Jan's Lamby 7/4 conservative Bichon/Poodle mix

Welcome to Dodgerslist, Jan. What is your dog's name?

What was the date you started crate rest? And why was pred not prescribed initially just muscle relaxer and tramadol?

One of the very best things you can do is to become a mini expert on the disease, care and meds. That is how we protect our dogs and advocate for the things they need.

www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm [getting up to speed on disc disease]
www.dodgerslist.com/literature.htm [setting up the recovery suite--pink box on far right]

Can you tell us a a bit more about him:

-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?

-- What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and frequencies? Cortisteroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.) are involved with stimulating gastric acid secretion causing GI upset to the more threatening bleeding ulcers or holes in the stomach or intestine. Phrase the question to your vet in this particular way: "is there any medical reason my dog may not to take Pepcid AC?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in protecting the stomach by giving doxies 5MG Pepcid AC (generic name is Famotidine) 30 mins prior to steroid. Pepcid AC is a generally safe over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for healthy dogs. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html

-- 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?

-- Eating and drinking OK?

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

Are you also giving extra water with the pumpkin? Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. The amount of water in the diet makes all the difference. To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with a teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kibble and no extra water 1x a day. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potoato.

Water and food bowls are required to be inside the recovery suite. So that he is only out at potty times and for a vet visit. 

Hi Jan!

Here is some information about why it is important to be on an anti-inflammatory such as Prednisolone. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm

If he is still showing signs of pain then his pain medications still need adjusting until he is pain free dose to dose. Very important as he can't begin to heal until his pain is under control.  Inform Lamby's vet that he is still in pain.  Gabapentin (excellent for nerve pain) is often added to Tramadol and Methocarbamol and the three work very well together.  www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm

You will find he is very thirsty on Prednisolone and he will need to go potty at least every 3 hours if not sooner.  Is he able to urinate on his own? I am concerned about the belly band, it might be painful if his  disc episode is anywhere near that area.. 

Glad Lamby doesn't object to his crate... My Tyler goes in on his own too. 

Why are you using a belly band, since he has bladder control. Were you finding urine leaks in his bedding?