Robin, the order of things if you are susupicious it may be another disc episode is to:
--- first crate your dog immediately to prevent further damage to a suspected disc if this should be a new disc episode.
--- Alert your vet for need of a vet exam and diagnosis. Pain meds (gabapentin, methocarbamol) could be given as they last for 8 hours and could be out of the system by time of appt. Without the blindfold of pain meds when out of her system by appt time the vet can see all symptoms to give a good diagnosis.
--- Do not administer any anti-inflammatory drugs— steroids (Dex) NOR non-steroidal (NSAIDS). Anti-inflammatories can take up to 7 days to clear from the body. This can tie the vet's hands as to what meds he prefers to Rx.
Secure the crate in your vehicle. Transport carefully using a crate padded out with rolled up towels on either side of the dog to prevent movement or jarring the spine when braking or turning corners.
MONITOR & report PAIN when making appt today
◻︎ 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
MONITOR and report NEURO FUNCTION regarding any back or front leg diminishment when making appointment today
As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions.
1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord
2. Wobbly walking, legs cross
3. Nails/toes scuffing floor
4. Paws knuckle
5. Weak/little leg movement, can't move up into a stand
6. Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down)
7. Bladder control is lost
8. Tail wagging with joy is lost
9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment.
Fingers crossed that perhaps cold weather, overdoing muscles has caused this discomfort. Let us know what the vet Rx is and his diagnosis.
Let us know the vet's diagnosis and what he Rx's (mgs and frequency) + ok to give Pepcid AC with any anti-inflammatory Rx'd.
Know your stomach protectors for your 3.9 kg (9 lb) Zizi: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/