Welcome to Dodgerslist. I'm so sorry to hear of Ella's difficulties. My name's Marjorie - what's yours?
Did the ER vet take any x-rays? Did he give you a diagnosis of IVDD? Since IVDD is common with dachshund and Ella has symptoms of IVDD, until you're told of another diagnosis, you'll need to treat this as IVDD.
100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks (not 30 days as the ER vet recommended) is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and out to potty. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc.
The crate is the only surface that is firm, supportive for the spine, not inclining, always horizontal and keeps a dog from darting off at a TV doorbell and safe. The rest of the details of doing crate rest to ensure the best recovery in this excellent document:
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm The purpose of crate rest is to act as a cast of sorts to let the disc heal… only limited movement of STRICT crate rest allows that to happen…there are no meds to heal a disc. Immediate neuro improvement may or may not come during the 8 weeks of crate rest… as nerves may take more than 8 weeks to heal.
Can you give us a bit more in essential information about your dog:
-- Are you as of today doing the all important 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7?
-- Is there still currently pain? Signs of pain are holding the head in an unusual position...head held high or nose to the ground, shivering/trembling, not wanting to move much or moving gingerly, yelping, tight/tense stomach muscles, holding leg up flamingo style...not wanting to bear weight on the leg, just not their usual perky-interested-in-life self. There should be no signs of pain between doses of medication. If you see pain starting close to the next dose, then the dose needs to be adjusted by the vet.
-- What are the exact dose in mg's and frequency of all meds? The Tramadol is for pain and the Methocarbamol is for muscle pain and spasms. Ella should also be on an anti-inflammatory to bring down the swelling in the disc. Once she starts an anti-inflammatory, please include the must have stomach protector such as Pepcid AC … 5mg 30 mins prior to anti-inflammatory med.
-- Can your dog sniff and squat and then release urine or do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up?
-- Eating and drinking OK?
-- Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
-- If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet.
ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html
The best way you can help Ella is to learn about the disease. Here are some links to get you started. Please click on all of them to get a good background of understanding.
www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/literature.htmWe have an excellent DVD available for only $3 including shipping. It's great to have on hand to show to family/friends/petsitters so they will know what they can and cannot do with your dog and how they can help:
www.dodgerslist.com/store/DVDorder.htm Looking forward to receiving the additional information so we can give you all the support you'll need to get you and Ella through this. Please also let us know of any specific questions that you have.
All the best to you both.
