When the typical owner hears these words it might as well have been the death sentence to a dog a few years ago....but no longer.  Surgeries have saved thousands of dogs who were completely unable to walk.  New treatments along with crate rest and medicines have seen many dogs recover to live full and normal lives....

True, it is a bit costly...but there are grants available to individuals listed on our pet emergencies page to help and there is pet payment plans at most orthopedic offices....

So before you decide to 'put him down"  read on....we have some wonderful news to share................

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Dachshunds are one breed known for back (disc) problems and the problems that result from a bad disc, such as: dragging of a foot or feet, weakness or paralysis of the hind legs, painful back or neck areas, difficulty jumping up, limping, crying when picked up or reluctant to be picked up, and so on. Back problems can occur in any breed, and if any leg, back, or neck abnormalities or painful responses are noted, a consultation with your veterinarian is recommended as soon as possible. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight will reduce the wear and tear on joints and back (as well as reduce the work of the heart and other organs), and may help prevent back and joint injuries.

But a back injury does not mean certain death to a dog...

An injury may come on suddenly or it can be from a recurring weakness of the back..Long span of the back and short legs to support it, have been the cause for injuries in Dachshunds for years...but they are not the only breed with disc problems.  German shepherds too suffer from disc disease.

A good diet rich in calcium and calcium supplements help prevent disc disease along with Glucosomine in chewable tablet form.

If an injury does occur.....its important to seek qualified medical advice immediately.  The first thing that is noticeable is a weakened gait or wobble in the walk.  The vet should take body xrays and if the results are not confirmed as a disc problem, your pet may receive crate rest and bi-weekly shots of ADEQUAN...  a new treatment for pets for cartilage repair (used in the horse industry for some time)

http://www.luitpoldanimalhealth.com/ (click to see the site on adequan

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_adequan.html

If surgery is prescribed as a treatment, here is what you can expect.  Your dog needs to be at the vet within 48 hours..... if you need help with a transport, please call the office....

a.  The vet must be a licensed orthopedic surgeon--select a VCA Hospital *****

http://www.kvma.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=

b.  You will receive and appt and evaluation (there are no guarantees)

c.  Your pet should receive his evaluation within 48 hrs of the injury if an xray shows damage to the back. You can wait longer but the prognosis is bleaker.

d.  You will sign an agreement for treatment and leave a deposit (usually one half of the treatment cost)  Surgery usually costs between $1800-$4000 depending on your area.  There are grants and payment plans available.

e.  Your dog is sedated and receives a myleogram for exact location of the problem

f.  Surgery is performed the same day and your pet will remain in the hospital for pain medication and recovery for about 5 days

g.  When your pet goes home, you normally will not see any immediate difference in his improvement...Dont despair

h.  Complete crate rest is very important to allow the area to heal properly...discs may have been removed to allow room for nerve damage to heal...it will calcify and gain strength with time. Your dog will receive pain medication when he comes home....give him all of it...even if he seems better...

i.  We recommend an upside down playpen or xpen for recovery...only taking the dog out to potty and not allowing any walking, jumping or strenuous exercise

j.  Recovery is a long slow procedure.....3 months at least...but with each day your dog should gradually show progress.  If your dog is not able to express his bladder ...its and easy thing to do...just dont let him go too long without bladder expression...over 6 hours is too long.  The bowels will normally just move themselves so you dont have to worry about that and as he progresses his bladder should start to function again.

k.  Progress will come in the form of feeling in the feet and legs when touch and massaged.  Exercises will be prescribed for therapy...use the same procedure you would do...warm up...stretching...and then after the session a cool down.  Four 20 min sessions a day is sufficient. but the more the stronger the dog gets.

l.  In about  1 month it will be time to start the water therapy.  If you have a spa, make sure the jets are on low and the water not too hot..if you use a bathtub , make sure the water is deep enough that he cannot touch his feet on the bottom of the tub.  I would do this at least once a day.

m.  Holding him firmly around the middle and supporting him, he will naturally start to swim....he forgets his hind legs do not work and will use them too....if he doesnt at first dont get discouraged...its still a good strength workout for him.

n.  Adequan shots can begin after he has finished his medication from the vet.  Dont get discouraged...I have seen dogs as old as 14 start to walk after over a year of exercise. The kick reflex is very important...and shows you are making progress.  

o.  Make sure your dog does not walk on a slick or smooth floor as this can reinjure his back.  Carpet is the best or he can walk in the grass.  You may support his middle as he learns to walk again with a long rolled up beach towel that is slipped under the middle of his belly allowing him leg room to move and potty....

p.  If after 10 months or so you do not see any progress, such as deep pain in the legs and feet when pinched (I will describe how to do test for this) or any reflex actions during exercise....you may want to consider accupunture to relieve some stress points...

q.  Some dogs just dont walk again...and when that happens you just order a cart and accept him for his wonderful personality and be glad the dog is still able to show love and companionship....

The site below is the best I have seen for price and quality in carts...and remember, even after you buy one the dog may finally get the idea and walk....mine did!  She finally walked after 12months of exercise and a cart .She decided she would rather do it on her own!

www.doggon.com/

KEEP US POSTED ON YOUR PROGRESS---WE LOVE TO HEAR SUCCESS STORIES...

 You never know when its going to happen...but its better to be prepared ...

www.petinsurance.com

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelp ingpets.org/ home/   for excellent care for your pet and emergency care including surgery

Financial aid 

Aid For People Without Funds For Vet Care
**SOURCE: http://www.nola. com/forums/ animals/index. ssf
**
*Here is a list of organizations who can help owners that cannot afford vet
care. A couple are for rescue organizations and homeless pets.