Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Marjorie - what's yours? From what you've told us so far, it seems that the only symptom Abby now has is pain and there are no neurological deficits, such as knuckling, bladder loss, etc., correct? Abby is a good candidate for conservative care, which is meds and crate rest. It is the hope with conservative care that the damaged disc will be reabsorbed by the body.
Please 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.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmCan you give us a bit more in essential information about Abby?
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. Pain should be completely under control, with no sign of pain from one dose of meds to the next and should be under control within an hour after administering. 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. If there are still signs of pain, you must call the vet ASAP to have them adjust the medication.
4. What are the exact names, dose in mgs and frequency of all meds? You mentioned a steroid shot but you did not mention that any steroids have been prescribed. Abby needs to be on an anti-inflammatory to reduce the swelling around her spine. The swelling is what causes the pain and because the swelling is pressing on the nerves, it can also cause nerve damage. Please speak to the vet today about adding an anti-inflammatory. Please note that a 4-7 washout period should be done before switching to a NSAID. NSAIDs are usually prescribed for mild symptoms while steroids are used for more severe cases. If your vet does want to prescribe a NSAID instead of a steroid without a 4-7 washout period, please be sure to advocate strongly for the addition of Sucralfate to protect from side effects.
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.html5. 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.
6. Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
7. Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
8. Eating and drinking OK?
9. 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.
We 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.
We're here for you and will help you and Abby through this .
