Kate's Milo 8/20 Conservative - NECK - GRAD: 10/15

Hello! Milo has been off of meds for two and a half days. He got his last doses on 9/18/2023 a.m.

[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
11.5 lbs 12 y.o.
carprofen as of 8/20 12.5mgs 2x/day for 7+15 days, Mon 9/18 test STOP: _pain? _neuro? ]

I can't tell for sure but he doesn't present any pain. He's seems happy, rolls on his back, nudges me and wants to play. He sleeps the majority of the day. We're still on restricted activity. He's confined to his pen. I've been very nervous. How long before he may start experiencing pain? Would you please provide guidance? Is there anything else we should be doing except for monitoring, rest/no activity, and lots of love? Thank you so much.

Thank you so much Paula. I'm praying he's healing. I've been so careful with Milo. It's hard because he gets rambunctious sometimes and trying to get me play and chase him like normally would. I try to distract and calm him down. He stays on the floor only[?]and there's no running, jumping, etc. I'm tempted.to give him a toy but he usually shakes the life out of it and I don't think it's good for his neck. I don't know if I could give him a small squicky ball? I certainly don't want to do anything they would compromise his disks and spine. What are your thoughts? Thank you so very much. We wouldn't do it without you ❤️ 
 
 

Yes Paula, Milo stays in his recovery area/pen. We're camping in the living room on the floor.
I made a post last night but i don't see it so please forgive me of it turns out to be a duplicate.
Ate there any safe toys for dogs with IVDD? 
Will Milo be able to eventually go for long walks? We used to walk 2-3 miles a day in warm months. Or he'll have to be restricted with walking moving on?
I found a few veterinary clinics that specialize with ivdd. I'm planning on having him examined once he's discharged from crate rest. Tomorrow will have been a week since he's off medications. I'm so emotional. I hope he continues getting better although I recognize he's going to be special needs for the rest of his life. 
I can't thank you enough for supporting us in this scary journey. Thank you for helping me saving my puppy. Please continue to guide me.

Thank you Ann. It's definitely a big adjustment for both of us. I'm grateful Milo is healing and  recovering from his episode and that he will continue to do so. I've gotten rid of his toys. He likes to shake them all around and swings his head all directions. Who knows, maybe it was a contributing factor. We've never played tug of war or any rough games. I've been so careful with Milo.
    He doesn't jump or uses stairs. I have ramps around the apartment as he's allowed on furniture. I may have to get more floor mats/area rugs to cover wood floors. I got a better harness for when we can start going for walks. He has a tag saying " back problems, support my butt" The same warning is listed on his chip.

Do you have any other recommendations? I've read all the materials you've provided me on this portal and I can't thank you enough. Is there any treatment for the disc calcifications that have already formed between vertebra or any prevention from their bursting? It's so scary. And not everyone has the means to pay for the CT scans and surgery 😭
    This is our third journey on Dogerlist and each next time is just as scary as the first one. Each time Milo recovers, I pray it's the last one but there's no guarantee. I hope there's research in place and that they will come up with something soon 😞 I'm so grateful I found Dogerlist. I wouldn't have been able to save Milo without your support ❤️ Thank you 

Acupuncture is a good therapy when actually needed.

Milo has no pain
Milo has no neuro damage.
Milo just needs to finish out his STRICT rest to let the disc self heal by graduation day 10/15.

Kate, upon graduation on 10/15 we'll have lots of info to share. So let's not jump the gun. There are no preventatives to keep a disease where the discs prematurely age. We'll have lots of ideas to help keep his muscles strong that you can do at home to help support his back.

Kate, Wow!You did it! Tomorrow Sun 10/15, Milo graduates where his disc has formed good secure scar tissue. And he has been off all meds for quite some time, so you are now quite used to how he acts & moves when he is not in pain. This will come in handy as a basis for the future should there be another disc episode.  
    A good reading reference is this page to have in the back of your mind the disease Milo has:  dodgerslist.com/2020/06/26/what-is-disc-disease/

GRADUATION, IS A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION
     Determine how you are going to ease Milo back into more normal activity at graduation from rest. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free rein of the house and yard immediately! LOL
      His muscles are soft and out of shape after the rest period. Take a look at our information. Gradually build his muscles up over a month's time will have him safely running and having fun again!

SAMPLE SCHEDULE 
This sample schedule is to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity. Take it slow and easy because YOU want to be able to rule out NOT having over done  exercise vs. a potential of another disc episode and that pain.     www.dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20schedule

DIY back PROTECTION around the house
  i2.wp.com/dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/home-back-protect-banner_700-45kb.jpg **
   
1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly for Milo:   dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/

2) If Mile is the least bit unsteady on smooth floors checkout these ideas and products to provide improved traction:   www.dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/

3) Teach Milo 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
1) Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog such as dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more.  I think you "get it" shaking toys and other excessive neck and back activities must be discouraged and substituted for safe ones presented here: 
www.dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2

HOME PHYSICAL THERAPY to strengthen core muscles
     Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although senior dogs, such as 12 year old Milo, need to stay limber, if he should develop arthritis it may make certain movements inappropriate.
   -- 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/

Keep our main website bookmarked: WWW.Dodgerslist.com . On the front page, right there for you, are the 3 actions to take if you suspicion a new disc episode.  I think we all can kinda have our minds go to a bit of mush when our pets are in trouble. So it is good to have quick access to "the plan of action."

May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help?
     -- 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.

Don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really would love to hear how Milo is doing as he transitions back to family life. And what activities he enjoys in living many happy years ahead!
                    i.postimg.cc/8P5FkBYy/living-laugh-love-in-spite.png

Thank you for the kind words. Dodgerslist is about educating the pet parent about this horrible disease.

We love updates. Please let us know how Milo is doing as he re-adjusts to activity.