Welcome to Dodgerslist. Please don't despair. IVDD is not a death sentence. Many dogs regain use of their legs with conservative care and even if they don't, their lives can be happy ones.
www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmPlease let your dog 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.htm100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks 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. The crate acts as a cast for the back and the limitation of movement allows the disc to heal and form scar tissue.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmCan you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog:
1. When was the date you saw the vet and what date did you start doing the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7?
2. 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.
3. What are the exact names, dose in mgs and frequency of all meds? It's important that you be knowledgeable about each medication being given and all cautions concerning them.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugsmarvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html4. Pepcid AC should be given to protect your dog from the excess acid produced by the anti-inflammatory. Please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before each dose of the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours). Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep her from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board.
5. Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
6. Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
7. Eating and drinking OK?
8. Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment once off all meds and there is no pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk
but only after all meds are stopped and there is no pain.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmLaser 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.
If you need a vet who is more knowledgeable about IVDD, Board-certified neuros (ACVIM) and ortho (ACVS) surgical specialists can be found at University vet teaching hospitals. You can locate others in your area here:
www.acvim.org [neuros]
online.acvs.org/acvsssa/rflssareferral.query_page?P_VENDOR_TY=VETS [orthos]
Dodgerlist Members' vet recommendations -
dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-postingWe have a very helpful DVD that will educate you, your family members and friends, pet sitters, etc. about caring for an IVDD dog. Please see the link in my signature line.
Once we have the answers to the questions above, we'll be better able to offer you support. We're here for you and Reka and will help you through this.
Prayers for a complete recovery for Reka.
