Welcome to Dodgerslist, what is your name and your dog's name and breed?
A dog prone to IVDD is a dog that could suffer from neuropathy. Neuropathy is a nerve problem you need to be aware of as it can precede, accompany, or follow a disc episode. It can develop after surgery for a disc episode too. Neuropathy is pain which presents when damage has occurred to the nervous system. The damage may be caused by many things but when IVDD is involved, it is caused by damage to the nerves due to trauma to the spinal cord from the ruptured intervertebral disc. This pain can come in the form of tingling, a pins and needles sensation, and even be a burning, searing electrical like sensation which is extremely painful. Even paralyzed dogs can feel the pain of neuropathy. Many times, the pain can be so severe that the dog will self mutilate themselves in an attempt to relieve the pain. Initial signs of neuropathy can be excessive licking of a paw, leg, genital area, rear end, and the tail. Excessive licking can escalate to chewing and gnawing on the painful area and then self mutilation which can be fatal. If you even suspect your dog is starting to suffer from neuropathy, immediately
put an e collar (rolled up hand towel secured with duct tape will work) around the dog’s neck and contact your vet. Gabapentin (Neurontin brand name) provides effective relief for many dogs.
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.pdfIn order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?
► Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?
► 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.
► Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment nt once off of all meds and there is no more pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm► 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.
