Debbie's Bella 3 year cocker spaniel 11/3 Conservative

Welcome to Dodgerslist, Debbie! My name's Sabrina. I'm so glad you've found Dodger's List! IVDD itself it not a death sentence and it doesn't prevent your dog from getting back to a happy, pain free life!
YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! - www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm

With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for your Bella’s best recovery, but also for your own emotions. The unknown is simply a scary place! Get ready to fight this disease now and in the future by knowing all things IVDD. There is no better place to start than on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials" and then read all you can as soon as possible. Here's the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm

I am sorry to hear that your vet does not know about how to treat IVDD with medications and crate rest. Euthanasia isn’t a “treatment” for IVDD. Dodger’s List is full of success stories of dogs who have recovered from disc episodes with Conservative treatment. See the Success Stories on this page (the C stands for Conservative): www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htm Also, here are some great articles to read about Conservative Treatment:
Conservative treatment for disc disease (IVDD) - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htm
Crate Rest Recovery Process - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm
Clark's helpful supplies for crate rest - www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm

In your shoes, the first thing I would do is to find a vet who is knowledgeable about treating IVDD with Conservative treatment (100% Strict Crate rest and medications). Here is a page with advice about how to locate an IVDD knowledgeable vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm

In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?

-- Have you started Bella on 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 (only out to potty …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM))?

-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved?

-- Was her poo ok - no dark or bright blood?

-- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm

-- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail due when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm

Is Bella on a stomach protector like Pepcid AC? Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion and can lead to GI problems. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. 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:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm

IVDD can seem so overwhelming at first - there is so much to read and re-read. But we are here to help and support you as you care for your Bella!

))Hugs!((
- Sabrina

Dodgerslist also has a comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for Bella should also watch this DVD - that way everyone can learn together how to give your dog the best care possible://www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm

Thank you so much.  We were able to find a way to cover the surgery.  She is still at the hospital and will hopefully be able to come home tomorrow!