Patricia, surgery is not the only treatment for a disc episode. If for any reason (financial, health, etc,) a surgery is not an option, Conservative Treatment is the best treatment! A disc episode is NEVER a reason to put a dog down.
Patricia, so many here on the Forum have not been able to provide surgery due to the dog's health, personal finances or just the desire to try the least invasive treatment (Conservative) first. Because so many members are heavily burdened with unexpected vet bills themselves, it is not likely you will find people in a position to help you financially. What the Forum has to offer is priceless and that is support, creditable IVDD information to help you care for your dog and to work closely with vets during your dog's disc episode.
The things that make conservative treatment work for many disc episodes.
➤ 🏠At home nursing care tips:
-- Tried and true tested ideas: ==>
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/ ➤ 💊Medications used during a disc episode: ==>
dodgerslist.com/meds-used-during-disc- ➤ 💡What to expect for each phase of healing: ==>
dodgerslist.com/in-the-right-placeWe'd like to know more about your dog and just what the neuro status is. So we can give comments specifically for your dog, would you take a moment to fill us in on these important details.
QUESTIONS:★1 Is there still currently pain? List ONLY the signs you observe.
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. Phone your vet and report any of 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 __How much does your dog weigh? Age?
What is the list of meds your dog is taking?
-- Exact names for each med, their doses in mg’s and times per day given?
★3 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?
★4 What is your dog’s name?
★5 Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?
-- Is the vet a general DVM? or
-- a specialist surgeon (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)?
★6 What was the date you saw the vet for conservative treatment?
If your dog moves around too much, the disc cannot heal. 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.
STRICT rest means:
- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times.
POTTY TIMES for dogs who can still sniff and pee
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 **
★7 Brain controlled "peeing" or reflex "overflowing"? Can your dog:
-- Specifically sniff and squat and then release urine (bladder control)?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted? Indicator signs of an overflowing bladder (loss of control). Manual bladder expressing is necessary for health reasons. How to: ==>
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/★8 Describe what you observe currently about neuro functions. Can your dog....
-- wobbly walk?
-- Move the legs at all?
-- Wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
