IF there is no pain, no increasing loss of neuro function then there is no need of NSAIDs or any other meds. Nerve healing is a separate thing from meds. Nerves self heal on their own time. Muscle atrophy can quickly return once crate rest is over and it is safe to resume physical activity.
Because you have not been doing true conservative treatment of 100% STRICT rest 24/7, it makes it very cloudy what Missy has. She has not been allowed to heal her disc and may have gotten worse because of improper rest.
Ordinarily when 100% rest has been provided, right meds and yet a dog is still loosing functions, the pain can't be brought under control, then it may be time to do more detective work with CT or MRI to see if it might be meningitis, tumor, etc. So I don't know if you want to try 100% rest, recovery suite only large enough to stand up, turn around and when lying down to fully stretch out the legs. OR maybe you do not want to wait you want confirmation of what you are dealing with since this already has been going on since early May. Do know with anesthesia, the trunk muscles which support the spine will be asleep. The body's defense against further disc tearing would be eliminated. So the weighing of anesthesia is something to take into consideration. Here are considerations re: surgery vs. conservative treatment:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htmDr. Isaacs answered alot of questions we've had about surgery: "Surgery needs to be a decision an owner enters into recognizing the risk, but also recognizes the benefit. This way if something unforeseen occurs an owner can be comforted and at peace with the fact that surgery was the right decision and they did all they could for their dog." You will find it worthwhile to read the rest of his answers about surgery:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmCan you fill us in on a few more details so we better know how to help:
-- Are you now doing 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)? Now in an area just enough to turn around in and fully stretch out legs when lying down?
-- 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 Missy weigh? Would you list the exact med names currently given as prescribed by the Specialist today, their doses in mg's and frequency given?
Anti-inflammatories can increase GI tract damage.
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. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory very good for learning about each of your dog's meds:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm Because you have been starting and stopping the various NSAIDs, please indicate the last start date so we know how many days in a row she has been on Previcox. Or is she now in a stop phase?
-- Eating and drinking OK? How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
-- 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.
