Guentham's Opie surgery 3/14

Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Marjorie - what's yours? It's very important that you immediately contact the surgeon to let them know of what you're observing. The shaking and breathing hard are signs of pain. The surgeon needs to also know of the unwillingness to stand (which also might be a sign of pain or could be a neuro diminishment) and that he's less coordinated.

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

Can you give us some detail about Opie?

1. Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?

2. What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies?

3. Currently can your dog wag the tail when you do some happy talk?

4. Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?

5. Eating and drinking OK?

6. Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood?

7. What directives did the surgeon give for crate rest and for PT?

Dogs with IVDD must be carried with their spines horizontal, carrying both ends. There's a video on this webpage showing how to properly lift and carry:


If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can 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.

Also water therapy can be performed after the stitches/sutures are removed. Some of these exercises can be done right in the bathtub. Just be sure to check with the surgeon before starting any of these.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapy.htm

We're here for you and Opie and will help you through this. Please let us know what the surgeon says after speaking to them.