Hopefully, we can avoid that happening. I would make the switch to a harness immediately.
If your companion is also not yet taking a joint supplement, this may be beneficial. I use and recommend http://www.glycoflex.com .
I would ask your vet about using laser therapy for his back to see if this helps.
You may also want to look at other hospitals that perform the IVDD/hemilaminectomy surgery that he may need. $10,000 is very high for this surgery and if traveling to another hospital (or even another state) is an option, the cost could be reduced by as much as half . You might also want to look into financial aid and financing options to help put the surgery in your financial range as there are quite a few organizations that offer financial aid options for costly surgeries like this one. Looking for this now (before he requires it) will be the best use of your time. Here are some links to get you started:
Red Rover: https://redrover.org/find-financial-assistance-veterinary-care
Best friends: http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
AVMA: https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/Financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care-costs.aspx
HSUS: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
PAWS: https://www.paws.org/cats-and-dogs/other-services/help-with-veterinary-bills/
Your dogs friend: http://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/need-help-paying-vet-bills/
AFRP: https://www.animalfriendsrescue.org/financialassistance.html
Speaking for Spot: http://speakingforspot.com/?p=Financial%20Assistance%20for%20Veterinary%20Care
3 options for financing include www.carecredit.com , www.scratchpay.com and www.vetbilling.com . The first two companies have low interest APR rates (starting at 5%) and allow you to pay for a vet bill over 6-24 months. The last company offer a billing option for veterinary clients through automatic bank account drafting on a predetermined date at the time of service. Care Credit checks your credit but Scratch Pay does not, making it a good choice for owners who may have been declined for Care Credit in the past.
In addition to this, some vets are using stem cell therapy (still quite costly) and you may want to see a holistic vet to discuss natural oral supplements which may also help with his symptoms. Often western and chinese medicine can be used together to help the recovery of an IVDD patient. More info here: https://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/how-a-holistic-veterinarian-would-treats-a-dog-with-ivdd-or-dm/
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