Tina’s Scooter 5/7 Conservative 4th time Doxie/Beagle

--What is your dog's name?
Scooter, around 10 years old – 4th time around with IVDD all conservative, I’ve been with Dodger’s list since 2007. St. Louis, MO area, IL side. Vet only believes in 2 weeks crate rest, but I will do the full 8 weeks.

--What breed is your dog and did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD?
Dachshund/Beagle mix (23 pounds). We haven’t taken him to the vet this time (yet) since this is our 4th time around with this.

He first got this in 3/2007 (pain/yelping when jumping up – 8 weeks crate rest plus on Prednisone) (Methocarbamol and Rimadyl not effective the first week) Had X-rays done. Vet said there were like 3 places susceptible, to plan on 3 surgeries in the future)

2/2010 (whimpering/mild case – only did 4 weeks crate rest plus on Prednisone)

12/2011 (refusal to come out of kennel, had to take kennel apart and pick him up and put into the grass to pee, pain, weakness and limp in right hind leg, didn’t recover as quickly as before, showed more signs of pain, had to stay on Prednisone longer – 8 weeks crate rest and laser photon therapy, that was recommend by another Dodger’s member in the area) He was also on Reconcile for separation anxiety and we weren’t able to mix his meds and give him any pain meds (X-Rays again, I can’t remember the results, but we thought maybe it was just his leg hurt, but the leg turned out fine and vet determined his back again)

And now 5/2013 (pain via refusal to come out of kennel even for treats, holding head up in the back of kennel, acting timid, but not limping) (will be doing 8 weeks crate rest, scheduled on Prednisone until 5/16, asked vet about pain med and he said he preferred to treat with steroids) Depending on how Scooter acts tonight, I’ll call the vet again and ask about giving him the Tramadol we have on hand.


-- What was the date you saw the vet and started 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7?
Monday 5/6, Scooter was acting different, didn’t want to go outside, same for Tuesday evening 5/7, called vet for dosage of Prednisone already on hand and crate rest immediately. We were in denial on Monday that it was his back again.

-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?
I don’t think so, but his refusal to not come out of kennel unless for canned food has me worried. But once out he does seem to walk okay, eats grass, pottyed this morning. Last night I did notice some slight trembling in that right hind leg when he was sitting.

-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies?
Prednisone 10 mg twice a day for 2 days, then 10 mg once a day for 7 days – I will be adding the Pepcid tonight before the Prednisone.

-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
Walks fine, might be slower than normal, but also not letting him move much, yes wags his tail this morning. Last night had tail between his legs and would not go pee. But did pee this morning. Adding pumpkin tonight to help with stools

-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
No. He has never lost bladder control.

-- Eating and drinking OK?
Yes, but turns head to treats when coaxing out of the small kennel to take outside. But will come out for canned food, might have us trained.

-- Poops OK - normal color no dark or bright red blood?
Haven’t gotten to see that yet, hopefully tonight we can make him go with pumpkin


Surgery is not affordable for us, so we can only hope he recovers each time with conservative. He is in a metal crate well padded with elevated water bowl. Due to his size, to take him out potty, we let him take a few steps in a smaller kennel and we carry him/kennel outside in the grass. Then we coax him out and try to pee right there. I haven’t keep up with the success stories in a long time, but it appears now he is getting this yearly and I’m afraid it’s going to keep coming back since we can’t afford surgery even with CareCredit. Preventatives: We have the ramp on the bed, with baby pen around it so he has to use the ramp, permanent plywood ramp on outside step, weight normal, not fat. We pretty much know the routine thanks to Dodger's List, but we could always use more support and advice. Just sad that this keeps coming back to our sweet baby boy.