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Post by Calah & Longfellow on Jul 9, 2014 20:57:01 GMT -7
Hello,
I am new to this forum, but I am not new to IVDD. I was not sure where the best place to start this thread was so I apologize if you would prefer it elsewhere. My dog, Longfellow, had surgery approximately 4.5 years ago. He regained the ability to walk, and is continent, and has been relatively healthy ever since. He is now almost 9 and seems to be having a flare-up. He has been to the vet three times in the past month because the medications (at first Rimadyl only and now Rimadyl+Tramadol) and were not really helping. The vet suggested it was arthritis both times. I am familiar with arthritis. My dog does have arthritis, especially in his back. This flare-up seemed different to me because he did not appear to have better or worse times of the day. He stayed pretty miserable. Head down, not wanting to get up, not wanting to eat, and slightly painful. I immediately put him on crate rest when these symptoms developed, approximately 4 weeks ago. The vet increased his pain medications and he seems to be doing much better. I am not taking him off of crate rest for another 4 weeks, but he is now more willing to walk (on harness!) to go potty. All of this leading up to my thread--how have others' experiences been with their aging IVDD dogs?
I am curious to know how successful conservative treatments (I will not put him through another surgery at his age) are. I am also curious as to whether others have had the arthritis versus IVDD discussion with their veterinarians. I wonder whether pain medications eventually become a permanent part of the daily routine, and when/whether IVDD dogs reach a point where they do not seem to respond to treatment. I'm sorry this is a bit of a downer post. To lighten things up, I don't have any doubt that aging IVDD dogs can live happy and full lives-as can any aging pet or person.
I'm trying to come to terms with the aging, and I know IVDD adds an additional element to aging and any insight would be wonderful. I also understand all dogs are different, but again, any insight would be beneficial to me.
Thank you! ~Calah
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Post by Cindi & Kytt on Jul 9, 2014 21:29:09 GMT -7
Calah,
I have had three dogs with IVDD. Hunter, had his first surgery around 7 and the second surgery at 9 or 10 (it is hard for me to remember the exact ages). He had only those two episodes both of which required surgery. He lived to be 15 1/2 and never had any problems after the second surgery. There will be others with far more knowledge than me to assist you, but I since you asked about how an IVDD dog does with the aging process, and Hunter lived a good, long life; I thought I would share.
Cindi and Keeghan
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 9, 2014 21:34:41 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Calah! I am sorry to hear Longfellow is having a relapse. First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for himto get back to enjoying life after recovering. 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, even if you have experience in the past with IVDD, it is always good to review. 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.htmHere on Dodgerslist we have had a lot of success with conservative treatment. Here are some of our success stories for both conservative treatment and surgical treatment. The ones wih C after the dogs names recovered with conservative treatment. www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htm 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 Longfellow weigh? List the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and times per day given? 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? ► 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. Our members here have dogs of all ages. We've had quite a few even in their teens recover.. Some dogs have one episode in their lifetime while others have multiple episodes.. All we can do is make their lives as happy as we can and make our homes back friendly: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmWe usually only keep the dogs on medications only as long as they are necessary because of the side effects involved.. Once the NSAID or Steroid gets the swelling down within 7 to 30 days, the cause of the pain is gone and they can go off the anti inflammatory and the pain medications and continue crate rest in comfort. |
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