It is imperative to keep the dog quiet 24/7 during the recovery period of 6 weeks post surgery or 8 weeks if the dog is recuperating with conservative treatment (crate rest and medical management). One benefit of surgery is physical therapy can start soon after. Conservatively treated dogs, however, follow a plan of 8 weeks of quiet and rest to allow the disc to fully heal. Dogs on conservative treatment are limited only to a few minimal footsteps at potty time. Follow your surgeon's or veterinarian's instructions. NOTE: New! In-depth DVD on disc disease includes Dr. Lawson, DVM explaining all about conservative treatment. This is a DVD every Dachshund owner should have. Order yours today and get one for your vet, too.

Options for recovery suites

Wire crates are tolerated well by most dogs over the plastic airline crates. Wire crates can be purchased or modified so the top opens to lift the dog in and out of the crate. Playpens, ex-pens or with noted restrictions for pet strollers are other options. Approximate area should be 2.5 x 1.5 times the body length. CAUTION: Laundry baskets are not acceptable for use at any time as they can tip over and the dog can jump out of.... even a paralyzed dog can do this.      Your dog needs a flat, always horizontal and firm surface to support his back during recovery, restriction from bolting or to keep others from bothering that only a crate or the other options noted provide. (No couches, no beds, no laps) Humans and other pets must be discouraged from any kind of play whatsoever during the pet's recuperation. Avoid giving toys that promote tugging or pulling activities.

Setting up the interior
Make crate rest as comfortable as possible for the dog. A memory foam or eqg crate mattress will relieve pressure points on the skin. Protect mattress from liquids by inserting in a large trash bag and taping closed. Keep extra changes of bedding handy. No ravel/no sew fleece can be cut to needed sizes and used as linens and blankets. It dries quickly and wicks moisture from the skin.

Print and post
Know medication side effects, etc. Ask your pharmacist for the informational sheet or Google the medication. Tape this flyer on your fridge covering emergency signs that your whole family needs to know about.

Incontinent supplies
If your dog is incontinent, male wraps or diapers can reduce laundry until you become proficient in expressing the bladder or bowels. Avoid ointments containing toxic zinc if too much is ingested.

Calmers
Is your dog rambunctious? Ask your vet about Rescue Remedy Pet, Plain Benadryl or some other calming aid. It is imperative that during the healing period the dog rests. Being inside the crate jumping against the crate is not resting. The dog must be calm. Make sure you are not inadvertently training the dog for unwanted behavior. Rewards are food, eye contact, speaking, approaching the crate.

Potty times

Get your dog on a feeding schedule. Potty times will be predictable and accidents can be prevented. Steroids cause thirst. Paralyzed dogs may need to be expressed every 3-4 hours while on steriods. Walking dogs will also need to be taken outside more often when on these drugs. Paralyzed dogs can also be expressed for poop. Always carry your dog to and from the potty area. Carry your dog supporting both ends with each arm. Use a six-foot leash attached to a harness and a sling to stabilize the rear. You stand in one spot to minimize the number of footsteps your dog may take.

Entertainment
Place the crate near a window with a view, on the coffee table in front of couch where you sit. Place the crate so the dog will be in the middle of family activities, near your bed at night. Secure crate to a flat moving dolly (or put casters on plywood) to easily move the crate room to room. Fill a kong with a slight slather of soft dog food and freeze. Put part of the dog's total daily dinner kibble in the kong to lengthen time to consume dinner. Good low cal snacks are carrots, apples, or frozen green beans, licking a frozen low sodium broth ice cube.

Medication log
Make a log chart to keep track of who gave the medications and when to ensure that they are given properly

Feeding
Attach food and water bowls to the crate at head height, so the dog does not have to bend down to eat and drink. Always provide plenty of fresh water. Dogs on steroids will be thirsty.

Physical Therapy
Your vet will demonstrate passive range of motion exercises & how to massage the legs during crate rest for the downed dog.
   Ask your vet about hydrotherapy, for post-op cases or when 8 weeks of conservative treatment has been completed. Acupuncture and Laser Light Therapy can be started immediately. Avoid chiropractic (aka VOM) or any manipulation of the spine.

Weight
It is crucial the dog maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine. When his body has recovered from, ask your vet when your dog's diet can start. After crate rest, follow the guidelines of your vet or canine nutritionist regarding weight-loss goals. Do your best to avoid a high carbohydrate, low-calorie food. Opt for a good quality, high-protein dry kibble, just using less of it while taking the excess weight off over a 1-2 month period.
  Web sites for researching and learning more about the difference between junk and quality foods:
www.dogfoodproject.com
List of rated foods
Weight diagram

Wheelchair
Don't be too quick to get a cart. Many dogs don't ever need them. Assess whether money is better spent on a wheelchair or PT to learn to walk again only after the initial recovery period of 6 to 8 week of crate rest has been completed. Nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal, it can take as long as 6 months or a year+for a full recovery.

 

 

 

List of useful supplies to gather up to make crate rest time go smoother

Still more information on crate rest from "Shortcut Through IVDD"