Cervical problems

[Karen PT]

I am looking for some advise....first any tips on finding a dachsie "specialist" in your home town? I live in Tampa, FL

Second, my baby has either a strained neck (optimistic thinking) or beginnings of a herniation- they vet gave her an "allergy" injection- subcutaneous- from what I am reading she needs something stronger & injected in the joint space (like humans)- any thoughts? experiences?

She seems to be in quite alot of pain, hasn't eaten or drank since prior to the vet visit this morning (8.12.03). Is this normal for animals in pain?

Should we just let her rest/hide under the bed (the vet advised against a crate if she's not used to it so as to not stress the dog out) & play it by ear?

Any advise to offer is greatly appreciated- we all seem to know how hard it is when your babies are hurting....

Thanks for your help KP

[Kim H.]

I wish I could help you, since I live in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, but we've only been here a year and just have a general vet. I'm sorry about your little dog and I'm sure several of the members have experience with these injuries and can offer advice.

:rayz: best wishes to you both.

[Mark]

A few pieces of advise . . .

First, crate your baby immediately for 100% of the time. She should only be taken out of the crate to be carried outside for potty breaks. This is first and foremost in dealing with IVDD.

Second, find a specialist. If there is a teaching vet hospital nearby, they are usually very experienced with Dachsie back troubles. If there is no such place nearby . . . get a referral from your vet to a neurologist that has experience in IVDD in Dachsies.

Hiding under beds, etc. is quite normal if they are in pain. Covering the crate with a blanky or something will give the pupper some darkness.

Please act quickly in finding the help and in crating your baby as time is of the essence . . . and please do keep us posted. Many of us here have been through this.

We are also sending DBB Healing RAYZ to help your furkid :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

PS . . . what is her name and age?

PSS . . . you may need to find a vet who understands Dachshunds more than your current one. Telling you to *play it by ear* and to NOT crate her is advise from a vet who does not know about Dachsies or IVDD

[Karen PT]

Her name is Sasha- she is 4 1/2 apparently prime age for back problems- only I can't seem to find any info on cervical problems, only lower back/lumbar area

Thank you for your speedy replies- I can't seem to think about anything else- I did not even want to go take care of my own patiens today! Just wanted to stay with my baby girl....

[Mark]

dodgerslist.com . . . it is the most complete resource for Dachsie IVDD.

What are the symptoms that lead you to believe it is IVDD?

[Karen PT]

I don't know for sure- the vet says it is either a strain on the cervical spine or a disc problem- I suppose due to the nature of my professsion ( I am a physical therapist by trade) we always assume the worst-

She has significant pain (seemingly increasing since the vet visit this am) with a forward bend motion of her head- in the morning, she was able to be picked up (allbeit gently) without letting out the "yelp" but now- any slight movement & she is crying out....

[minicooper]

I'm sorry that your little one is going through this.
I can't give you any help finding a specialist vet in your area, because I am in Australia, but Mark's advice sounded good.

I also agree with Mark on the crating 100% of the time! Mine had never used a crate until they both had IVDD. In fact, I borrowed one from the vet when Cooper went down the first time! Neither one of them minded the crate when they were in pain. Crate rest is VERY important!

I have had two recover fully with crate rest and medications.

I am sending :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for a speedy recovery!

Please keep us posted!!

[Mark]

Should have put her on anti-inflammatories and restricted her to strict crate rest pending the "very first" available appointment with a specialist. :(

Please do find one quickly . . .

More DBB Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[lotsadox]

Hi Karen, I'm sorry to hear about Sasha. I got online and found a veterinary teaching hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville. I don't know how far that is from you, but it would probably be a good place to start. They might even be able to give you a referral to a local orthopedist or neurologist. I would definitely have Sasha on strict crate rest so that so that she doesn't do more injury and, please, get her to a specialist asap. The time factor can be crucial if you decide to do surgery. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Karen PT]

Thanks you all- I am going to call the vet 1st thing in the am & ask for a specialist & some stronger anti-inflammatory meds- she is resting peacefully under my bed right now- but I have a crate (all dusty in the garage) & will begin using it 2-marrow. I don't think it'll be best to drag her from under the bed...right???

I am so touched that so many people are out there to help me :)

Gainesville is about 3 hours north- but we will see what the vet says for referrals- we have a zillion vets in the Tampa Bay area-

I will keep everyone posted- please keep sendin Sasha & me the good vibes....

[meb]

My advice for what it is worth is complete rest and medication for Shasha if this is what you are dealing with. Molly has been on crate rest since Aug 4th. I am giving her a muscle spasm medication 3X daily, along with Metacam for inflamation 1X daily. She is also taking 2 supplements, MethySulfonylMethane and Vetri-Disc and my Vet put Molly on something called Myolene to try and reduce her weight. We measure her food carefully, especially since she is getting absolutley no exercise. She is a 20 lb mini and this does not help my girl with her back problem. The good news....she is able to use 3 of 4 legs. She drags her right hind leg and she is able to reposition herself. Molly also has become rather impatient with her confinement which is another good sign. I think we have made incredible progress in a short time. I give her a gentle massage everyday and when she is better will do water therapy. My Vet left a message today that she has a machine that stimulates acupunture points and would like to start treatmments Monday. I will know more about that when I get a chance to talk with her. Good luck and when you get discouraged or need info just visit this board. Everyone here has had a hand in helping me through this and reasuring me to hang in there and they all have experience with these little fur friends that you can tap into. Here are some healing :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for you from Wisconsin

[lotsadox]

Oh, yes, I forgot. Dachsie healing rayz for Sasha from my crew.
:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[willsana]

I am sorry to hear of Sasha's problem. I am sending along :rayz:'s X :rayz:'s X :rayz:'s for a speedy recovery. (doxie healling rayz are prayers, positive energy and good thoughts)

Your training in physical therapy will be a help, I am sure. Dachshunds are tough critters. With your love and care Sasha has a lot going for her!

Keep us posted, ask questions. This group has many members who have gone through things like this with their dogs. Your knowledge as a PT is sure to add to the strength of this group as a resource for caring for our dachshunds.

Tell Sasha there are lots of folks out her thinking of her tonight!

[Patt]

Hi Karen:

Sorry to hear about Sasha. I do not have any experience with this but believe the others have given you lots of good advice. I highly recommend Dodgerslist site. Since she is under the bed for the night probably best to leave her there instead of pulling her out.

Sending healing rayz and positive thoughts from CA.
:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

Patt

[Heide]

and Sasha
As for what everyone has stated about strict crate rest is a must. Sasha needs to be confined to a space only big enough for her to turn around in.
I would call that vet school and they could probably give you referrals to specialits in your area rather quickly.
Time is of the utmost importance in situations like this. If treated immediatley alot of doxies come through without repurcussions.
I know how you are feeling.. I went through the samething about 5 years ago now.
My 4 doxies and I are sending you and Sasha tons of healing rayz from Mississippi :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
Please keep us updated. We are here for you anytime. Alot of us have gone through this samething.

[Meemoo]

Sasha's problem. If it is indeed a cervical disc problem, they take a LONG time to heal. Complete crate rest is a MUST, if you can get her to a specialist, that would be helpful.

Please keep us posted.

Rays from NYC!

[Karen PT]

Here's the latest- Sasha won't eat or drink any thing- she is occasionally panting-but no difficulty with walking or urination- I think she is scared & doesn't know what is going on

I called the vet as soon as they opened & got a referral to an orthopedic specialist today- the hours can't seem to go by fast enough... although the vet did say that sometime these things can take weeks to heal

Sasha would not go into the "pet Taxi" I have for her - I put her in and she immediately backed her way out- I have a tiny little bathroom so I set up a pillow for her in there and tried to minimize her moving room- hopefully that'll do...

It breaks my heart to look at her & see her suffering so - you got to ask, why did this happen to her when I am so careful about her spine & health? almost to the point of neurotic!
I suppose that is life... :(

[Meemoo]

I feel your pain. As careful as we try to be with their backs and health...something can happen. Heck, we try our best with Chief, limit jumping, have him on supplements, he goes for accupuncture once every six weeks, but there's always that risk. Dachshund are prone to disc injury. One in four will have some sort of problem in their life. We can only try our best, know what to look for and get immediate treatment.

Continued rayz and keep us posted!

[Lauri Gengor]

Our best to little Sasha and please do try to keep her crate rested. Any further movement may cause more of a complication. My Magic is one of those one in four problems and she has had two disc problems. Even restricting her jumping and playing is no gurantee it may not happen again. I feel for you and your little one but please get her to a specialist ASAP and please try to kennel rest her. It will be hard, I know, but it's the best thing for her at this time.


Lauri and the girls

[dutchman]

Hi Karen first off let me say I'm sorry I didn't see your message last night. I worked late and decided to stary off line once I got home. For find a good back specialist in FL try e-mailing Benny at the Dachshund Rescue Web Page http://www.drwp.net/ Benny is in Jacksonville has a lot of experience with dachshund rescue and more than one of his dogs has required the assistance a a good neurologist.

If Sasha is still not drinking try using a syrnge or turkey baster to sqirt water in the back of her mouth. With a little luck she will willingly swallow some of it. The idea is to try and keep her from becoming too dehydrated. You could even use some pedaylite (SP) to help maintin the electolytes as well. Not eating for a little while is much less of a concern than not drinking. When My Aggie went down she first went off her food and thinking back started to hold her tail rather rigid. From there she went to wobbly legs then paralysis. The fater the onset of sympthoms the more urgent proper care is.

Perhaps she would not mind a wire kennel as much as she does the plastic one. IT is very important to minimize her movement at least untill you know fore sure what is going on.

Good luck and sneding rays for a speedy recovery. Pleas keep us updated as things change or you find out what is going on. Feel free to use us as a shoulder to lean or cry on if you need that kind of support. As you know more about what is the source of the problem perhaps some of us here can offer more personal experiences and or suggestions. OF course a good neurologist who is able to examine the dog in person take x-rays and or a milogram(SO?) is hard to beat. Every case can be so different. The one thing that is the same for all of them they are scary for the owners.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[yolanda]

Karen,

I have four cart terrors adn I know this is hard on you but listen to what the people on the list is saying. take a deep breath and breath. Do not let Sasha see you are upset, it might make her stresss.

I can not add much more to what has already been said, except it is imparitive to get her to a specialist as soon as possiable. I think you said yo have an appointment today. Keep her still and quite, do not let her move around a lot. A wire crate located where she can see you would probably be better. Please let use know as soon as you get back from the vets, wht is happening.

A good site with a lot of informtion is DodgersList www.dodgerslist.com

furbaby hugs and kisses

[Karen PT]

gave her a neurological exam- and all is intact- we have started dexamethasone 2x/day and "bed rest"- the doc said the small bathroom will do- no more than 3'X3'

He said w/ the meds & rest she's got a 50/50 chance of total recovery & pain-less living- she already seems to be moving a little better
He also said that since she is walking around & wagging her tail, moving her neck without difficulty (side to side not up & down) it is a good sign that the cord hasn't been touched/affected

We will give the meds 48 hrs & if she declines go back to the specialist- if she recovers- check up in a week

Ya know I think all those rayz helped :) :)

I feel a lot better- thanks to all of you for your support & advise- I have already bookmarked this site to my "Favorite" & will try to share my knowledge base as a therapist to this wonderful group of dachsie lovers (for what it worth! LOL)

Well, I guess I can go take care of my "human" patients now....

Karen & Sasha

[lotsadox]

I'm so glad you found a specialist. It sounds like he's giving you good advice and help. Sending rayz from Houston to help you out.:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Mark]

Hi Karen,

That's great to hear. Please do keep us posted and we're sending more DBB Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Patt]

Karen

Thanks for keeping us updated. I hope the new meds work and she has a speedy recovery.

Sending more :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

Patt

[Heide]

great news... so glad to hear you found a specialist.
Sending more healing rayz your way:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
Please give her lots of doxie hugs from us and please keep us updated.

[doxielover@rcn.]

Super news. I hope she continues to improve................

[willsana]

I am glad to hear the prognosis sounds good. I am sending along :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Sasha's recovery.

NOW, when you feel settled and can breath again, please tell us all about Sasha! There is a forum to "introduce yourself": Welcome to Dachsie's

And a forum for bragging about our puppers:
Brag Book

And one for telling cute, funny, or interesting stories about our lives with dachshunds:
Dachsie Tales

And many many more informative and fun forums.

We would all love to get to know you and Sasha!

(And here's a few extra :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for your nerves!)

[dutchman]

I'm glad to hear a good repot. One word of advice if you see a suddden change in condition (rpid onset paralysis) call the vet immedately and don't wait for the 48 hours to pass. Even call and leave a message with their ansering service requesting a call back if it is after or before office hours. Rapid changes could indicate a change that a difference of hours in getting into surgery could make a major difference in the odds for a good outcome. Those cases are rare but It's easier to know than than to play the what if gmes down the line.

We will continue to send rays for a full recovery with conservative treatment.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[Meemoo]

Glad to hear things are much improved. When Sasha is finished with her meds, you might want to consider putting her on some supplements, like Ester C and glucosamine/chondrotin, salmon oil (which helps with inflammation and gives a shiney soft coat.)

More rayz from the big apple!

[Karen PT]

Sasha ATE and DRANK today- although she will only eat shredded chicken, but it is a start...

I am very excited, but not out of the woods yet....


I will keep you all posted!!!

:) Sasha n Karen

[Patt]

Sasha eating & drinking, hooray. :) You go girl...:pink:

Thanks for the update. :dog:

[lotsadox]

I'm so glad Sasha is doing better. More rayz to help her along.:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Heide]

news that Sasha is eating and drinking.
Yes definetly a good sign.
Continuing to send along rayz for her recovery:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Lauri Gengor]

Three cheers to Sasha!! Good going Mom and of course little Sasha!

Lauri and the Girls

[Dachshundrsq]

Sasha NEEDS to be crated. While the Bathroom is working fine at the present time while she is in pain, soon when the pain subsides, but healing is not complete, she will get to do what she wants in that small area. In a crate, be it wire or plastic, her space is an even smaller area. she basically should only have space enough to change positions an/or turn around. No, not ONE dachshund Loves to be crated, however, they do not have the frame of mind to know what is best for them, however, due to our increased level of intelligence, we do know what is best and eventhough we know they do not like it, STILL it is BEST. I only say this after kowing what happened to one of Missy Ann's kids. He had a bout with IVDD, they took him to the vet, he got a shot and was better. The vet didn't tell them he needed to be crated, he didn't tell them he needed his activities curtailed. He got better and they let him do whatever he wanted only to have him go down less than 2 weeks later. They took him to the vet again and the vet gave another shot, some pills. They then called me. I offered to take him, I offered to pay for surgery, I offered to get an evaluation by Missy Ann's neuro surgeon, I offered to take him and care for him. Nope, they did not want to do any of the above, they said they would care for him. Well 2 weeks later they called my husband and informed him that they put him down because he did not improve. I can't tell you how upset I was. Sooo My advice is to take the advice of everyone here and CRATE your baby. Give her meds, pack her to and from her potty breaks. Hold her when you have time and can keep her quiet while on your lap and be STRONG. Watch for signs of backsliding in the condition, watch for signs of improvement. Assess her condition daily, call the vet if you see an increase in problems. Keep your appointments otherwise. Give Sasha lots of love and kisses. Sending HUGE :rayz::rayz::rayz::rayz: to you and Sasha!!

[Karen PT]

Well, since Friday she has been acting her normal self- but we are restricting all of her activity- when we are away she is locked-up , when we are home, she is in my lap- we have blocked all possible ways for the little stinker to jump-

I wonder if it was only a strain? Who knows & does it really matter-

Thanks for all the healing:rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

K & Sasha

(With my head clear I figured out how to make those cool pictures?!!)

[Karen PT]

How in the heck did that cutesty little pup get white legs!!! That is just about the cuetest thing I ever did see!!!!

[Lauri Gengor]

and getting back to normal. Good for you mom. Lots of dachi hugs and healing rays:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: to little Sasha but please still keep her restricted! Check with your vet on a time limit before she gets back to normal activity. Our best to you!

[juliette]

Karen, I will answer for Beckie (aka Dachshundrsq) - as she might be too modest. Her dogs have white legs as she breeds quite simply the most BEAUTIFUL wire and smooth piebald dachsies that ever existed. Several of the other DBB-ers own dogs that were bred by Beckie (Blazeman's Woody for example), but since I know you are campaigning for a second dog, I recommend checking out her web site (listed in her signature).

We aren't in a position to get a new dog for a long time yet, but when we do, we will be first in line for one of Beckie's adorable puppies.

[yolanda]

Good to hear tha your furbaby is doing bette, but please listen to everyoen especially Becki and keep her crated it is very improtant to let the healing be complete. Dachsie are stubborn and thing they are completely healed but in fact are still tender.

Also, Becki has soem of the nicest dogs I have every been around, they are all adorable.