Hi Tamara, I'm Sabrina. (I'm going to ask for the more forum-savvy moderators to move you over to the Conservative side of the forum - when that happens you should get a forum message with your thread's location.)
I am so sorry to hear that Ollie is having another disc episode! But I'm so glad you got him help right away.
The horrible thing about IVDD is that it has the potential to affect any of the discs between Ollie's vertebrae:
Some dogs have only one episode their entire lives, others have multiple issues over the course of their lives. I can only imagine how horrible this is for you and Ollie, and only a few months after his surgery. But you can get through this!
YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! -
www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmCan you update us on some specifics of this disc episode?
► What was the date started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 (only out to potty and for necessary vet visits) 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)?
► Glad to hear Ollie doesn't appear to be in pain - are you noticing any: shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy? (signs of pain)
► How much does Ollie weigh? List the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given?
-- Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC (Famotidine is the generic name as it may not be called "PepcidAC" in your country). Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:"
Is there a medical/health reason for my dog 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.
-- What was the anti-inflammatory Ollie was given before the vet visit, and what was given to him in the IV? There are two classes of drugs used to address the swelling/inflammation during a disc episode: NSAIDs and Steroids. These two drugs should not be used together or one right after the other. If Ollie as switched between an NSAID and a Steroid (without the recommended 4 - 7 day wash out period), call your vet and ask for a second stomach protector: Sucralfate, which forms a kinda of bandage over the upper GI tract.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugs► Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment -
once off of all meds and there is no more pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.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.
Here are some great articles about Conservative Treatment:
Conservative treatment for disc disease (IVDD) -
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htmCrate Rest Recovery Process -
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmClark's helpful supplies for crate rest -
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm))Hugs!(( Hang in there, Tamara! We are here to support you as you help your Ollie through this!
