Welcome to Dodgerslist, Julie Ann. Is your vet aware of the fact that MacGyver is still shivering? Shivering/trembling is a sign of pain, which means the pain meds are not right and need to be adjusted. What is the dosage in mgs of the Tramadol? Gabapentin can be added to the mix and Methocarbamol addresses the pain from muscle spasms. All three can be used in conjunction with each other. Please speak to your vet this morning so MacGyver's pain can be brought under control today.
A taper of the Prednisolone should not be done today since MacGyver is still in pain. Pain = swelling = more time on all meds. Please speak to your vet this morning about continuing on the anti-inflammatory dose for a bit longer to get that swelling under control.
How much does MacGyver weigh and what breed is he?
Not eating is a red flag indicating GI distress, which is a side effect of the Prednisolone. Please speak to your vet ASAP about getting him started on Sucralfate to double protect his stomach along with the Pepcid AC. GI problems can worsen quickly. Are you giving 5 mg of Pepcid AC 30 min. before the Pred and then every 12 hours thereafter?
Is this a neck injury? You mentioned that he moved his head this morning. Has he been having difficulty moving his head? If it is a neck injury, that may be why he's reluctant to eat hard kibble. Here are some tips in dealing with a neck injury, such as raising food/water dishes, softening hard kibble, etc.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cervical.htmIf it's a neck injury, they can be much more painful than back injuries and often take an aggressive dose of all three of the medications above to get the pain under control.
Please let your dog know with your utmost confidence that things are going to be ok…because they will. 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. Here's the link
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and out to potty. 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm> Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
> Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
> Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment once off all meds and there is no pain. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk
but only after all meds are stopped and there is no pain.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmLaser light therapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture which sends a microcurrent of electricity to and from acupuncture points (which are really big nerve bundles), can be very beneficial at helping to re-establish the nerve connections in the body. Any one of these therapies can be started right away if in your budget... they not only help relieve pain and inflammation but will kick start nerves to begin regeneration.
NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
Please don't despair. IVDD is not a death sentence. Many dogs regain use of their legs and even if they don't, their lives can be happy ones.
www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmNerves can take a long time to heal but heal they can! Why do you feel that he doesn't look too favorable in the recovery department? We have seen dogs with no deep pain sensation recover. We're here for you and MacGyver and will help you through this. Stay strong and stay positive!
Healing prayers for MacGyver.
