Welcome to Dodgerslist, Emma. We are so glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you!
Disc disease is not a death sentence!
It is excellent that Stanley is no longer in pain. Surgery removes the disk pressing on the nerves of the spinal cord and relieves the pain caused by that pressure immediately. Post- surgery dogs have to contend with any pain caused by the surgery itself.
Just to check, the surgery was performed on October 5? What country are you in?
Post-op crate rest is to allow the surgical sites to heal.
Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more! —>
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT for a post-op dog means:
◼︎no laps
◼︎no couches
◼︎no baths
◼︎no sleeping with you
◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times.
How are you doing with the expressing? Is he staying dry between expressing sessions? You will know you are doing it right when you can get a steady stream of urine and Stanley stays dry between sessions. Often when the pet parent is just learning to express, expressing must be done more frequently perhaps every 3 or 4 hours for a dog to stay dry. After enough practice with expressing your dog should be able to stay dry much longer than that.
Since Stanley is taking Meloxicam, an NSAID, he should be taking a stomach protector like Pepcid AC to protect from excess stomach acid caused by all anti-inflammatories. Ask the vetif your dog has any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC (famotidine)? (doesn't need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question!) If you get a "no health" issues answer,then go to the grocery store to purchase over the counter Pepcid AC containing one single active ingredient (famotidine). In the US, famotidine is an over the counter drug. In other countries it may be prescription only so you would have to get it from your vet. Ranitidine a different acid reducer, an older generation product and not as powerful, may be available over the counter where you live but Pepcid AC is preferable.
Doxie weight dogs: 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) every 12 hours.
Pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber loosen the stool to help with constipation. Note alternatives: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato.
--To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal along with 1 teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight, 1x a day.
Can Stanley wag his tail in response to happy talk?
Post-op dogs will follow surgeon's directives for PT during post-op rest as the offending disc material was surgically removed.
1. How many weeks did your surgeon direct for post-op rest?
2. What did your surgeon direct for at home PT?
Acupuncture, laser and water therapy are excellent post-op therapies, if within your budget. Check with surgeon prior to starting.
What helped my dog Frankie relearn to walk after his surgery was aqua therapy where he walked on an underwater treadmill. Usually this can start after the stitches/staples are removed. You can check with your surgeon if you are interested. This video discusses how it works:
We also have other info on water therapy you can do at home here: Again check with your surgeon.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/watertherapyIs the surgeon a general DVM or a specialist surgeon: ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho?\
Knowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!!
The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD as soon as possible. Begin absorbing the must-have overall sense of meds, care and how the treatment works. Your dog will be depending on your ability to learn:
--- use the printout as your roadmap to avoid dangerous detours in your dog's care
--- make notes/highlight to keep yourself on track
--- follow all the links in the next days to become the IVDD savvy pet parent your dog needs.