Hi Dan, welcome to Dodgerslist. We are happy to have you join us!
Valium is a relaxant and anti anxiety medication that can be used to relax muscles and not a pain medication per say. For more information on pain control please read this:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmIf he was only getting the Prednisone once a day, he was never on the anti inflammatory dose to take down swelling in his spinal chord. I am happy he has recovered regardless! Keep it in mind in case of another episode and read this about swelling and inflammation:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmWith 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. Are you ready? Here's the link
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmAdd 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.pdfHow to make your home back friendly:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmTips for life after an IVDD episode:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmScroll to the end of the article for a list of activities that your dog shouldn't engage in..Precautions help but can't totally prevent an episode.. IVDD dogs are born with degenerating discs..Some dogs have one episode in their lives and others have multiple episodes. It's important to take precautions seriously but to allow your dog to also be a dog and enjoy his life. There is a balance in there somewhere. We have learned to take the good times with the bad and do the best we can to keep them from injuring themselves.
Bentley eating dog poop has nothing to do with IVDD. Some dogs develop that habit.. The best thing to do is to always keep poop cleaned up so he can't get to it and there are products available at most pet shops to discourage the habit. Also speak to your Vet about it.
Bladder and bowel lack of control can be from nerve damage or because the bladder got overstretched.
Or it can be because he forgot his house training. Acupuncture can help if it's from nerve damage and it's a wonderful therapy for IVDD as is Laser therapy.
In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?
► What breed is your dog?
► During his disc episode did you use conservative treatment including the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty? …. 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?
►
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.
All of us here have dogs that have IVDD either with a current episode or a past episode.. My dog Tyler has recovered from 2 episodes and his having a great time now..
