Welcome To Dodgerslist. My name is Paula what is yours? I can feel your panic. There is controversy about steroids vs. non-steroid drugs (NSAIDs) However, vets who do know IVDD understand there is a time to use steroids. YOu will want to have a better understanding….good info here:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm [anti-inflammatories]
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm [is surgery an option? conservative vs. surgery]
For right now the single most important part of Benson's care will be the 100% STRICT crate rest. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. 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 with the idea of being able to avoid a surgery. Is surgery an option for your family?
The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe from other pets and kids from bothering them. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm Please fill us in on these important details so we can be of best support:
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies?
-- Pepcid AC should be on board to protect the GI tract from the NSAID. 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. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason my dog may not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID. This web page is my go to for learning about each of my dog's meds:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
-- Eating and drinking OK?
-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood?
-- If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet.
ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html
www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
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