Bill, upon any suspicion of a new disc episode, one must take no chances of impact to the spinal cord. The idea is to keep mild symptom mild!
Suspect a disc episode? Do this:
#1 Restrict Movement
Restrict movement at once to avoid more nerve damage and surgery. Recovery suites such as a wire ex-pen, Pack N Play or a wire crate are tolerated well by most dogs over the plastic airline crates. Tips and ideas for setting up the recovery suite:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/#2 Get to a Vet ASAP
Time is of the essence to treatment. Hours matter. The sooner the dog receives medical treatment,
the better the chance to lessen permanent neurological damage. The sooner meds are prescribed, the sooner there is full relief from pain.
#3
Know Your OptionsOwners need quick knowledge about the two treatments options available for a disc episode – Surgery or Meds+Rest.
Good communication, understanding and decision making with a vet leads to the best outcome for a furry friend.
Compare conservative vs. surgery:
dodgerslist.com/2020/02/10/surgery-vs-conservative/Let us know what the diagnosis is and answers to the QUESTIONS. Full disclosure allows us the to give the best and accurate support for your dog.
QUESTIONS:
★1 Is there still currently pain today?
List ONLY the signs you observe in your reply. 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?
Please list the exact names of meds currently given including:
☻ the start date ☻ their doses in mgs ☻ how often you give.
Give additional info for the anti-inflammatory (steroid or NSAID):
▪️STEROID: for how many days Rxd til first taper? OR....
▪️NSAID date to stop?
-- Please include the "all important" stomach protector. Use Pepcid AC with any anti-inflammatory med (steroid or NSAID). Follow vets who are proactive. Avoid red flag signs: Not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in diarrhea.
The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound. ==>
www.1800petmeds.com/Famotidine-prod11171.html--Give 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory.
--Dose thereafter every 12 hours for the duration of the anti-inflammatory.
thumb.ibb.co/mEGRuy/91x_Aj_s00z_L_SY355.jpg **
★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 Cocker’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 -- 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!
★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?
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