TIPS FOR HOME CARE
See if you can add some things to the recovery suite you had during conservative treatment to make the next weeks of post-op rest go smoother.
➤ Tips and ideas for the surgeon directed rest period:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/WHEELCHAIR
It is too early to even think about a wheelchair so soon after surgery. When your girl is home, you will have information about her neuro functions, about existence of deep pain sensation (DPS) that will help us give better comments to help.
DISCHARGE DAY.
I bet your mind is flooded right now with concerns, questions. Now is the time to jot those things down. Here's a starter list of questions to which you can add some of your concerns to ask your surgeon:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/03/discharge-day-list/This page is good reading by Dr. Isaacs, ACVIM (neurology) as he explains many post-op questions for our IVDD community: meds, crate rest, PT and discharge day.
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/12/dr-isaacs-surgery-answers/When you girl is home, fill us in on her details so we know where to zero in to assist you.
QUESTIONS:★1 Is there still currently pain, let us know which you observe?
There should be no sign of pain from one dose of meds to the next. Have no patience with pain as it does hinder healing. Phone your surgeon about any of these observations asap to get meds adjusted.
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned back
⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions
⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves
➕if a neck disc:
◻︎ head held high/ nose to the ground
◻︎ 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 up flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
★2 __How much does your dog weigh?
List of meds your dog is taking.
-- Exact names for each med, their doses in mg’s and times per day given?
-- Please include the "all important" stomach protector. Use Pepcid AC with any anti-inflammatory med (steroid or NSAID). Follow vets who are proactive. Avoid red flag signs: Not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in diarrhea.
The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound.
www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html--Give 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory.
--Dose thereafter every 12 hours for the duration of the anti-inflammatory.
thumb.ibb.co/mEGRuy/91x_Aj_s00z_L_SY355.jpg **
★3 What is your dog’s name? Your name, too, is it Outi?
★5 -- date of surgery?
-- number of weeks surgeons wants for post-op rest?
-- surgeon directed at-home PT?
POTTY TIMES
Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps unless your surgeon has directed some walking PT with a sling if needed.
Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog's back aligned and butt from tipping over.
A harness and 1.83 meters leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot.
An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!
★6 List any red flag signs of stomach damage you are currently observing:
Not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in diarrhea?
★7 Currently, tell us about the neuro functions your dog has on discharge day:
-- wobbly walk?
-- Move the legs at all?
-- Wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
-- Surgeon said she has deep pain sensation or does not have?
Calm your mind about nerve healing, know the facts:
dodgerslist.com/2021/02/06/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/★8 Peeing (bladder control) or overflowing (lost bladder control. Can your dog:
-- Specifically sniff and squat and then release urine (bladder control)?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted? Indicator signs of an overflowing bladder (loss of control). Manual bladder expressing is necessary for health reasons. How to:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/On a Mobile device?
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