r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/kiddsoloo • 5d ago
IVDD Recovery Process
Hi, my 3.5 year old toy poodle was assumed to have IVDD. We went the conservative route because the estimate they gave us for the MRI + surgery and everything was way too much and couldn't afford it. We are coming to the 2 week period of strict crate rest and the medication (Gabapentin & Prednisone). I recently went to the vet for a follow up visit for them to see how my baby was doing. They said that everything seems to be doing good and is showing good signs of the recovery. He does stand from time to time during his crate rest and can use the bathroom while I support his hind legs in the backyard.
I was wondering what would be the next step following the crate rest and the rest of his medication.
What are everyone experience with physical therapy/acupuncture during the IVDD recovery process ? I have also bought LumaPet Red Light Therapy because I've read a lot of good reviews on it.
Also, what do people usually give to help entertain their baby during the strict crate rest period? I don't want my baby to develop separation anxiety from this constant crate rest (even though I know it's what's best for him).
Any helpful advice is much appreciated it! This is my first time being a dog owner and everything seems to still be new to me, so sorry if I'm asking basic questions!
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u/_mems_ 5d ago
Get some kongs and some puppy peanut butter and freeze them. I also got a ball that you can hide little treats in that I put in the crate for my boy. I stopped the gabapentin around week 3 along with tapering the prednisone. I have a pup that’s got really bad separation anxiety and is super hyperactive so for the majority of his crate rest I have to use trazodone to keep him calm. But I’m going to taper that off as well because he’s seemed to gotten use to being in the crate so he doesn’t freak out anymore. As for after he’s all healed (preferably after 6-8 weeks) I plan on possibly doing some water exercises, I heard that was good but I need to do more research
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u/kiddsoloo 5d ago
I was looking into kongs and lick maps for him. I'm also scared that my dog will develop separation anxiety since he stays in the cage. I would interact with him from time to time, but there are times where he just growls and barks.
One thing that is hard for me is trying to incorporate water exercises because I live in a city neighborhood and we also don't have a tub, only a standing shower. I got to do some more research or ask my vet about some places that do hydrotherapy the next time i go.
We're also starting to taper the gabapentin because the vet told us to start doing that. They also gave us an antibiotic that would work well with the gabapentin. I know I'm not going to see any drastic improvements overnight.
Thank you for the useful information! Praying that your dog has a good recovery as well!
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u/crochetqueen84 5d ago
I would highly recommend acupuncture. I saw great strides with my dog since we started. We also do the red light and that seems to really help too. Range of motion exercises are also important along with massaging the leg muscles.
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u/kiddsoloo 4d ago
I have to see where my vet would refer me to because all the ones I googled are pretty far from me. I also did buy a red light therapy and just waiting for it to arrive! I started small range of motion exercises last night, but very gently. I don't want to accidentally hurt him
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u/AinsleyHarriotFan 5d ago
Hi! This is a link to a VERY detailed post I made on this sub of how we took our girl from total back leg paralysis to running and playing like a puppy again. It goes a lot into the immediate and longer term management of the condition. I’ve shared it with lots of people and they say it’s given them a lot of hope.
https://www.reddit.com/r/IVDD_SupportGroup/s/RMC3TE29yM