Hi welcome to Dodgerslist, my name is Jean, what's yours? Since this is your second time around with IVDD, you may remember some of the things you did the last time, but maybe some refresher reading would help. Here's the link to the overview of essentials to get you started again:
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm. Can you fill us in on some more information about you and your dog?
☐ What is your dog's name? Your name, too.
☐ 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? …. STRICT 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)?
☐ 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 your dog weigh? 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.
☐ 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.
Tape this flyer to your fridge so the whole family knows what things are emergencies:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/FridgeInfo81907.pdfTo answer your question, yes, water is important for dogs on steriods as their thirst increases. But with that increased thirst, there is the increased need for potty breaks - typically every 3-4 hours. Is someone helping you with that? I know going back to work with you sick sweetie is hard, but sometimes you can make schedule adjustments or even hire a vet tech to come and help you with potty breaks/medication doses while you are at work.
Looking forward to your responses so we can better assist you.