Welcome to Dodgerslist Melissa! First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your Ladybug to get back to enjoying life after recovering. Has Ladybug been seen by a specialist to determine an IVDD diagnosis? Have other conditions been ruled out? She may be having a mild episode since she is not having severe pain or neuro deficits.. or loss of functions which would make her a great candidate to heal with conservative treatment. It is best to treat it as if it is IVDD until you know for sure it is not, to avoid a disc rupture or paralysis from too much movement..
Yes Ladybug can be taken in a car if she is in a carrier or crate that's padded so she wouldn't be harmed by bumps and quick turns... A stroller can be used in the house during a disc episode, so the can be rolled from room to room but shouldn't be left unsupervised in the stroller..A stroller shouldn't be used outdoors until after the 8 weeks crate rest is over.. Too many bumps can injure a healing disc. Once crate rest is over, a stroller is a great idea outdoors..
In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions?
☐ What breed is your dog and 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? ….
100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks means no laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no cart till all 8 weeks have been finished, 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.
The recovery suite is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe from other pets and kids from bothering them. A lap can easily shift and move around, that is one reason we say during a disc episode to avoid laps, couches and beds.. Anytime out of the crate is a dangerous time for a healing disc. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal.
☐ Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant to move much or slow to move, tight tense tummy?
Usually disc injuries are very painful so you would need to learn the signs of pain and keep a close watch out for them. Signs of pain are shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, nose held to the ground, head held up high, tight hard tummy, arched back, holding leg up flamingo style, not wanting to bear weight on the leg. Just not being their usual perky selves. Also any worsening of neuro functions would necessitate a vet/neurologist's exam
☐ 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.
I noticed your vet gave Ladybug a steroid shot and then prescribed a NSAID for her during her first episode.. Please remember that Steroids and NSAIDS are both anti inflammatories and should never be given together. One or the other, never both. Very dangerous to her stomach and GI tract. Also a wash out period of 4 to 7 days should she need to change from a NSAID to a Steroid.
☐ 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.
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.htmAfter crate rest is over this article explains how to ease back into activity the safe way:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.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.pdf
