Barbara's Arthur 4/26 surgery Dogue de Bordeaux.

Welcome to Dodgerslist Barbara! Please let your Arthur 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.htm

Please don't panic that he can't walk after surgery, that is not uncommon. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the swelling to go down after the surgery, so it is much too early to access his walking ability. As his swelling goes down you may see some function returning as time goes by, so don't give up hope. It's possible for him to gain the ability to walk again. Some dogs take days, weeks or even months to walk again. 

 If he doesn't walk again, he will be perfectly happy with a specially made wheeled cart. Dogs don't worry about what they can't do, they think about what they CAN do. We could all learn a thing or two from how dogs adjust to life altering events.

 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; plus don't forget to order one DVD for your vet www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm 
 
Before Arthur gets home  make plans to create a recovery suite for him for his 6  weeks of crate rest. He is such a big dog so he will require a large crate or an  ex pen of sorts that can keep him contained to keep his back still during his recovery. It's very important for him to have 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty and for surgeon directed PT? …. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No chiro (aka VOM)? Please let us know  what  your surgeon directs for PT and for crate rest?

When he comes home please let us know the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Please include the all important stomach protector such as Pepcid AC.

-- Can your dog move the legs at all or wag the tail if 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? Helpful videos with tips on expressing both urine and poop: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm

-- Eating and drinking OK?

-- Poops OK - normal color and firmness no dark or bright red blood?

Laser 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. Find a holistic vet here: ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] NOTE: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.