Lis' Mikey 4/10 conservative

Lis, sorry to hear Mikey has had another disc episode. Because you report he is still in pain today, that tells me the pain meds have not YET been properly prescribed. Working with your vet, feedback, is what helps him to know what further adjustments need to be made. With a complete med list I would be able to give you better comments. Please read this pain as background reading prior to a quick phone call so you will be able to discuss getting the right meds on board. Last time paracetamol [acetaminophen] was used, make sure that is not used this time as there are safer pain med formulated for dogs now a days.

A stomach protector needs to be on board. I'm just taking a guess you may be from the UK? If YES, then Pepcid AC (famotidine) requires an Rx and is not available over the counter. Know your anti-inflammatories before the phone call so you can protect Mikey and understand how they work, how long they take: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm

With conservative treatment rest is much stricter and longer it is: 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering 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.

The details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm

The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. MIkey is a good candidate to recover with conservative treatment. His symptoms are mild of pain only. The big if on that is IF you are up to learning about this disease so you can commit to the care he needs.

This Forum is all about taking action, it is the "doing" that matters — are you ready to start your IVDD self education program? Leave the spectator stands of blindly following and move to being an active participant in fighting the IVDD enemy. Recognize and ignore harmful advise, play an instrumental role of teaming up with your vet with meaningful discussion, questions and monitoring your dog’s recovery.

Here's the page covering the type of information it takes to become a savvy medical advocate and laid out to allow you go fast as you possibly can. For your bookmarks: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm

When you get the meds adjusted and Pepcid AC on board, update us with a complete med list of exact names, dose in mgs and how often you give each.