Disk Calcification

[Rudy's Mom]

I just found out this week my 3 year old baby (Dachshund) has calcification of his disks(11-14 area). It all started on Sunday he was fine one minute and not the next. There is no paralyses it is only painful. So painful he was having a hard time with bowl movements. He has a tendency to arch his back when he goes. Of course right were the calcification is. The treatment plan is Prednisone for 10 days, loose 2 1/2 pounds and no jumping on and off the furniture.

Any suggestion on how to move forward with weight loss and the furniture thing. I have cut down on the food and added green beans. Any one have ideas for a small ramp for the couch?

Any one else have a Dachshund with this medical condition? This is a big blow to me and finding it hard to deal with. I am owned by a Dachshund and need a support group to get me through.

[Heidismom]

I am so sorry to hear of your baby's problem! Yes, my Heidi had this. She did not need to lose weight, but her treatment was the same almost 8 years ago. I bought lots of footstools, and none of my furniture is high, anyway. Have you a furniture store in your town with ready-to-finish items? They may have a name of a carpenter who could make you something like those ramps they use in shoe stores for measuring feet and sliding on shoes - and cover it with carpeting for traction. I just had Heidi put to sleep Monday, but it was age/not able to stand anymore and nothing about her back. I hope your furchild makes a quick recovery! Julia B.

[Bart]

Our oldest, Henry, has the same problem. He slipped on some ice not long after his 3rd birthday and torqued his back. X-rays revealed that he has the beginning of calcification. He was on prednisone for about a week to ten days.

We have since switched to BARF. As part of their meals, the boys now get glucosamine (you can buy it wherever vitamins are sold). I'm not certain how much the glucosamine is helping Henry, but he has been his spunky self since we started. Everything we have read says that it will help prevent back/joint problems...so it's worth a shot.

------------------
Bart, Mandy, Henry, and Jake

[doxielvr]

I have heard of the BARF diet but what exactly does it consist of? I'll take any advice that could possible help my dachsie from futher disk injury!

[Rudy's Mom]

He is doing better, still a bit slow and not up to playing with toys yet. He seems hungry and can't wait until he gets supper. I know part of that is the Dachshund in him.

I think I have a lemon for a dog. The list of aliments just keep growing. Not only his back has problems, he also has loose knee caps, allergic reaction to all of his vaccinations and is currently on allergy shots for a long list of pollens. I have 2 vial sets and that means 2 injections.

He is my baby and would not give him up for the world.

Thanks for the support.

What is the BARF diet? At this point I will try anything....

[Heidismom]

Probably someone with more info can tell you in more detail, but it is Bones And Raw Foods, so it consists of raw meat and bones, and pureed vegetables, plus vitamins and other nutrients. There are postings about it on other bulletin boards, and I think on this one, to give you more particulars. I just know that you do NOT cook the bones - or they'll splinter. Julia B.

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by Heidi'smom on July 12, 2001 at 06:16 PM</font>