LIsa's Stoney 11/11 conservative?

Lisa, there can be reasons for pain (arthritis, another disc problem). Living with IVDD means at a sign of pain you describe (keeping head down, being quiet not moving much) you assume it IS another disc problem until you know differently. So t hat mean first thing is to crate Stoney at once to prevent a possible disc problem from worsening and causing severe damage to the spinal cord.

Then get to the vet for a diagnosis and if it is a suspected disc problem, pain meds to provide comfort while an anti-inflammatory works in 1-2 weeks to get swelling down. Don't forget Pepcid AC as well.

Avoid touching his back, as we are assuming it IS a disc problem until you have a different diagnosis. A human heating pad can get too hot burning the skin. A better safer idea is a rice sock. Fill a sock with 1-2 cups of dry rice or dried corn kernals. Knot the end. Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Test in crook of your arm for warm not hot temperature. Wrap in a towel so it's not too hot for the skin and place in crate. Let Stoney snuggle against when you are present to supervise in case he has a desire to munch on the warm rice.
Snuggle Safe is a commercial product that will keep warm the whole night. I've had mine for over 5 years and Clark does his happy dance when he sees it coming. www.petstew.com/B00008AJH9/pet-supply-imports-snugglesafe-pet-heating-pad.html

Let us know what the vet says and prescribes.

The dr finally called and put him on
prednisone 2x day for 5 days then a taper off period...

I am so afraid of steroids as they can do a lot of harm to a animal.. I am feeling so sad, Stoney was walking around the carpet in the house and waging his tail , not sure what happened or what is bothering him..

Let us know his stomach is being protected from harm. 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 see that proactive vets OK Pepcid AC 5mgs 30 mins before pred. And ask that you give Pred with a meal. Let us know how you are protecting Stoney's GI tract.

Pred is not a pain reliever and can take 1-2 weeks or longer to resolve the pain caused by swelling. Pain relievers relieve pain. Is Stoney still not lifting his head, still quiet… not his normal perky self? If yes, review pain meds and get on the phone to advocate for them: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm