r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/Slow_Pen_4508 • 3d ago
Processing This Big Change.
My 6 year old weenie dog mix has gone from being playful, active, and energetic to being paralyzed all in a day. I took him out on walks just days before with no issues or warning signs. He had even gone out the morning it happened with no issues, but after I came home from college after eight hours he was reluctant to move. When he finally did to go potty he was wobbly and looked drunk. We rushed him to an emergency vet where the doctor told us he believed it’s IVDD. He then proceeded to quote us 3,000 just to stay overnight and go to neurology, not including an additional 5,500 for an MRI, which also didn’t include surgery based off of what they’d find.
They said he showed signs of mobility and deep pain sensation which was good. I felt like I wanted to vomit and was shaking, I’m a full time college student with a dead end job and had literally little to no savings. The vet tech took me aside and told me she experienced a similar situation with her dog when she was in college and broke and recommended I try strict crate rest and meds. The doctor prescribed us some pain relief meds, anti inflammatory’s, and also some muscle relaxers worth a week’s dose.
However, overnight it seemed to worsen and now his back legs and tail are paralyzed and he doesn’t react when I pinch his toes. Another Vet gave me a months dose of the same medication and taught me how to express his bladder. It’s the first week of his recovery and I’m still so worried that I failed him already and that he may not recover. I’m keeping up hope because he shows the will to eat and overall still behaves like himself other than being a bit frustrated that he can’t do what our other dog does.
I feel so overwhelmed and I’m getting little sleep but I think I’m adjusting. It’s been an emotional roller coaster just this week. I want to try my hardest for the best recovery for my baby, so please any tips, tricks, strategies, funding options, and even stories would help so much. I’m trying my best to stay positive because I know he’s a strong pup but it’s been so jarring how everything happened so fast and suddenly.
2
u/caffeinatedpotato26 3d ago
I am so sorry you're going through this. It's such a horrible disease and it must be extra tough on you and your pup because you have other dogs. Just sending you strength and patience and healing for him. Definitely stick the course of complete rest even though it's tough and really sad to see your pup confined for weeks on end because that's the only way through.