Angelina, welcome to Dodgerslist. We are glad you found us. So that we can give the best of support can you fill us in on these details:
--What breed is your dog? Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD? How much does he weigh?-- Are you doing the 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 in this manner: 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.
Excellent details of doing crate rest and tips to ensure the best recovery in this document:
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. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal.
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? Not moving at potty time sounds like pain to me.... let us know more detail.
-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies?
Anti-inflammatories can increase GI tract damage.
Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason my dog may not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory very good for learning about each of your dog's meds:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm -- Eating and drinking OK? How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
-- Currently can your dog move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk? Keep in mind the very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage will be necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment
once off all pain meds and no more signs of pain The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk .
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? Is there currently a catheter in Bella? Does it stay in all the time or do you put it in and take it out?
-- 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.
I can well understand the anxiety and stress this disc episode causes you. Knowledge is a real stress reliever and it is something your dog will depend on when the occasion arises that demands your advocating skills. Are you ready to learn how to fight the enemy and win! It IS in the cards for your dog to get back participating in all family activities after completing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for a full 8 weeks. Knowledge is going to be your best tool to help your dog. When you first brought him home to be a member of your family, you also accepted power of attorney to make medical decisions on his behalf in exchange for all those lovely wet kisses all these years.
Once the WHY of what is healing during the 8 weeks is firmly in your mind, then it is easy to recognize red flag advise to do baths, chiro, water therapy and other things that cause the spine to move. The resource we have for you to read on conservative treatment is your road map and explains each of the levels of healing. Start with the yellow button
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWe look forward to learning more about your dog with the answers to the questions.
So Stressed and Worried ! Angelina 
