Dog has IVDD, still in pain after Meloxicam. What are my options?

Yes, it is possible that the meds are not strong enough, personally those medications would not be my first choice for IVDD as this is usually a very painful condition and these medications are not strong enough to treat this type of pain. i would recommend contacting you vet in order to switch the Codein with Tramadol and add either Metacam or Rymadil to the treatment as well.

Hello. I am sorry for the IVDD diagnosis. Was a surgical option presented to you? Many dogs go through surgery very well & have outstanding results. Bella should be placed on restricted activity. This usually means complete cage rest, only being allowed out to relieve herself. There is no need to give melatonin nor change her food. I would avoid bathing unless she is soiling herself ( urinating or defecating )in which case you might want to put a doggie diaper on her. The surface of the crate should be flat & non-slip & should be well padded to prevent sores. If the carprofen & neurotin is not keeping her comfortable, you may be able to increase the dose of neurotin, or she may need a stronger pain reliever like fentanyl. Lack of appetite can be from the pain, so increasing/changing pain meds may help. You can also speak with your vet about using an appetite stimulant like mirtazapine or Entyce to improve her appetite. I hope Bella is feeling better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Generally speaking, dogs with IVDD who do not have major neurologic deficits (i.e., no paralysis) of the rear legs can often be managed successfully without surgery. The recommended treatment for these dogs usually involves strict cage rest for at least 30 days, along with a steroid or anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication, and sometimes muscle relaxers as well. Laser therapy, chiropractic therapy, and acupuncture can certainly be helpful in some cases as well. If Tigger is still quite painful after 30 days on this treatment plan, or if things get worse or she develops paralysis of her rear legs, these are indications that surgery may be necessary in order to treat the problem effectively.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Normally, it is safe to administer these medications together. However, I do not recommend that you administer any medications if they have not been prescribed by a veterinarian as some of these medications can cause side effects and pre-screening bloodwork should be performed. Good luck and have a good night!

Most human pain medications are toxic to dogs or easily overdosed. Do not medicate your pet without the advice of your veterinarian. An exam should be done to diagnose injury and x-rays would be recommended to definitively diagnose IVDD. Your vet can dispense and appropriate medication afterwards.

I am sorry to hear that Oucy is in so much pain. Disk disease is a very painful condition and is typically treated on an emergency basis. Tramadol is usually not very effective for spinal cord pain and often animals need intravenous pain medications to get some pain relief. While gabapentin can be helpful for nerve pain it is an adjunctive pain medication and needs to be used in combination with something else. The best thing you can do for Oucy is to get her to an emergency vet clinic for surgery and supportive care. Even if surgery is not an option, medical pain management would help her feel more comfortable. I would not recommend waiting to take her in. In the meanwhile be sure to follow your veterinarians exact instructions for the prescribed medications and do not give her any human pain medications as these can be toxic to animals.

Poor Chester! Hopefully by tomorrow, you will start to see some improvement. Rest him. Don't move him unless he has to out to potty, and you can bring food and water to him so he doesn't have to move much. Keep a close eye on him, and if you feel you aren't seeing any improvement, bring him back into the vet.