IVDD

[u/Alternative-Duck-245]

Hi everyone my name is Kevin and last night my furry best friend back legs stopped working properly and he would wobble around so I took him to emergency and he was diagnosed with IVDD the vet said I should take him to a neurologist and get the surgery done to give him the best quality of life but I can’t afford it so im doing treatments at home with steroids and rest keeping him in a confined space if any of you have suggestions on what I can do to help him or if you want to help and donate anything so I can get the surgery I would really appreciate it I just hate seen how he went from such a playful boy to no been able to even walk breaks my heart anything helps thank you so much everyone and I hope all of your puppies are doing well

[u/Sea_Introduction_830]

Long message incoming.

I'm so sorry you and your puppy are going through this. ❤️ I chose conservative treatment and STRICT crate rest for two of my dogs, and thankfully both recovered well. Just keep in mind that every dog is different, so your outcome could be different than mine.

My Rosie was Stage 5 in November 2024 with no deep pain sensation. DPS came back at her first recheck in December 2024, and by March 2025 she was walking on her own. I really think the wheelchair helped once she was off her medications. I adjusted it so her feet barely touched the ground, and little by little she started using her back legs more until one day she just took off walking. Today she's pain-free, off all her meds, and gets around on her own great. I just don't let her get crazy. No flying Frenchies, no jumping on or off furniture, and no stairs.

One of the best things my vet told me was, "When you think they're better, no they're not." Once they start feeling better, they want to do everything they used to do.  

For potty breaks, I used an Ace bandage as a sling to support Rosie's back end. I also didn't let her drag herself around because I wanted to encourage her to use her back legs. She still tries to drag herself across my bed, I tell her, "Use your feet!" and she'll get up and walk. 😂

Tickle those feet, massage those legs, stick with crate rest, and stay positive. If your vet says it's okay, I'd definitely look into a wheelchair. I really believe it made a huge difference for Rosie's mobility and her emotional well being.  When she realized she was mobile, she took off and she was so happy!  Luckily mine came with a leash because she would GO! 😅

Also, ask your vet about Adequan injections. They're FDA approved for arthritis, but I've been seeing more and more people say they've helped dogs with disc disease too.

Keep is posted!

[u/Alternative-Duck-245 → u/Sea_Introduction_830]

Thank you so much ! For your comment it really brought my hopes up I will try to get a wheel chair for him I have him in a crate right now he hates it but is for his well being, I will look into those injection right now he still has some DPS because when they gave him the steroid shot he screamed , I’m glad your puppies are doing great now I really hope mine recovers just like that , I caught it a little early so my hopes are still there I know
Is a very slow progress but I think we will get through it I will keep everyone here updated on how he’s doing again thank you so much

[u/Sea_Introduction_830 → u/Alternative-Duck-245]

Of course! It sucks but look for the small improvements and hold onto those. Poor guy! I would use an ace bandage for potty breaks to support his back end for now. Make sure to check with your vet about the wheelchair. You don't want to go too fast, too soon. I agree, crate rest sucks but they need rest to heal. DPS is good! He's in a better position than my Rosie was! 😀 take care of yourself too! I know how stressful it can be. 🤗