Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Marjorie - what's yours?
It's vitally important that you keep Sophie strictly crated. 100% 24/7 only carried in and out to do potty. Too much movement can tear the disc more, which can cause nerve damage and paralysis. Think of the crate as a cast for the spine. Please take a look here to find tips on how to calm her in the crate:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/EmergencyCrate%20Training.htmIf these don't help, please speak to your vet about prescribing a mild sedative. It's much better to have a mildly sedated dog resting and healing comfortably in the crate than too much movement, increased pain with chance of nerve damage and paralysis.
This is how a disc and too much movement can damage the spinal cord:
Take a refresher course on IVDD starting on our main web page with "Overview: the essentials". Here's the link
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and out to potty. 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmCan you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog:
1. Please confirm that 100% strict 24/7 crate rest is being implemented today.
2. What are the exact names, dose in mgs and frequency of all meds? How much does your dog weigh?
3. Pepcid AC should be given to protect your dog from the excess acid produced by the anti-inflammatory. Please get your vet's permission to give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic is famotidine) 30 minutes before the dose of the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours). Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "Is there any medical reason my dog may not take Pepcid AC?" If your vet says your dog has no health issues such as liver, heart, etc to keep her from taking Pepcid AC, then do get it on board.
4. Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
5. Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
6. Eating and drinking OK?
7. Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
Laser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration.
NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
Once we have the additional info requested above, we'll be better able to support you and Sophie. We're here for both of you and will help you through this. Healing prayers for Sophie.
