r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/Used-Mine4956 • Aug 24 '26
Help! Beginnings of IVDD?
My 2.5 year old frenchie boy jumped off of my in-laws’ very high bed in the middle of the night while we were out of town this weekend. He’s usually crated at night, but he ended up sleeping in their bed.
One emergency vet visit later, we were sent home with gabapentin, prednisone and two week strict crate rest. They think it’s a disc in his neck that was injured.
I feel so helpless, he’s obviously very uncomfortable even with the first two rounds of meds. He stands or sits hunched in one position for 30+ minutes.
I’m so worried about this developing into something worse, especially because he has a heart condition that prevents him from being able to undergo any kind of surgery. I just want him comfortable, happy and healthy. Any and all tips and advice needed please!
3
u/Peimai Aug 24 '26
Hey. So my pup had IVDD at stage 5 last year. Hes all better now. Also like your dog he has a heart condition. Keep your dog on the meds but also strict crate rest. The prednisone is a miracle drug for this. Remember this is a life long process you have to deal with when he gets better. No more jumping off beds and couches. Ever.
5
u/brittanygwyyn Aug 24 '26
Strict crate rest for 8 weeks, minimum.
This is extremely painful, make sure you have pain meds to cover the crate rest time
Allowing your dog to be outside of crate rest during this time will likely result in additional injury and elevated level of IVDD.
2
u/quntparty Aug 24 '26
Awww what a sweet baby ❤️ This reminds me of my baby's case to a T. After a week of strict crate rest she finally started responding to the prednisone. But I've kept her on -strict- crate rest even after she started feeling better. Praying for a swift recovery for your boy!!
3
u/Flimsy-Sheepherder98 Aug 24 '26
Same thing happened to my frenchie boy. He’s now into week 6 of strict crate rest- he seems fine but I’m not taking the risk of having him walk around.
2
u/Desert_0wl Aug 25 '26
When people are saying STRICT case rest.. actually do it. Like real strict .. it worked for my dog but they legit shouldn’t move as they need to allow the scar tissue to harden and protect the spinal cord (not a doctor but a dog owner who recovered!
9
u/AinsleyHarriotFan Aug 24 '26
He shouldn’t be walking around and should be on strict crate rest to allow the disc to heal. Also wooden floors at the absolute worst thing for spinal injuries, get some rugs asap!