You know you love your dog when you trade your fluffy mattress for the hard floor. That’s right. Somewhere in the middle of the night I moved from my ridiculously comfortable Beauty Rest to the hard floor NEXT to my gigantic king bed. Out of the blue last night, Chuy had an IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) flare up. Chihuahua back pain is common in the breed and knowing how to treat it is a Chihuahua Tip you need in your toolkit!
After we noticed he was in pain, we gave him his medication and off to lala land he went. He started the night cozy and quiet in his crate. Somehow in my Ambien induced sleep coma, I woke up to hear him whining and pawing at the crate. After taking him to pee and giving him water, I realized it was because he wanted to be next to me but he couldn’t even bare to use the ramp to get on the bed. This dog and I have serious attachment issues and I’m not ashamed to admit that! #MyLittleShadow
So what do you do when your dog wakes you up at 4am? You stumble out of bed with your blanket and pillows and set up a pallet on the hard wood floor so that you can sleep next to your dog’s bed. Duh. Whining stopped. Sleep coma restarted. Mission accomplished.
The time in between IVDD flare ups keeps getting shorter which just breaks my heart.
Chuy just celebrated his 6th birthday on Monday but we’ve been dealing with this for the past couple of years now. The last flare up happened back in February 2015. I actually remember it was during the Super Bowl because instead of sitting on the couch, I watched the game from the floor so I could sit next to Chuy while he laid on his heating pad inside of the crate. Do you see a pattern here?!
Last night he let out a brain piercing yelp when he tried to get on the couch. Then we noticed he was limping and hiding in the corner. Classic signs of back pain. It’s so hard to see him like that because he knows he’s in pain but otherwise he is perfectly healthy. Unfortunately but fortunately we know exactly how to manage and treat his IVDD flare ups because it’s happened multiple times. I used to run out to the vet each time but now I know what to look for and how to treat it at home. If Chuy is in obvious pain I always make sure that it’s not neurological and that he can also use the bathroom with no problems. I want to share my tips with you in case your dog might be going through the same thing.
Disclaimer: I’m not a vet. I don’t even play one on TV. I’m just a girl that is overly attached to her Chihuahua and will do anything possible to make sure he is taken care of. These are things I’ve learned from my vet and from years of experience dealing with a dog that has IVDD. Consult with your vet! #BackToThePost
1. Educate Yourself about IVDD
I have been guilty of blaming myself or trying to figure out what I did wrong to cause this. With each flare up, the chatter in my head goes something like this:
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- Should I have let him jump on the couch?
- We must have walked too much yesterday.
- I shouldn’t let Chuy chase bunnies in the back yard.
- We shouldn’t have gone kayaking.
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The truth is that these things happen and you are not to blame! The best thing you can do is to stop the pity party and start educating yourself. YES, you should limit certain things in between flare ups but a dog wants to be a dog!
The first time your dog has a flare up, get to the vet. Ask them a million questions. I’m serious. I come with a notebook and I take full advantage of that in-office fee! That is what they are there for. You should never leave that office until you feel 100% confident with the answers and information you need. If you aren’t, get a second opinion. I’ve had Chuy seen by three different vets including a surgeon. Now that this has happened multiple times, I know what to do and what to look for. I can now treat it at home without having to head to the vet each time.
Arm yourself with information. Guys, I read . . . a lot. Knowledge is power. Find other bloggers, websites, and dog owners that you can connect with that are going through the same thing. Here are a few resources to start with:
- Dodgerslist – This is a HUGE resource for dog’s with IVDD
- What is IVDD? by WiggleLess
- Managing a Dog with IVDD by Fidose of Reality
- Feeding Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease by petMD
- Tips For Dogs Living with IVDD
- There is HOPE for Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease
2. The Trifecta Effect
Yea, Science! I love an all-natural remedy just as much as the crunchies do . . .but science and medicine actually do work and sometimes they are necessary. Our vet prescribed a “trifecta” medication treatment plan that we give Chuy when he has a flare up. Your vet may prescribe something different but this is what’s been working for Chuy:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory [NSAIDs] (Metacam)
Per our vet, an anti-inflammatory is the most important RX to give when this happens. This helps to immediately alleviate the pain and inflammation. - Muscle Relaxer (Methocarbamol)
This helps calm and prevent any muscle spasms which are very common with disc pain. - Pain Killer (Tramadol)
Well, Captain Obvious, this kills the pain.
3. Strict Crate Rest
I cannot stress how important strict crate rest is with IVDD! During a flare up, Chuy must stay in his crate and he only comes out to eat and use the bathroom. That means NO jumping, no steps, and no walks! This is so hard because after a day or two when he is starting to feel better, he doesn’t seem to understand why he can’t follow me everywhere or sleep in the bed. Be sure to check out my post Five Benefits of Crate Training a Chihuahua for more information on using a crate.
I also recommend putting a heating pad under your dogs blanket inside the crate. NEVER do this if you need to leave your dog unattended! I only do this when I’m in the same room with Chuy.
4. Use a Dog Ramp or Dog Steps
During an actual flare up, your dog shouldn’t be jumping or climbing on anything. However, you’ll need to start finding ways to reduce the impact on their spine. Last year my husband and I DIY’d a dog ramp for Chuy to get on and off our bed. It has really helped alleviate a lot of shock to his back. We also have a pair of doggie steps for the couch but he hates using those. Not sure why.
5. Wear a Back Brace
During one of Chuy’s flare ups, I started chatting on Twitter and met Lisa, the founder and creator of the Wiggleless Back Brace. She was such a doll and sent me a Wiggleless Back Brace to try. This thing is awesome! The brace keeps Chuy’s back straight and aligned. and it forces him to go slower and literally Wiggle Less!! Definitely head over and check out my review for more info on this.
IVDD is quite common in Chihuahuas and other small breeds. It’s really hard to watch your baby be in pain BUT this is manageable and it’s still possible for them to live a long and healthy life! Chuy is a DOG and I want him to live a fun and irresistible life as a DOG. Our vet assured us that it’s ok for him to still chase bunnies in the yard. I can’t confine him to a crate 24/7 when he’s feeling great. What kind of life would that be? Chuy is an active dog and he loves to live life. I swear this little guy is my inspiration because even with a hurt back, he still tries and he never gives up hope. Now THAT is living an irresistible life.
Let’s Talk About It!
Do you have a dog with IVDD? What tips or advice can you share? Leave them in the comments below!
If you have a dog that suffers from IVDD please check out our other blog posts:
Caryn McCleskey says
It is so hard when your sweetie is in pain. It really helps to have a plan, like you do, for flare ups. Caspian had one the other day – he barked way too much at the squirrels who run on the fence outside the living room window. He either barked when they ran by or barked when they weren’t there as if he was telling them to come back! By bedtime he was having trouble settling down. An increase of his muscle relaxant helped until his pain was managed once again.
Thank you, too, for the link! Hope Chuy is feeling better.
Skippys Daddy says
Just came across your ramp. What is the secret to get them used to the ramp
Irresistible Pets says
We started slowly introducing it to Chuy. We would put a treat half way up the ramp to get him to start using it. Then we would add another treat further up until he slowly got used to it. Now he’s a pro at using it!
Ligia says
Hi! First of all, Chuy is adorable and I wish a million happy days of bunny-chasing for him!
My 7-year-old mutt is having her 2nd episode of IVDD after a very scary one 2.5 years ago, with paralysis and the works (but no surgery. Just rest, meds, acupuncture and PT). This time is much milder. Actually we only noticed a very alarming unwillingness to jump – which after 3 days of metacam and rest is pretty much past (which makes her hate her crate!)
Anyway, my question is about WiggleLess. Have you ever talked to your vet about it? Did it recommend it? Is it completely safe? Is it safe to use during an episode? I’m on that phase when I wanna use every possible tool to make Carmela (a squirrel chaser herself) have the best life possible!
Thank you so much and congrats for your caring bond with with little Chuy!
Irresistible Pets says
Hi Ligia! Thanks for stopping by! Chuy thanks you for all the compliments. I’m sorry to hear your Carmela is going through IVDD too. It’s such a tricky disease. I did ask my vet about the Wiggleless back brace. They said that it’s ok to use in Chuy’s case in between episodes or on walks. It does help keep his back aligned and prevents him from making sharp turns. I do recommend speaking with your vet to see if this is something that would help your Carmela. Each case is different and I know that sometimes putting on a brace can cause more harm than good. Hope this helps!
Kristin says
Chuy is blessed with a great mom. Thank you for your post. My almost 7-year old Yorkie might be facing IVDD. He has had a couple of episodes of neck pain that were treated with meds and strict rest. Our vet told us that he may have had a simple neck strain that he didn’t completely recover from. If he has another episode, we will do more testing/imaging to accurately diagnose. I’ve talked with a lot people going through IVDD with their small dogs. There is a lot of hope. A couple of my friends had great results adding acupuncture in their dog’s treatment regime. Wishing Chuy many, many years without problems.
Irresistible Pets says
Awww, thank you Kristin. I’m sorry to hear that about your Yorkie. There is definitely a lot of hope with IVDD and dogs can still live a long and full life! I hear wonderful things about acupuncture too. Wishing you all the best!! xoxo
Heatherlynn says
You are an incredible dogmom for taking such good care of him! I have a rather random question: Is IVDD common in Chihuahuas? I haven’t heard that, but Chuleta has been experiencing quite a bit of pain, lately, that I chalked up to old age and luxating patellas, but I’m wondering if I should bring her to the vet to have her checked for this, specifically. I’m sure it couldn’t hurt.
Irresistible Pets says
Aww, thank you so much 🙂 Yes, unfortunately, this is common in small breeds like Chihuahuas. The vet can check Chuleta to see if her pain is caused by IVDD. Let me know how it goes!@
April says
Hi I just ran across your site, your little chuy reminds me so much of my own little chihuahua shadow! Casull was diagnosed last January with ivdd, he was panting shaking couldn’t and didn’t want to move or be moved. After taking him to the vet he was put on anti inflammatory and pain killers. It happened again in March where they did an x ray, gave me some paperwork on the disease, more medication and crate rest for 2 weeks. He seems to have an episode every few months (January, March, April, June and July of last year) I’ve never been told to crate him every time (thank you so much for that information!) I notice the signs and am ready but once his medicine kicks in he’s a jumpy ball of energy. I feel like I need a ramp for every piece of furniture I try to help him up and down off of things but at the last minute he jumps all by himself and I can feel myself cringe. I wish everyone suffering with ivdd the best of luck and it’s so nice to know others are out there for support 🙂
Irresistible Pets says
April,
I’m so sorry you’re going through that with Casull. It’s so hard to see them in pain but it sounds like you know what to do now. I cringe every single time Chuy jumps. We can try to control some of it but they are still going to be dogs! The ramp in my bedroom has been a lifesaver. Wishing you the best with Casull!
Vicki says
Have you looked into trying acupuncture for Chuy? My 8 year old dog, Kiwi is a boxer/border collie mix and has Canine Degenerative Disc Disease and also a spur on one of the bones between her shoulders, she was diagnosed a year and half ago. I started her on acupuncture treatments, first weekly and then gradually to once a month. It took 4 treatments for me to see a improvement, but she went from limping constantly and barely being able to go up or down stairs to running around like a puppy again….except for the stairs, those will always be an issue, we limit her use of them when at all possible and that helps making it easier to get up and down when necessary. I also give her turmeric and a bu gan tang herb Rx from my vet for pain. Anywho, I’m not sure if it would help with ivdd but thought I’d mention because it has definitely helped Kiwi. 🙂
Irresistible Pets says
I have heard great things about acupuncture. That’s amazing about Kiwi! That makes me so happy.
Jessica @YouDidWhatWithYourWiener says
Great post. I pinned it and some others you listed to my IVDD Pinterest board.
As you know, I am not dealing with IVDD with Gretel. I’ve written several posts on my blog sharing my knowledge about IVDD and about my experiences with rehab. The vet didn’t classify it as a flare-up but we did have a setback a week or so ago. Gretel overworked at her gym session and her tight muscles pinched a nerve. I asked several times to be sure but our rehab vet did not recommend crate rest for this incident. They just wanted me to limit her activity for 10 days (so back to super short walks and no hiking or paddleboarding). They sent me home with Metacam and Tremadol, which I will always have on hand from here on out. My vet didn’t mention Methocarbamol though so I’ll ask her about it the next time I’m in. I want to do everything I can to make her comfortable when she does have her next episode.
Irresistible Pets says
Thanks for sharing! It’s not easy but having the knowledge to help them when there’s an episode is powerful. Hugs that Gretel is healing and will be back out for more adventures soon!
Monica Rivera says
My 12 year ild pom just starded with IVDD this pas 8/2016. Just she one moth her legs cramping up with acreams in the night. I have no money for surgery and came across this page. The meds have helped. She just is not her perky welcoming self anymore. I miss her old ways. The last 2 days weve been using the heating pad. Has helped for very sirt time. I feel so sad. Will try 2nd vet visit saturday and inqure on brace next. Getting old sux! 🙁
Irresistible Pets says
I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s so hard to watch them in pain. Crate rest is hard but it’s the best way to help them in their healing. I’m sending you lots of prayers and positive vibes for a speedy recovery.
Angela says
I am so happy to find this post, I can’t thank you enough for writing it. My chihuahua (who looks shockingly similar to Chuy) is also six and was just diagnosed with IVDD and I feel so bad just knowing he isn’t himself. I took him to the emergency vet and have a follow up appointment tomorrow at his usual vet and have started the medicines and crate rest. Thank you for the insight and reasurement and the great tips.
Irresistible Pets says
I’m so sorry to hear that but happy you found my post. It is hard but IVDD is treatable and they can still live a long, fulfilled life. I wish you all the best!
Kaitlyn says
Thank you so much for this article! My chihuahua Pickles loves chasing balls and squeaky toys and he is quite the jumper. He woke up yesterday and his hind legs weren’t working well and he had uncontrollable urination out of the blue. He slept in bed the night before so my mind was racing and I felt like it was my fault and if only he slept in his crate. We went to the emergency vet and they identified it as IVDD after getting his X-rays done. They recommended surgery or medical management and crate confinement. We are going the medication bed rest route and hoping it will work. We canceled our flight home for Christmas and are keeping him comfortable as possible. This gives me hope. I have been so upset and nervous that he wouldn’t be able to walk again or that without surgery he won’t get better. Thank you so much for all of this advice. I will be ordering the back brace now and would love anymore advice as this is our first time. He is only 2 years old so it was so unexpected 🙁
Irresistible Pets says
I’m so sorry to hear about Pickles. I know what you are going through. It is NOT your fault. These things happen and we can’t stop a dog from being a dog. Medical management and crate rest really DO work. Just be patient and don’t blame yourself. Chuy was really young when he had his first episode too. You sound like a wonderful mama so I know Pickles is in good hands. Hugs.
Claudia says
Ahhhh!! All I did was search “diy ramp” on Pinterest and I find Chuy, my dog’s soulmate!!! Archie and Chuy are both blue with brown eyebrows and both have IVDD. Archie is in water therapy once a week right now. The chiropractic treatment has saved him.
Anyway, I’m going to build that ramp. Thanks for sharing!! Shoot me an email if you can! I’ll send you a picture of Archie!
Irresistible Pets says
Awww, I want to see Archie!!! I’ve always wondered about water therapy. That’s so good to know. Best of luck with the ramp. It’s been a life saver for Chuy!
Pam Eaton says
My chihuahua was diagnosed with IVDD a week ago. Vet put her on meds, and she’s doing better. My question is this, she hates her crate, so she digs and gets quite upset when she’s in there. I understand she should be on crate rest but I feel she does better beside me or my husband on the couch. What do you think?
Irresistible Pets says
I’m so sorry to hear that Pam. We go through the same thing with Chuy. If he’s having a bad episode of IVDD, I keep him only in the crate for at least the first 1-3 days. Then as he is feeling better we will let him on the couch with us. We keep him in his doggie bed and pick that up with him inside so he can sit with us. We don’t let him jump up or down on the couch. It works for us but just be careful b/c dogs think they are feeling better but they don’t realize they’re actual pain b/c of the meds!
Stephanie says
Chuy is so cute! I’m reaching out because my 10 almost 11 year old chihuahua just got diagnosed with IVDD. I’m pretty scared. He can still walk and wag his tail. I just hate seeing him in pain. Do you know if it’s normal for them to not want to lay down sometimes. I just got this diagnosis on 3/4. So we are just in the first few days. He sometimes sit sleeps I guess to call it. I’m really scared. Will this get better? I’m crying just writing this! He’s a tough, tough dog. Had him all my life! I found your blog and I love it! I’m thinking of getting him in for laser therapy. Thank you! I know I’m a mess right now.
Irresistible Pets says
Stephanie,
I know how scary this can be but IVDD is manageable. Your doggie can still live a long and fulfilled life. It is incredibly heart breaking to see our babies in pain. Yes, when Chuy is having an episode sometimes he won’t lay down and I can tell it pains him to do so. It will get better if you follow the vet’s orders. What are they advising you to do? Sending you big hugs and prayers from Chuy and myself 🙂
Patti says
I was so thrilled to find your article today! I just got off the phone with the vet and got the word that my chihuahua Tippy has IVDD. I was devastated. He is only five years old and the sweetest little thing. I was thrilled to find that my vet had prescribed the exact same meds for him that you have for Chuy! That gave me a great deal of comfort. He seems to be doing better already, but after talking to the vet and reading your article, I know better that I really need to monitor his activity level. Fortunately or unfortunately, I have an illness that keeps me in bed on many days and Tippy is my “bed buddy.” I guess we both will be on bed rest for awhile. I am so happy to have found you and Chuy and look forward to following your adventures!
Irresistible Pets says
Hi Patti! I’m sorry to hear about Tippy. The good news is that IVDD can be managed and Tippy can still live a long and fulfilling life. I’m wishing you both all the best and sending healing thoughts your way.
Linda says
We have a young chihuahua mix that we rescued from our local shelter. Three weeks ago she was diagnosed with ivdd. Our little Annie is such a joy. She is the whole package (sweet, spunky, sensitive and downright adorable)! My husband and I tend to be overprotective and I fear we will probably hover over her too much when she recovers. I bought her a doggie playpen to keep her from jumping when we can’t hold her (after recovery). She always slept with me. Is this acceptable when she is released from crate rest? I hope and pray she can run and play again….
Irresistible Pets says
Aww! I’m sorry to hear that. A playpen is a wonderful idea while she’s having an episode. I wouldn’t recommend sleeping with her while she’s on crate rest. Too much room for an injury to occur. Praying for you. It’s tough but it’s a manageable disease and she has many vibrant years ahead!
Laura says
I have a beautiful, sweet maltese girl that was just diagnosed yesterday with IVDD. She has an appointment with neurologist on Tuesday. She is 10 and is so active it’s hard to believe she’s 10. May 1st she had luxating patella with cruciate and has been attending physical therapy every 2 weeks since and was doing amazing. She’s a walker and nothing else makes her happier. I’ve had her on my bed. She has never been able to jump on or off furniture so jumping on/off is not a concern but I just want to make sure I’m doing the best. When I got home last night I went online and learned a lot but also was scared out of my mind because there were some things that were scary to read. I’ve been in overload and was really happy to find your site. Thank you so much for sharing. Was surgery an option for Chuy? I am extremely attached to my girl too. I joke we are Thelma and Louise. She is just my everything and it’s so hard to see her this way. She is in the very beginning stages. No paralysis but it still scared me yesterday. As soon as I saw her shaking and hanging her head down with just lifting her eyes to see me, i grabbed her things and we rushed to er. I was on autopilot and my whole conversation with the doctor on call is a blank.
Irresistible Pets says
First of all, big hugs to you and your sweet girl. Reading all of that stuff online can really mess with your head. Wait and see what your dr recommends. Chuy has not needed surgery yet. We’ve been able to treat at home with meds and crate rest when he has a flare up. It is so hard to see them this way but know that they still have a full life ahead of them even with IVDD. So great that you are being proactive with getting her what she needs.
Lauren says
Rocky was just diagnosed with IVDD after taking him to emergency last night. He started off walking with a hunched back and he couldn’t poop so we thought it was constipation. Then he started stumbling and ultimately can’t move his hind legs now. They gave him a steroid for inflammation and pain killers. So far he has only had 2 doses of the steroid. But my question is, how long does the steroid usually take effect? I’m scared he’ll stay paraplegic. Unfortunately, we don’t have finances for the neurologist right now so we’re just trying crate rest for the 2 weeks while we try to come up with some funds. When we adopted him we were told he was a one year old but the vet told us last night he could be anywhere from 7-9 years old, we also don’t know his breed but he’s a little guy (17 lbs).
Irresistible Pets says
I’m so sorry to hear about Rocky. The medication should definitely help him but you need to stay with strict crate rest if that’s what the vet is recommending. I’m praying that everything is going to go great for Rocky. Keep me posted.
Cindy Adler says
Thank you for posting this. I am going out of my mind doing research as I just found out my Chihuahua has a fracture to her 2nd vertebrae. She’s still at the Neurologist and I will get her back tomorrow. They are discussing what they can do, if anything, for me. She fell off my bed on Sunday night and has been yelping here and there and not walking much. She has full movement of her body but is a little wobbly and neurologically she seems to be doing well right now. She is my baby and I will stop at nothing to make sure she is OK. After doing all of your research do you think she will be able to live? I’m still scrambling looking for answers. I’ve seen some people say that they had to put their dog down because they couldn’t do surgery and crating didn’t help. *tears*
Irresistible Pets says
I wish I could tell you exactly what to expect and what will happen with her. What I can tell you is that Chuy has been living with IVDD for many years now and has still had a full life.That’s great that there are no neurological symptoms. I would always get 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions if you have to. I’m praying that all is well and she is going to be just fine. Hugs!
Stephanie Vanegas says
It’s so relieving to hear a similar story. My 11 uear old Chihuhua, Kyara, was diagnosed 3 weeks ago and naturally, I freaked out. I researched as much as I could, and she is doing a lot better. She finished her round of meds, is now taking cbd oil daily, and is on “stroller” rest, which she doesn’t hate. She also has the wiggleless back brace, which worked super well at first. However, now, whenever I take it off, she yelps and starts shaking from the pain. It’s not pulling her hair and I’m doing it gently, any idea what it could be. She did so well with it the first week and now she hates it.
Irresistible Pets says
Hi Stephanie,
Taking off the harness could be that she is actually still in pain. I actually don’t put it on Chuy when he’s in the middle of an active episode. I would run this by your vet and see what they recommend. So sorry to hear Kyara is going through this. THERE is lots of life left to be lived with IVDD – you just have to figure out if/what her limits are and how to treat them. Hugs!
Christina Gomez says
Thankyou so much for this article. My little boy Chucky suffers from these episodes, he is a chihuahua and weenie mix and is about to be 7 years old. He is on gabiprant but it’s been a few days and he is still weak. Do the flare ups last this long?
Irresistible Pets says
Hi there. Yes, they can last for weeks at a time. Usually, we must crate rest Chuy for a few weeks. Sometimes it can even be longer. See what your vet recommends for Chucky.
Lara says
Aimee, I am SO thankful to find your site and all this information. What a service you and Chuy are doing for others who are going through this scary experience.
My sweet boy Chaka, a 13 y-o long-haired chihuahua, was diagnosed (well, on a “suspected” basis) with IVDD this morning after two days of terrible episodes of him yelping louder than I’ve ever heard, every 1-2 hours. The vet that we saw this morning thinks the affected area is in his neck. My regular vet wasn’t able to diagnose, so we had a little detour that involved Metacam and a stool softener (because he hadn’t pooped in a day). He had diarrhea by the time I was able to take him to the vet (I was out of town for the first of the two days), so they said discontinue the Metacam, as they feared that was what caused the diarrhea. But I see how strongly you recommend it … so, should I ask the diagnosing vet to reconsider their advice? Or, just go rogue and give him some? Anyone else had diarrhea issues while their pup was on Metacam? Are there anti-inflammatory alternatives?
A muscle relaxer was not part of the prescription this morning, either. I called back and asked about the Metacam and the muscle relaxer — it was a vet assistant, and she said no Metacam because of the diarrhea and she said no to the muscle relaxer, also (I can’t remember specifically what she said). But both of these seem so central to what has worked for you. Right now he has Tramadol and Gabapentin for the pain. These can be given every 8-12. As the first doses were wearing off, he had another pretty bad attack of screaming in pain. I was calling them to ask if I could stagger administration of the two, so that both don’t wear off at the same time.
Crate confinement was recommended. I got him a pen, current dimensions are about 3×5 ft. He’s not moving around much in there, but wondering if I should go smaller, given what I read here.
As I type (and cry out of puppy-concern and gratitude for this site), he seems to be having trouble getting into a comfortable position lying down (he repositions himself often, doesn’t seem to sleep much) and so far seems to prefer the hard wood floor over the blanket I set up with a heating pad under it. Advice? Does the repositioning mean that he is still in pain (even though he’s not crying in pain)? At this specific moment he’s standing up, whining at me — I don’t know if that means pain, or I hate this pen, or both.
A more general question: what defines a flare-up for you, and others? Is it behaviors that suggest pain, attacks of screaming in pain like what Chaka is experiencing, etc? And, how do you know you’ve gotten it under control?
Sorry for such a long message, and so many questions! This is really scary 🙁
Gaynor Robinson says
My 6 year old chihuahua jack russell cross went out into the garden at 5 in the morning last monday, he was barking and running along the fence at something that we couldnt see. When he came in we went back to bed and with in a few minutes he screamed out in pain. Husband went to see what was wrong and he was sitting by the front door shivering. He got into his basket and went to sleep. In the morning and all week he has cried out after going for a poo or if he has tried to jump up on the furniture to the point he has stopped trying most of the time. As he was still in discomfort we took him to the vets, who said there was nothing wrong with his legs as we though may be the case but was more than likely his lower back, he have him a strong pain killing injection and 5 days supply of metacam (1.5) and said only light exercise. However after reading your page I am now worried he may have IVDD. He walks fine if a little cautious sometimes and is eating ok. he spent most of the night spaced out with the drugs, but do you think I should crate him , he’s not moving much just sitting or lying on his bed. The vet said to see how he is by wednesday and if no better to take him back.
Su says
Thank you so much for this post!! My little shihpoo was diagnosed with IVDD about 7 mos age after seeing him shaking and acting strange one night. He’s been doing well but I get really paranoid sometimes because his back still spasms regularly even though he’s been taking the muscle relaxers since he was diagnosed. I was wondering, for you, what signs do you notice that indicate your pup is having a flare up? Do you crate him at the sign of minor pain/discomfort or only if he’s in so much pain he’s limping/hiding? I have a bad habit of over reacting and start stressing out at the slightest signs 🙂
Ashley says
My chihuahua had the same thing and seems to be in his neck. He was on metacam for a week and seemed to be getting better. But after 3 days he was back to square one again. This is the third week he’s walking around with his head down. I called the vet and I am continuing to give him the anti inflammatory until I can get him to the vet again. He’s had this before 4 years but was Better within days and recovery time was quick. He is 12 1/2 now and doesn’t seem to be recovering 🙁
Kristen says
Hi! Thanks for your posts. Our 2 yr old frenchie was just diagnosed with IVDD and I’ve been researching ramps as well as trying to educate myself on treatments for our little girl.
When your Chuy has a fllare-up, what is the duartion of time you keep him on “bed rest”? This is Lola’s first episode, and I’m not sure how long we should withhold her movement?
Thanks for the advice.
Christie Barth says
This is exactly like me and my Diesel. The crate restriction is the thing I’m having the hardest time with but I know I need to do it for him. Regardless of what he tells me…. thank you for sharing this story. I was feeling pretty helpless and alone over here. I do everything I can for this baby and it’s heartbreaking to watch. 🙁
Carol Slater says
Hi,
I found this information after researching spinal problems in chihuahuas. Mine has been to the emergency room twice and went to see a specialist/surgeon today. The specialist isn’t convinced that it’s IVDD but everything I’ve read seems to say it is. I’m just curious if a vet has ever talked to you about surgery. The specialist wants us to get an MRI, and OMG, it’s 2700-3500 DOLLARS. Then if he has to have surgery it’s another 4500 DOLLARS. I just don’t want my baby to become paralyzed.
NIKKI DALE says
Hi when you say during his flate ups he is on steict crate rest..is it the full 8 weeks with every flare?
Teresa C Hawley says
Great post! We have had 8 chihuahuas that have lived long lives but their later years with IVDD. This article is spot on. We have been blessed for them to live to the ripe old age of 18 to 19.
Irresistible Pets says
That is so awesome. I pray Chuy has many more years with us too!
Brenda says
HIIII!!
My 3 year old chihuahua was diagnosed with lvdd last week , he has been such a good boy on crate rest the whole week !! However , i feel awfully guilty that i could have prevented this.. is LVDD lifelong ? And do they have episodes constantly or it depends on each dog ! I have been going crazy researching and all i do is get soooooo scared with all the stuff on the internet. Also, my dog never got xrays or an mri because dr. Was positive it was lvdd because of the symptoms . Do you think it would be a good idea to get those tests done ?? Thankkk u ! And HIII CHUYYY CUTIEE♥️