Need moral support and help

[rtaylor0830]

My 8 year old dachsund tried to jump on the couch the other day and hurt himself badly. The vet said he got the disk disease that many dachshunds have. He has lost almost all feeling in his back legs and the vet said it would be $8500 for surgery which I can't afford. She said there is a 25-50 percent chance he will get the feeling back without surgery. I have seen a lot of people who have paralyze dogs with the carts for them I just can't imagine putting my dog to sleep if he does not recover. The vets said that
Caring for a paralyzed dog is very troublesome but I don't know what to do

[dave17352]

I know what I would do, but that's me.

[dtappy3353]

We had a similar scenario. Raised 7 doxies....they are our favorite.

Medical management takes time and effort to help restore function.

Two of our doxies had back injuries and had medications and water therapy every day. They were carried outside to potty including being carried to the potty pads down the hall.

Keeping pain under control and limiting activity helped the healing process. Pain meds and prednisone were the primary choice by our veterinarian.

Don't give up and don't start with surgery.

Best of luck!!!

[dturm]

rtaylor0830 wrote:
... He has lost almost all feeling in his back legs ...
Caring for a paralyzed dog is very troublesome but I don't know what to do

If there is not total loss of feeling, there is hope. I've had dozens of patients with a similar problems and some do recover, not always completely but sufficient to walk. The next week or two are pretty critical in determining prognosis.

Caring for them is NOT just getting a cart and putting on a diaper. Many with total loss (a functionally severed spinal cord) cannot eliminate without external aid. These dogs are more prone to developing serious urinary tract/kidney infections.

There are serious skin issues due to trauma to the non-functional limbs.

Some dogs adapt to carts better than other, some not at all.

You need to weigh all these things when making a decision.

Doug, DVM

[sher9570]

I have a friend in Pennsylvania that raises doxies. She has this sweet little girl named Charli Angel, she had a similar fate. She did the rehab, acupuncture, Chiropractic and Charli never has regained her hind legs.
She has a cart that she does very well with but she also like to scoot around on the floor by herself.
She always has a diaper on and my friend Bonnie says she would not put her to sleep for this. She's a very happy and well adjusted dog that just loves people and gets along really well with my dogs.
It's really an individual decision. If she's not in pain and you think she can do better in time then try it.
Bonnie and her DH still RV with the dogs and Charli loves to go too!

Sher

[darsben]

First question to you is what is the state of your health?
Do you think you will be able to care for him for about 6 years?
Will taking care of him lessen the quality of your life?

Answer these questions to yourself no need to post the answer. JUST be honest with yourself.