Hi Cathy, I'm Sabrina. Welcome to Dodger'sList! I'm so sorry that Milez is having a disc episode, but I'm so glad you are here to learn about how you can be his advocate and get him the best care possible.
With this disease self education is critical - not just so you make sure the right things are being done for Milez's best recovery, but also 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?
► What was the date 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?
► List of the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given?
-- Is Milez on a stomach protector, such as PepcidAC? Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way:
"is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm► Can your dog specifically sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
► 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.
With Conservative treatment for a disc episode, 8 weeks of 100% crate rest (only carried out to potty and taken to necessary vet appts) are needed - this is so that Milez can develop secure scar tissue to protect his healing disc(s).
There is a page on the main Dodger'sList site that overviews the 4 Phases of Healing from a Disc Episode:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm I've found it to be such a great resource to read and re-read!
Medications for =
Phase 1: total pain control dose to dose of pain meds, while
Phase 2: the anti-inflammatory resolves the swelling/inflammation causing the pain.
Time and the Body work to =
Phase 3: develop secure scar tissue over the 8wks of 100% strict crate rest to protect the healing disc(s)
Phase 4: regain neurological function, which can happen weeks, months, or years later. The great thing is that there is no "expiration date" for healing nerves!
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htmHere are some links with great info for setting up Milez's recovery suite:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmMilez should be carried out at potty times, and only take the very fewest steps possible. A sling helps to support his back end:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/slingwalk.jpgMy male dog preferred the "figure 8" style sling:
))Hugs!(( We are here to support you as you care for Milez!
