Looking for positive stories of how you've adapted to a new normal with your dog
Hey y'all, first of all, thanks to everyone who comments and keeps this sub active. I've read so many encouraging things over the weekend about IVDD that have really helped keep me from losing my mind over my dog.
My 3-year-old Dachshund, Maple, had a flare-up of what I suspect is IVDD over the weekend. She jumped up on the bed in the middle of the night, yelped, and started walking around the bed with her head down and a hunch. She took the doggy stairs down to the floor, sat down, and didn't want to move. She was able to walk into her crate, and I couldn't find anything on her body that was causing her pain. I crated her overnight and checked on her to make sure she was still alert. In the morning, she was walking fine. I carried her outside, and she went to the bathroom with no issue. She's eating and drinking normally as well, just acting more sedate than usual around the house. I took her to an urgent care vet who did a spinal exam and said that, while he didn't get any strong reaction from her, he felt her muscles tense when he pressed on one spot in her lower back.
She is now on prednisone and gabapentin and has been instructed to continue with crate rest for at least 4 weeks (though I'm hoping to aim for 8 if I can). I have an appointment with my regular vet later this week to have her checked and to discuss what's going on. I don't think an MRI is necessary, and I feel like conservative care is going to be the most beneficial.
I'm someone who always expects the worst and suffers from a lot of anxiety when it comes to these kinds of situations. I'd honestly love some of her meds for myself right now! I've spent the day feeling overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make in my life to accommodate my dog going forward. Is our boarding facility worth the risk, or should I hire an in-house sitter for any trips I take? Will she be able to return to some of her normal joys like running, wrestling, and playing with our other dog? How the hell do I keep this dog from jumping on the couch? What if the next flare-up causes paralysis?
I know I should be optimistic since she is experiencing a very mild case and seems to have little to no neurological symptoms, but I could really use some reassurance from someone who's been down this road. I'd love to hear your positive stories about your dogs who have been able to live a "new" normal life!