Welcome back to Dodgerslist, Elke. I am sorry that Jake is having another episode. It must be so hard with these multiple episodes.
The neuro signs Jake is showing; limping and wobbly walking are caused by swelling pressing on the nerves of the spine. It is important to address the swelling because pressure on the nerves can lead to further nerve damage. An anti-inflammatory addresses this swelling. Please contact a vet about Jake starting an anti-inflammatory.
These are the typical signs of pain we look for ☐shivering, trembling ☐yelping when picked up or moved ☐reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions or slow to move ☐tight tense tummy ☐can’t find a comfortable position ☐Arched back ☐ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight ☐head held high or nose to the ground ☐Not their normal perky selves? If, in the future, you see any of these signs Jake is very likely in pain and pain meds are need.
Read more about medications and how they are used for IVDD at the link below:
dodgerslist.com/meds-used-during-disc-episode/As you know, Jake must stay calm in his crate. Too much movement can damage the disc. You can try some natural calmers:
Try using an oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives such as Acepromazine, Trazodone, etc. with. Of course ALWAYS keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price.
Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is. Some brands to consider:
--Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser
www.adaptil.com/us/Adaptil/Adaptil-DiffuserUse a diffuser with one oral calmer from below:
1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed
us.virbac.com/product/behavior/anxitane-chewable-tablets2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine.
www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.phpTo avoid jumping up in the crate, try draping a blanket over it so that he cannot see out when he is standing. This creates a den like environment.
I am glad that Jake is being crated. It is 8 weeks of Strict crate rest that heal the disc. We have information here to help you refresh your memory on crate rest:
Information about supplies for crate rest and general care tips here:
dodgerslist.com/nursing-care-during-the-disc-episode/Two FRIDGE FLYERs to print out:
a) Help recognize emergency signs and action to take.
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/emergency-fridge-flyer2.pdf b) Avoid dangerous detours with the Conservative Roadmap for your fridge:
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdfExcellent IVDD video playlist:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGTcmjenJIkUNy9ke7IvPlFIMKFfjBSen ﹆
At the MAIN WEBSITE, use the orange SEARCH bar feature to easily access the treasure trove of more IVDD information.
dodgerslist.com/
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