Debby's Phoebe 6/2021 surgery NECK

Welcome to the forum, Debby! We are glad you have joined us here. We have valuable information to share from our own experiences with IVDD and the vets that Dodgerslist consults. Learn more about us and the veterinarians we team up with here: dodgerslist.com/about-team-dodgerslist/

I'm sure things are very overwhelming right now. Please know we are here to help with any questions you may have and can offer more information as Phoebe recovers. For now, there are a few items below to get you started.

Discharge day can be very exciting and it is easy to forget to ask questions you may have. We have a starter list that you can build on here: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/03/discharge-day-list

There is also great advice here, from Dr Isaacs DVM, ACVIM (Neurology). Common questions and answers about surgery are listed here: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/12/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers

Most surgeons prescribe 4-6 weeks of post-op crate rest. To prepare for Phoebe's homecoming, you can get her recovery suite set up in advance.

Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/

STRICT for a post-op dog means: ◼︎no laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you ◼︎no chiro therapy whys: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm ◼︎no dragging or meandering at potty times.

Post-op dogs will follow surgeon's directives for PT during post-op rest as the offending disc material was surgically removed.

Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist surgeon: ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho?

The very best thing you can do for yourself and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD as soon as possible. Understand the 4 phases of healing, what to expect with pain, with swelling, disc and nerve healing: dodgerslist.com/healing-the-disc/

Please send us an update when you are able. Sending all my best wishes to you both.