Q: My 4 year old Frenchie has been diagnosed with IVDD. He doesn’t appear to be in much pain currently and is extremely mobile and wanting to be active. The vet has prescribed 4 weeks in a cage, with lots of drugs to keep him calm. I’m looking at other options and see that you have a brace for dogs with IVDD but am unsure which is the best.
A: For IVDD back bracers you have two options:
This brace has the strongest support offered with the most boning inside. It can be worn all-day to keep your dog’s spin stable. It has 3 wide straps each side, which you pull up from the belly and attached onto the side Velcro
2. The Lil Back Bracer:
This back protector has less boning, the support goes all the way along the back and the loop goes behind your dog’s tail to keep in touch. There are two wide elastic straps on one side of the brace, which you then pull under the belly and attach to Velcro the other side to tighten
It would help to know where in your dog’s back there are issues, this will help you work out which back brace is most appropriate and how far back you need the support.
Q: Hi, I am looking for some advice please. My 7 years old Shih Tzu has just been diagnosed with IVDD. He is a still able to walk but he has pain and discomfort if he doesn't have his medication. His back legs appear to become weak and wobbly at times.
A: If your Shih Tzu is likely to have permanent IVDD and not be able to use their back rear legs again, it would be best you get him in a wheelchair quickly. This will allow him to still exercise and go on walks like normal, but the wheelchair will take the weight off his back legs. They are able to still use their back legs on the floor but the weight will be taken off them.