Herniated Disc

[Tricolor]

We have an old male (he's at least 12 years old, possibly older) and just found out from the vet that he has a herniated disc in his neck. The vet gave him a steroid shot to reduce swelling and he was fine... for a day. Then he started with the neck spasms and crying out in pain. He's on Prednisone for about 20 days.
What can be done for our old man?
My husband seems to think this is the beginning of the end for ol' Jack. He feels it will come down to us having him put to sleep. Any opinions? Does anyone have any experience with this?

[Red Briar Kennels]

Tricolor, first let me say that I'm sorry to hear of your dog's condition. Secondly, I have had no first-hand experience with this sort of problem, but a buddy of mine has. His dog was not that old, and he obtained from a "trauma" related injury. He had jumped off the tailgate of a truck. At any rate, he was also given some medication and simply told to give the dog some rest and ample time to heal. Now I don't know with the age of your dog if that would help him or not, but a couple of things my buddy did might help ease your little buddy's pain and discomfort. One was that he built a small stand that he placed the dogs' food and water bowls on,...eliminating the need for the dog to lower his head to eat or drink. Which was appearently very painful for the dog. You don't want to add to the problem with malnutrition. The other thing he did for quite some time was he would place the dog in a chest harness instead of walking or exercising him wearing a collar reducing any stress placed upon the neck. As well as not allowing any jumping, stairs, etc.

As far as if your dog is nearing his end days,....I suppose it would be anyone's guess. I certainly hope thats not the case. I have seen some dogs bounce back from some pretty amazing injuries. Yet at the same time, you hate to see a faithful friend in so much pain too. I think I would contact the vet again and explain the situation that the meds might not be working as well as they had hoped. Maybe there is something a little more drastic that they could prescribe for him. Anyways, good luck and I hope for a positive outcome for you and your dog.

[Tricolor]

Thank you for your response.
I know Jack hasn't been on the Prednisone that long, but it seems as though some days are better than others. This morning, for example, he was jumping and leaping (despite my efforts to calm him) at me to feed him. Who knows what this evening I'll find when I return home from work.
I've read other posts from past topics and it seems in a lot of the cases in which dogs have been put down, they were unable to use their back legs, front legs, or both. Luckily, (and knocking on wood as I type), Jack does not seem to be having trouble with either.
I will construct something so that he does not have to bend his head down so far to eat or drink.
I also have been lifting him up steps, etc. and trying to make sure he doesn't get too rowdy.
Thanks again.