Welcome to Dodgerslist, Teri. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for Scarlett to get back to enjoying life after recovering. Good for you starting crate rest! That is so important to her recovery.
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. Are you ready? Here's the link
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm Add this comprehensive "must-have" $3 DVD on IVDD to your arsenal of educational resources. Friends, family and those who will be caring for your dog should also watch this DVD
www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Tape this flyer to your fridge so the whole family knows what things are emergencies:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfIn order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?
►Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?
► So glad you started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for this current disc episode! …. 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)?
► Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy?
► How much does your dog weigh?
You listed Methocarbamol and Tramadol, what is the mg of the tablets that you are giving her 1/4 of? Tramadol is a general pain reliever. It has a short half life of 1.7 hours and may need to be prescribed at a minimum of every 8 hours to be effective. Methocarbamol can also be given every 8 hours.
I am concerned that Scarlett isn't on an anti inflammatory either a Steroid or a NSAID (Never both), I fear your Vet is not comfortable treating a disc episode since he wasn't sure why she lost the use of her legs.
The reason is: The swollen, herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal cord and other nerve fibers in the area. This is painful and the pressure on the spinal cord prevents nerve impulses from passing between the brain and the rear part of the body. The animal may be unable to walk or control its colon or bladder. Severe damage to the spinal cord can lead to total paralysis. It is very important to start either a Steroid or a NSAID to control the swelling that is pressing on the spinal cord. Please read this:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmMost important: Please do get in touch with your vet right away to ask for an anti inflammatory to get the swelling down..She has been without the most important medication to treat this disc episode. It is the swelling that is causing the pain as well as the loss of the use of her legs, it is great she is getting some movement back, and it's great she has bladder control, but she needs the anti inflammatory to get that swelling completely gone and that can take from 7 days to a month in some dogs. Ask also about giving Tramadol every 8 hours. She needs to be pain free from dose to dose to heal as pain hinders healing. You are right about being concerned about stopping the pain medications.
Once she is on an a Steroid or NSAID she also would need: 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.
Please read about what to look for in a vet that is treating your dog for IVDD:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm► Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal firmness & color -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.
Sending comforting and healing thoughts across the miles. You are among friends here and we all have dogs with IVDD and know what you and Scarlett are going through.
