Cautionary Must Do's

IVDD Cautionary Statements

IVDD is one of the worst injuries your doxie can face. It is much like walking through a minefield. There are so many opinions and so much confusing information concerning treatment and care available via the Internet.

DRBC receives calls and emails daily asking how we approach the care of our doxies. The menu below will give you a good idea of how we work to address the needs of our little ones.

IVDD is a scary disease for pet owners. Here are some DRBC do's and don'ts. Remember, DRBC faces these same issues with each doxie in our group that is affected by this illness.

In This Section:

DRBC Must Do's

Success never comes without hard work. IVDD is no different. It takes effort and commitment to help a doxie through this crisis, regardless of the outcome.

Here are some of the DRBC MUST DO items that help make our program a success:

Move timely. The sooner you address the issues the better the chance of recovery.
CRATE REST, CRATE REST, CRATE REST.

This IS crate rest:

Crate rest means that the downed doxie is in the crate 99.9% of the time.
They are carried out to go potty, allowed to take no more than 4-6 steps, and then carried back inside to the crate.
They eat in the crate.
They sleep in the crate.

This IS NOT crate rest:

Not in the crate
On the couch with you
In an exercise pen [X-Pen]
In a small room
Tied to a doorknob [even while you are showering]
Sitting near you, because they are 'quiet'

In your arms, because they seemed unhappy or lonely
Riding in a stroller because they need air, you are walking your other dogs, you feel sorry for them all cooped up, or for any other reason.
Dragging the injured or recovering doxie to veterinarian after veterinarian after veterinarian after...well you get the idea. Not believing the diagnosis will not change the truth and it is not crate rest
Pushing physical therapy sooner than necessary. Allow proper healing before consulting a physical therapist. Again, not crate rest. Remember, the doxie can meet the physical therapist the day they actually start PT.

DRBC IVDD Doxies do finish their medications and receive those medications on the schedule outlined by our veterinarian.
DRBC caregivers do seek training from qualified veterinary staff on the bowel and urinary expression, not the Internet, a CD, or someone that says they 'know'.
DRBC IVDD doxies have frequent bedding changes, are kept clean, and are watched closely for additional needs.
DRBC IVDD doxies wear harnesses not collars.

Note: The information offered herein is for informational and educational and informational purposes only. Seek the timely care of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary surgeon if you believe your dog is exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms of IVDD. This website does not seek to diagnose or treat IVDD.