Instructions
Confine the dog to a very small room, or a dog crate, during the initial healing process. Typically this is a minimum of three to four weeks. This is a critical step to restrict all unnecessary movements and avoid any further injury, which could result in permanent paralysis. Confining the dog is especially important during hours in which they are unsupervised such as overnight, or when owners are gone during the day.
Support the dog's hind limbs with the use of a sling or towel, when taking them outside to relieve themselves. This will reduce pressure on the affected vertebrae by helping the dog to support its weight and balance. Dogs should not be allowed to go up or down steps during this healing phase. Any necessary movements must be with the aid and supervision of the owner.
Participate in physical therapy with the dog. The veterinarian usually initiates physical therapy by using passive movements, which are often taught to the owner to continue at home. Passive movements are used to gently stimulate all of the leg joints through a full range of motion, for about five minutes every day. This promotes circulation and flexibility and ensures that muscles and joints will be capable of response. Standing exercises come soon after, and are necessary for building muscle strength. These should continue until the dog is able to attempt walking. Hydrotherapy is another option. It uses a warm water pool-like setting to loosen muscles, promote stimulation and reduce pressure on the limbs. Hydrotherapy can begin once any surgery incision has completely healed, generally in 10 to 14 days.
Consider acupuncture. Acupuncture should only be performed by a veterinarian who is specially trained and certified to do so, and is generally conducted through a series of regular treatments. This procedure can stimulate reflex activity, improve muscle strength, and may even be useful in reducing muscle spasms. It is important to consult with the veterinarian to see how soon after surgery this treatment can begin.
Visit a chiropractor. Veterinary chiropractics involves the manual adjustment of the vertebrae to correct subluxations and misalignment. Such conditions are the cause of neurological dysfunction and tissue degeneration, and can complicate ruptured disks. Often correcting these affected areas successfully stimulates the overall healing process. However, dogs recovering from surgery must wait at least three weeks, so that movement and manipulation will not cause further damage. It is important to make sure that any chiropractic procedure is done only by a licensed Veterinary Chiropractor.
How to Best Take Care of a Dog With a Ruptured Disc
The vertebrae of a dog's spinal column are connected by several invertebrate disks, which provide support and flexibility. Disk degeneration can lead to various conditions. The most common and severe of these conditions is disk herniation, or rupture. In such cases immediate medical attention is required in order to minimize the risk of long-term damage like weakness of the hind limbs, or even paralysis. Typically surgery is necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, and to minimize permanent damage. There are several important steps to consider when caring for a dog recuperating from a ruptured disk.