Clair's Reese 7/2 conservative

Clair, welcome to Dodgerslist. Pain is the very first level of healing that needs to be accomplished…when the pain meds are correct for Reese's body then in 1 hour she'll be pain free and there after dose to dose of pain meds.

Tramadol unless given at a minimum of every 8 hours is not likely to control pain. Most vets also add in methocarbamol right off the bat to address the type of pain coming from muscle pain associated with a disc episode.  Know your meds so you  can discuss things with the vet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm  

-- Are you doing 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks …. 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). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc.

The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe from other pets and kids from bothering them. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm

-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? Once pain is under control you will be able to assess why she is not urinating…due to pain or another reason.

-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies?

-- The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not to take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID.  We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. If you have a question about anything you read, let's talk! This directory is in alpha order:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm

-- Currently can your dog wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk? The very, very lightest least aggressive range of motion and leg massage is necessary for paralyzed legs during conservative treatment. The information highlighted in PINK pertains to a dog who can't walk.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm

-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? That is a sign that bladder control has been lost. If she can still sniff an old pee spot outside and then release urine she has bladder control.

-- Eating and drinking OK?

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