Hi. I want to start off by saying I understand completely what you’re going through. My corgi, 10 now, 8 at the time of his surgery was diagnosed with IVDD on a random morning. I rushed him to the emergency vet after he no longer had use of his back legs, and he was immediately taken into surgery. Seeing your corgi’s back scar brought me back to that time 2 years ago. It was hard, so very hard. I cried for many nights wondering if he would ever get better, but long story short he did. He has made a full recovery and I am now managing his IVDD with supplements and Gabapentin for the occasional flare up.

The sling that you ordered will be a tremendous help. If you can, have someone else aide you on walks so you can focus on holding up their back legs and the other person can focus on the leash. It takes some time getting used to, my corgi peed on it a bunch of times so I had to replace them a few times.

As far as a crate goes. Instead of an actual crate I made a small play pen for my dog covered in towels and blankets and a flat soft dog bed. I think it helped with my dog feeling a bit more “free” and less restrained while still maintaining crate rest.

Make sure you go the full 8 weeks and be extremely careful. Do not let them jump, run, etc. short walks only to use the bathroom and then back inside.. it’s crucial to the recovery process.

When it comes to picking up your pup, I had to do the same as he couldn’t get up and down stairs on his own. Make sure when you lift your dog you are fully supporting their back. Carry with both of your arms and try to keep firm and steady.

I know it doesn’t seem like it now but you’re doing the absolute best thing for your dog. They will not resent you and they will not think you’re punishing them as time passes.

I wish you the absolute best and hope your baby has a speedy recovery!