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Post by sophiasworld on May 7, 2013 13:43:43 GMT -7
Hello.. my name is Lora and I have a 5 1/2 year old Mini Dachshund. I've had her since she was 4 months old and though I have other pets she is my baby. This past Saturday May 4th my worst fears became reality. She was diagnosed with IVDD. When I came home that Saturday morning from a church function she was just not acting herself. She seemed to use the potty fine, but when I picked her up to place her on my lap she yelped in pain. After checking her out I knew right away the pain was coming from her back. This was around 11:45 am and our vet (and most others in our area) close at Noon. I called right away and because of the nature of the problem they allowed us to bring her so we wouldn't have to go to the emergency vet (saving us a lot of money!). Sophia was given a thorough exam and X-ray which I was able to view. She has some area in the lumbar part of the spine that is evidently not bad right now, but has the potential to get much worse if we're not careful. There is, however one bad spot in the sacrum area. Sophia was quickly given I.V steroids and was sent home with muscle relaxers, oral steroids and strict instructions of crate rest (24/7- leash walk only).
I have to admit.. finding this news out has been extremely difficult for me. I was in a complete fog for the first 48 hours. As the days are moving along though, I have grown more hopeful and the fog is beginning to clear. I have done a lot of research and I know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing for her. The only thing that is gnawing at the back of mind is the possibility of surgery. That is not an option for my family right now and it utterly breaks my heart.
I'm very glad to have found this website. It has definitely been very helpful.
Lora
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Post by natureluva on May 7, 2013 14:56:46 GMT -7
Hi Lora, my name is Lisa. Welcome to Dodger's List! We're glad you found us. There are two treatments for IVDD, conservative (8 weeks of strict crate rest, plus meds to mask the symptoms) and surgery. The most important part of conservative treatment is the 8 weeks of strict crate rest. It is time and limited movement of the spine that heals the disc while the meds reduce inflammation and mask the pain. Discs take longer to fully heal than even bones, that is why 8 weeks of crate rest are necessary. Here are three links to help you with conservative treatment and crate rest: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htm www.dodgerslist.com/literature/conservative.htm I notice you did not mention that Sophia is on a stomach protectant to protect her tummy from the excess acid that steroids produce. If the stomach is not protected, internal bleeding can occur. Please ask your vet if you can give 5 mg of Pepcid AC (generic name is famotidine) 30 minutes before each dose of steroid. What is the name of the muscle relaxant that Sophia was prescribed? Is it methocarbamol? Do you feel that her pain is well-controlled? If not, ask your vet for the general opiate-like pain reliever, Tramadol. It is often prescribed for IVDD pain in combination with either methocarbamol or gabapentin. Acupuncture and laser light therapy are excellent complementary treatments for IVDD. They both stimulate the nerves to heal and reduce pain and inflammation, and acupuncture has the additional bonus of inducing a state of well-being. These treatments can begin asap, as long as you can safely transport your dog to and from the appointments (crated). You can ask your vet for a referral to a holistic vet that does acupuncture and laser light therapy, or you can search for one in your area here: www.holisticvetlist.com/ Keep in mind, Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores have a generic drug program and you can get a 30-day supply of some drugs for $4 each. Walmart has Tramadol in the correct dosage for our dogs and also Prednisone. Target may have Methocarbamol. So, you can ask the vet for a prescription and take it to the store and have it filled. Just tell them it is for a K9. Here is a Generic Med List: genericmedlist.com/ If finances are an issue, consider applying for Care Credit. They offer no interest or low interest financing for veterinary costs. You can apply online and be approved the same day! Here’s the link: www.carecredit.com/faqs.html. The best way for you to help Sophia is by learning about her disease. Here is a brief tutorial on IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IVDDcourse/index.html . If a dvd is more your style, we have an excellent one available for only $3 including shipping. It's great to have on hand to show to family/friends/petsitters so they will know what they can and cannot do with your dog and how they can help: www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm We look forward to hearing more about Sophia! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Best wishes, ~Lisa |
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335 
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Post by StevieLuv on May 7, 2013 18:31:19 GMT -7
Hi Lora, I'm Maureen. Conservative treatment is a perfectly reeasonable plan to treat your little girl's IVDD! Don't give up- we are here to help! Keeping you both in thought and prayer  |
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Post by sophiasworld on May 9, 2013 16:00:51 GMT -7
Hi Lisa Thank you so much for the info and the tips. They have been very helpful. I actually feel like I'm getting a handle on this. Sophia is taking the Methocarbamol. She's doing really, really well. From what I can tell she doesn't seem to be in much pain at all. In fact, if I wasn't so vigilant, I'm sure she would be running all around. Poor thing.. she's not liking this being toted to and from to go potty and such.. especially since she's feeling a bit better. She is already responding to Conservative treatment so well, and I am now, extremely hopeful for her. But don't worry, I understand from my research and talking to the vet how important it is that now matter how much better she is feeling she MUST remain on crate rest for another 7 1/2 weeks. I checked into giving her the Pepcid AC and I'll be starting her on that tomorrow. I've been doing some cart research as well as I am really wanting to be prepared for the future. I feel confident that Sophia will have a wonderful life whether she has the surgery or has to be fitted for a cart. I've read and watched many, many success stories for each. As for now, I believe we're doing the best we can and I'm so glad that she's responding well. Thanks again for all of the help you provide! This is a great place to turn to! Lora |
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Post by sophiasworld on May 9, 2013 16:06:54 GMT -7
Hi Maureen.. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I'm feeling much better and most importantly so is Sophia!  |
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Post by Pauliana on May 9, 2013 20:50:55 GMT -7
Hi Lora,
I am so glad Sophia is feeling better and you are more encouraged. The first few days, are rough, but once you get a routine down and know that there is lots of hope, it does get better. I don't know what I would have done without Dodgerslist when my Tyler was diagnosed with IVDD. He is doing great now and your Sophie will too.
Here is a link that shows how to lift and carry Sophia.
Take care of each other..
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