My a peanut is in pain

[Lisa]

I have had two dogs with IVDD. Pogo went fully down (blown disc) and had surgery. Pixel had a leaking disc and we did drugs and crate rest. Pixel went down more then once. The first time we did steroids. The second time, I already gave him metacam so we could not switch to a steroid. The end result between the Metacam and the Steroids were the same, but I personally found the steroids work faster. In both cases it took about 6 weeks of crate rest for him to walk again.

Either a NSAID or a Steroid is probably a good idea, along with tramadol. And I would get a second opinion right away.

Steps we took for Pixel.

1) 100% crate rest (it gets really loud week 3)
2) When he went out to potty - we carried him out and we used a sling (tensor bandage) right under his back legs to support him.
3) As he started getting stronger, we had to put a harness on him too and hold the sling and leash.
4) Follow the drug protocol + give 1/2 Pepsid 1/2 hour before the Steroids
5) DON'T GIVE UP. Just don't. There are days that it seems hopeless. There are ups and downs. She could be great in the morning and then seem worse in the afternoon. Don't give up. She will get better. It take TIME. Right now, the focus needs to be on getting her pain managed.

We did end up getting a pet stroller from Petsmart too. Once he started to feel better he did not want to be in his crate and that helped because he could always be beside us. We also changed his bedding to an ergonomic foam to help him while he healed. Also look into laser treatments. I have heard amazing things about them.

Lots of rayz, she gets better soon. Keep us posted how today's appointment goes.

[Notre Dame Mom]

I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences. Peanut seems better today- on the road to healing. I am going to speak to her neurologist this morning.

I was on this board years ago with my first dachshund Angel. She never had this problem. But this board was always a support and great resource. I find this again with all of you. The encouragement really helps when you are only in fear and uncertainty for your furbaby.

I will keep you posted on her progress and be regularly visiting this board again. Thank you everyone again.

[Notre Dame Mom]

Thank you everyone for posting. Peanut is better today- on her way to healing. I will still call neurologist today

I was on this board years ago when I had my first dachshund Angel. She did not have this problem. But I always found this board to be very supportive and a great resource.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Your responses givebme incite I could not otherwise have. I will post updates and be regularly visiting this board again.

Thank you again and any other incite or support is so very appreciated. God bless each of you and your furbabies

[lotsadox]

I'm glad Peanut is feeling better now. Lisa's post is spot on concerning back problems. I forgot to mention the stroller. I used one for Bogart and it saved my sanity (and my eardrums). I highly recommend them.