So sorry about your furkid! Lots of
So sorry about your furkid! Lots of
Hoomom who was blessed with Jack. RIP Sweet Cynda 6/3/10, loving Lexie 9/13/13 and Jack, 3/22/16.
My vet does chiro on my dogs. They call it VOM. Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation. Each dog is different. Did you ask the neuro about why he gave what he did? Most vets treat each dog individually and he probably had legitimate reasons for not using prednisone. Patients and owners of patients trying to diagnose, treat and prescribe for their dogs is often not the best course. You could get a second opinion if you think it's necessary.
Frankly, I've never seen a dog recover from back problems in a week, no matter what the dog is given. Back problems take time and rest. A bit of pain is not always a bad thing, it keeps the dog quiet. As soon as Bogart was on pred, I had to watch him really closely. He thought he was fine and wanted to run and play way before he could have been healed. If he had gotten away from me once, he could have undone all the healing that had taken place. You can't rush healing.
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.
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.
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
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.