Debbie's Moxie 7/6 conservative

Hi Debbie, my name is Debbie also, did the vet suggest putting your FurBaby on Pepcid? She should ne on Pepcid to protect her stomach when taking Rimadyl. How is she doing now? Please stick with the strict crate rest.

Debbie, welcome to Dodgerslist. We are glad you are here.

In the early days of learning our dogs have IVDD, everyone needs a shoulder to lean on while getting things figured out, dealing with emotions, getting up to speed on meds, what disc disease is, etc.  Your job in the coming days is to become a reader so you become the confident leader of the health care team.... to discuss confidently various issues from medications to recognizing if suggestions of activity would be harmful to the healing disc.  All that takes being a reader. Start on our main website with "Overview: the essentials" yellow button it will give you the degree of understanding you need right away…. as time permits continue to read all the orange buttons and the blue button "Disc Disease 101 core readings" to complete your education. Here is the link www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm

Moxie is a good candidate to recover with conservative treatment if you can commit fully to 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.

Do let us know the exact details on her meds.  What was the name of the pain shot? What is the dose of Rimadyl in mg and how often do you give it.  

The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking 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.  This directory is in alpha order and is what I use myself to look up each of my dog's meds:
www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm

Is there still currently any pain (nearing dose of meds or after moving to go potty) - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?  Most often pain medications are need in addition to the Rimadyl.  You can learn more about the meds used with this disease here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm

The stroller is  a good idea at the times you have it  by your side in the house. Dogs have been known to escape by unzipping it!!!  Save walks for after the 8 weeks of crate rest as terrain outdoors, etc can be bumpy. Take the stroller out on the deck when you go there…it's a great thing to be able to keep them by your side.  MOre information on selecting a stroller as a recovery suite:  www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm

Thanks, when you have access, please let us know the exact name of the pain shot and your observations of any signs of pain ( shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy?

Keep on reading, you are doing one of the most important things to help Moxie… knowing the enemy with the intention of winning!!!