Welcome to Dodgerslist, Marcy. So glad you’ve joined us all. We’ve got valuable information we’ve gleaned from the vets Dodgerslist consults with and our own experiences with IVDD since 2002 to share with you. Know more about us and how we team up with veterinarians:
dodgerslist.com/about-team-dodgerslist/Is Coco's pain completely under control since starting the meds? If not, you will need to immediately call the Emergency Room vet to advise that there is still pain so pain meds can be adjusted. Usually the pain of IVDD needs three pain meds to get pain completely under control: Tramadol as a general pain meds, Gabapentin for nerve pain and Methocarbamol for the pain of muscle spasms. Full pain relief is expected in 1 hour and stays that way dose to dose. Have no patience with pain as it does hinder healing and there are plenty of options vets have to get pain completely under control.
Anytime a steroid such as Prednisone is used, a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC is also needed for as long as any dosage of Prednisone is given. Ask if your dog 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.jpgDoxie weight dogs: 5mg Pepcid AC (famotidine) every 12 hours. NOTE: 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.
www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.htmlHow often are you giving the Gabapentin? Every 8 hours or every 12 hours? Gabapentin works best when given consistently every 8 hours.
Three days is a very short round of the original anti-inflammatory dosage of Prednisone. We usually see at least a week on the original dosage before the taper starts. Once the taper begins, you will need to be on the lookout for any sign of pain. Should you see any sign of pain, you will need to immediately notify the vet so they can prescribe a return to the original dosage of Prednisone for a bit longer. Pain = pressure on the spine = more time on all meds.
Did the vet say to also taper or stop Gabapentin when Prednisone starts to taper? Having pain meds on board during the taper of Prednisone will mask the pain that you need to see in order to determine if there is still inflammation/pressure on the spine and still a need for the original anti-inflammatory dosage of Prednisone. When you speak to the vet tomorrow, please speak to them about this.
Do you currently have Coco on strict crate rest? The hallmark component of conservative treatment is the very STRICT crate rest part (no PT, little movement). With little blood supply discs are much slower to form good scar tissue than it takes a blood rich broken bone to heal. Those weeks of a cast for a broken arm to heal is similar to the recovery suite being a kind of cast for the disc.
100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for 8 weeks provides limited movement to allow good strong scar tissue to form.
Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more! —>
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/STRICT 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.
IVDD is often described as a "pinched nerve". Vets usually diagnose based on symptoms and breed. It sounds as though you already have a diagnosis and just need guidance with the meds. That can be done by phone. Vets who understand the importance of strict crate rest to protect the spine from further damage will agree to telephone updates. Transports are always a risk to the disc of too much movement. Vet visits must be weighed risk vs. benefit for dogs with little to mild neuro diminishment. Coco is wobbly and knuckling which is mild neuro diminishment.
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 a 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.jpgKnowledge is the power to fight the IVDD enemy and win!! The very best thing you can do for YOU, the caregiver, and for your dog is to get up to speed on IVDD soonest possible. Owner understanding ensures proper conservative treatment principals:
▶︎ 4 phases of healing, what it takes to heal each phase:
dodgerslist.com/in-the-right-place▶︎ Roadmap for your fridge so the whole family is on board. Stay the course, avoid dangerous detours for the healing disc:
dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roadmap-for-Fridge.pdf
Please keep us updated so we can continue to offer you support. Healing prayers for Coco.
