Roderick, I'm sorry to hear Lucy is thought to be having another disc episode after graduating May 2020.
1) Could you clarify if the knuckling is new? That is just began when you wrote on July 8, 2020? Or did she have this nerve damage of knuckling paws under on upon graduation May 28, 2020 which had not yet self-repaired?
Knuckling if a new thing you wrote about on July 8 that would be new nerve damage. caused by a new disc episode.
2) Hesitant to walk is that something new as well? Hesitant to walk can mean pain. Can mean pain from arthritis or from a new disc episode. New knuckling with new pain combo sounds more like a disc episode. Arthritis does not cause nerve damage of knuckling paw under.
3) Is the Gabapentin fully controlling pain? What had you, yourself, observed regarding possible pain?◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved
◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy
◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground.
◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions
◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily.
◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain
◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
◻︎ not their normal perky selves
Until you figure out what is going on the MOST prudent thing is to put her into a recovery suite for very STRICT rest. You are assuming it may be a disc episode. Limited movement prevents a worse disc tear and worse damage to the spinal cord.
POTTY TIME- LIMTED FOOTSTEPS.
Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep your dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over. A harness and 6 foot leash will 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!
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IF the vet had high suspicion this is a disc episode then he would have prescribed:
possibly Galliprant in light of her liver problems as the anti-inflammatory to get the swelling down in the spinal cord.
IF the vet had a high suspicion this a a new disc episode, he would want her under the strictest of rest inside of a recovery suite and likely forgo the danger to the disc of movement with a car transport.
Acupuncture can help with severe pain when three pain meds can't contain the pain.
Acupuncture can kick start nerves to self repair. With a new disc episode if you want acupuncture seek a mobile vet to avoid dangerous movement to that disc during a car transport.
ROADMAP
Avoid dangerous detours with the Conservative Roadmap for your fridge.
VIEW, DOWNLOAD and print from here:
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdfNOTE: Sample partial preview image
of Roadmap is below:
** As you can refresh your self on how conservative treatment works. A good review of things about conservative treatment:
dodgerslist.com/healing-the-disc/Hope to learn from you soon the answers to the 3 questions above.