Laura, welcome!
We base our comments on details such as date with an event, details about current meds (mgs, times per day) etc. Fill us in a bit more so we can understand the whole picture, if you will.
TWO URGENT THINGS to address now, asap today!1) First though, call the vet and get the pain meds adjusted, now asap!★1 Describe what you observe that makes you use the word "pain" 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. Call in now, today, ER if need be 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) Second, make sure you are doing 100% STRICT rest for what seems to be another disc episode that happened on May 30? ("now").
Conservative treatment only works to heal the disc with limited movement of the back. The strict rest allows the disc to heal in 8 weeks AND prevents worsening so the spinal cord is not damaged (loss of leg use, loss of bladder control, etc).
Let us know you are doing the 100% STRICT REST as outlined below.★5 If Penny moves around too much, the disc cannot heal and could impact the spinal cord nerves. With pain medications to mask pain, dogs will not be in pain and want to be more active. So it is up to you to restrict your dog’s activity for them. Learn all the tip and ideas for carrying out STRICT rest here:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/ STRICT means:
- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy - no dragging around at potty times.
POTTY TIMES if dog has bladder control still:
Carry 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.
A harness and 6 foot 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!
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Potty-leash-harness400-19kb.jpg **
QUESTIONS ★2 __How much does your dog weigh?
List of meds your dog is currently taking.
-- Exact names for each med, their doses in mg’s and times per day given?
-- PLUS: IF on a non-steroid (NSAID) 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 **
★3 What date was the last surgery?
★4 Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD for this current "now" episode, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?
-- What date did the vet diagnose this "now" current disc episode:
-- Is the vet a general DVM? or
-- a specialist surgeon (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)?
★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, what is the neuro status?
-- wobbly walk front? back legs?
-- paw knuckles under. Front? Back? -- Move the legs at all?
-- Move up into a stand by herself with back legs?
-- Wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
★8 Peeing or overflowing. Can your dog:
-- Specifically sniff and squat and then release urine (bladder control)?
-- OR Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted? Indicator signs of an overflowing bladder (loss of control). Manual bladder expressing is imperative for health reasons. How to before getting an expressing lesson from the vet:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/As soon as you can register, that would be best. Then you can receive timely email alerts when a response has been posted. And it really helps us to best track and comment on Penny. Thanking you in advance for taking the time to register.
