Welcome to Dodgerslist Nisha! So glad you are here with us now. You are no longer alone.. We know how traumatic IVDD can be with our beloved dogs.. We have all been through this with our own dogs. My Tyler sends greetings to your Adi.. He had surgery back in January and a second episode in July and is doing just fine now.. Some IVDD dogs have one episode in their lives while others have multiple episodes. We just become experienced in caring for our dogs and learning all we can so we can get them through to the good times. Your dog can still have a wonderful life with IVDD.
The good news is you knew to crate at once to help protect the disc and the spinal cord. Good for you and for Adi! Please mark your aspirin bottle "NOT for pets" . There are better NSAIDS now available for dogs. Keep in mind never to give a NSAID (such as Aspirin) and follow up with Dexmethasone or any Steroid. There should be a 4-7 day washout to avoid severe GI problems. Also please make sure that the Vet is giving Adi Pepcid AC to protect her stomach while she is being treated with the steroids at the clinic. Also advocate for a second stomach protector Sucralfate which can form a gel coating to heal and protect her stomach.
So sorry to hear your Vet was so lacking in caring and understanding with this current IVDD episode. I do think it would be wise to change to a vet that is more experienced in IVDD and who will support you and Adi in her recovery without any dark thoughts or words.. This article also has a link to search for an IVDD vet in your area:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmWhen Adi comes home, please let your know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will. With this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for the best recovery but 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 Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet
www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? I know some of them you won't know the answer to until she comes home..
-- What was the date you saw the vet and started the all important 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?
When Adi comes home let us know the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC.
-- 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-- 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-- Eating and drinking OK?
-- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood?
Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration. Find a holistic vet here:
ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
Hugs and prayers...
the onset was much quicker this time around, woke up Sat morning with a little pain, arching the back holding neck high ect... We were out of town so I gave her a baby Aspirin and hit the road. She travels well and comfortably in her Travel bag on the passenger floor board, so little movement on the 4 hour drive. Once home Saturday night I gave her Dexamethsone and went straight to crate rest giving her her pills everyone 12 hours. Sunday she cried out in pain (not like her at all the first episode she had with this I didn't hear her cry once) and by Monday lose of function in her back legs and couldn't control her bladder.... Mon I took her right to the vet. My Vet was very dark about it I left balling crying. He asked me what I wanted him to do?!?!? Like bc it was the second episode I should put her down or something. Despite his negativity I left her with him, he knows her well and did get her walking again once (with cortisone shots & after a few days back home for crate rest) I asked him to repeat the processes for this episode as well. (Sorry if episode is wrong word but not sure what to call it now that it is recurring)... It is now Weds and she is still at the vet receiving her shots. 
