It’s been 6 weeks and 4 days since Gretel hurt her back and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)…. not that I’m counting or anything đ
The initial diagnosis of Gretel’s IVDD was scary. I knew that Gretel wasn’t past the “window” when IVDD is most likely to occur if it’s going to at all – 4 – 7 years old – so in a way I had been waiting for the other shoe to drop. I suspected IVDD because of the pain symptoms Gretel was showing when I took her to the ER vet so I was prepared for it. Still, it was shocking. In In 5 minutes, my life did a 180. My summer plans, and potentially any plans I had for Gretel in the future, came crashing down.
We’re lucky because I caught Gretel’s back issue early. Her IVDD was in stage II, which is basically the earliest state of symptoms where the disease can be diagnosed. Surgery was not on the table because it was so mild so conservative crate rest was the recommended treatment.
We’re also very lucky because Gretel was already at a healthy weight and active. According to the vets, being overweight is one of the biggest challenge that dogs diagnosed with IVDD face. The extra weight puts stress on a dog’s spine and can lengthen and complicate the recovery process. I can’t imagine how hard it would be if I was told that my dog had to lose weight while locked immobile in a crate for over a month. As it was, I was very, very careful with Gretel’s food but she still put on a little over half a pound.
One of my first questions to the vet was, “If we do everything we can for her recovery, will she ever be able to hike again?” She said, “Yes, almost definitely.” That was a big relief but I was told Gretel would need 6 – 8 weeks of strict crate rest no questions asked. I immediately made an appointment for a laser treatment and to see a rehab vet.
The rehab vet gave me a different treatment plan. I was to rest Gretel in the crate for 1 – 2 weeks but then we would start walking her on an underwater treadmill and doing strengthening exercises at home. I was glad to hear we could do SOMETHING to aid in her recovery but was also confused. How do you go from “6 weeks of strict crate rest” (a  recommended treatment I have heard about for years) to “It’s OK to let her walk and move around some of the time”?
Gretel’s first experience on the underwater treadmill. She’s looking for a little reassurance.
After taking to the rehab vet, and my neighbor who happens to be a veterinary surgeon, I felt better about our course of action. They both said that every dog is different and because Gretel’s symptoms were so mild, and she was already in good shape, her recovery would be likely quicker so she could get moving sooner. The biggest “ah, ha” moment though was their explanation that the “6 – 8 weeks crate rest no matter what” recommendation that has been around forever was outdated due to advances in veterinary medicine and rehab.
They explained that it’s been found that a dog actually recovers from IVDD quicker if they are able to do exercises because they keep and build supportive muscle tone and strength. The recommendation is no longer “no movement” in most cases. Instead, It’s “no movement except specific movements in a very controlled environment”. All the information you see on the internet saying that there can’t be any activity during crate rest is “old school” and no longer necessary accurate (it does, of course, depend on each dog and their vet’s specific recommendation for them).
For the past month Gretel has been going to hydrotherapy to walk on an underwater treadmill, a routine of home strengthening exercises, laser treatment, supplementation, acupuncture, home treatment with the Assisi Loop, and walking around our neighborhood. Walking on the streets by our house started with 2 to 3, Â 5-minute walks a day. Time has been added to the walks each week. She’s now up to walking 1 – 2 times a day for 20 – 30 minutes at a time.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45hGinPjZ0s]This walking routine has been good for all of us. Honestly, I never walked Gretel every day before. We still miss a day here or there but we’re walking more now than we ever have. Getting Gretel back out on the trails to hike is real motivation for me. More walks for Gretel means more walks for Chester too so he’s liking this whole rehab thing. More walking is also good for me. I need to get in shape and lose some weight so I can shake this pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes. Hubby has even been going on more walks than he used to.
I’ve been giving Gretel more supplements and sticking with it. I admit I used to get lazy and drop off giving her, and myself, supplements for days or sometimes weeks at at time. Now I feel like it’s her “medicine” and I can’t. Because I’m committed to giving Gretel her supplements every morning and evening, Chester is getting his too. I’m remembering to take my own vitamins supplements every day.
Ironically, I think this IVDD experience has kicked me in the butt and it’s made me, Chester, and Gretel healthier than we have been in years. Well, maybe the healthier part is to come but we have a routine with more regular activity than we had before.
Last Friday was Gretel’s 6-week re-assessment. It was good news. Her muscles have gotten stronger and she seems to have regained most of the feeling in her back legs. When she was diagnosed with IVDD, she wasn’t flipping her feet back over when the vet curled her toes under. Now she’s doing it right away or with only a slight delay. Our treatment plan going forward involves more exercise and a little more freedom from the crate.
The vet said that Gretel can now be allowed to wander around the house if she is being closely supervised. Hubby and I are still keeping her in the crate for now but will let her out more once our barricades for the couch arrive so she can’t jump on an off of it.
Gretel will continue with treatment to heal and get strong. My vet’s approach is a realistic one. While jumping off high things and running should be minimized, she knows that those things will happen. Therefore her goal is to get Gretel strong enough so she won’t get injured when she does them.
Part of that treatment is continuing the hydrotherapy, laser treatments, and acupuncture for now. Eventually we will taper to once every two weeks and then once every three weeks. We’ll reassess after that.
I’ll probably use the Assisi LoopÂŽ (an FDA-cleared Non-Pharmaceutical Anti-Inflammatory Device similar to acupuncture or laser)Â for the rest of Gretel’s life after strenuous activity to help with inflammation and recovery.
We were given even more home exercises for Gretel. I’ve been aware of all of these exercises before, and even thought they would be “fun” and maybe a good idea. We tried a couple short-term but I never stuck with it. Now, conditioning exercises will have to be a part of our lives if I plan to keep her active and minimize injury. Gretel will also continue weekly walks on the underwater treadmill.
I asked the rehab vet about returning to some of our regular activities. I think this was one of the first times she had been asked about paddleboarding with a dog đ She had to think about it for a few minutes but said, since Gretel just stands there and that would strengthen her core, we can go on a few short trips. Since we’ve been walking almost 2 miles around our neighborhood, she said that Gretel could try going on a 2-mile hike on a relatively flat trail. As with all cases where a dog is allowed begin increasing activity after an injury, we have to take baby steps and see how Gretel feels afterward. It’s exciting to know that our life may be getting back to normal though.
I’m looking forward to many more adventures and giving other people hope by showing that a dog with IVDD can still be active!
Hannah says
So glad she’s doing well!
Mary Hone says
Such good news. You are an awesome dog mom, and Gretel is in the best hands. Happy Mothers Day too.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks Mary. I hope you had a good Mother’s Day. I’ve only “been” so South Dakota once and it was about 5 hours on the freeway during a road trip. I’ve always considered it a place that I never want to visit but your photos of Sioux Falls just might change my mind đ
Jana Rade says
I’m so glad to hear about the good progress! I just recently listened to a podcast, given by a physical therapy guru who too was talking about the counter-productivity of prolonged strict rest for many conditions and injuries. She was referring to the change in thinking in human medicine and how it translates to vet med.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks for chiming in. I always respect your opinion about health stuff. I’m glad to hear you’ve heard news that also supports the idea that prolonged crate rest is counter-productive. Until this rehab vet, I had never heard that message. It frustrates me a little that the only information out there about treating Dachshund back injuries (except for some studies not found in a typical Google search for the condition) pounds the idea of very strict crate rest into people’s heads. I’ve heard from a couple of people involved in IVVD resources that, since crate rest is the “old standard” and there is not enough information to 100% prove that controlled exercise is better for recovery, they stick with the “message they know” just to be on the safe side. The things is, a lot of vets won’t talk to owners about alternatives for recovery. You have to know to ask and most people don’t know because of all the “crate rest and that’s it” info out there.
Dachshund Nola says
That’s fantastic she”s doing so well and you’re being proactive about everyone’s health. The strict crate rest, especially with less severe cases of IVDD, never made sense to me. The whole “let’s let this dog get weaker so there’s less support for an already weak back!” agreement never added up for me.
Jessica Rhae says
I never gave the crate rest thing much thought until now because that’s “just what you do” and I hadn’t dealt with it on my own. Now, as you said, it just doesn’t make sense. I’ve talked with my rehab vet several times about the old idea vs. the new method and it really does boil down to that – why stick them in a crate and make them weaker. That’s the opposite of what you want to do.
Beth says
So happy to see that you’re getting back to your new normal! Barley and I are bigs fans of daily walks–we usually do either one really long one or two shorter ones every day, so we’re happy to hear that Gretel and Chester (and you!) are getting all of those benefits of regular walking. Can’t wait to see how Gretel continues to improve.
Beth says
Good news and an informative post, too! I have to think about the changes in human health care in the last few years and how the emphasis now is on getting the patient up and going much sooner than was the practice for many years. Veterinary science seems to be catching on to that, too.
Jessica Rhae says
I didn’t think about it that way but you’re right. My step Dad recently had heart surgery and was home in 3 days. I am sure his stay would have been a week 10 or 15 years ago. It’s cool how veterinary medicine is now mirroring human medicine in a lot of ways. It used to be such a distinct practice but, now that pets are treated more like family, they are coming closer together. I feel like you can pretty much observe human medicine and make predictions about what will become available for pets in the next 5 – 10 years.
Kimberly Gauthier says
What supplements to you give to Gretel? I’m looking forward to learning about your experience with the Assisi Loop.
Jessica Rhae says
I’m still dialing in our supplement routine. For example, her acupuncturist gave us two supplements but I am going to discontinue one of them. I have a blog post planned about our supplements for a couple of weeks from now.
My rehab vet is sold, sold, sold on the Assisi Loop. She has patients that live too far away to come in for weekly laser treatments so they do one a month and the loop every day. The dog seems to be doing great with that regime. Jen from My Brown Newfies swears by it too. It seems like acupuncture to me – it is helping but you don’t see immediate, drastic results. It’s cumulative. It seems like it’s doing something with her energy though because she falls asleep when she is getting treated with it… just like I do when I’m getting acupuncture đ
Cece says
Woo hook so glad to hear such good news
Jen Gabbard says
I’m so glad to hear the treatment is going really well. After reading this I realized I’m probably a lot healthier now after Laika’s arthritis diagnosis as well, and that we stick to a regular schedule. Rather than playing frisbee & doing high impact stuff we go swimming more & on a couple of walks every day.
Dolly the Doxie says
Glad to hear but not surprised that the crate rest only treatment is out of date. As someone who has recovered from surgery I know what happens to the body from lack of mobility. It definitely makes more sense to do limited movement and strengthening and it definitely seems to be working. Also glad to hear that you are keeping to a routine more with your walking and exercises. I still do my PT exercises as I accept that fact that I always will have to so I understand what you’re going through. Keep up the good work seeing the rewards should keep you motivated!
Lyn Harper says
Finn and I are so happy that Gretel is doing better and will probably return to normal. What a relief! After you get them, I’d be interested in seeing a picture of the couch barricade you speak of. I’ve been thinking of getting stairs for our couch, but maybe this would be better. Finn jumps up and down all day…. scares me to death.
Jessica Rhae says
They arrived yesterday. I’ll be talking about how we’re Gretel proofing the house in a couple of weeks… after I get my house cleaned up so I can take pictures. Ha, ha.
2 Brown Dawgs says
Oh no! Poor Gretel and poor you. It is sure not fun when active dogs have an injury. I am glad you did not have to do strict crate rest. I think there is a change in thinking about that for many kinds of injuries. Storm has a shoulder injury and the ortho’s idea of rest is just not walking or exercising her. She can go in the yard off lead but we are not to interact with her there or play fetch and such. I was expecting more strict rest. We are also at the point of adding in more activity and seeing how she does. I hope you will be back to regular hiking soon.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks. The crate rest thing was a very big part of her recovery but I was glad that active rehab was also a part of it. I know you can really relate to me because your dogs are so active. I hope the decreased activity is enough to get Storm back out with the rest of the pack soon.
Heather Rhodes says
What kind of strengthening exercises do you do with Gretel? I’m a vet tech and have always heard the strict cage rest rule and that was that. I always thought it was strange but never had anyone tell me different. I’ve worked at five clinics and strict cage rest was always the answer, along with meds. After reading what your rehab vet said it makes much more sense and seems to be a much better treatment plan than cramming them in a crate for 6-8 weeks getting weak. I’ve learned more about IVDD from you and your blog than working at clinics! Thank you so much for all the information. It will help so many people experiencing this. I look forward to hearing about what supplements you’re giving Gretel and I hope you touch on what strengthening exercises you do at home. I’m so glad she’s doing so much better and she has such a dedicated owner helping her along the way. I love seeing her cute little face, on here and at the monthly walks. Keep up the good work ladies! đ
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Heather. Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad you found my experience and research helpful. The list of exercises I’m doing with Gretel is long, and I wanted to be able to explain them properly to people, so I plan to write a future article on the exercises. As a vet tech, you’ll probably understand them just by name though. Our list started our short with 3 – 4, 5-minute walks a day and standing on an unstable surface for a few minutes (her K9 FITbone). Last week, at the 6-week post injury point, the list of exercises for us was walking for 25 – 30 minutes, 3 – 4 times a day, sit to stand, paws up. paws up pivot, rear paw target, walk backwards to rear paw target, paws up to read paw target (walking over the K9 FITbone and stopping at all three stages), walking over cavaletti rails, all four unstable, and three-legged stand. For my blog article talking about the exercises, I’m going to try and get some on video đ
Monika & Sam says
Good news from a good dog mommy. Kudos to all of you. áŚ
Jean Dion says
This is just what I needed. My sweet 9yo pug was diagnosed with very mild IVDD over the weekend. Great proprioception, terrific ability to walk, but a crapload of pain. He was screaming at every single step. We were also given the recommendation, from the ER vet, of very strict crate rest for 1-2 weeks. But our regular vet said that this was an old-school form of thinking… We are heading to a neurologist on Thursday, just to get a handle on what we should do for the boy, but my research had me panicked. You’re right: EVERYTHING says 6-8 weeks of crating. And Liam is already a ton better, and it hasn’t even been 48 hours! I’m hoping the neuro will recommend a slow return to exercise that can get Liam out of his crate a little sooner. Even 2 weeks might be a little long for him, since his injury is so mild.
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Jean. I am sorry to hear about Liam but glad you found my blog. His situation sounds similar to Gretelâs. Gretel was out of pain by the next day and never had a pain episode again. The key in recovery though is controlled exercise. Although Gretel was able to start going for walks, and doing prescribed exercises soon, itâs imperative that a dog still be on âcrate restâ for at least 6 weeks. How things have changed is that it used to be crate rest and absolutely nothing else. Now itâs crate rest with movement and strengthening in a controlled environment some of the time. That really helps them not to lose muscle tone and while they are confined to a crate and helps them, and you, deal with their restricted period better. Itâs very tempting to think that your dog is feeling better so they donât need to stay in the crate but, although the pain is gone, scar tissue hasnât properly formed over the disk. You just have to stay the course even though it can feel like there isnât a reason to do it. Itâs been 7 weeks and Gretel is just now getting some time to freely roam the house out of the crate. Sheâs been going for controlled walks and doing exercises since about 10 days after the incident though.
I am sure the neurologist will tell you all of this. Iâm no vet â just relaying everything Iâve learned about IVDD and treatment â so maybe it is true that Iâm wrong and Liam wonât need the full 6 weeks in the crate. I would appreciate if you would come back and let me know when you find out. I am interested to learn as much as I can about this.
Jean Dion says
Thanks for the reply. And rest assured: I do things by the book. Liam will be in his crate, as prescribed, until the neurologist tells us to do something differently. And I’m hoping to update the blog either Thursday or Friday with the results of that visit (and I’m hoping to be more focused at that time; I’m terrified and scattered now!)
Jessica Rhae says
Ugh. I know how you feel. I couldn’t think straight for the 2 days I had to wait to see our rehab specialist. Hang in there!
Denise Gruzensky says
I’m a bit behind on my blog reading. So glad to hear Gretel is doing so well! I’m excited to hear more about it this next week at BlogPaws, especially the Assisi Loop
Jessica Rhae says
I’m way behind on my blog reading too… like years. Ha, ha. Hopefully we run into each other at BlogPaws. Don’t hesitate to grab me if you see me. I’ll be writing about the loop in a post about Gretel’s rehab regime too.