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Post by Andrew & Leo on Apr 26, 2023 13:18:41 GMT -7
Hi there, I am seeking support and advice for my Leo (cockapoo, 6 years old, 17 lbs.) who suffered from a spine injury on Sunday, 4/9(Easter). My girlfriend and I were in our backyard on Easter Sunday and had just gotten the ball to play fetch with Leo, as he loves fetch more than anything it seems. I threw the ball and turned my head, not even watching Leo go fetch the ball as it's so common just let him excitedly go get it and bring it back. I then heard a loud cry and yelp from Leo and when I turned to look at him, he was on the ground trying to urgently get at his back legs as they were sprawled out on the ground. The crying lasted about 10 seconds or so. When I got to him to try and stand him up, he wouldn't. So I quickly took him inside and decided to call the nearest emergency hospital because I knew something was very wrong. Before leaving, I tried to see if he could stand up. There was some strength/ability to put weight on the left leg but the right leg was motionless and just seemed "empty" if that makes sense. After a night at the ER, the we were given two options: Surgery or conservative management. We opted for conservative at the time to try and see what could be done. The difference in price for the two options was $14,000, and we just felt we had to try the conservative route and that the surgery cost might be a bit too steep for us in our mid 20s... Vet observation on Leo: On neurological exam, he was non-ambulatory with paraparesis (right side worse than left). He had an absent conscious proprioception on right side and severe delayed conscious proprioception on left side. His patellar reflexes were increased bilaterally. He had moderate pain appreciated in the T3-L3 region of vertebra. The remainder of neurological exam was unremarkable.
Without doing surgery, we could not get an MRI to confirm the herniated disc as suspected by the veterinarian. We ended up getting home about 6am on 4/10 after a long night. Here is what was prescribed and planned for us: - Strict Crate Rest: 4-6 weeks followed by 1-2 weeks of gradually increasing physical activity)
- Codeine (gen) 30mg Tab: Give 1/2 tablet(s) by mouth every 6-8 hours for 5 days. Maximum 24hr dose: 2
tablets. (There were no issues taking him off the codeine) - PredniSONE (gen) 10mg Tab: Give 1 tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 7 days. Then Give 1/2 tablet by
mouth every 24 hours for 7 days. Then Give 1/2 tablet by mouth every 48 hours for 7 days. (So far, there have been no issues changing the dosage)
- Gabapentin (gen) 100mg Cap: Give 1 capsule(s) by mouth every 8 hours for 21 days. This medication causes sedation. (All good so far I believe)
- Trazodone 50mg Tab: Give 1 tablet by mouth every 8-12 hours as needed for anxiety during crate confinement and recovery. (We have been giving him 1 tablet each night to calm him before bed. He is quite good in his kennel during the day, but night time is harder for him and won't sleep. He gets quite antsy after a day in the kennel and wants to move around and explore, so we figured night time is a good time to take the tablet and try to relax him.)
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
17 lbs 6y.o.
4/10 absent conscious proprioception on right
severe delayed conscious proprioception on left
PredniSONE 10mg tab as of 4/10: 10mgs 1x/day for 7 days. 4/17 test taper _pain/_ neuro
gabapentin 100mg 3x/day
Leo needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board for duration of Pred! ]
It was also advised to have an appointment with our primary vet on 4/13 to check the progress he had made over the previous few days. Leo's ProgressSo far, to my knowledge, and after the 4/13 vet check in he has been improving. We use a sling outside to let him go potty - he is able to both urinate and defecate. Initially, his routine seemed a bit off. He was not really wanting to go when we'd take him outside, but after a few days, he started to return to his normal schedule/routine and is quite good with going potty now. Really nothing to be alarmed of here. Leo has seemingly also made great progress with walking. On the first day, he was more so dragging those back legs even when we had the sling on outside. We knew he had some control of the left leg, but seemingly didn't know how to balance/try to walk with the lack of control in the right leg. On 4/26, taking him outside now, he walks [should only be allowed footsteps] quite well. He puts both of his back paws down when he steps with the front. Some times he will get a little wobbly, but he is able to correct himself and can walk pretty well in a straight line. There are times where he seemingly wants to walk a bit faster, or wants to go up our couple of deck stairs that lead to the back door. We can also tell he isn't using the support of the bands like he originally was. However, we always pick him up to bring him inside and try to limit his walking outdoors. We also do our best to make sure to support him with the bands, as we do not want to risk re-injury or regression. When it comes to time in the kennel, he has gotten better at repositioning himself. He is able to, as he finds a new position every couple of hours. He certainly isn't perfect in repositioning himself, as he is a bit wobbly when doing so sometimes and might fall down. But he usually able to stand himself up with his hind legs and find a more comfortable position. He can be a bit slow coming out of the kennel for us to pick him up and take him potty, but no issues other than just being a bit slower in moving the legs. Essentially why I'm posting here is because we have been feeling pretty overwhelmed the past 2.5 weeks and am just looking for others that have gone through this, which is how I found this website. I really had no idea what IVDD was until this injury happened, so I have been trying to find out as much info as possible to try and ensure Leo heals but also for my peace of mind during this challenging crate rest period. We are supposed to be going to another vet check up tomorrow, 4/27, to check on his progress. Any help, insight and discussion is appreciated. Hopefully I'm not forgetting anything, but can easily add more info Here is some more information that can hopefully prove helpful: - Leo does not appear to be suffering from any pain.
- Everything in terms of going potty looks/seems good. Bladder control seems good.
- Leo has always loved his food and still does. When it's meal time he finishes quickly, as he always has.
- Leo is still drinking water as he was before the injury.
Thanks, Andrew
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 26, 2023 14:06:45 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist, Andrew. 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. Everyone here has or has had a dog with IVDD. We know how overwhelming it can be. 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-ivddYou are doing the most important part of Conservative treatment, which is Strict crate rest. The crate rest must be very strict because it is the immobility enforced by crate rest that allows the disc to heal. We always use the comparison of treatment for a broken arm. The cast on a broken arm is to immobilize the area, so the bone can heal. We can't put a cast on a dog's back, so we use the crate. The limited movement allows the disc to heal. This process takes 8 weeks. During an IVDD episode the dog should be in the crate 24/7 out only for potty time and needed vet visits. Strict means: - no laps - no couches - no baths - no sleeping with you - no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times
Continue to carry him to and from the potty area.
We have some at home nursing care tips at the page below:
Leo is now on a tapering dose of pred. Usually when a pred taper starts, pain meds are stopped or cut back. The reason for this is that pain meds could mask the existence of pain, which would mean there is still swelling of the spinal cord. It is this inflammation that causes pain and neuro deficits. If there is still swelling in the spinal cord, more time on the full dose of pred would be needed. With gabapentin still on board, we don't know yet if all the inflammation is resolved.
Info on medications used during a disc episode can be found below: www.dodgerslist.com/meds-used-during-disc-episode/Here is info on what to expect for each phase of healing: www.dodgerslist.com/in-the-right-placeAll anti-inflammatories, like pred cause excess stomach acid. This can sometimes lead to serious stomach damage. To lower the chances of this damage, a stomach protector like Pepcid AC is used. Ask the vet if Leo 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)
The 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.
I know that Leo is tapering and will soon be completely off the pred, but our IVDD dogs have enough to deal with without adding stomach problems to the mix. More information can be found at the link below: www.dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/
It is very scary when our dogs have IVDD. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. A good place to start is with the illustrated primer below: dodgerslist.com/category/ivdd-101/#primer |
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Post by Andrew & Leo on Apr 26, 2023 14:49:42 GMT -7
Thank you for the welcome and all the information, I really do appreciate it.
I will make sure to ask about the Pepcid AC tomorrow during our vet visit tomorrow. I suspect he should be healthy, as they did blood tests just a couple weeks ago to get him on the meds that he is on, but will obviously verify with them.
As he begins to taper off these meds and run out of gabapentin on 5/1, is there a specific time frame to keep in mind and have a closer eye on him for signs of pain? Would it be immediately after getting off the meds that the pain would set in? Or does it take a few days for the meds to leave the system to where we can really evaluate him for pain?
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 26, 2023 15:02:42 GMT -7
The gabapentin does not last long in the body, so you would be able to see any signs of pain quickly. If you do give him a morning and afternoon dose, by evening the gabapentin should be gone and you will be able to evaluate Leo for pain.
These are the signs of pain to 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
Leo is well into his pred taper. Although pred can last several days in the body, his dose is quite low and not really working on inflammation. Only the original dose of pred worked on the inflammation. The taper doses are to get back down to the level the body normally produces and thus signal the body to again make its own steroid hormone, cortisol. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 26, 2023 15:10:02 GMT -7
Andrew, I would add in this very important perpective: The single most important care is that of at home in his recovery suite. The disc is trying to form secure scar tissue. Too much movement beyond a few limited footsteps at potty time could cause pain and being back a square one in healing time of 8 weeks. Vets who know IVDD, understand the dangers in a car transport in for a vet visit of too much movement less than the most urgent of health issue. These vets take phone updates, adjust meds over the phone to protect the healing disc. Call your vet to switch to a phone update tomorrow instead of moving/transporting Leo. --- Can gabapentin be stopped today 4/26 to get the best read if pred has fully completed its job of resolving all swelling. Right now YOU have a blind fold on about existence of pain and whether another course of original dose pred is needed. -- Ask if there is any health reason to not add in Pepcid AC (famotidine) from the grocery store for the duration of prednisone. Educate your self on stomach protection: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/Nerves heal all on their own. With so much neuro improvement, it would be tragic to have a setback if there were to be too much movement of the spine with a transport tomorrow. Please keep us posted. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 26, 2023 15:24:49 GMT -7
Weigh the risks vs. benefits of any car transport A benefit for a most urgent of a vet visit for a health reason such as getting a diagnosis and the matching treatment with suspicion of a disc episode, learning to express, urinalysis etc., outweighs an exposure risk to an early healing disc of too much spine movement. Secure the crate in your vehicle. Transport carefully using a crate padded out with rolled up towels on either side of the dog to prevent movement or jarring the spine when braking or turning corners.  ** |
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Post by Andrew & Leo on Apr 27, 2023 6:56:55 GMT -7
Hi Paula, Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I just called my vet to see if we could move to a phone appointment - the receptionist took my call and will call me back when she talks to the vet here shortly.
I agree, I think limiting Leo's movement at this time is smart. Especially since he is more of an anxious dog to begin with, and can get squirmy when going to something he doesn't really enjoy (vet, grooming), I think it was a great suggestion so thank you.
Questions I have for you:
1. If we take Leo off gabapentin now, I'm assuming we would we finish the pred dosage?
He is supposed to take [PREDNISONE?] 1/2 today on 4/27, and 1/2 on Saturday 4/29, and that would be the end of his dosage. I take it there is no taper for gabapentin and you just stop it and see how he responds?
2. If we are OK to take Pepcid AC, how long would he take that? Just until Saturday 4/29?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 27, 2023 7:50:34 GMT -7
Andrew, prednisone is a hormone. Not like other drugs. The body must be signaled to again produce its own steroid hormone, cortisol, to regulate many organs of the body. In short the taper MUST go to the conclusion exactly as Rx'd. During the taper if it pain is observed, then clearly it would not be time to continue on with the taper. It would be expected that pred would go back up to the original "anti-inflammatory" mg dose 2x/day. The length of the course could be 5-7 days or longer depending on what the vet guesses would be best. At the end of the pred course, the pred taper would again start as a means to signal the body. It just happens the "must-do" pred taper is a perfect window during a disc episode for YOU at home to quickly find out if pred finished its job or not. Pred's only job is to deal with inflammation. The body deals with self healing the disc with limited movement in 8 wks. And the body deals with self healing neuro diminishment over time. Roadmap taped to fridge will help to sort out and keep in mind how, what, how long the 4 phases of healing take:
ROADMAP: VIEW, DOWNLOAD and print: dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdfYour vet indicated as you reported that on a certain date gabapentin would be cold turkey full stopped. Same would then apply to any other stop date. Until pain masking pain meds are stopped, no one has enough info to determine if painfully inflamed tissue is really gone. Brand X of famotidine is cheap. More expensive brand name Pepcid AC® has same active ingredient of famotidine. Maybe Leo won't have a problem with too much stomach acids, due to nerve diminishment, stress of change in routine, anxiety, prednisone creating too much acid. All this is covered more fully in the 3 reasons for stomach protection: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/ Let us know what you and your vet feel is prudent for Leo's situation. |
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Post by Andrew & Leo on Apr 27, 2023 8:42:11 GMT -7
Hi again Paula,
Thanks for the info.
The receptionist got back to me and told me they wanted to see him today still but gave me the option of canceling if that made me more comfortable. I did cancel as I think keeping Leo resting today is our best option, as he has been doing well so far in his recovery it seems and certainly don't want to increase chances of a setback...
They told me they'd call me back with an answer for my questions on stopping gabapentin NOW to check on pain during pred taper, and if Leo can handle the famotidine.
I will post an update when I hear back today.
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Post by Andrew & Leo on Apr 27, 2023 9:30:08 GMT -7
Paula,
I heard back from the vet.
They said they would need to see Leo in order to know if we should take him off gabapentin early to check for pain (I feel like it wouldn't hurt to try now since he is supposed to be done with it on 4/30 but does that make sense to you that they would need an evaluation?)
They also said at this point the famotidine would make no difference because it takes 4 days to kick in and in 4 days, he is supposed to be off the pred.
Please let me know what you think about both of those responses. Thanks.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Apr 27, 2023 13:14:28 GMT -7
Generally, the pet parent is in an especially good position to evaluate their dog for pain. Dogs tend to try to hide pain as a protective mechanism, especially if they are nervous as they are often at the vet.
I don't think the risk of transporting him to the vet to determine if he still needs gabapentin is worth taking at this point. He will be off it very soon anyway.
Famotidine starts working in 30 minutes. Perhaps your vet was thinking of PRILOSEC(omeprazole) a good stomach protector that takes 3–5 days to reach peak effectiveness.
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Post by Andrew & Leo on May 1, 2023 6:37:35 GMT -7
Thank you for the info.
We are off all meds today and will keep this thread updated with how he is doing! Really hoping no signs of pain - so far so good.
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
17 lbs 6y.o.
4/10 absent conscious proprioception on right
severe delayed conscious proprioception on left
PredniSONE 10mg tab as of 4/10: 10mgs 1x/day for 7 days. 4/17 test taper _pain/_ neuro. Final taper dose 5/1]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 1, 2023 8:36:22 GMT -7
Andrew, thank you for the update. Got our fingers crossed that the 7-day pred course (10mgs 1x/day) will have fully rid the body of painful swelling and no need of another pred course. Now with gabapentin stopped, you will be able accurately observe for pain. Leo's body is still working on forming good secure disc scar tissue before allowing physical activity. Mark your calendar for a June 4 graduation date! Until then, continue on with your good work of being very mindful about limited minimal footsteps to take care of potty business. Every time the spine moves, the vertebrae press on the discs, even the bad one trying to heal. Leo is on such a good path of healing, nothing should be allowed to detour him from graduation day.
At graduation we'll have lots of information for you to be able to safely introduce him back to family life and activity. You will know how to care for him with various health things (dentals, trimming his nails, etc.) and how to enjoy back-friendly fun for many happy years ahead with Leo. Nerve repair is one of the slowest parts of the body to heal. So the 8 weeks is mainly a focus on disc healing. Nerve repair may or may not happen in the short time it takes to heal the disc. Never the less, if you observe any changes (improvement or diminishment) in those back legs, we'd sure love an update. Can either left or right paw now correct a paw knuckling under? Is correction delayed? quicker now since 4/10? Let us know what you observe.  **
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Post by Andrew & Leo on May 4, 2023 6:43:50 GMT -7
Paula, thank you again for all of the info. I look forward to graduation day a month from today! Here are some updates on Leo: - Leo is able to pass the knuckle test on BOTH paws now. When I first took Leo to the vet on 4/13 after the injury on 4/9, the left leg was passing the test while the right leg was not. My girlfriend and I had continued to test 2x per week, and just yesterday 5/3, his right leg/paw was flipping when performing the test. Sometimes it is immediate, while others it may take a second or two to flip, but we are encouraged knowing that the brain and paw are communicating!
- Leo has been very good since cutting all meds. I have not noticed any signs of pain so far. If anything, I feel he seems more himself this week.
Some questions I have if you don't mind!
- Are there any withdrawal symptoms from gabapentin that could still show up? I haven't seen anything yet, but was wondering if in your experience, I should continue to watch for anything. Or was Leo's 3 weeks on gabapentin too short of a time frame to watch for withdrawals? I had seen dogs that take gabapentin for seizures can often have severe withdrawal symptoms if cut cold turkey, so was just curious if anything to watch for in this situation...
- With the observation that Leo is feeling better, he has begun rolling on his back sometimes and sleeping on his back in his kennel. This is something he has always done so it's good to see him do it again, but should I limit him from doing that while the disc continues to heal? So far when he has done it I've called his name for him to roll back over since I wasn't sure if that's a risk or not.
Thanks, Andrew |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 4, 2023 10:08:48 GMT -7
Andrew, great to hear of neuro improvement the right paw is catching up to the left paw in ability to right the paw! Nice to hear this from you. Andrew, good questions! Does Leo have epilepsy and history of seizures? Gabapentin can be use for nerve pain and it is effective for 8 hrs. If a dog has been taking gabapenin for the long term, a vet may choose to back it down rather than an abrupt stop to avoid the possiblity of rebound pain." Obviously Leo is not in pain if he can enjoy rolling onto his back. Likely not too much you can do about that. You wouldn't want to startle him where he does an erratic quick turn of spine to get up. If he gets up on his own, it is probably more of a gradual and mild movement. Gentle and limited movement of the spine is how the disc is able to heal. Gabapentin can be used with animals who have seizures. " Gabapentin should not be abruptly discontinued after long term use as seizures can be precipitated. Instead gabapentin should be gradually tapered off over a couple of weeks." |
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Post by Andrew & Leo on May 4, 2023 11:49:12 GMT -7
Leo does not have history of epilepsy or seizures, so I think we should be okay from that perspective. Him being off meds has made me nervous, I just want to make sure I'm watching for everything that I should be. We've made such good progress over 3.5 weeks, I just want to make sure we keep it that way!
He hasn't made any erratic movements when rolling on/off his back, so I will take that as him being comfortable and letting him do his thing.
Thank you for the info as always. Will continue posting updates and asking questions whenever they come up.
Andrew
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Post by Andrew & Leo on May 25, 2023 14:13:28 GMT -7
Hello again! Just wanted to post an update since it's been a while and we are nearing graduation date.
Leo continues to do very well in his recovery. He's grown more comfortable with his crate time and we notice he is still growing stronger/more coordinated in those back legs when it's time for a potty break. He still passes the paw knuckling tests on both back legs - sometimes he passes the test quicker than others. If it isn't an immediate response it is usually about 1-2 seconds before he flips his paw back over. But overall, he's definitely still improving and I think we are all excited (and nervous) for crate rest to be ending soon!
As we near the graduation date, are there any resources you can help provide us with? Do you have any tips/suggestions for grooming? Leo would normally have been groomed by now and wonder what you all recommend for grooming for dogs that have had these injuries/this condition and how long to wait before scheduling an appointment, how to handle the appointment, etc.
Thanks Andrew
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on May 25, 2023 14:24:43 GMT -7
Wonderful update, Andrew! Very glad to hear how well Leo is doing. Graduation day is June 4th so please stop back on that date so we can all celebrate with you. We can give you tips on that date on how to gradually reintroduce Leo to movement again. What you can do now is to prepare your home for graduation day. Make some home modifications so that you can reduce the stress on the spine in the future. No more stairs, use ramps to slide down from furniture: Ramps: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/867/rampsFurniture blockers, etc.: dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/Graduation from crate rest needs to be very slow so it can take some time, usually about a month following graduation day before Leo is completely free from crate rest. Once that has been accomplished, you can have Leo groomed. I would demonstrate to the groomer the proper way to lift and carry Leo. Be sure to let the groomer know not to exert any pressure along Leo's neck and spine with combs, scissors or clippers. I would ask that they allow you right there in the grooming room with him so you can make sure he is being handled properly, very gently and with no sudden movements. Is he usually calm during grooming? If not, you might want to ask his vet for a sedative that can be given to him before the grooming session. Here's a photo of how to properly lift and carry you can print out and bring with you, if you'd like. i0.wp.com/dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/lift-secure-hold.jpgWe'll be looking forward to graduation day on June 4th when we can share more detailed information on how to slowly reintroduce movement. |
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Post by Andrew & Leo on Jun 5, 2023 7:48:55 GMT -7
Hi everyone. We are happy and eager to begin gradually increasing Leo's movement with his graduation day coming and passing yesterday! Can you share some tips/suggestions on what you have seen to work best for this time period? Are there any good movements that you recommend for getting back range of motion and working those muscles without having him actually walk around? What is a good amount of movement in a day without over doing it? Basically any information you can provide us with we will be very appreciative of! Thank you for all the help so far! Andrew |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jun 5, 2023 9:37:27 GMT -7
Andrew, congratulations on Leo's graduation thanks to your dedication to ensuring the disc has healed. It has healed enough to begin a supervised and gradual introduction back to physical activity and family life. GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION Determine how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation from rest. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under supervised and controlled conditions. Not free rein of the house and yard immediately! LOL Your Leo's muscles are soft and out of shape after the rest period. Gradually build up the muscles and lungs. Take a look at our information. Gradually building your dogs muscles over a month's time will have your dog safely running and having fun again! SAMPLE SCHEDULE Here is a sample schedule to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20scheduleDIY back PROTECTION around the house  ** 1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly: dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/2) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for Leo's current maybe a bit wobbly with still some knuckling at times : dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/3) Teach him to be safe and not jumping up or down, but to use a ramp whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in the house. Dogs are best at visual learning rather than verbal commands. Dog trainer Anna Jane Grossman says “Dogs learn in pictures. Inside your dog’s brain is a very simple algorithm – pleasant images in one place and unpleasant images in another."
HAPPY DAYS AHEAD Lots of ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog such as dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more: ==> dodgerslist.com/living-with- ivdd-tips-2 PT THERAPY at HOME Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with Leo. -- Leo might enjoy playing in a child's pool chasing after a ball or walking for a carrot. Or if you are near a beach walking on the sand or wading in the water can help strength muscles and endurance.
-- Strengthening core muscles. This applies not just for humans, but REALLY applies to the IVDD dog: "...improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that surround the spine so they can act like the world's greatest back and neck brace." www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/spondylosis Core exercises don't require specialized equipment. Here are 5 exercises you can do at home: totofit.com/five-basic-exercises-essential-to-building-core-strength/
May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? Did you know there are less than a handful who volunteer daily to help dogs and their owners? We need helping hands from other Forum members in educating. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs are put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication have helped many dogs recover just like it has for Leo!! We depend on all members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate! Pick what suits you....
We depend on you. Here are some ways to help.. i.postimg.cc/R0y7zpGx/IVDD-survior-gallery.jpg ** -- Please celebrate Leo's graduation! Add a graduation photo and a short caption to our Gallery to give other members inspiration about your IVDD Survivor! dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas, Frenchies) give out our free little wallet cards. Hand carry our literature and print out our letter of introduction for your vet. ►Today, ORDER BROCHURES & cards, they're free!◀︎ Brochures for your vet and wallet cards for you And finally, don't be a stranger! Stop in when you can periodically. We really do love to hear how your dog is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see Leo in action at home living & loving life in spite of IVDD! If you see a new member in a tough spot, give them hope. A brief paragraph about your dog can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need! i.postimg.cc/8P5FkBYy/living-laugh-love-in-spite.png |
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