Animals suffering from a herniated disc should receive special care at home. The following precautions are necessary during and after treatment:
- Avoid slippery floors or use rubber dog boots.
- Avoid ramps and stairs at the beginning of treatment, both when the dog has undergone surgery or conservative treatment. Once rehabilitated, ramps can be used to help them get on the couch and into the car as doing so alone could cause a relapse.
- It is advisable for them to rest on soft, clean surfaces firm enough to help the integration of the animal, such as these special mattresses for dogs.
- If the animal is unable to move on its own, help your pet change its position every 4-6 hours to prevent ulcers.
- You can help your dog move around with a rear support harness, thus not allowing the animal to drag itself around the house which could possibly cause further wounds or damage the injured area. Protective bags or coats are available to facilitate movement and prevent chafing.
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Use special dog feeders adjustable to the dog's height as not to put added pressure on the injured area.
- Proper diet and weight control.
It is very important to create an exercise routine and environment to help keep the animal comfortable and improve its quality of life. Once the recovery phase of the operation is over, or in the event of deciding not to operate on the dog that retains the mobility of its front legs, we can maintain its mobility and physical condition by walking with the help of wheelchairs for dogs. We can also consult our vet or animal physiotherapist about the suitability of using electrotherapy treatments.
Veterinary team of Ortocanis.com
