Jude's Penny Laine 5/3 Conservative Rottweiler

Penny has arthritis and not moving causes stiffness in the joints. With a disc episode going on the not moving takes precedence in order to protect the spinal cord.

After crate rest is over and she can get back to moving and exercising that hip, perhaps she will be less stiff and be able to walk better.

Using a harness that puts the pulling stress on the bony parts of the chest and shoulder is what takes the stress off of the spine. is what is being recommended. While in contrast collars should be considered as a necklace just to hold the tags, not to attached a leash to.  So this is how using a harness when out and  about helps to protect the spine.  I hope this helps to answer your concerns?

Here's an update on Penny's situation: Ward took Penny for her second acupuncture session on 6/10/13, as I was running late. I saw good improvement in her gait and strength in her legs after that second session. On the 14th, Penny's condition had regressed and her legs were weaker, which was concerning.

She was better the next day but not back to the gains she had made. We both went to her 3rd session on the 17th, as the vet planned to assess her progress. Ward put Penny into the crate in the back of our CRV and I joined them when we were ready to go.

Dr. Hanks noticed that Penny seemed to have lost progress since the week before, confirming my observation. Ward said that he had not noticed that she had done anything different from always. Penny was relaxed and seemed to enjoy this session. The plan was made to have one more session to see how she was, whether she could benefit from more sessions or what.

When we left the clinic and Ward got ready to put Penny into her crate, she jumped up to get in without waiting for Ward, who reacted quickly to get the whole dog into the crate. The effect was, in my mind, akin to throwing her into the crate. (It made me wonder if this had ever happened before.) I was very upset and reminded Ward that he should have been prepared by having a hand on her both of her lift handles so that he could put her into the crate without her getting injured. He said that was the first time that had happened. I was upset beyond words and so scared for Penny.

She was none the worse for the accident and is stronger now than ever. (I have let go of my fantasy of taking Penny and finding someplace better for the two of us to live! Of course that would have had to be in a tent somewhere or on the street, neither of which would have been an improvement over our current situation.) We have our next appointment tomorrow at 6 pm. I will help Ward so that there are no more issues with getting into the crate.

Sorry this is so long. I am going to try to post a couple of photos and a short video after posting this IF I can sign onto this list from my computer, which it has not allowed me to login as yet.

I hear you. My husband and I had another "come to Jesus" meeting this morning. I reminded him that while I don't expect him to duplicate my efforts at learning about IVDD, if he's not going to, he is going to have to believe me when I tell him something about how Polly needs to be handled. Believe me and FOLLOW my instructions. Not some of the time. ALL of the time.

Hi Jude how is pretty penny doing? I have a soft spot for rotties. My sister adopted one and he was the sweetest boy. He also had hip problems but that didn't slow him down :)anyway i just read your posts and you are not the only one that is learning lessons the hard way. My Fred is doing much better and with that the determination to be an active dog again. Wishing both you and penny well and a great recovery!