Julie, as Judy indicated your answers will aid us in giving you the best information pertaining to Missy. Let us know how the vet visit this am went.
QUESTIONS to answer:☆ 1 Is there still currently pain?
☐ reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow, ginger movements
☐ shivering, trembling ☐yelping when picked up or moved
☐ tight tense tummy ☐can’t find a comfortable position, appears restless
☐ Arched back ☐head held high or nose to the ground
☐ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
☐Not their normal perky selves?
Full pain relief is expected in1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. If not in control your vet needs to be updated via phone call asap to adjust meds.
☆ 2 How much does your dog weigh?
A.. Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg’s and times per day given.
B.. If on a steroid….what was the start date & dose? Date of steroid taper?
or date of NSAID stop?
C.. PEPCID AC: Phrase a simple question that you expect a simple "yes "or "no" to it. Does my dog have 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).
(NOTE: Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours.
www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html )
☆ 3 -- Eating and drinking OK? No nausea/not eating, no vomit?
-- Poops OK - normal firmness & color -no dark black or bright red blood indicating bleeding ulcers? No diarrhea?
☆ 5 Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?
-- Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist surgeon: ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho?
☆ 6 CONSERVATIVE treatment
Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more! —>
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htmSTRICT means:
- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no dragging or meandering at potty times.
- no PT - no chiro therapy
Why Chiropractic is not recommended for pain for an IVDD dog:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm☆ 7 Can Missy specifically sniff and squat and then release urine which is bladder control - OR- do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted which are indication of an overflowing bladder and loss of bladder control?
Overflowing bladders need to be expressed to avoid UTIs. Review video then get a hands-on-top-of-your-hands expressing lesson.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmDOGs with BLADDER CONTROL: Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog’s back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot. An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!
☆ 8 Currently can Missy move the back legs at all?
---wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
