Cooper

[minicooper]

Last night, about 10.30 I took the doggies out the back for a final wee before bed. Cooper walked out fine, squatted on the grass as normal, took a step back towards the house, and he went down in the back end. His back legs were instantly paralysed. I carried him into the house and immediately crated him. I had some Prednisolone left over from when Mini hurt her back, so I rang the vet to ask him what to do for the best. He said to give Cooper two Pred tablets, and continue to crate him. He told me to ring him through the night if need be, otherwise take him to the surgery first thing in the morning.
I have just now got back from the vet. Cooper still has good reflexes, and deep pain sensation. He is still at surgery having xrays at the moment, so I hope to find out more when I collect him later today.
Any rays you could spare would be very grateful.

[Mark]

to hear this, Pauline.

Of course you have our thoughts, prayers and DHRayz! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

You say you are picking Cooper up later today . . . then they are not doing surgery? What do they say to do? Diagnosis? Prognosis?

Please keep us posted . . . we know how trying this is, so keep us in the loop when you are able.

Take care,

[blazeman]

Pauline,

I am so sorry to hear about Cooper. Since I haven't had to go throught his all I can do is say a little prayer for Cooper and send him tons of :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Heidismom]

Sending rays, naturally! Get well fast, Cooper! The girls send slurpies and licks his way...:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[TessieMom]

We are sending gigatons to giant Texas healing rays to Cooper and praying for a speedy recovery! Rena and the 4 Waco girls

[willsana]

Pauline,
Poor Cooper. I hope all goes well with his treatment and recovery. I'm looking forward to hearing GOOD news. He is lucky to have you there to help him.

Cyber hugs for you and Cooper from me & Willow

-Annie with Minnesota :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[minicooper]

I wish I had good news.

Cooper is still in the hospital. They had to cathaterize him, and evacuate his bowels, so they feel he is better off staying there for a few days.

I know some will disagree with our decision, but we have decided to treat him with medication and crate rest, and not have the surgery. The specialist centre in Sydney does not have a very good success rate with this surgery, (50% survival, and then only 20% will walk again) so we are not going to risk it.

I no longer work, and my only human child is married and living in another state, so when i say the dachsies are my life, I really mean it. I am more than willing to care for Cooper for the rest of his life, whatever the outcome.

Cooper will turn 12 next month, and this is the first time he has spent a night without one of the family.

We will hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

[Mark]

for Cooper. . . and you've made it. Given the surgeons track record, we can see how difficult the decision was. You have our hopes, prayers and Rayz!

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[juliette]

for Cooper's progress and recovery.

Many, Many, Many Rayz from the Canadian family.

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[dutchman]

Hi Pauline,

Boy I take a night off from checking the board anD now one of our special friends (I don't think Pauline has missed a chat since it came back here to the board) needs some support. That is very scary about the poor record of the local surgon. Are there any outher surgons in Sidney that do dachshund backs? Check any and all private or teaching hospitals. I can understand with coopers age being an additional factor why you are taking the path you are. You will be in our thoughts and the boys will be sending some rays. Take care we hope for the best.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[dutchman]

Hi Pauline,

I'm back. I did a little web searching and found the following information.

Austrailian Vetrinary Surgeons Directory (http://ozvets.port5.com/index.html)

Not trying to push you into finding a surgeon but just trying to give what ever long range suport I can.

Tom

[lena]

Baxter and I are sorry to hear about Cooper. Hopefully he will make a speedy recovery. We will say a little prayer for you and Cooper.

[JanetC]

Geez. I am so sorry you are going through such a hard time. Willie send lots of healing licks and I will say some prayers that Cooper gets better real quick. Don't question your decision - you are doing what you feel is the best in light of the situation.

Janet & Willie:flower:

[minicooper]

Thanks for the rays!!

I just spoke to the vet, and Cooper had a reasonable night. He ate his dinner OK, and has been drinking fine. They have removed the catheter, and he is emptying his bladder with just a little bit of stimulation, so that is an improvement on yesterday.

He will be coming home this afternoon, so I'm sure that will make him feel a bit better.

We will continue with the strict crate rest and medications.

I will keep you all informed.

[minicooper]

Hello All!

I'm sorry I have not been around for a while, but my computer died on me, and I didn't want to leave Cooper to go and use another one.

Cooper is doing really well, he can put a bit of weight on his back legs. The vet is a little bit optimistic that he will recover. He has full control of his bladder and bowels.

He seems to be enjoying all the attention, and he doesn't mind the crate too much..........he spends most of his time sleeping, anyway!

Thanks again for all the good wishes, and messages of support.

I will keep you all posted.

[blazeman]

I was wondering how the old guy was :)

I am glad he is making some progress! I will continue to send him Rayz from the frozen tunra :)

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Mark]

How good to hear that things are well and your silence was due to a sick computer. :)

We're very glad you checked in.

More Dachsie Healing Rayz for the mending Cooper! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[dutchman]

Hi Pauline,

So good to hear it was a computer problem that kept you form the board. I know some of us were starting to fear the worst. We will all be pulling for Cooper to make a full recovery.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[TessieMom]

Thanks for letting us know that he is improving... more rays headed your way,

Rena and the Waco pack

[lotsadox]

I'm so glad it was just a computer problem that kept you away. I've been checking every couple of days for news of Cooper's progress and I was getting worried. So good to hear he's doing well. It sounds good for him. Lots of crate rest can works wonders. All that sleeping is good for him, too. Helps him heal. Dachsie rayz coming your way.:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

My crew sends lickies and snuggles to your guys. :flower:

[Patt]

:circle:

Happy to hear Cooper is still improving.
Gooooo Coop!!

Patt :bounce: :dog: :pink: :clap:

[gunther's mom]

Just a little hello to let you know that Cooper is in our prayers.
I can just imagine how hard this is for you. Some extra healing rays from Gunther,my chubby dachshund.

[crock]

Pauline,
How is Cooper doing? I have been so busy with our new house, I haven't been on the board much lately.
Char

[minicooper]

Thanks for asking, Char!

Cooper is doing great! It has been a slow recovery, but he is almost there. He can stand and sort of walk, he has trouble with his balance, but he leans on the furniture to stop himself from falling. He can't go outside on his own, but he will go to the back door and bark when he wants to go out........he can't seem to hold his bladder for too long, so I have to be quick!:flush: LOL
He can get himself to the kitchen where the water bowl is when he wants a drink.

He has even started joining in when Mini and Rover have a play, Cooper likes to sit between them and bark!

He has had an off and on problem with fluid in his lungs, and he is now on medication for that. I have been putting updates in the General Health forum.

[gunther's mom]

It is so good to hear about Cooper. Especially the part of wanting to play... We're not out of the woods with Gunther, but losing weight has helped a great deal. Gunther barks a "hi" to Cooper.