Welcome to Dodgerslist, Crystal. 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/
Dodgerslist work's with vets:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/20/education-team-ivddThe most important thing you can do for Sterling right now is to start Strict crate rest. Crate rest for a disc is like a cast for broken arm. A broken arm is put in a cast to keep it immobile, so it can heal. We can't put a dog's spine in a cast, so we use the crate to keep it as immobile as possible. With conservative treatment, it takes 8 weeks of Strict crate rest for the body to be able to shrink back disc material so that it is no longer aggrevaing the cord and to allow for the formation of strong scar tissue.
Strict means:
- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times
Carry Sterling to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. 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.
We have information about how crate rest works at the link below:
These are some things to know about conservative treatment. Here are some at home nursing care tips:
- Useful supplies Tried and true tested ideas for strict rest:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-proc
-Cervical (neck) disc care and more. Extras you can do at home for a neck disc:
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
It seems like Sterling may be in pain. These are the signs of pain we look for:
- 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
Panting is often a sign of pain and Sterling is unwilling to change position. These two behaviors seem to be signs of pain. Dogs should not be in pain. Pain will only slow the healing process.
What we have seen works most effectively for IVDD pain is having three pain meds on board, each attacking pain differently:
Methocarbamol for painful muscle contractions 3x/day.
Tramadol Rx'd 3x/day as the general pain reliever
Gabapentin for nerve pain also Rx'd 3x/day.
I know you mentioned that Sidney is taking Gabapentin and a muscle relaxer for pain. But as Sidney is still showing signs of pain, an adjustment in pain meds may be necessary.
Please call the vet
as soon as possible and report the signs of pain you are seeing so that the meds may be adjusted.
Please let us know the exact name of the meds, the dosage and how often they are given.
What was the start date of the steroid, Saturday? When is the steroid scheduled to taper.
All anti-inflammatories cause excess stomach acid, which can cause serious stomach damage. To prevent this damage, a stomach protector like Pepcid AC is needed. Ask the vet if Sidney 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).
i.ibb.co/DCN9611/91x-Aj-s00z-L-SY355.jpgThe usual 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 surgery an option for your family? If so, we have some information about the difference between surgery and conservative treatment here;
www.dodgerslist.com/2020/02/10/surgery-vs-conservative/
Currently, can Sterling wobbly walk? move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
It is very scary when our dogs have IVDD. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. We have additional information at our main website:
www.dodgerslist.com
