PLUTO'S NOT ACTING RIGHT

[pluto'slanie]

My family and I were away this past weekend and Pluto was left with a friend of mine w/ 2 11 year old granddaughters who have watched him previously. When I picked him up he wasn't acting right -- he seemed unsure of himself is the only way I can describe it - he seems to have lost his exuberance and isn't walking as fast as he did. I would take him to the vet, but I'm not certain what I'd tell her. He's stayed with people before and this has never happened. Any thoughts?

[dutchman]

Hi Lanie,

Watch Pluto's hind feet when he is walking. If he is showing any signs of dragging his toes, kennel him and get him to a vet immediately. I'm not trying to scare you but just wanted to point out something else to look for if you suspect a possible back injury.

Good luck,

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by dutchman on November 28, 2000 at 02:03 PM</font>

[~Jen~]

I was thinking the same thing Tom ... perhaps he was playing w/ the kids and some how turned or twisted the wrong way ... the foot flip test is usually a sure sign something is wrong ... turn his paw the wrong way where it he rests his ankle bone on the floor see if he flips it back like it should be if he doesnt as Tom said give him a asprin and to the vet. asap. On the other hand he may just be tired from playing with the kids and all the activity. Im sure he will be back to his old self soon!!

Sending MEGA Dachsie Rayzzzzzzz!!
Jen

[Tanya]

Lanie, I hope Pluto is feeling some better. The foot flip test is an excellent way to see if there is a back problem. I flip the foot oner so the top of the foot is on the floor. He should correct it immediately. If he doesn't do like Tom and Jen suggest and get him to the vet. If he doesn't improve after a day or so, I'd take him in anyway and just tell the vet what you told us. Just for a check up to ease your mind. I'm a worrier though so it makes me feel better to hear the doc say everything is ok.
Tanya
Healing thoughts from Ben and Josie

[Mark]

Hi Lanie,

I agree that you should be very observant and cautious. Masse had a Spinal Infarction and the symptoms were similar, but a little more pronounced than Pluto's. Fully recovered now, the treatment was 5 weeks crating and meds. To determine what's wrong you may need to go to the specialist (neuro) as we did. Also observe if he seems to want to be alone, hide or stay buried in a blanket or have trouble keeping his head up . . . which would be a sign of pain. Involuntary tail flagging was another sign.

Please keep us posted, best wishes and lot's of RAYZ . . .

Mark

[dutchman]

Reading the other post reminded me of a few more things. The stiff tail up is a possible sign of a problem. When Aggie had her back problem her tail was out straight almost full time for a day or two and I hadn't really picked up on it. In the case of severe pain the dog may sit rather ridgid with head up sometimes even poinnting the nose upward in an unnatural position. Thanks to everyone one else for describing the toe test. It may not be a back problem it could just be a nap is needed but if it is a back quick attention can stop or minimize any long term damage.

Best wishes and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[Penny's Aunt]

A good vet will see & find things that you don't know to look for. It could be that he's just worn out from having fun, but keep a close eye on him, & no long walks or hard play for a few days.

[pluto'slanie]

Pluto seemed better tonight - more lively and alert - but I will keep a close eye for the next day or so.

It's funny, but this weekend I took a fall (tripped over my big feet) and landed on a shoulder that I dislocated and broke and number of years ago. Did I think about taking myself to the doctor? Nooooo. But let me see Pluto not "looking like himself" I'm ready to roll.

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep you all posted.

[Susan's Freddie]

Lanie, I just e-mailed ya before reading that he is doing a little better. Good I'm glad! But do not hesitate taking him in if he acts strange again. Good luck.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm38.gif" border=0>

Susan

[Wienergal]

Lanie, I missed this post but wanted to check in, since Farfel just went through something very similar. This was when he fell on his tail and aggravated what turned out to be a calcified disc in the tail itself. The limp tail was one sign, but to me, the most obvious sign was that he Just Wasn't Himself. He seemed to have lost his confidence and he seemed a little distracted.

My vet pointed out that, with a dachshund, one very good way to get a hint as to whether the back is involved is to watch him when he defecates. Because they normally round their backs and tuck their butts under, a sore back will often show up as an inability to get comfortably into "position." That was definitely the case with Farfel.

But Pluto is 12 and I'm thinking maybe he just had too much. I sure hope that's all.

Also sorry you took a tumble! How's the shoulder? I'm like you--I'll put off going to my own doctor, because--hey!--it's just some aches and pains. But if one of the dogs gets a funny look, it's off to Vetland!!! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by Wienergal on November 29, 2000 at 11:47 AM</font>

[Jennifer]

I'm glad to hear he is feeling better. Keep us posted.

I laughed at your comment about rushing your doggie to the vet but putting of going to the dr yourself. A few weeks ago I was really sick with bronchitis and one of my co-workers pointed out the number of times I rushed Betty to the vet during her heartworm treatment cuz she was sick and that I should take as good as care of her as I did me. I had to laugh, as I made the dr. appointment cuz she was right...

[Mrs.F]

Whew!

Hugs to you and Pluto! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/kiss2.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/kiss2.gif

Heidi, Penny & Maggie

[wireweiners]

Glad to hear that Pluto is feeling better. At his age, it could have been a change in environment, small seizure or stroke or back trouble. Sometimes my mom's 12 year old will act a little "off" after they have been away and left him at home. I think he just misses them. Just watch him.

[Oscar's Mom]

Happy to hear that Pluto is feeling better. The kids probably just wore him out!
Tons of rays for a speedy recovery!

[Roxane]

Just caught up with this. Hope by now Pluto is back to being his healthy self. Especially since come Dec. 15, he's going to want to be his most attractive self for Duchess.
Roxane. G & B, S & B

[Augie Dog]

<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm37.gif" border=0> Mega rayz to you and Pluto!

D & Aug

[pluto'slanie]

Pluto does seem back to his old self - I'm hoping too much food and too much playing just wore him out. I'll still keep an eye on him. Thanks everyone for your good wishes and all the rayzzz.