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Post by archiesmom on Nov 8, 2013 13:37:18 GMT -7
Our beloved 5 year old dachshund, Archibald, is having problems with IVDD and is on crate rest. He still has use of all legs. We have a vet appointment on 11/09 for medication/evaluation/weight check. Our 7 year old doxie Lola had the IVDD surgery 3 years ago and has been doing wonderfully however that surgery was performed in Europe for almost $3,000 less than what we have been quoted here. We are unable to affort surgery for him at this time. I will update his condition after he sees the vet but until then I had a couple questions. Should I invest in a orthopedic bed for the crate? (where to find one) Also, whenever I carry him out for potty breaks he just walks and walks and walks around before he finds the best place to poop. How can I stop him from doing this to limit his motion? I have blankets in his crate with him right now and didn't no if that was okay or not. This time of year is colder here in Rhode Island and I know he likes to burrow. Thank you for your help!
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 8, 2013 17:26:09 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Marjorie - what's yours? I'm very sorry to hear about Archie's difficulties. When did Archie start crate rest? What are you observing as signs of IVDD? The fact that he still has use of his legs makes him a good candidate for conservative care. When we at Dodgerslist talk about crate rest, we are talking about 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks, which is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. Can you give us a bit more in essential information about Archie: -- Is there still currently pain? Signs of pain are holding the head in an unusual position, head held high or nose to the ground, shivering/trembling, not wanting to move much or moving gingerly, yelping, tight/tense stomach muscles, arched back, holding leg up flamingo style, not wanting to bear weight on the leg, just not their usual perky-interested-in-life self. -- After seeing the vet tomorrow, please let us know the exact names, dose in mg's and frequency of all meds. You might want to take a refresher course on IVDD. Please click on all of the links on the following page to get a good background of understanding. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmThis webpage will give you the info you'll need as far as what to use in Archie's crate, with suggestions for mattress, bedding, blankets, etc. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmYou can use plastic push in the ground fencing to fence off a small area where he can do his business. That helps to limit their walking. Also use a harness and leash to limit his steps. Unless he gets too rough while burrowing, he can snuggle under blankets. Please let us know what the vet says after your visit tomorrow. Prayers for healing for Archie. |
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