Jo, welcome to Dodgerslist. I'm sorry to hear Annie is having a disc episode. The purpose for crating is as a kind of cast of sorts to keep the back, the vertebrae, from moving. Movement is what impedes the body from forming good scar tissue on the outside of the disc. So you may need to help Annie relax in her recovery suite.
Using any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price.
Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider:
--Comfort Zone (DAP) wall plug-in diffuser 48ml
www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html --Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml
www.adaptil.com/ Use a diffuser with one oral calmer from below:
Oral calmers:
1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed
www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine.
www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation
www.bachrescueremedypet.com Can you fill us in on a few details so we'll know better how to support you:
--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD?
-- What was the date you saw the vet and 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for this current disc episode?
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?
-- How much does your dog weigh? Would you give us a list of exact med names currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies?
Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:"
Is there a medical/health reason my dog may 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 and thereafter every 12 hours. Pepcid is generally considered a safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for a healthy dog and good insurance. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. This directory very good for learning about each of your dog's meds:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm -- Eating and drinking OK? How are poops today- normal color and firmness, 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.
Self education with this disease is critical. Knowledge is to make sure the right things are being done for best recovery. And for yourself, knowledge lets you step out of a very scary place…"the unknown" and the toll it takes on your emotions.
Get ready to fight this disease with this current episode and in the future by knowing all things IVDD.
So you are savvy about conservative treatment this page is a wonderful place to get a good overview of each of the phases of healing:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm Hope to hear you will be able to follow all the informative links and complete your readings in the next couple of days.
We look forward to learning more about Annie with your answers.
