Preventative Measures

[Bro's Mom & Dad]

Our little Bro is coming home from successful(?) back surgery. Hopefully he will regain use of his hind legs soon.The back of the couch is his FAVORITE place to be. We are going to need to construct some sort of ramp or steps for him to get on the couch as we work all day. Has anyone found a design or idea that works well?

[Krista]

Shouldn't he be crated for a while? Other Dachsies that I'm familiar with had to be crated for a certain amount of time after their surgery.

I would post your question on this other BB because several people on it have been through back surgery with their Dachsie. http://members.boardhost.com/weinerwriting/?7451

[Mark]

Yes, Krista is right . . . if no one is home to care for him during the day, he should be crated. He should also be crated for sleep and (as he recovers) if he gets too active, while you are there as well. As for the couch ramp . . . there is no guarantee that he'll actually use the ramp! The best solution is to limit couch, bed and stair climbing to "only when lifted or carried up & down. It's not easy, at first, but they adapt and are just as happy as before. In fact, we have eliminated the bed & stairs entirely.

Both our Mini WH Dachsies have had back problems; one with a ruptured disk/paralysis/surgery (now fully recovered) and the other a spinal stroke which required 4+ weeks of 99% crating (except for food and to do her business and also fully recovered).

We are happy to share any other experiences, if you have more questions. We are by no means experts, but have been thru this particular event.

Mark