Welcome to Dodgerslist, my name is Pauliana, what is your name? First thing to know is that it IS in the cards for your Bubba to get back to enjoying life after recovering. Many Dodgerslist dogs have recovered using conservative treatment, even older dogs. Euthanasia is not a treatment for IVDD, crate rest, pain medication and Steroids to get the swelling down IS a treatment and Bubba deserves a chance to recover.
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.htmIn 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?
Once Bubba gets home from the Vet clinic are you prepared to start 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 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.
Here are some questions to ask the Vet when Bubba is discharged from the clinic:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmThe 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.
Do everything possible to preserve the spinal cord with good crate rest principals! The true success with IVDD is measured by the most important goal of returning your dog to a pain free, happy and full-of-love quality of life after crate rest. Should paralysis occur, please know that dogs do not view the lack of ability to walk as a minus as humans do. Dogs adjust to what is and then get on with the business of fully enjoying all that life has to offer until nerves repair!
☐ 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
☐ When they send him home let us know 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.
☐ 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.
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.pdfPlease order our DVD to educate family, friends and your Vet!
www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Sending healing and comforting thoughts over the miles.
