1. Always crate your dog whenever you suspect a back problem. It is always better to be safe then sorry. Crating will help keep the dog from further injury. The crate should be 1.5 x 2.5 the length of the dog. The dog should stay in the crate 24/7. Carry to and from potty place. Stand in one spot. Dog may only take minimal steps the harness and 6' leash allow.
2. Dog MUST be under care of a vet. Don't wait... and if you lack confidence in your vet or seem to be getting nowhere, don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion or better yet a referral to a specialist (neuro or surgeon). It is better to have an unnecessary consultation with a vet neurosurgeon, then to not have one soon enough. Our advice is to get to a specialist if at all possible.
3. Board-certified neuros (ACVIM)and ortho (ACVS) surgical specialists:
   http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx
   http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/DiplomateDirectory/
4. The first 48-72 hours are critical for decision making. Time is of the essence especially if your dog is totally down with no deep pain sensation. The last best chance for a good surgical outcome is within a window 12-48 hours from loosing the last of neuro functions: deep pain sensation.
5. We recommend a variety of supplements and holistic remedies, none of which are "guaranteed" to work....but surgery is not *guaranteed* either. These things have worked for some of our members in the past, and are often worth trying. .
6. You must be honest and open with your vet about everything you are giving your dog: food AND supplements. This is to avoid any possible side effects caused by interaction of any of those substances. Your vet MUST be made aware of what you are doing, even if it seems insignificant to you.
7. If you notice any licking chewing of toes or limbs, get an E collar on ASAP, since it could be the nerves trying to reconnect OR it could be neuropathy. Neuropathy can feel like "pins and needles" to an on-fire feeling causing the dog who can't "feel" to feel these abnormal sensations. They bite and chew to get rid of the pain. Be sure to call your vet (specialist preferred) and discuss if medication such as Neurontin (gabapentin) should be prescribed. Self multilation can lead to a life threatening sitatuation.

Drug knowledge

1. Look up meds your dog is taking: uses and adverse reactions. Mar Vista Animal Center
2. Your vet should discuss known side effects and run proper tests before administering NSAIDs. NSAIDs can become toxic to the liver and kidney very quickly in some dogs. Read the current label for any NSAID prescribed

NSAIDs

• aspirin
• ETOGESIC (etodolac)
• RIMADYL (carprofen)
• METACAM (meloxicam)
• DERAMAXX (deracoxib)
• PREVICOX (firocoxib)
• ZUBRIN (tepoxalin)
• NOVOX (carprofen)
• Ketoprofen

Can be very harmful to the stomach lining and intestine. NSAIDs should never be prescribed with a steroid (prednisone, dexamethasone). Should be accompanied by a stomach protector such as Pepcid AC.

Safe vets use a washout time of days when switching from one NSAID or steroid to the other.