Welcome to Dodgerslist. We are glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve learned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you!
Learn more about us and how we team up with veterinarians:
dodgerslist.com/about-team-dodgerslist/Disc disease is not a death sentence!
Struggling with quality of life questions? Re-think things:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/18/hope-quality-life/
What is your name? I am Romy.
Is Max currently on Very Strict crate rest? What date was this started? Crate rest during conservative treatment must be Very Strict. This means:
- no laps
- no couches
- no baths
- no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy This is why:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/22/chiropractic - no dragging or meandering at potty times
We have some information on the whys and hows of strict crate rest here:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/
Some info on caring for your dog during a disk episode is on the page below:
dodgerslist.com/nursing-care-during-the-disc-episode/
How much does Max weigh?
Please list the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mgs and times per day given.
If on a steroid, what was the start date & dose? Date of steroid taper?
If on a NSAID, for how many days has it been prescribed for?
Here is some information on medications typically used during a disc episode:
Is Max showing any signs of pain? These are the signs of pain to 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? Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way between doses. If not in control, your vet needs to know right away, so pain meds can be adjusted.
Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc? — Is the vet a general DVM or a specialist surgeon: ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho?
Anti-inflammatories are typically prescribed for IVDD. All anti-inflammatories whether steroid type or NSAID cause excess stomach acid which can lead to serious stomach damage. To prevent this damage, a stomach protector like Pepcid AC is used. Ask your vet if Max has any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC (famotidine)? (doesn’t need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question!) If you get a “no health” issues answer, then go to the grocery store to purchase over the counter Pepcid AC containing one single active ingredient (famotidine)
The typical dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound, 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours for as long as your dog is on the anti-inflammatory
Is Max showing any signs of GI problems? Eating and drinking OK? No nausea/not eating, no vomit? —Poops OK? Normal firmness & color -no dark black or bright red blood indicating bleeding ulcers? No diarrhea?
Can Max specifically sniff and squat and then release urine which is bladder control – OR- do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted which are indication of an overflowing bladder and loss of bladder control? If you find wet bedding or leaking, the bladder is overflowing. Overflowing will invite bladder infections and all the overstretching can permanently ruin bladder tone. Overflowing means the dog's bladder needs to be manually expressed so the dog stays dry. Expressing is tricky and must be learned. The best way to start is by getting a hands-on lesson from your vet. Some information on expressing can be found at the link below:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/
Transports can be risky for a dog having an IVDD episode because it could result in too much movement. At home laser or acupuncture is best. Vet visits must be weighed risk vs. benefit when transporting a dog for therapy.
We do not recommend pinching the dog's toes as it may cause too much movement of the back.
It is very scary when our dogs are diagnosed with IVDD. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. We have some more information including videos here:
dodgerslist.com/category/ivdd-101/
