Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Pauliana - what's yours? We are a friendly group and go by first names. What is your Dachshunds name? What was the date when you first saw the vet, received the diagnosis of IVDD and started crate rest?
Here is some info on calcified discs..
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CalcifiedDiscs.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.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmTo allow him to walk around the house and run, to take more than a very few steps at potty time, to allow him out of her crate at all other than to go potty is not in his best interests. Think of the crate as a cast for her back. It must only be large enough for her to stand up, turn around and lie down with her legs extended comfortably. Any time of the crate is a dangerous time for him. The crate rest must be strict to protect his spine from further damage.
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.
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 the disease your dog was born with 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:
What are the exact names of all medications, their dosages and times given? How much does he weigh?
1. Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
2. Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
3. Eating and drinking OK?
4. Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
Laser 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.
How to lift and carry a dog with IVDD:
Here are some ideas to make your home back friendly and tips to help keep them off the furniture and teaching them not to jump..
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htm IVDD is a lifetime disease, some dogs have one episode and others have multiple. All we can do is make life as safe for them as we can.. No stairs at all, ramps are much better or carrying them up and down stairs if ramps aren't practical in your situation.. These dogs have short little legs and most stairs are much more than their backs can handle...I have a Shih Tzu, also short little legs and Tyler has IVDD, so I know what you are going through.. We'll help you through this.. You aren't alone..
Healing prayers for your dog!
