Update on Annie:
Yesterday was the end of her 3 week (per Vet) crate rest and the end of her medicines. So I called the Vet and told her I had heard via 'DodgersList' it should be 8 weeks crate rest.
She asked me how Annie was doing and I told her she's walking (and running before I catch her and put her back in her crate) and when she's in her big wire cage she stands on her hind legs and bounces to get out, so I have to take her out and put her back in the stroller. So the Vet told me she can gradually stop the crate rest!!
I told her I was really scared to do that and she said Annie's case was not severe and therefore she did not need the full 8 weeks. I'm confused and torn because I want (believe me) to let her out of the crate but I just don't have the heart to let her out for good.
So...last night she slept in her stroller as usual and probably will for a five more weeks. But when I let her out, she 'runs' to the potty paper all by herself. Then she walks over to see if there is food in her dish. It's like she's not hurt at all. But I'm so concerned, I keep her in the stroller all day. I just wonder if I'm being overly protective and the Vet is right.
Annie was never actually crippled, but she limped a little right before we started crate rest. So I know she's not as severe as most doggies who have IVDD, but I still think I want to keep her contained for a longer period of time, no matter what my Vet says. I am going to let her out for a few short periods of time every day while I sit right with her to contain her. Maybe that will slowly strengthen her legs. Then at the end of the 8 weeks, she should be ready to go.
