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Post by Roseanne & Mochi on May 21, 2020 14:01:14 GMT -7
[Original Subject IVDD dog, 3 years post surgery, pain management?]
Hi there - I'm looking for some advice for how (and if I need to) find care for my IVDD dog. She's 3 years post surgery and I'm trying to diagnose her. She seems more sensitive in her rear left leg than usual, and I'm wondering how I should proceed. I did some passive range of motion exercises with the help of a youtube video, and she seemed to love it. A little bit of context here - Mochi's surgery went really well 3 years ago, and she's been living a good life, but a restful one. She mostly hangs out at home with some walks here and there. However, because of the pandemic, I've been home more and giving her longer and more frequent walks. I thought this was a good thing, since I can tell her back has gotten stronger, but perhaps I am tiring her out. I just dont know if the moment is benefitting her or if I should scale back with these new symptoms she's exhibiting lately. She's always licked her back every once in awhile, and it's no surprise to me that IVDD dogs must have some bouts of pain on and off. However, I'm wondering if these signs of pain means I should limit her long walks? She definitely seems to be enjoying being more active these days, but her inclination to be really active is probably what hurt her in the first place (she looooved to fetch, jump, etc, but we have been making sure that doesnt happen since the surgery). I'm also wondering if I should take her to a vet to get her on pain medication. Are a lot of IVDD dogs on pain meds? How do they determine if it's necessary? Is it possible she's having muscle spasms? I am turning to this forum because I don't have access to a vet I trust right now. We took her to UC Davis, which is about a hour and a half from home and is limited to emergencies due to the pandemic. I wouldn't call this an emergency. Before her surgery, we took her to a nearby vet, who ran up bills without being helpful at all. I'd rather wait until I can take her to UC Davis, but I'm also not sure if the problem is big enough to warrant another neurology visit. Thanks for your help Roseanne ★1 11 pounds★2 Mochi is a maltipoo terrier mix. My name is Roseanne. ★3 Yes - herniated disk through a neurologist. ★4 3 years ago Mochi lost movement in her back and we rushed her to a UC Davis clinic, where she saw a neurologist and surgery was performed for her herniated disk. The surgery was a success, she recovered well and didn't have complications. ★5 currently pain? - Mochi has been recently licking her back, right above her left lower hip. I can tell that her left back leg is more sensitive than usual. She isnt yipping or showing obvious signs of pain, but she is licking around her back and legs more than usual. I can tell that she's either feeling more (or less) than usual - it's really easy to get her leg to twitch when I rub and itch her belly, especially around that foot. Like, that sweet spot dogs have when you rub them...her's is much more amplified than usual. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing... is she feeling new sensations because she's regaining some feeling? Or is she in pain? My instinct says that this probably a not good thing, due to the licking, and she might be more sore than usual. I did some passive range of motion exercises with her (learned from a youtube video). Her left back leg does twitch some when moved around. She seemed to really enjoy having it moved around and did not exhibit any signs of being in pain when I did so, but she did twitch some. ★6 Eating and drinking OK? Yes ★7 Yes, she can walk and run!★8 Yes she can go to the bathroom normally. |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on May 21, 2020 14:41:42 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. 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. I understand that during this time it is very difficult to have your dog seen by a vet but without a diagnosis it is difficult to know what could be troubling. Mochi. We are not vets and any suggestions made here are a basis for discussion with the vet.
It could be another IVDD episode although the symptoms are not really typical. Some dogs have multiple IVDD episodes and some have only one. It also could be arthritis. Particularly since the tender area is her left hip. Some dogs with IVDD require a small dose of long term pain relievers. Usually this is known soon after the episode as the dog remains uncomfortable without meds.
If it is another disc episode, the treatment would start by crating immediately. For arthritis, working out the joint seems helpful. Completely opposite treatments.
If you suspect it is another disc episode the prudent thing to do is to crate her until you can get a diagnosis from a vet. A regular DVD vet would be able to diagnose Mochi by her symptoms, and behavior at the exam. You shouldn't need to see a specialist at this time.
I know I have not been of much help and I apologize but our only experience is with IVDD dogs and I hesitate to send you down the wrong path. |
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Post by Roseanne & Mochi on May 21, 2020 14:51:36 GMT -7
This is helpful, thank you so much! I will look into regular vets I can consult with now.
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