Lisa, welcome to Dodgerslist. Do you know it is YOU who can be instrumental in allowing Tootsie to have a good recovery? To do that you will need to quickly get up to speed on this disease. You can prevent harmful treatments and know when to ignore harmful advice. Start your readings here as soon as possible:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htmIt is imperative that
not do that PT with Tootsie at this point in time. The spinal cord is in jeopardy with too much movement of the verterbrae.
100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for a full 8 weeks is what allows the disc to heal. Pottytime is the only time to be out of the recovery suite where you carry her to and from the potty place. Then only a very, very few footsteps to get the job done. So STRICT means 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.
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 The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal.
There likely was NO infection…. The steroid injection followed three days later with Rimadyl (NSAID) was the cause of bloody diarrhea. Both Steroids and NSAIDs can damage the GI tract. Using both in close proximity is double jeopardy. With out 4-7 days of washout of one before the other is a dangerous practice.
Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine.
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, know the exact names of all meds…all the details. This is a good place to do your homework on drugs.
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmlThe size of the recovery suite should be enough room to turn around in, stand up and when lying down to fully stretch out her legs. Does that sound like the size you have for Toosie?
Let us know a few more details so we can be of best support:
-- What breed is Tootsie? How much does she weigh?
-- 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? Do you now have Pepcid AC on board?
-- Currently can she move her legs at all? or wag the tail specifially 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 when off of medications. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk
once off all pain meds and no more signs of pain.www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
-- Poops OK - normal color and firmness 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.
We look forward to learning more about your Tootsie.
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