Benka's Frank 5/24 conservative CANADA

Welcome to Dodgerslist, Benka. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your Frank to get back to enjoying life after recovering. I would use a sling and harness for him for now until he is steadier, so he doesn't fall over and re tear his early healing disc.

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. 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.pdf

In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?

► What breed is your dog?

► very glad you started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks only out to  carry him out to potty for this current disc episode….Just so we are on the same page,  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)? For more on crate rest and other tips:  www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm

► Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy and are the medications keeping pain under control from dose to dose?

► How much does your dog weigh? What are the dosages and frequencies given of the Prednisone,  Methocarbamol and Famotidine?

► 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.

Benka what country do you live in? If at all possible discuss with your vet to only use plain methocarbamol ALONE without acetaminophen.

The bible for Vets on medications is Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. "Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Dogs are more susceptible to red blood cell toxicity than are humans, so dose carefully. Because acetaminophen is not routinely used in veterinary medicine, experience on its adverse effect profile is limited. At suggested dosages in dogs, there is some potential for renal, hepatic, GI, and hematologic effects occurring. Plumb, Donald. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Kindle Locations 1180-1181). PharmaVet inc. Kindle Edition.

American Veterinary Medical Association: 
www.avma.org  "Animal poisoning by drugs is by far the most common type of small animal poison exposure, accounting for 75% of 1990 toxin exposures as reported by the AAPCC and 82 of 425 fatalities.""Due to the significant toxicity to pets in relatively minimal dosages, the recommendation is clear — Tylenol should not be given to dogs or cats. "

Just stress from change in daily routine can cause increased stomach acids, add Prednisone which also contributes to increased stomach acid damage so it is good to hear that Famotidine is on board. Is Frank taking at the aggressive end of 5mg 2x/day to give the best coverage?

If there is still pain of a tense tummy and he is not wanting to shift sides in his crate, not wanting to turn around in his crate... in other words he is reluctant to move because it is painful, the please alert your vet that methocarbamol/acetaminophen combo is not doing the job. Methocarbamol works on the pain that stems from muscle spasms. Tramadol works as a general pain reliever. IF the the pain is hard to control then the vet still has an option to add in a 3rd pain reliever called gabapentin. Please read up so you are in a position to strongly advocate for Frank's pain to be fully under control: 100%. There should be no pain dose to dose of the pain med(s), no pain after moving such as at potty time. Reading on pain meds used with a disc episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm

Hi Benka,

A tight tense tummy is a sign of pain.  It is a good idea to speak with the vet about his pain not being under control..  For more information about pain control:   www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm

Hi Benka, I'm Sabrina. I'm so sorry you and Frank have to go through this, and that your vet isn't confident with Conservative treatment for IVDD. Don't lose hope! IVDD, in and of itself, isn't a death sentence.
YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! - www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm

Tramadol has a very short half-life, and typically has to be given at least every 8 hrs to control pain. Do call your vet and ask that Frank be prescribed Tramadol every 8 hrs, and if that doesn't control his pain, as for the dose (mgs) to be increased.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm

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.htm

Worsening neuro functions are something to address right away. When you say Frank's walking has deteriorated, have you noticed more neuro troubles: more wobbly, crossing legs, knuckling, etc?
Here's a sign to print out and put on the fridge so everyone in your household knows what signs and symptoms to watch out for:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdf

As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order.
1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord
2. Wobbly walking, legs cross
3. Nails scuffing floor
4. Paws knuckle
5. Legs do not work (paralysis, dog is down)
6. Bladder control is lost
7. Tail wagging with joy is lost
8. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function (only correctly identified by a specialist)

It can be difficult to find a good IVDD knowledgeable vet. Here's a page with some strategies: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm We are building up member recommendations for vets, you can search here and see if any are in your area: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting

))Hugs!((