Welcome to Dodgerslist, Kelly. What's your dog's name?
So the vets believe she is currently having a disc episode? What was the date that this started? What signs did she exhibit at the beginning of this disc episode? Did she have pain when this started? You need to immediately crate her if she is having a current disc episode to protect her spine from movement and further damage.
Steroids can be given orally at home and if this is indeed a current disc episode, then she does need to be on an anti-inflammatory dose of steroids to bring the swelling down. It can take 7-30 days for the swelling resolved. However, the nerve damage may or may not improve while on the steroids. Nerves can take a very long time to heal, months, even a year or more. Even if the nerve damage doesn't improve, your dog can still have a happy life.
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.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.htmCan you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog:
1. When was the date you saw the vet?
2. What are the exact names, dose in mgs and frequency of all meds? How much does your dog weigh?
3. 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.
4. Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
5. Eating and drinking OK?
6. Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
Are the vets you consulted with Board-certified neurologists (ACVIM) or orthopedists (ACVS)? Often general vets don't see enough IVDD cases to be familiar enough to treat them correctly. It doesn't sound as though you were told by either vet to crate rest, which is an essential part of conservative care for IVDD. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion by a Board-certified neurologist.
Please don't despair. IVDD is not a death sentence. Many dogs regain use of their legs and even if they don't, their lives can be happy ones.
www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmOnce we have more information as requested above, we'll be better able to offer you support. We're here for you and will help you and your little girl through this.
