poorly dachshund

[davethebunny]

Got a couple of mini wired haired dachshunds. Youngest (7yrs) burst a disc in his back late last year. Following some eye wateringly expensive treatment and a fair amount of aftercare, we thought he'd made about a 80% recovery.

Anyway last Sunday he's done another one.

Surgery is not a route we're prepared to take again.

He's got feeling everywhere and use of his bodily functions, and a waggy tail, but is really struggling to walk. He's dragging his feet behind him.

Vet said try 6wks of crate rest to see if it stabilises.

However, I want to know if we're just delaying the inevitable, or is there some small chance of improvment given time.

Very distressing time for all due to his age, his closeness with the children, and the fact that apart from his mobility issues, he's in good form.

Thanks in advance

[bexVN]

Give hime the 6 weeks, but also speak to a canine hydrotherapist, sooner rather than later, this can be a fantasic method for recuperation without being invasive and will also help limit muscle wastagedue to cage confinement.

A good hydrotherapist (they are nearly always physiotherapists aswell) will be honest re: if they think they can help. I have seen dachsies improve without surgery (and a ckcs) but you are right to be cautious especially given the history.

If the above is not an option and the rest doesn't work then that will be the time to reconsider what to do for the best. Would you consider a canine cart?

I'm so sorry that you are having to go through all this again but if he is in good spirits and trying to be a dog, eating etc then keep trying for him is what I'd suggest.

Where are you based and can you travel? it's a long shot but I know of a couple of good hydrotherapy centres in Bristol.

[davethebunny]

bexVN said:

Give hime the 6 weeks, but also speak to a canine hydrotherapist, sooner rather than later, this can be a fantasic method for recuperation without being invasive and will also help limit muscle wastagedue to cage confinement.

A good hydrotherapist (they are nearly always physiotherapists aswell) will be honest re: if they think they can help. I have seen dachsies improve without surgery (and a ckcs) but you are right to be cautious especially given the history.

If the above is not an option and the rest doesn't work then that will be the time to reconsider what to do for the best. Would you consider a canine cart?

I'm so sorry that you are having to go through all this again but if he is in good spirits and trying to be a dog, eating etc then keep trying for him is what I'd suggest.

Where are you based and can you travel? it's a long shot but I know of a couple of good hydrotherapy centres in Bristol.

Thanks.

What is ckcs?

This place is by me? have you heard of them?

http://www.eveshamk9hydro.co.uk/

[bexVN]

Sorry, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

No I haven't heard of them but I'm not on the comp at the mo so can't see the brochure too well. I'll ck and let you know if it seems good on paper. Chances are you'll get more of an idea by visiting the place.

Edited by bexVN on Monday 17th September 12:40

[gd49]

Agree with Bex's advice, its worth giving the 6 weeks of rest to see what happens. Spines are difficult to assess, especially without advanced imaging (MRI/CT scan), so it'd be difficult for anyone to predict if he'll improve or not.

davethebunny said:

This place is by me? have you heard of them?

http://www.eveshamk9hydro.co.uk/

Brochure has all the right things in it, you need to be referred by your vet which is as it should be, so the center will be well aware of the dog's current problem and history. If the place does have any problems, its likely that your vet will be aware of them and drop a few hints when you ask to be referred.