What are the signs?

[loving two dachsie's]

I am really concerned about my rescue Bailey. He is a 1 year old "Tweenie" size smooth dachsie. He came to us about 6 weeks ago and he had all his vet papers, in perfect health. All of his shots, and no prior health problems. About 2 weeks ago out of no where we were playing in the living room and her started crying , yelping really loud . He was moving around the floor as he did this. It lasted about 20 seconds then he was fine. He has been fine sice but when I was upstairs today I heard him from downstairs crying and yelping, I ran down he was on my couch and when I approached him he came to me cyring loudly, again this lasted aout 30 seconds and he was fine.

I have no expierience with back problems in the 3 other dachsies I have owned in my life. Could this be his back? Or maybe something else. I does not walk funny , he is so active, goes for walks plays with my mini, Ginger and basically is a ball of energy.

Could any one with knowlegde of the health of these guys five my some info/advice. I am really nervous, I love this littel guy. He is a PAIN IN THE NECK , eats and chews the house and its belongings, but we love him and I am very concerned http://dachsie.org/ubb/frown.gif

Linda

[sillysadie]

Linda,

Disc problems can vary with each dog. Oscar would suddenly seize up with a bow in his back and the problems would start. Bailey may have just turned wrong like a human can do but I would really have that checked out. It sounds unusual and could be related to the back. After Oscar returned from his paralysis I learned to recognise the signs much earlier. A twitchy back leg, slight reluctance to get up from a laying position, etc and knew to get him in the crate. A vet check might be a good thing but I can't say it is back related. Penny's Aunt!!!!!

Shelley

[Penny's Aunt]

I don't know. It could be back-related. But when you live with a dachsie, it always DOES seem to be the first thing you consider, even when it's something else.

But there are other things that can cause temporary pain. For no really good reason, the first thing that jumped into my mind was a patella luxation (kneecap sliding out of its groove). But usually with this, the dog immediately holds the leg up until the kneecap pops back into place. Then everything seems fine again.

Look at him carefully when it happens again WITHOUT TOUCHING HIM. Is he limping? (back or front?) Is he dragging the TOP of his toes (knuckles) on the ground? (good indication of a back problem) Could he have a rough, broken toenail that is catching on the carpet?

Look for any clues, & note how long the incident lasts; not just the initial pain, but if there are any aftereffects.

If you see him dragging (even lightly) the top of his toes, call the vet immediately.

In fact, if it keeps happening, I would take him in to the vet. There's always the possibility that it's something simple & fixable, & is one less thing to worry about.

[Boonech]

One of my girls had a similar incident a couple of times, and just coming out of having one with a ruptured disc, it scared me to death.

She was playing and suddenly started yelling and holding one of her front paws up a little. I examined her paw, couldn't see anything and trimmed the hair between her pads (gets really thick in longhairs) and she was OK. But then it happened again about a week later and I found a broken toenail that I didn't see the first time.

Just something you might check if it happens again. Only a little toenail, thank God, but she screamed as if she were dying.

[Krista]

Valerie Palangas is a former breeder of dachshunds and has written an article on back problems. She sends out free copies via email upon request she is very knowledgable about dachsies.

valeriepalangas@hotmail.com



[This message has been edited by Krista (edited April 25, 2000).]

[loving two dachsie's]

Thank you everyone for you responses. Bailey has a check up with the vet in may for his lyme disease shot, I am going to have him checked out. If it happens again before the visit I will bring him right over.

Someone gave me the advice of trying a little test. She said to put his back paw on the top and see if he keeps it there or corrects it to the natural way. I did this and he corrects it immediatley.

I am going to look for the signs. He has a very strong stance, he never walks like a drunk or wobly. I know these are good signs, but this could be the beginning of something starting ( I pray not).

keep up the great info, everyone is such a great help on the board http://dachsie.org/ubb/smile.gif

Linda

[Mark]

Hi Linda,

Duck Butter's pre-rupture signs were . . . walking stiffly, not holding her head up and wanting to stay in a dark place all day. The pain she experienced did NOT elicit a sound from her until the actual rupture. At that point - speed of treatment is extremely important. She was in surgery within three hours of the event and is now fully recovered.

Masse didn't have the rupture/IDD like Duck Butter. She had what was called a Spinal Infarction (spinal stroke). She didn't seem to experience any pain at all . . . in an instant she simply lost the use of her right rear leg (almost totally) and her left rear leg was about 40% functional. Also, her tail was seized to one side. Prior to her event . . . there were no indicators that anything was wrong. She was crated and medicated for 4-5 weeks and also fully recovered.

We were very lucky to have a reknowned specialist in IDD nearby. Dr. Wolf ( www.ovrs.com (http://www.ovrs.com) ) was great and during recovery in the clinic would carry Duck Butter on his rounds with him. In fact, everyone in the clinic doted over her constantly. I can't tell for sure, but I think that might be Duck Butter he is holding in the picture of him in the website. With Masse, he kept her overnight and examined her 3 times and had two other specialists examine her before prescribing the crating and meds (don't remember what the meds were).

In Duck Butter's case, I am told that the "signs" were unlike what many people consider the typical indicators of back problems.

I am glad that you're taking Bailey to the Vet soon . . . is he/she familiar with this Dachsie problem? I believe that an excellent preparation for any Dachsie owner is to just be aware of where the nearest 24 hour clinic with an IDD specialist is located. Then if there is clearly a problem . . . no time is wasted going to the regular Vet.

Please let us know how it turns out and take care.

Mark

[loving two dachsie's]

Thanks for the info Mark. Bailey does not have any of those signs but I know it could be different with all dogs. Having him checked out is best.

Someone also mentioned anal gland problems. Again I know nothing about this but Bailey rubs his but on the floor some times like he is trying to scratch it, and this wonderful person ( another dachsie lover) said this could be a sign.

I am going to tell the vet all of these things.

Mark, I have to ask how you got such a cute, and oringinal name like Duck Butter? I know there must be a cute story behind that name http://dachsie.org/ubb/smile.gif

Linda

[Mark]

Hi Linda,

Both our girls have the occasional gland problems easily solved by squeazing them empty. Your Vet can show you how (ours did). Yeah, when they travel across the carpet on their butts . . . it's time to "rectalfy" the situation. lol http://dachsie.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

Names? Well, a long, long time ago in another galaxy I played semi-pro (hustled) pool. So all of our dogs have had names within the slang terms of that theme. We currently have Duck Butter, Masse (pronounced mass-say) and Top Spin. Previous dogs were Three Rails and Double Bump. Got a few more ready in case we get more family members. http://dachsie.org/ubb/rolleyes.gif

Please let us know what the Vet says.

Mark