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Post by melissa on May 5, 2013 10:58:58 GMT -7
Rescued from a local high kill shelter, Mandolin, a 15 lb. Dachshund mix found a new lease on life...Hunting squirrels, attacking water from the hose and digging to China. Highly adoptable, Mandolin was having the time of her life at the shelter and in foster care. While out for some R & R at the beach she had a little too much fun and incurred a back injury which put a halt to all her lively activities. On crate rest, nearly in a wheelchair and on a schedule of varying meds for the deep pain, Mandolin longs for getting back to living! We have raised enough money for Mandolin to acquire x-rays (IVDD diagnosed), chiropractic care, acupuncture, underwater treadmill and laser therapy at Georgia Vet. Rehab (GVR). GVR offered a 20% discount for all her treatment (Thanks GVR)! Mandolin is scheduled for MRI and possible surgery 5/8/13 at Auburn University.
As Mandolin's foster Mom, I am very nervous about the pending surgery on Wednesday. She hates the crate and just wants to be hunting vermin, so this is my, major, concern...That she will be spending her recovery in a crate in the car due to her inability to stay calm and quiet. Has anyone used "DAP" (pheromone) on their dog before?
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Post by Pauliana on May 5, 2013 11:32:18 GMT -7
Melissa, welcome to Dodgerlist. First an important note: Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs. Please don't risk further injury to her spine and discs. However Acupuncture and Laser light therapies are excellent for dogs with this condition..  She may not need the wheelchair, so wait on that until she has graduated from at least 6 weeks of crate rest after surgery. I was nervous too about Tyler's surgery but you know what? He actually actually tolerated it quite well and it put him on the road to an excellent recovery. Please let Mandolin 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 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 In order to help you more, could you please answer these questions? -- What was the date you saw the vet and started the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for 8 weeks for conservative care.. 6 weeks after surgery. 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)? Her crate should be in your home where her condition can be monitored and calming aids can be given to relax her. In a car is not a good idea. -- Is there still currently pain - shivering, shaking, crying when picked up or moved? -- What are 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 due 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? 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 |
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Post by Pauliana on May 5, 2013 12:29:34 GMT -7
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She may not need the wheelchair, so wait on that until she has graduated from at least 6 weeks of crate rest after surgery. 