Welcome to Dodgerslist, Archer. If your dog is currently recovering from an IVDD episode and is on conservative care, the best and safest place for him is the crate. You can give him lots of kisses and pets when he's taken out to do potty. And you can sit the crate near you, put caster wheels on a wire crate and wheel it around so he's with you wherever you are. Think of the crate as a cast for your dog's back - firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a doorbell and is truly the safest place for them.
100% 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.
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.htmCan you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog:
1. What is your dog's name and breed?
2. When was the date you saw the vet and what date did you start doing the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7?
3. 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.
4. What are the exact names, dose in mgs and frequency of all meds? How much does your dog weigh?
5. 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 the 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.
NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
Again, please be sure to start reading and learning about IVDD at
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm so you can become Captain of your dog's health care team and work together with your vet.
Once we receive more information about your buddy, we'll be able to offer you better support.
