Sarah's Harper 9/16 true conserv. Dox/chi;GRAD 11/11

I ended up trying a new vet that was referred to me by someone whose dog had ivdd - we went in on 10/17.

Harper had lost the tooth that she hurt from the initial trauma from aug 18/19. I think she ate it, but the vet said she’s fine and her mouth is fine.

She was doing that humping thing and had so much excess energy so the vet gave me ✙trazadone which we started on 10/17 (25mg 1-2 x a day). She hasn’t humped since.

She still has energy but it’s definitely more manageable and she is calmer. Not asleep all day but definitely calmer. Vet said I could go up to 50mg so idk if I want her to be asleep all day? Lmk thoughts.

[MED LIST/HISTORY- Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
13 lbs 12y.o in Dec
8/18 Dx IVDD but never Rx'd true conservative treatment
Strict rest started on suspicion of a painful disc relapse on 9/16
9/16 remains on pain med gabapentin, legs cross, wobbly walks
Prednisolone as of 8/19: 5mgs 1x/day for 5 days, then 8/24 TAPER TEST: √9/16 pain _neuro, final dose 9/2
                    as of 9/17: 5mg 1x/day for 5 days, Sun 9/22 TEST TAPER for _pain _ neuro. Final dose 10/3
✙traZODone  25mgs 1x/day]

During the [10/17[ vets exam he said Harper wasn’t showing any signs of pain, she had good reflexes, but she has ataxia (which has been this way since the incident occurred - wobble walk, legs crossing and splaying). I know this is part of the disease but I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas of when or if this will get better. The vet said she could plateau and be like this forever (which is also what my last vet said and why she told me to do PT).

Thank you for any advice.

Hi, update on Harper.
We are so excited that she only has 1 week left of crate rest. In total this will be 12 weeks!!! (Although I started over after 4 weeks bc you guys told me to bc Harper’s back was arched and I did a PT evaluation). I will say, both my vet and PT did not agree with your diagnosis to restart again but I did.

That being said, Harper is very restless — even with that trazadone (which I have actually been giving 2 x a day per the vet’s Rx).

Also Harper’s back is still arched. It’s pretty much been arched since aug 18, when the initial incident occurred. Some days it is better than others but it has not returned to where she was pre-incident — nor has her hind legs function.

My new vet suggested methocarbomal as a way to relax the muscles in her back since she is in no sign of pain. He said it’s likely discomfort though.

Besides the arched back and wobbly back legs when she pees, she is doing great.
Lots of energy which I’m trying to mitigate with trazadone and lick mats.
Any thoughts on adding the new muscle relaxant for the last week of crate rest to help with the arched back?

As I said above, no.

I mentioned wobbly legs above which has improved a bit (idk vet says she has ataxia) but never gotten back to pre-incident.
Honestly I probably didn’t need the extra 4 weeks. The new vet said at a certain point it’s redundant to keep a dog crated for so long as the disc has healed all it will heal.
However my question about the muscle relaxant wasn’t answered. Can someone else please answer? Thank you.

Is there anyone besides Paula who can answer my emails? Her tone is so patronizing.

This is exactly what the vet said:
“arched back means discomfort and muscle relaxant can be very helpful. Steroids are only good for acute inflammation and are not used for chronic use.”
I’m confused. This site gives such conflicting info to the vet, who has a degree so idk…
Will go with what he says. Would be awesome if the community can share their experiences with arched back and the muscle relaxer.

Sarah, you and Harper did it! Congratulations on Harper's graduation today.

In reviewing your posts and if there has been no change, the comments below are based on no signs of pain and neuro functions are still mild ataxia of rear legs (wobbly).

GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION
   Determine how you are going to ease 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 nor yard immediately! LOL
      Your dog's muscles are soft and out of shape after the rest period. Take a look at our information. Gradually build up Harper's muscles over a month's time to have her safely running and having fun again!
Overdoing  exercise could mean sore muscles. You'd then lack the ability to easily figure out serious damaged disc pain vs. simple muscle pain.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Here is a sample schedule to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity: www.dodgerslist.com/back-friendly/

DIY back PROTECTION around the house
i.postimg.cc/XY7xPkbK/home-back-protect-banner-320-32kb.jpg
  
1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly:   dodgerslist.com/home-protect-ivdd-backs/

2) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for Harper's wobbly dogs if she is the slight bit wary of slick floors: dodgerslist.com/traction-solution-improvements/

3) Teach your dog to be safe and not jumping up or down, but to use a ramp whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in your home.

- It is often that last short cut off the ramp they want to take that is frustrating for us.  This "how-to" has a DIY device to use with the no-shortcuts training:

HAPPY DAYS AHEAD
1) You both have survived a disc herniation! Learn what you can do from this point forward.  Especially good to use with any youngsters who may be around Harper to help them understand the disease and why to be mindful of their back:  dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ivdd-6-Life-with-IVDD-Dodgerslist.pdf
2) Now for the everyday living with an IVDD dog. Things such as dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more:
dodgerslist.com/after-graduation-living-with-ivdd/

PT THERAPY at home
     Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although senior dogs like Harper need to stay limber, severe arthritis might make certain movements inappropriate.
-- Water therapy:  dodgerslist.com/surgery-dog-water-therapy
-- 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. These are 4 exercises you can do at home: 1) Sit toStand, 2) Down to Stand, 3) Three Leg Stand, 4) Backing UP.
    The last exercise presented in the video,⚠️ HIP extension, exercise is NOT for dogs with IVDD back disease!

May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help?
      Did you know there are less than a handful who volunteer daily to help dogs and their owners? We need helping hands from other Forum members in educating.
      Education about disc disease is our number one mission!
     We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs are put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication have helped many dogs recover. We depend on all members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate!

Pick what suits you....
We depend on you. Here are some ways to help..
-- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist

-- 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.
          ►ORDER BROCHURES & cards, they're free!◀︎
                  for your vet and wallet cards for you

And finally, don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically as your time permits. We really would love to hear how Harper is doing.

Let us know how things are going. It's great inspiration to those just starting the journey to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sarah, you can clip her nails now or take her in for that.
dodgerslist.com/nail-trim-for-health/

When you are working with her it is you who controls her speed and gives her no opportunity to dart off at something. The leash and harness is how you control her.

When you no longer have her in your control with leash and harness, then inside the recovery suite. Observe for any hint of discomfort or pain....there shouldn't be any because you would not have allowed her to overdo her couch potatoe muscles when you worked with her during the slow and gradual intro back to family life.