on water therapy you can do at home
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapyWhat is your name? I am Romy.
Very good news that you are expressing urine successfuly. You can express for poop also. Here is some info on that:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm#poopHaving deep pain sensation (DPS) bodes very well for Remy's future recovery.
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:
--- 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.
