Hi there! Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Sabrina - what's yours?
First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your dog to get back to enjoying life after recovering.
YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! -
www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmWith this disease self education is critical not just so you make sure the right things are being done for your dog's 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.pdfIn order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?
► What is your dog's name? Your name, too.
► What breed is your dog?
► What was the date you saw the vet and 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?
► How much does your dog weigh? List the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given? What was the start dose if a steroid, date of taper? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC. 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.
► 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?
Ok, now getting to your question!
Steroids typically cause increased thirst/need to urinate. While on steroids, your girl will likely need to pee frequently (often every 2 - 3 hours).
Some solutions I've heard from folks who work away from the home and can't hire help:
-- Trusted relative/friend/neighbor who is willing and able to learn how to safely care for an IVDD dog, who can come over at intervals during the day for potty breaks
-- Working with employers to schedule lunch breaks at different times (like one earlier and one later)
Would either/both of those be a possibility in your situation?
IVDD stinks, but we are here to support you as you help your dog through this!
))Hugs!((
Edit to add: Walmart, Target and some grocery store pharmacies such as Smith's offer generic meds for $4 for 30 tablets. Many common IVDD meds are available as $4 generics - that really helps with the budget!
