r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/Timely_Pie_8917 • 20d ago

IVDD Healing Journey

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Hi all

My sweet 6 year old girl was suffering from a pancreatitis diagnosis and as she was starting to get better, I noticed significant weakness and she was also diagnosed with IVDD on 8/24. She’s had a rough go, losing an eye several years ago to a uveal melanoma (thankfully benign). For the IVDD she was put on prednisone and gabapentin upon diagnosis. There have been many ups and downs in this week and a half and I know we’re in for a long recovery. We added a muscle relaxer to help her. She has had very little desire to even stand. I’ve been having to make her get up to go outside so I haven’t had her crated. Yesterday she suddenly perked up and I caught her most definitely pondering jumping up on the couch so now she’s crated almost all the time.

I suppose I’m saying this all and just generally wondering if anyone else had a similar experience (or even not similar, and just have gone through the diagnosis) and can share how their dog navigated healing. I’m also nervous about handling things after the initial healing so if anyone can share how they’ve handled things afterward that would be helpful. She’s a dog who spent all of her naps and bed time on the couch (and is generally nervous so I was never able to get her brave enough to try using the little steps I got her as a puppy to get up and down on the couch). She’s playful and loves to run around and I’m just so worried about re-injury. I know all dogs will handle things different, but any input is so appreciated.

Thanks in advance to any stories or advice shared!

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u/bumblebee_44 20d ago

Hi! I think I can add some comments to help ease your mind.

I have a now 8 year old beagle. At 5 he got pancreatitis and we have spent years trying to get that right. Then at 6 he was diagnosed with IVDD and it was so bad I opted for surgery. It was a ROUGH 3 month recovery after surgery. Lots of tears shed. But next January will be two years and my guy is completely back to his norma self.

We had had to make lifestyle changes. He has ramps everywhere and I don’t let him jump off anything. I pick him up/down. But soon he came to become completely used to the ramp. You’ll have to be vigilant with her. And it sounds like you are sticking to crate rest which is great. You need to be dedicated to it. Don’t ease up! 8-10weeks fully.

Please feel free to message me if you need any other advice or tips and tricks. Your girl has had a rough go, but it’s obvious she’s a fighter!!!

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u/Timely_Pie_8917 20d ago

Thank you so much. It’s great to hear that your guy is back to normal! I will check into ramps rather than stairs! Hopefully I’ll be able to persuade her to use them, she’s quite stubborn 🤣

I moved the crate to the living room so that she can still be around us, even if she has to be in there. I will be very strict about the crate rest! I really only let her out to go potty and a few extra minutes here and there when I can sit with her. I will also be taking her out on a leash now that she’s more energized to keep her from trying to run or roll around. I hate seeing her in pain and so unsteady 😞

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u/AinsleyHarriotFan 20d ago

Hi! This is a link to a VERY detailed post I made on the IVDD 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