Surgery/Please Help

[Sassafras2000]

Hi,
I never post on here but I really need some advice. Sassy is 4 years old and very active. Last night, I didn't know where she was and she walked out of the bathroom, then we went to sleep. This morning she didn't want to get up at all. We went outside to potty and she acted like she just wanted to sit down. She was walking around with her tail between her legs too. Then she didn't want a pupperoni, which she loves. My daughter took her for a walk, and said Sassy walked a lot slower than normal, and when she came back up the steps into the house, Sassy took one step at a time (there is only 4). On the walk, Sassy peed and pooped.

For the most part Sassy has been laying around all day. Right now she is hiding under the bed and won't come out. I should note when she has come out, she is walking fine. I bought her a Jumbone and she chowed the whole thing earlier, and also ate some milkbones and drank some water. She doesn't really act like she is in pain. When she walks, she walks fine. She just isn't herself.

My concern is maybe she ate something she shouldn't have. I was thinking maybe she ate one of the cotton pads I use to take my eye makeup off with. All it would have had on it was baby oil and make up. Does anyone have any advice for me? I can't sleep at all and feel physically sick about my baby.

[My3Dachsies]

I wish I had an answer for you! But sending lots of :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Sassy!

Sometimes Peewee, our almost-4-year-old dachsie/rat terrier mix, has days like this, and then later she's fine. Could Sassy have gotten ahold of any medication or anything in the bathroom that might have fallen on the floor by accident? Just a thought. I know our 2 walk around with their noses to the ground! :lol:

I hope Sassy and you are both feeling better very soon! :bighug:

[Sassafras2000]

Thanks so much for the rays. I don't think Sassy got ahold of any medication because I am really careful with it, but that is the first thing my husband asked me too. However, I do think she must have gotten ahold of something in there, most likely one of those cotton pad things, because she was fine when we went to bed last night, but that is when she came out of the bathroom. I really hope tomorrow is a better day. My hubby tried to get her to come out from under the bed a few minutes ago and she just won't come out. She hasn't pottied in like 3 hours at least which is really unusual for her.

[Mark]

Lotsa RAYZ, but seek professional medical help soon. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Heidismom]

It is a normal thing for a dachsie to hide when it isn't feeling well! I hope it is something simple, but keep a close eye on Sassy, because the hesitation to do steps could possibly be a back thing. If she acts like she's in pain, or if she starts to drag her back legs, or doesn't want to do her usual routine, get her to a vet or an emergency vet (I know $$$) if it can't wait until Monday. Julia B.

[Heidi's Pam]

that Sassy isn't feeling well. It does sound like she's in some sort of discomfort if she's moving slower and hiding under the bed. My first thought was her back even though she seems to be walking fine and in no obvious pain. I'm just a bit paranoid about back problems with our breed. My advice would be to really limit her movement - if she's active at all, I would be tempted to crate her. If she still doesn't seem well tomorrow, I wouldn't hesitate to get a vet consult asap, because if it is back-related time can be of the essence.
Sending lots of rays for Sassy and do keep us posted on how she is doing...

Pam

[Sassafras2000]

Well if she doesn't get any better I will be calling the vet Monday morning, and sooner if she acts like she is in pain. I am hoping it is a good sign, though, that she isn't really acting like she is in pain....except for the steps thing..........I almost called the vet this morning, because she just isn't herself.

[TessieMom]

Sending lots of rays! I have had several dogs who have been out of sorts for a day or two because of something they ate. It is always best to check with the vet. There are way too many things they can get into... small cotton pads should not be much of a problem if the dog is still eliminating, but mine have found acorns and others have found mushrooms as well as greasy bones. Sometimes it is a pinched nerve too.

Hopefully all will be well in the morning.

[Patt]

I hope Sassy is feeling a little better this evening. As the others have said it could be a number of things perhaps she might have the start of a disk or neck problem. To find out for sure she should see her vet ASAP, better to catch it early.

Sending DBB healing rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:to Sassy to get back to her normal self soon.

[Heide]

I dont like when they hide under the bed. Casey did that, when her back went down.
Play it safe and take her in.
Sending mega healing rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
Please keep us posted as to what the vet say's.

[alfina]

Sorry to hear she is not feeling well. Please keep us updated.

[kpm_tex]

SHe may also have impacted anal glands which might explain the tail tucking and sitting... is she scooting her butt on the ground?

I agree with every one else... a sudden change like this calls for a visit to the Vets.

[Sassafras2000]

Well, I thought about the anal glands too, but she seemed to be walking fine when she was walking.........thanks everyone for the advice and rays. I just got off the phone with the vet on call. I am meeting her out there at 8:45 my time (about an hour) to get Sassy checked out. Now I cannot get Sassy to come out from under the bed at all. I will keep you all informed and let you know what the vet says.

[babajay]

It doesn't sound like any G.I. problem if she's eating, drinking and eliminating. It sounds like she's in pain and just wants to crawl into a dark quiet place, but the vet is best able to determine what's wrong and how to handle it. Barbara :(

[TessieMom]

I have been through the "I'm not coming out from under here" thing.... I usually lay on the floor and start whimpering and Tess will come out to check on me... just an idea. Otherwise, turning a vacuum cleaner on works well.

Sending more rays.

[lotsadox]

I'm sorry to hear Sassy isn't feeling well. You've gotten lots of good advice and I don't really have anything to add except that I'm glad that you're taking her to the vet. Keep us posted. I'm sending lots of rayz. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Sassafras2000]

Thanks so much to everyone for all the healing rays, kind words, and advice. Sassy and I went to the vet at 8:45 this morning. After a sleepless night for me, I got up and called the vet right away. The vet said that there appears to be a little inflammation in her back, but no neuroligical problems. She didn't take any x-rays, and her neck and legs all seemed fine as well. She gave her an anti-inflammatory shot, and some more pills to give her. Sassy is on crate rest for 2 weeks, and no stairs or jumping. Hopefully, the crate rest will get her all nursed back to health. I need to look into getting some doxie ramps now!

Thanks again, everyone. Your kindness and advice is invaluable.

~Michelle and Sassy

[Heide]

sounded like that. I just didnt want to scare you. When Casey hurt her back, she did the samething. I wasnt so lucky.
I am so glad you got her in. THis is highly important now to keep her confined. You all caught it fast, that is very important.
Now, strict crate rest is very very important.
Even tho she will cry or give you that poor pitiful me look, dont cave.
Ramps are wonderful.
Our DBB store sells them. Just click on the bone second from the last where it says store.
Several members have them and love them.
I am so glad you all have this under control now.
Sending mega healing rayz for the sweetie.:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
:hugs1: for mom for being on top of this and getting her in to see the vet.
Please keep us updated.

[Sassafras2000]

Oh you didn't have to worry about scaring me. I was already scared to death all on my own! Thanks so much for your kind words. I really hope she gets better. She is in her crate whining..."let me out PLEASE, Mommy!" It is breaking my heart, but I told her it is for her own good.......Here's a question though.....she is not supposed to walk much...how long should I let her out to eat? She just grazes and doesn't eat a lot at once, just a little here and there. I don't want to let her out for too long because I don't want her to hurt herself.

[lotsadox]

When I had mine on crate rest for back injuries, I fed them right in the crate and then took them out 1/2 an hour or so after to potty. I carried them out to potty, too.

[Sassafras2000]

Yep, we are now carrying her out to potty too. I think she likes it, actually! More petting from Mommy that way!

[Heide]

and set her down to go.
I would also feed her in her crate as Patrice mentioned.
The less she can move the Better it is for her.
I know this is so hard on her and her momie but it is the BEST thing you can do for her.
If you need encouragement just ask us, we are here.

[Patt]

I'm glad to hear she is going to be fine with meds and crate rest. This will definitely be the tough time for the both of you.

Sending DBB healing rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to Sassy.

[dutchman]

Sorry I missed your first post. Sending rays for a full recovery. Did you notice how your vet did the toe test when checking for neurological problems? I'm assuming they did this as it is one of the most common first test done when neurological problems are a possibility. The toe test was when they tried to put the foot down so it was resting on the toes. That is a very good procedure for every dachshund owner to know. Please keep us informed on how things go.

[TessieMom]

Sending more rays! Crate rest can work wonders.

[Sassafras2000]

Well Sassy has seemed to have taken a turn for the worse. She was fighting like heck in the cage where she was staying and really stressing herself out. Well this morning my husband noticed she was walking (when he took her to potty-we carried her out and put her down to potty) with what he calls "drunk butt"- does anyone know what I mean? She was still using her legs but one side of her butt seemed a little too close to the ground, like it wasn't really following the rest of her body. We called the vet and we took her back in. They are going to keep her for a couple days and see how she does. They will give her a sedative, muscle relaxer, and pain killer and just have her rest. If she shows signs of improvement, they will send her home in a few days. If she doesn't seem to improve, they will refer us to OSU (Columbus, Ohio) for surgery. Thanks for all the healing rays....I appreciate it.

[Heidi's Pam]

about Dodgerslist? It's a mailing group for people whose dachsies have had IVDD diagnosed. It's a great resource - there's lots of info. on the website about treatment options, supplements etc., and you can also sign up for the mail list there. Here is a link to the site:

Dodgerslist (http://www.dodgerslist.com)

Sending lots of rays for your dachsie, and do keep us posted on how Sassy is doing.

Pam

[rustydaisymom]

I agree, check out dodgerslist, it is a great resource and support network.
Daisy has back problems, but has done well with crate rest, supplements and acupuncture. Most of what I have learned about disk disease and it's treatment is through dodgerslist. They are a very knowledgeable and supportive group of people.
Check out the success stories link on the home page.
Good luck and keep us posted


Sending lots of healing rayz:rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[dutchman]

Every case is different. It's not really possible to make any blanket statements. Many dogs that have the surgery make a full recovery and have an excellent quality of life. There are others who may have a slight weakness or limp. Still others will become cart dogs but don't try telling them they are handicapped other members here can tell you more about their cart wonders. There are the few who may not get through surgery or may have some post surgical complications and not be with you long. Your neurologist should discuss all the possible outcomes and give you their best estimate of what kind of an outcome you might expect. See what the neurologist tells you if this isn't an emergency case (sudden loss of deep pain as one example of an emergency) and you have time after talking to them before you have to make your decision feel free to come back with more questions.

We could say many things here but just like with so many procedures the odds are the scary things won't happen and I don't want to cause you any excess worries.

I think even if they don't make a full recovery if they are pain free and you are in a position to cope with any special needs they may have then they generally enjoy life to a very high level. I know the neurologist that treated Aggie said they have a number of former patients that love to come visit since the long halls at the vth make great places to hit full speed in their carts. If my memory is correct at the time Aggie was there the VTH averages something like 3-5 dachshund backs per week so they see all the possible outcomes. With that many of cases it wouldn't take many cart wonders to seem like a lot of visitors. Again your neurologist can give you some of the best information.

MY personal experience was not happy Aggie had neurological complication and didn't get out of the hospital but if you ask me if I would consider surgery at the same facility again I would answer yes so long as the doctor told me there was decent odds of a happy outcome and I could afford the procedure.


Good luck, keep us informed.

I forgot the most important part sending rays.

[quavec]

I don't know anything about this or have any advice but I am sending lots of rayz to poor little Sassy and hoomom!:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :hugs2: :hugs2: and a few hugs in for good measure!

[Sassafras2000]

Well the vet said that if she doesn't get better, she will refer us to OSU, and they will do surgery right away, that they always treat these things as an emergency, so I don't know whether that is good or bad.

[Mark]

Yes, twice!! One with Wimpy and one with Duck Butter . . . both nearly 100% recovered. But, every case is different . . . no one can say how it will turn out.

Sending lotsa DBB Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[mamaw]

2 years ago and he is doing fine. Prior to the surgury 2 yrs before he had a problem and was treated with steriods and crate rest, and seemed to recover ok, when he went down the second time they operarted that night. We did a lot of therapy and he was slow to come around, his surgeon says he is 95 to 98 percent now. The only thing I notice is when he trys to jump up he can't get the back feet off the floor which is fine with me. Turbo had his first problem when he was 6 and surgury when he was 8.

[doxunzX3]

We have been lucky with Ivy her back was good with the crate rest, drug therapy and chiropractic sessions.
Sending rayz for healing for your Sassy's recovery and for you too. It is so hard going through this with our puppers. All fingers and paws are crossed here for her.
Plus will say some prayers for her too.:pray:

[minicooper]

Mega :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to Sassy!

We are hoping she recovers with crate rest, and there is no need for surgery!

[minicooper]

I have never been through the surgery option with either of mine, but I have read many success stories!

Every case is different, and all I can suggest is to follow the advice of the vets and specialists.

I am sending Mega :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to Sassy!

Please keep us posted on her condition, and remember that we are here for you anytime you might need us!

[Patt]

Dodgerslist is an excellent suggestion for info, contact Linda Stowe she will be happy to help you. Unfortunately there are no guarantees with ANY surgery, but I've read many success stories. Sending DBB healing rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to Sassy.

[lotsadox]

Dodger's List is a great resource. I wish I had known about it when I had back trouble with my two. Amanda had surgery at about 8 years old and came back fairly well. She has always had some weakness in her back legs, but can run and play with the other dogs perfectly well. She's also had a little less bowel control than she had before, but it hasn't been too bad. All in all her recovery was slow, but she's done well. I've known of younger dogs that have complete recoveries with no sign that they had back problems other than a slight hump in their back or a little "catch" in their gait that you can only see if you know what you're looking for. Amanda is 15 1/2 now and still going strong so I'd say she's done really well.

[quavec]

Rayz to Sassy!:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for no surgery!

[Patt]

I'm sorry to hear Sassy has to stay at the vets, but that is probably best. One of our's furbabies Dodger really freaked out with crate rest so we had to do 24/7 watch on him. Sending mega rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: that a stay at the vets will help Sassy and she will not need surgery.

[blueyezz74]

Major :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: being sent!

Hopefully all she needs is rest and some good meds!

[Sassafras2000]

Thanks, everyone, for the encouraging words and rays. I spoke to the vet this morning, and he said Sassy is not getting any worse so that is a good thing. She is eating and pottying, and can still walk and stand so I am feeling hopeful. However, I am concerned about when she does come home-she will not stay in her cage. I am afraid she will hurt herself because she goes NUTS when we are home and she cannot be out with us, to the point of hurting herself. The vet did say she ripped her nose on the cage there this morning :(

We will go to visit her this afternoon and I will let everyone know how she is. I am taking her a chew bone and a toy just so she has something familiar with her.

[babajay]

Can the vet sedate Sassy enough so that she'll remain somewhat calm in her crate? What if you move the crate to a room where she can't see or hear you? Would that make her more frantic? If you play a radio nearby would that help? I don't know what I'd do in your situation, but I'm sending rays for Sassy. Barbara :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[dutchman]

Thanks for the update sending more rays. I wish I had some good suggestions for keeping hew quiet when she comes home. Please keep the updates coming.

[SirOliversMom]

Oh geez that would just torture me. LOTS AND LOTS of rayz. How about if you carry the cage around ? and open the door and pet her while you're watching TV ? Has anyone tried that with any success?

[doxunzX3]

It really is so important for them to keep quite and stay still. We also did chiropratic treatments for Ivy the helped. But each case is different and each dog reacts to treatment in their own time.
Here are some rayz for your little girl.
:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Kim H.]

I have not had a back injury experience, but am sure I will some day... I know others can give you good suggestions here so I will just send lots of rayz :rayz::rayz::rayz::rayz::rayz::rayz:. The crate rest is well known to be VERY stressful - for the owner!! I think many people try to put the crate where the pup can see everything that is going on, and sit on the floor with it to watch TV, etc. I think there will still be crying, though. :(

best wishes to you and Sassy.

[Heide]

had to go back to the vets.
Can they give you some medicine for home use, for relaxing her when she becomes real upset?
I know they hate being in the crate, when they see us and cannot be in our laps.
Maybe try putting the crate where you all are and talking to her and petting her.
Sending Mega healing rayz for her and staying put in the crate.:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[TessieMom]

Sending more rays! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
Hoping that she will settle into crate rest. I usually let them have a bone to chew on while crated, it seems to help relieve the tension.

[Sassafras2000]

We are leaving in an hour to take Sassy to OSU in Columbus where they will decide if surgery is in order. Please keep her in your thoughts and I will keep you posted on how things go.:sob:

[lotsadox]

She'll be in my thoughts and prayers, as you will. Sending rayz. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Mark]

Good thoughts, prayers and DBB Healing RAYZ for Sassy and you. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[dutchman]

Rays on their way. If the staff at OSU is any thing like the people here at CSU they are great caring people who take excellent care of their patients.

[TessieMom]

Sending more rays to you and Sassy!:rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Patt]

Sassy will also be in my thoughts and prayers, and sending MEGA rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: from CA. Please keep us updated when you can.

[blueyezz74]

Please keep us updated. Our prayers are with you!

:rayz: :pray: :rayz: :pray:

[Heidismom]

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: Miss Gretl had surgery on the 12th and 13th vertebrae in September of 1999, when she was 10. She came back to us (I was unable to go down and be with her :crying: , but she went on the All-Care van and came back 10 days after surgery) a bit wobbly and without much bladder or bowel control. I slept on the floor for over 6 weeks so I could have a hand on her at night, when she fretted the most. Then she began to hobble and sometimes would walk almost normally. She would run better than she walked! She would let me pick her up and lay on the couch beside me, or sit on my lap while outside. She was such a little trouper and was the new alpha when my almost 15 year old Heidi passed in June 2001! Gretl continued her somewhat sloppy walking, and seemed to enjoy life - according to all who met this sweet girl! She passed on her own, asleep on her favorite pillow in December 2003, at the age of 14 years and 4 months. Julia B.

[Sassafras2000]

We took Sassy to OSU in Columbus yesterday. They didn't want to do surgery right away because she still has use of her legs and everything. They said they would watch her for a day or two and see how she does, and if she gets worse, they will do surgery. Well the vet called me this morning and said Sassy is doing great, and that her legs weren't as wobbly as they were yesterday. If she continues to do well, they will call me in the morning to arrange for us to pick Sassy up tomorrow afternoon! I don't want to jinx it, but I am really excited! I will keep you all updated, and thanks again for all the thoughts, prayers, and rayz!

[dutchman]

Sounds like great news. I know some people are scared to go see a neurologist thinking they will always say we need to do surgery. Any good doctor won't do needless surgery. Sending rays that all continues to go well with the conservative treatment.

[Sassafras2000]

Thanks so much. Yes, I was so impressed by the staff at OSU, and completely relieved that they didn't say she needed surgery right away!!!

[Sassafras2000]

You might have already read this in the General Health section but for anyone that missed it.........We took Sassy to OSU in Columbus yesterday. They didn't want to do surgery right away because she still has use of her legs and everything. They said they would watch her for a day or two and see how she does, and if she gets worse, they will do surgery. Well the vet called me this morning and said Sassy is doing great, and that her legs weren't as wobbly as they were yesterday. If she continues to do well, they will call me in the morning to arrange for us to pick Sassy up tomorrow afternoon! I don't want to jinx it, but I am really excited! I will keep you all updated, and thanks again for all the thoughts, prayers, and rayz!

[minicooper]

It is wonderful that Sassy doesn't need surgery at the moment!

Sending more :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: that she will make a complete recovery!

[Heide]

so glad that she is not in need of surgery.
Did you ask about something to have on hand if she gets too stressed being in the crate at home?
I am so glad for the both of you:heart: :heart: :heart:

[babajay]

I'm happy the conservative approach is being taken. I have more confidence in doctors who don't jump at surgery immediately unless it's an emergency. Barbara :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Sassafras2000]

I just got off the phone with the vet from OSU and Sassy appears to be making very strong progress. My little girl is being treated like a queen there! They have given her "wet" food, which she has never had before! The vet says before the bowl hits the bottom of the cage, Sassy's nose is buried in it! The vet also said that she may not need a 24/7 cage rest but to take it very slowly and no excessive walking. Of course, no stairs, climbing, etc. My husband and I have been "Sassyfying" our house, taking your ideas and suggestions into consideration as far as making sure she is near us when she is in her cage and doing our best to make sure she is comfortable. We are looking forward to her homecoming tomorrow night :cheer: (Friday), as long as all goes well overnight tonight and in the morning. We will keep you all posted!!

Thanks to everyone so much for all the thoughts, prayers, and rayz.....Sassy needed them and I know she appreciates them as much as I do!:pray:

[TessieMom]

That is great news! I am so glad you were able to take her to OSU!

[Marlene Miller]

to hear your baby is doing well and received such good care at OSU, which by the way is where I went to vet school. Its great to hear that you have had a good experience there. I thought it was a great school and still think so 20 yrs later

[lotsadox]

I'm so glad that she's doing so well. I had on dachsie mix who developed back problems at 14. We didn't want to do surgery on her at that age and opted to used alternative methods. She recovered very well and lived 2 more years to a ripe old age of 16. Surgery isn't always necessary.

[Patt]

I am so glad to hear your little girl Sassy is doing so well and will be home soon. I'm sending more rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to Sassy to continue on the road of recovery. Hurry home little one Mom and Dad miss you. :)

[dutchman]

You better watch out she might go on a hunger strike when she gets home:). That will be great if she does get home this evening. I'm sure you will all feel better is she is there with you. Sending more rays that all continues to go well.

[mamaw]

with the reports on Sassy sending :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: from Cinnamon,Snoopy and Turbo especially Turbo since he did go thro surgury.

[Mark]

Sending extra DBB Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[quavec]

So glad Sassy is doing better! :circle: More rayz on their way!:rayz: :rayz:

[Sassafras2000]

Well I guess the wet food didn't set well with her, because the vet called this morning and said she had a little runny stool and wasn't really eating........but I am sure that won't stop her from wanting it! I think I will stick with her dry food!

We are leaving to go get her now. Will keep everyone updated!!!!!:cheer: :)

[minicooper]

Great news about Sassy!

Here are a few "Come Home Soon" rayz :rayz::rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Sassafras2000]

We just got home a little bit ago. Sassy is doing much better, just a tad wobbly in the legs every now and then. She is on cage rest for six weeks, which she is none too happy about....I tried to explain to her that it is for her own good! Thanks everyone for all the rayz and well wishes!

Now....I could sure use some tips on cage/crate rest, because my baby is so spoiled...(please note that I have no intentions of letting her out....I just need some tips on making it easier on all of us!)

[kpm_tex]

Great to hear she is home and doing good. Getting a kong and filling it with some treats may make the crate rest easier.. at least for some of the time

[Patt]

:cheer: :cheer: Happy to hear Sassy is home and doing better. Sorry I can't give you any tips on crate rest Dodger flunked that course, I spent many nights sleeping on the floor with him. I'm sure other members will be able to help you. Sending healing rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to Sassy.

[Heide]

of giving a kong stuffed with something good, a bone to chew on or anything that will help her get her mind off of being confined to the crate.
Laying down on the floor with her, along side her crate, taking the crate up on the furniture with you, sitting her next to you and putting her in different rooms you are in.
That is about all I can think of, I am sure other members will be able to help more with suggestions.
Sassy girl, sending rayz for you and hugs for worried hoomom:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :hugs1:

[Roobyrocks]

Great to hear Sassy's home and doing well. :)

Regarding crates, what's worked for us is the metal 'wire type' kennel for extended crate rest. Lexie injured her back Labor Day and is on crate rest so we set the kennel up in the living room with her bed & blankie in it where she can see everything. It helps that she can see all around her. She's real good about being in it and the only time she fusses is when it's time for a snack or dinner... she whimpers a little and ofcourse we take her out. ;) She's on a diet so we limit the treats. Occasionally she gets a kong with natural peanut butter & kibble mixed together or a treat ball with a small biscuit in it.

[lotsadox]

When Amanda was on crate rest she was really good at first. Towards the end she used to bounce up and down in the crate at meal time and scare me to death! :yikes: We set the crate up in the family room where we watched TV and it seemed to help that she was with us and could see the other dogs and what was going on. The other dogs would go over and they touch noses with her, it was really cute. Bandit was not crate trained, but she was 14 and felt so bad that she was very good about it. Later in her crate rest I would take her out and lay on the floor with her. She just laid still and was very good. And, yes, I did sleep on the floor with her, too. I'm such a wimp when they're sick. I'd do anything for them.

[Sassafras2000]

Actually Sassy is doing really good in her cage so far. She slept almost all night long, except for one time when she had to potty. She has a jumbone in there, and I woke up sometime in the middle of the night and I thought she was chewing her bedding up so I turned on the light and she was chewing her jumbone :)
The cage is right next to my bed...which is just a mattress on the floor now so when she is off cage rest she won't feel the need to jump! I left the house for 30 minutes or so this morning, and when I got home, she did go nuts, and was jumping in her cage when I walked into the room, which really makes me nervous. She is still a tad wobbly when I take her to potty but I think she is doing a lot better than she has been. She is eating and drinking, and giving kisses :) She is on 1/2 a pill of rimadyl 2 times a day for pain and inflammation-the vet said it is basically like aspirin for dogs. We are so happy to have my little baby home!

[lotsadox]

I'm so glad she's doing well. It is scary when they get excited and jump around. It will be harder as she gets to feeling better and wants to be more active. Just hang in there.

[TessieMom]

I am glad she is doing so well. Chewing really helps relieve the stress of being caged!

sending lots more rays:
:rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Sassafras2000]

All of these rayz you all keep sending are really working well!! I can't believe how great Sassy is doing. It is funny how whenever we come back from pottying, and I take her back to her cage, she just walks right in and sits down like it is home. Before, she would not go in there for anything!

[dutchman]

Sounds like she is doing great. I hope the crate time continues to go well as does her recovery. We will keep sending rays.

[alfina]

They adjust amazingly and do not protest much when they see you are serious about it. Be tough and she will recover nicely.

[Heide]

hear that she is doing ok with the crate rest.
Yep, when you come in from being gone they definetly get excited.
Try to calm her when you walk in the room with a soothing voice so she settles down pretty quickly.
These rayz are wonderful miracle rayz they really do help.
Sending more for her continued progress.:rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[minicooper]

Cooper and Mini know all about crate rest!

Good thing that Sassy is accepting it, at least for the moment!

More :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for recovery!

[Sassafras2000]

Sassy is doing really well. When I came home from church though, I got her out of her cage and she rolled over wanting me to rub her belly, then she took off!!!!!!!!! She ran all the way to the back door!!!!!She seems to be ok, but that was scary!!!!!!!

[lotsadox]

Oh, yes, the fake and escape! I learned really fast not to let them out of the crate before I put the leash on. They're just so quick.

[Sassafras2000]

Yes, she is definitely too quick! She doesn't try to pull that with my husband-she thinks she can pull one over on her mommy! I will be more careful from now on....it doesn't seem like she hurt herself when she ran off, thank God.

[Sassafras2000]

Hi everyone....I know it has been a while since I have updated and I am sorry. Sassy didn't have to have surgery, and finished up her 8 weeks of cage rest about 2 weeks ago. It was supposed to be 6 weeks but we wanted to be safe. She seems to be doing great. We have made our household Sassy safe, with all our mattresses on the floor so she doesn't feel the need to jump to get on beds. We had a milestone yesterday, she got her rope and wanted to play for the first time since she hurt herself! We and Sassy would like to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and thanks so much for all your thoughts, advice, and prayers.

[alfina]

Thank you so much for the update! It's great to hear she is doing better!

[lotsadox]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like you did a great job with the crate rest and Sassy proofing the house. Congrats!

[Patt]

:appl: Wonderful news!! :appl: I am so happy to hear that Sassy is doing so well on just crate rest. It's the same here, mattress on the floor although it's still a little high we have large puffy dogs beds all around so no one hits the floor.

Sending more :rayz: :rayz: to Sassy you go girl. :cheer: :cheer:

[SirOliversMom]

:bounce: :bounce: Great news! So glad to hear that Sassy is doing better. Thanks for letting us know.

[TessieMom]

That is fantastic news!!! Give her a special Thanksgiving pat for getting well without surgery!

[dutchman]

Thank you for the update. It always brings a smile to my face to read of a happy outcome.