Brandy, after an exam vets do not walk away saying they don't know. What they do is diagnose based on tests, hands on exam, the breed and how the dog acted. This lets the vet come with with 3 "could be" diseases. From there they narrow that down to the most likely disease. That then IS the diagnosis. What was your vet's diagnosis?
You can master the basics for an IVDD diagnosis. The things that make conservative treatment work for many di!c episodes.
➤ 🏠At home nursing care tips:
-- Tried and true tested ideas:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/ -- Neck disc care at home : There are extra things you can do at home to help the neck heal, such as softening hard kibble, raising food/water dishes, etc. More info here:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/cervical-care-tips/➤ 💊Medications used during a disc episode:
dodgerslist.com/meds-used-during-disc-episode/➤ 💡What to expect for each phase of healing:
dodgerslist.com/in-the-right-place➤ Two FRIDGE FLYERs to print out and tape up
1) Help all of your family recognize emergency signs and action to take.
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/emergency-fridge-flyer2.pdf 2) Avoid dangerous detours with the Conservative Roadmap for your fridge:
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdfQUESTIONS to help us quickly zero in own where to help.
★1 Is there still currently pain after meds had been adjusted, 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. Continue to give feed back about any of these observations asap to get meds further tweaked.
⚙︎ 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?
What is the list of meds your dog is taking?
--
Exact names for each med, their doses in
mg’s and
times per day given?
-- PLUS: IF on a
non-steroid (NSAID)
start date +
for how many days? -- OR: If on a
steroid....what was the
start date & dose? Date of steroid 1st taper --
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 **
★4 What was the diagnosis?: 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)?
What was the date you saw the vet for conservative treatment?
★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, can your dog....
-- wobbly walk?
-- Move the legs at all?
-- Wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
★8 Peeing vs overflowing. 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/Will be watching for your answers so we know where to help. YOU can help us by registering and logging in. Registering opens the feature to YOU for receiving an email alert anytime you have a reply.
