[Original subject line:Large dog, just diagnosed - questions!! ] 
Hi everyone!
This is Luna, just diagnosed 7/8/24 with Type II IVDD from x-ray only by regular vet (pictured with my son). She is a female rescue-acquired
Lab X Ridgeback X ?,
10 years old (DOB 10/16/2013). She weighs
75 lbs. T10-13, T13-L1 and L6-L7 appear compressed and have calcification changes on x-ray. Hips are clear and in good shape. She has noticeable reaction to mid-back palpation at time of diagnosis. Only other conditions are a grade 1-2 mitral valve
murmur, currently not medicated and slight cataracts.
7/8/24 bloodwork is pending.
Current medications are
150 mg
carprofen (carprovet - previously prescribed for shoulder arthritis) 1x/day,
400 mg of
gabapentin 2-3x/day (started 7/8). Vet said we will add
methylcarbomal (sp?) and other pain meds after check-in a few day to re-evaluate. She
prescribed restricted activity (short easy walks ok) but otherwise limit her activity to rest and potty breaks. She also indicated I should wait on neurology evaluation.
[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
75lbs 10 y.o.
carprofen (Carprovet®) as of 7/8: 150mg 1x/day for ±14 days ±7/22 TEST STOP for _ pain and _neuro
gabapentin 400mg 2x/day
Luna needs GI tract protector, Pepcid AC, on board for duration of carprofen! ]
Luna is a stoic, mild-mannered but active ranch dog (a beast at chasing wildlife off our property and guarding our perimeters). She has been extremely active her whole life and is well-muscled and a proper weight at this point.
Her first noticeable
symptoms were
less activity by choice, a periodic
lowering of her regular tail carriage and
not wanting to climb stairs to our bedroom to sleep at night, about 2 weeks ago. She is not kyphotic, but in last few days I have seen
slight hind end weakness when squatting or getting up from lying down.
I have so many questions as most info I’ve found online so far applies to Type I diagnosis in smaller dogs. I previously had a Golden Retriever with IVDD who developed a lot of pain and passed (the day of a scheduled neuro evaluation!), so I want to follow the best, most conservative treatment for Luna. We do have good pet insurance which I believe would cover most of surgical treatment, but not sure when/if to start down that path.
My questions are:
1. Should I trust my vet’s diagnosis of Type II IVDD without an MRI at this stage?
2. Should we restrict activity more? Not do any walking except bathroom breaks? I have all the supplies to set her up in a small pen as pictured on this site. Luna had TPLO surgery 4 years ago, and did well in this set-up post-surgery.
3. Should I add Pepcid to counter the ⚠️
ibuprofen⚠️? Give before food and medication?
4. Would accupuncture be a good thing to try during this rest period? Is PT recommended only after rest period?
5. What about PEMF mat treatment? Other therapies?
6. Should I get a ramp for the car now in order to transport to appointments? What type is best for a large dog?
7. How do I find the best neuro evaluation when that becomes indicated? We are
about 45 min from UC Davis Vet School. I am a bit reluctant to go to UCD because they have recommended more aggressive treatments for my horses than I sometimes end up following. I don’t want to immediately jump to surgery, unless that would be the best course of treatment, but also thinking UCD may be the most knowledgeable/experienced? My regular vet suggested VCA Veterinary Referral Center in Sacramento.
At the same time, I don’t want to do 8 weeks of rest, PT, etc. only to pursue the surgery path if that is the best course of treatment upon better imaging….
8. What other tips do you have for managing large dogs with lower grade symptoms?
Thank you in advance! Colleen
