Welcome to Dodgerslist, Laura. 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:
I am sorry that Baloo is having another disc episode.
Are you currently doing Very Strict crate rest? If you suspect Baloo is having another disc episode, then it is very important that he be on strict crate rest until or unless the vet says it is not IVDD but something else. Most disc episodes are diagnosed by a hands on exam, the breed often prone to disc disease and how the dog appears at the vet visit so an MRI might not be necessary.
It takes eight weeks of strict crate rest to form secure scar tissue on the exterior of the disc and heal.
STRICT means:
- no laps
- no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy
- no dragging or meandering at potty times .
Carry Baloo to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps. Time outside the crate or other type of recovery suite can be dangerous for the healing disc. During conservative treatement for an IVDD episode, a dog should be in the crate 24 hours a day and out only for pottying and needed vet visits.
You can refresh your memory about crate rest by looking at the information here:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/During a disc episode, an anti-inflammatory is typically prescribed to treat the swelling in the spinal cord. You do not mention an anti-inflammatory in your post. Was an anti-inflammatory prescribed? We have some information about commonly prescribed meds here:
Not wanting to move much is often a sign of pain. The signs of pain we look for are:
- 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 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
If you believe Baloo is in pain, then let the vet know the signs of pain you are seeing and advocate for an adjustment in pain meds. Try not to touch his back, at this point, as it might result in too much movement.
Is Sertaline something he takes regularly?
t is very scary when our dogs have IVDD. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. A godd place to stat refreshing your memory is at our main web site.
www.dodgerslist.com
