Welcome to the Forum. We are glad you are here. Once we know the name of your 8 month old dog's disease, we have lots of info to share with you.
IF, your dog was, indeed diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), then it is not a death sentence. There are two treatments. Conservative treatment for a disc episode is a viable course of treatment if for whatever reason a surgery is not a consideration for the family.
3 Keys to successful healing with strict rest
Conservative Treatment is:
1. Potty time footsteps over perilous walking
2. Recovery suite over regretful mattress on the floor
3. Stay the course over shortcutting weeks of disk healing
WHAT STRICT REST MEANS
◼︎No laps ◼︎no couches ◼︎no baths ◼︎no sleeping with you
◼︎No chiro therapy whys:
dodgerslist.com/2020/04/22/chiropractic/
◼︎ No dragging or meandering at potty times.
◼︎ No PT for conservative dogs during 8 weeks to heal disc
◼︎ At home laser or acupuncture for severe neuro damage is best.
◼︎ Avoid dangerous detours. Follow the "Roadmap." Tape it to your fridge. D/L and print out:
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdf ◼︎ Guidelines, tips and idea for setting up your dog's recovery suite and more to make the next 8 weeks of rest go smoother:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/Do let us know your name (if not Morgan) and your puppy's. What breed is she?
Please give full
information about the steroid.
--
How much does she weigh?-- Name of steroid
-- Date steroid started
-- Dose in mgs and how often was the initial dosing?
-- What date will be the beginning of a taper (lowering in mgs or frequency)?
-- steroids cause extra stomach acids which can cause bleeding ulcers.
-- Pepcid AC (famotidine) is an acid suppressor to prevent ulcers.
Buy it at the grocery store. Understand why/how to protect:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/Any sign of pain, indicates there would need to have the 3 typically used pain meds on board if there is a disc episode.
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned bac
⚙︎ 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
-- Let us know who helped you to find Dodgerslist.-- What kind of vet made the diagnosis (local DVM vet or an ortho specialist surgeon ACVIM or neuro surgeon ACVS)?
-- What is the name of the diagnosis? Rear leg paralysis is not the name of the disease but rather the result of it.
Tell us more detail about her neuro functions
-- Can she move rear legs to reposition inside of her recovery suite?
-- Does she have bladder control?
1) Can she sniff an old pee spot and then decide to release urine there?
2) Or lost bladder control where she leaks on you when lifted?
--
If you believe she has bladder control how often do you carry her to and from the potty place to limit footsteps...every 2-3 hrs or???
