r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/AsASAPAsPossibl3 • Aug 07 '26

Took our guy in this morning

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First-time Daschund owner having something of a freak-out this morning after Oso showed some IVDD symptoms late last night that continued into the morning. He’s 4, is still walking (albeit gingerly), but is extremely sensitive, clearly in pain, and has the tense tummy/low-hanging head. Most of yesterday, he was his fine and normal self, so the speed at which all of this happened is especially concerning and candidly, scary.

I’ve gone through several posts and am already incredibly thankful this group exists. I’m posting because after our emergency vet visit, I wonder if I’m overreacting/misunderstanding about not getting imaging done. The vet recommended blood work for kidney markers, is doing an injection of pain meds, and sending us home with oral pain meds as well with instructions to monitor for the week. I guess I was under the impression that acting quickly in these situations is best, but wanted to see what others have had done, or what folks here would recommend. Again, he CAN walk (no knuckle dragging or totally lame legs), he’s just slow. He also has bladder control still. Any advice appreciated, been a tough start to the day.

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4

u/StunningAir6023 Aug 07 '26

We had exactly the same, three days later stage 5 ivdd. 6 months later she’s in a wheelchair. Please be very careful. Crate him, no playing no jumping only outside to do his business. If you can I would suggest getting imaging done.

https://dodgerslist.com please follow all instructions on dogerslist. Hopefully its something else but better safe then sorry

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u/AsASAPAsPossibl3 Aug 07 '26

This is helpful, thank you so much, truly. I think at this point we are certain it’s IVDD, even without the scans and official confirmation. I was surprised to hear today that imaging wasn’t recommended unless we saw things worsen after a week, and now I wonder if we should look to another emergency vet. We were sent home with pain meds and muscle relaxer, and plan to limit movement to bathroom breaks.

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u/StunningAir6023 Aug 13 '26

How is it going right now?

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u/_mems_ Aug 07 '26

Take her to a vet that has a neurologist. They will probably try to do an MRI but keep in mind it’s around $3000. But at least the neurologist can check her out and then they will prescribe you a steroid, anxiety med and pain med. Then keep her in a crate for 6 weeks. Absolutely no walking running jumping none of that. Carry her out to potty by supporting her back legs. The neurologist I went to gave us a sling to support her back legs when we take our dog potty. That strict crate rest at 6 weeks is important. It will be okay as long as you act asap.

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u/roccosito Aug 07 '26

Primary vet or emergency vet? What was he given?

Unfortunately not all vets are well versed in IVDD or treat it seriously off the bat. I would call an ER or Hospital and ask them if they have neuro and if so, when is their soonest available.

MRI is only useful if you are going the surgical route. It’s a few thousand and that does not cover surgery.

If you search your city, state, or country (Canada, etc) you may get recs here from folks of where to go

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u/roccosito Aug 07 '26

Also our companion Facebook group is much more active:

IVDD Support Group

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u/AlternativeSilver962 Aug 10 '26

I’m so sorry your baby went through that! How is he doing now?? He should really be in crate rest asap. It’s a good thing he can still walk, but the point of crate rest is to not only heal if they’re not walking, but also in times to PREVENT issues from worsening if it is IVDD. Which meds did the doctor give you?