Naomi's Jax 1/2 surgery4wks - Chi/dox mix

Marjorie thank you kindly for your answer and information concerning Jax.  Here are some answers to your questions.  
Vetprofen was given to Jax 7 days ago. Nothing was said about his tummy. So far he hasn’t had a problem. Sure will watch this.
He has 2nd week follow up tomorrow. I will inquire of stomach protection and concern of stiff back legs/ meds.
Surgeon said crate rest for 4 weeks. He is so good at crate rest,  longer is not an issue. 
For pain Dr said only give pain meds when needed. Jax is so good he doesn’t complain, I should have realized the stiff legs may be from pain. I failed to ask that question. ( overwhelmed)
We have Tramadol 50mg 1/2 every 8 hours
Gabapentin 25mg 1 tablet.

Jax’s surgeon is DVM,MS,CCRP (3 1/2 hour drive) from our location.
Jax’s Dr. DVM. AVMA. AAHA. LVMA. CVMA

NOW under the care of Dr.

With Jax nature, he knows no limits and for a small dog he is fast as lighting.  I am anticipating adjustments in lifestyle. 
As of now crate rest is strict here. Until released. The future with the cat must change. As well as other to help Jax stay safe.

I'm glad that Jax did well at his exam, Naomi, and glad that no discomfort was found on examination. It may be that Jax was anticipating pain and reacting when you went to pick him up. Good news!

I am sorry to hear that the vet does not take the danger of NSAID side effects seriously.  We follow vets who are proactive in taking precautions BEFORE a problem starts rather than trying to heal a problem after one begins. The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order and is my go to place for my own dog's meds:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm

For your eductional reading and consideration:

Statistics show that NSAIDs kill more animals than any other class of pain medicine, damage more vital organs than all other prescription medicines combined and are responsible for the death of at least 16,000 people every year. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains an even higher rate of NSAID-related deaths with approximately 20,000 deaths in the United States alone.
While Rimadyl (carprofen) currently appears to be the most notorious among NSAIDs, medical forums mention other NSAID formulations which produce similar side effects." Christopher Durin, DVM. The Risks of Prescription Medicines in Dog Arthritis. www.thedogfiles.com/2011/05/03/use-of-dog-arthritis-medication-questioned/

North Carolina U. recognizes the high incidence of GI irritation in dogs with disc problems. The reasons are that pain and body changes are stresses. Just as humans can experience ulcers when under stress. NCU and 11+ hospitals working with NCU prescribe a GI protectant. Dogs presented to NCU with IVDD often develop GI upset whether they are given steroid medications or not.
cvm.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CopingwithStressfulTimes4.28.pdf

It is important to realize that subclinical gastroduodenal ulceration is likely to be present in dogs with type 1 disk extrusions, even without the administration of potential ulcerogenic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, glucocorticoids), so the use of such drugs should be minimized if at all possible. Curtis W. Dewey, DVM, ACVIM Neurology Cornell University.A Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology 2nd ed Blackwell Publshing 2008, Chapt 10 "Myelopathies: disorders of the Spinal Cord"; By Curtis W. Dewey pp331-332
NSAID use is not benign, and serious toxicity can occur even when taken in commonly advised doses. Adverse gastrointestinal effects, including bleeding from NSAID use, is estimated to account for the 15th most common cause of death in the United States."Wolfe MM, Lichtenstein DR, Singh G. Gastrointestinal toxicity of anti-inflammatory drugs. N Engl J Med. 1999, 340: 1888-1899.

Try not to stress about what lies ahead in regard to Jax's recovery.  Just take it one day at a time and enjoy every day with Jax.  Nerves can take a very long time to heal, think more in terms of months, even a year or more, rather than days or weeks.  Jax has a good home, food and your love so he'll be just fine.  Learn all you can about this disease so you're prepared.  We're here for you and Jax whenever you may have any questions or concerns or just want to vent.  We've all been through it ourselves so do understand.  Hugs to you and Jax.  Please continue to keep us updated.