New member, my dox was injured two days ago

[BabyReba]

I know it's rude to post to a forum without introducing myself first, but I'm in a bit of a panic, and I am hoping someone with more experience can give me some advice.

My mini-dachshund JimmieDean was sitting on the couch watching TV with us two nights ago when suddenly, he let out a terrible high-pitched, yodeling scream. We all jumped up to see what was wrong, but after a minute he seemed fine and since he's the kind of dog who thinks he's dying if he steps on a twig the wrong way, we didn't panic. He seemed fine for the rest of the night.

The next morning, he woke up and jumped off the bed (which we know he is not supposed to do), and landed on the floor screaming that blood-curdling cry again, and we rushed him to the vet because fearing the worst. The vet examined him, though, and did not initially think it was his back. She said has two luxating patellas and that they were both pretty bad, and that was likely the source of his pain; she gave us some Rimadyl, told us to keep him quiet and confined, and to monitor him for a day or two.

I left work early yesterday afternoon to check on him, and when I got home, he had not moved an inch from where I had left him in his little bed in the kitchen, away from the other dog. I picked him up and took him outside, and he clearly was having trouble walking. His back was hunched, and he seemed wobbly to me. He was barely able to get in position to pee. So once again, I put him in the car and off to the vet . . . she examined him and said it might be his back after all, so she took blood, gave him prednisone for it, in addition to Robax for pain and to knock him out so he would stay still. He was fine but out of it for most of the night, but this morning when we got up, he could not get up at all. He will not try to put any weight on his feet at all, he will flop over onto his side if you put him on the floor. I did not know if this was due to being overdrugged or because he was paralyzed overnight. We called the vet, and she is not too worried about it and said he should snap out of it by later this evening, and if he doesn't, then we can start to worry. She said he might be numb due to the Robax, or he might be temporarily paralyzed, or in the worst-case scenario, he could need surgery . . . but she said it's too early to tell until the Robax wears off some more.

I am involved in pit bull rescue, and I posted about this to a pit bull forum I post on regularly and one or two of the members there (one of whom works in a vet office) thinks my vet is being too cavalier about this and that we should get a second opinion immediately. I've never been through this before, and usually I think my vet's been good with my other dogs, so I don't know what to think.

I though perhaps if anyone on this board has been through this kind of thing before, they might be able to offer some advice. I'm trying hard not to think the worst, but my dog feels like a wet dishrag when I pick him up (which I am trying not to do, as I don't want to jar his back). His head seems wobbly, and he is looking at me and giving me these pathetic little squeaky barks. He's not in pain, and he's not tense, he's just . . . like rubber.

I'm worried. I don't know what to think. Can any doxie people help me stay calm through this ordeal? Oh, and background: He is about 4, he's a rescue dog, we know nothing about his breeding or background. He's not overweight, and he's a pretty active little dog, which might be his downfall in the long run. :(

Oh, and here is a picture of JD just a few weeks ago, tearing up one of his new Christmas toys:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5df24b3127cce9dac70fc949300000036108AaMmTZs0Ytu

[Tasha's Mom]

Welcome, and I'm sorry its under such stressful circumstances. Have you been to the Dodgerslist website yet?

My tweenie Tasha gave a yelp last Saturday on walkies and our vet checked her over, gave her Rimadyl and told us to keep her rested for a month, and limit walking for 10 days. She is improving greatly, seems to walk fine, and wants to play, so in our case, maybe we got lucky and its a sprain.

But JD crying out when he jumped off the bed--not a good sign, though if he has knee problems I can see it could be that too.

I'd see if someone on the board, or on the Dodgerslist website, could recommend a vet with more experience with Dachshunds for you.

The best of luck--I know how scary it is!! :hugs1:

And JD is gorgeous!!!

[Courtknee]

Welcome, welcome, no worries about being rude, we understand the situation you are in. I haven't had to deal with back problems yet, but many of our members are in fact going through them right now. If you do a search of the forums using the search feature on the bar at the top, or just look at the threads in the back issues forum, you can get some advice. If you think your vet isn't concerned enough, by all means find another. Who knows, maybe a member is in your area and can recommend one. Also check out http://www.dodgerslist.com/. Good luck and please keep us updated.

[Irminsul]

I am going through something similar with my six year old Rieke right now, and I know exactly how you feel. There are great people on this board who have helped me sooo much.

I hope they chime in soon.

Until then, here's my two cents: you already know you need a second opinion. Your vet is not taking any of your panic away, you don't feel like the dog is being cared for properly. Get a second opinion from someone who has dealt with this before in your area. Don't worry about offending the vet, this is about your little one's life.

Personally, I don't like giving them drugs that make it impossible to tell how they are doing.

Please, hold on for his sake, and get him the care he needs (and that you can afford). There's still hope!!

Here's some :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for him and for you! Keep us updated.

[GaPEACH]

Nice to meet you-

I would probably get a second apinion just to ease my mind-

Your vet could be correct but it wouldnt hurt to hear it from another one.

Good Luck-
Keep us informed

[Cindi]

Way too cavalier of an attitude AND I agree - Robaxin would not have been my drug of choice since it masks reactions for waaayyyy too long. I hope you have already gotten your 2nd opinion.
If there was surgery needed and herniation had occurred, you have a window of opportunity. A painkiller that doesn't allow a doctor to successfully assess the situation is....uhmmm....well, how did the 2nd opinion go? My fingers are crossed!!!

Cindi

[BabyReba]

Thank you for the replies, you guys. I just checked dodgerslist, which I'd never even heard of before--now I'm really feeling like a second opinion is a good idea . . . if 48-72 hours are the most decision-making hours, we should be getting an accurate diagnosis now rather than waiting to "see what happens," which is what my vet is recommending now. Maybe she's just not used to dealing with dachshunds.

If anyone has any vet recommendations in the Baltimore, MD area, I'm all ears!

Edited to add: I left a message for Dr. Ronald Scheuller in Catsonville, MD, a neurologic surgeon listed on dodgers . . . I am PRAYING this guy calls me back soon so I can get some answers.

[yolanda]

Sorry to red about JimmyDean.

I work with rescue and specialize with doxies that are "wobbly". I am concerned he has a back issue and needs to be seen by a neurosurgeon. even if you do not go the surgery route he needs a very good examination to determine the exact extent of the injury. If you let me know where you live I can suggest a place.

Please keep him crated and do not let him out except to go potty and when you do support his rear end.

Please check out this web site and join the group it is a wonderful place to talk with others with dogs like Jimmy and get help.

www.dodgerslist.com

[Sausage Mom]

Welcome to our board, I am sorry to hear that it's not under good circumstances. I'm sending healing rayz to JimmyDean :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: . Please keep him 100% crated and contact Yolanda about where you are so she can find you someone great to take good care of JimmyDean. JD is gorgeous, I see by his picture he wears his hug-a-dox and like most dashcies, love de-stuffing their toys. Once JD is better, I can't wait to see more pictures and hear lots more stories about him.

Good Luck and let us know what the neurosurgeon says.

[TessieMom]

Sending healing dachsie rays and hoping for the best! Please follow the suggestions given for a second opinion. Crate rest is essential.

[Mark]

We're sorry to hear about JimmieDean's back issue . . . many of us here have been through it and there will be more responses, we're sure. Dodgerslist is also a great resource. Please keep us posted and we're sending DBB Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Please contact Yolanda she will help you find a good vet. Also Dodgerslist can help you fined one, make sure you keep him crated you don't want him to insure himself more than what he already is.

[BabyReba]

Hi everyone,

It's 9:30 pm, and I just got home from the neurosurgeon. I really want to thank you all so much for encouraging me to go out and get a second opinion--I'm so glad I did. I called a neursurgeon who was on the "recommended" link at Dodgerslist, and even though his office was closed by the time I got to him, he waited for us to come in and he saw us this evening.

He did some basic tests for responsiveness, and although poor JD is very weak, he does have some sensation in his legs and body. He cannot support his own weight at all though, and the vet recommended surgery asap--which will be happening tomorrow morning, right after they do an xray thingie of his spine to figure out where, exactly, the injury is. He said if we did NOT do surgery, we'd be significantly decreasing his chance for a normal life, especially since he's already lost so much mobility.

I'm petrified for him to go into surgery in the morning, but I'm really glad he'll be on the path to recovery soon. I'm so glad I found this board because without it, I might have waited too long for JD to get the right kind of care for his injury.

I will let everyone know how it goes!

Erin and JimmieDean

[Sausage Mom]

Ohhhh Erin, I am so happy you got a second opinion!!! I'll be thinking about JimmyDean tomorrow, lots of :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and :pray::pray::pray: for him. Please keep us posted.

[Courtknee]

Oh I am so glad you were able to see someone today. Please keep us updated! Here are a million :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for your baby.

[Me&DappledDuo]

Oh my goodness- I don't know how I missed this post. :(

Welcome to the board, Erin- though I certainly wish it were under different circumstances. JimmieDean is so handsome- I've been admiring him for SOME time now (http://dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=866&n=90516 :)).

You did great by finding the neuro doc- please know that by doing this surgery, you're doing the best by him. I'm sure we'll all be doing the worrying FOR you- so maybe you can worry just a tad less. ;)

We have something called dachsie healing rayz on this board- you've already recieved some, here are some more! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

Thank you for the update- and good luck tomorrow, JD!

[lotsadox]

Welcome to DBB. I"m sorry that it's under such sad circumstances. I've had two dachsie go down. One had surgery. The other, because of her age, didn't. The surgery went fine and she had a good recovery. She's going to be 16 on January 19th and is still with us and doing very well. I know you're worried, but I believe you're doing the best thing for him. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Mark]

Although there are no guarantees . . . we've been thru this twice with near 100% recovery in both cases. :)

Hang in there . . . lots of work once the surgery is over. Physical therapy, by you, is the next *important* ingredient.

Meanwhile . . . .we're sending lotsa DBB Healing RAYZ for a smooth go of it. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[willsana]

More Healing Rayz are on their way! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: Be sure and save a few for yourself. It is wonderful that the doctor saw JD so quickly.

[Patt]

:wavey: Welcome Erin and JimmieDean

Sorry I missed your post, but you've gotten great advice and were fortunate to get him to a wonderful vet so quickly. JD is a handsome little guy. I'm sending :pray: :pray: :pray: and DBB healing :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to JD. Good luck and please keep us updated. :heart:

[juliette]

Wow, so sorry I missed this post. Welcome Erin - you've gotten fabulous advice here and I'm sure by the time I type this darling JD is in surgery. Keep your spirits up - this is the beginning of the path back to wellness for your boy.

Lots of :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and please keep us updated on his progress.

[yolanda]

Please keep us posted on his outcome and good luck.

[Scoobymum]

Welcome and I'm sending lots of rays :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and prayers :pray: :pray: :pray: for your gorgeous JD - I do so hope that the surgery goes well and that he makes a full recovery.

[Irminsul]

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: that everythig goes well for JD. Please let us know as soon as you can how he is doing.

:hugs1: for you.

[dutchman]

Sending special rays and my thoughts will br with you this morning. The advice of a good neurologist is the best we can ask for. The good ones will not recommend surgery when there is either to little hope of a happy outcome or when a conservative treatment is a best first step. Please do keep us informed on how things go.

[Joyce]

I am so glad you go a second opinion. I know time is one of the most important things in a serious back problem. Sending lots of hugs for you and your baby that every thing will go well. Sounds like you found a great Doctor.

[alfina]

Glad you were able to get her in so quickly and hope the surgery will go well. Keep us updated. Healing rayz from us all!

[vpmsavga]

Erin (and Jimmy Dean), hang in there! A good doctor that takes you seriously and moves quickly is the best thing for an injured dachsie. We went through this in Sept. '03 with a wonderful outcome. Here are some rayz from Gretchen - she says to tell JD that it gets better! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

Please let us know how he's doing.

[Frzframe]

on the way from Kansas to you and little JD :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for a speedy recovery.

[cdguy]

Sounds like finding this forum was a huge help to you! That's very cool! I didn't find it until AFTER my pets surgery, but the kind words and "rays" have been an immense help to me!

Jimmy Dean (ultra cool name by the way) gets the honor of receiving the first rays I've ever sent! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

Good luck to you, I look forward to hearing about Jimmy Deans full recovery!

[Heidi's Pam]

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and best wishes for JD's surgery and recovery. If you haven't joined Dodger's List as a member, I would highly recommend it - most of the people on the list have been in your exact situation, and they have a wealth of experience and advice that will help you and JD through his recovery period. Do keep us posted on him too!!

Pam

[minicooper]

Sorry I am so late seeing this post :(

It's great that the surgeon could see JimmieDean so quickly :bounce:

It must be so hard to watch your baby go through the surgery, but it sounds like the best thing for him!

More :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: from Australia for a speedy recovery for JD!

Keep us posted on his condition, and remember that we are here if you need support!

[BabyReba]

Hey guys,

Surgery happened yesterday morning, and the doc says it went well. We got our first update since he woke up . . . so far, so good. He's not interested in eating or drinking yet, so he's going to remain on IVs and stuff, but for the most part, they said he's doing OK. His neuro status is stable, and his responses so far are normal, which is what we were hoping for!

--Erin

[blazeman]

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for JD! Please keep us updated!

[Scoobymum]

I'm so happy to hear that JD's surgery went well, that's wonderful news. Sending more :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for him and a :hug2: for you,

[GaPEACH]

Im glad surgery went well-

Keep us posted on JD's condition and recovery :)

[lotsadox]

I'm so happy the surgery went well. I'm sure the Jimmie Dean will do very well.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

You might want to check with your vet about accupuncture to help speed his recovery lots of people on Dodgerslist have had great results with this, water therapy is also great.

[dutchman]

Thank you for the update. We will continue to send rays for a full and speedy recovery.

[joeysmom]

More rays :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to Jimmy Dean for a speedy recovery are on the way from Seattle. Like your JD, my JOEY had a good outcome from disc surgery thanks to the efforts of his wonderful neuro-surgeon. Take care and if you have time, do keep us posted on JD's progress.

[BabyReba]

JIMMIEDEAN COMES HOME TODAY!!

I talked to the vet this morning, and he's already recovered use of his front legs (all 4 were paralyzed when we brought him in). Back legs are still the same as before surgery, but the doc says that is normal for now. He has some deep-tissue sensation, but he's not trying to use his legs yet. He is eating, drinking, and peeing all by himself, which means he's ready to get out of the ICU and into crate rest.

We set the crate up in the living room so he can be with us while we are watching TV and coming and going. Rather than using a wire crate, we've opted for a large VariKennel, turned upside down so he an see out the sides. We figured it would be a little bit more private and quiet than a wire crate. He can see us and be with us, but he will also be a little more enclosed.

I'm sure the next few weeks are going to be trying, but it's such a relief that he's well enough to come home.

I'm signing up for Dodgerslist today.

[Tasha's Mom]

What great news!! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for a speedy recovery! And :hug2: for you. Hang in there, keep a positive attitude and enjoy having him at home again!

[dutchman]

Thank you for the update. I've been wondering how things are going. Progress many be slow or fast every case is different the important thing is to keep a positive outlook our little ones pick up on our feelings so fast. Sending more rays for a full recovery.

[Courtknee]

That is so wonderful to hear. Sending more :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to your handsome boy. Keep us updated!

[Irminsul]

So glad your little boy is home! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for continued recovery!!

[sugar'smomma]

Your pup is just georgeous - good luck with everything :hug2:

[Chapo's Mom]

Welcome to the board and sending you :rayz: :rayz::rayz::rayz:for a speedy recovery!! Any updates?

[TessieMom]

That sounds like wonderful progress! Time and crate rest is essential now. Sending more rays! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[lotsadox]

I"m sorry I missed your posts that JD was coming home. The prognosis sounds good. How's he doing?