Rudy from MI update

[Rudy's Mom]

Just to recap a bit... On Aug 26 Rudy was admitted into a vet hospital for back problems. This was a overnight stay with IV's. This is also the 2nd occurrence of back pain. First time was not as bad as the second. This time he was very wobbly but still could pass the foot flip test and felt pain when paw was tested. No X-rays in Aug just June.

Treatment is 3 weeks of crate rest and steroids. With a follow up visit to the neurologist. I have an appointment on Sept 12.

Okay.. Today is mid 2nd week and I am finding it very hard to keep him in a crate. But trying real hard. I have managed to keep him off the furniture and out of my bed. (my apartment has ramps for everything) He really wants to play with his toys and walk around outside. He is looking at me like he has been a very bad boy... Any suggestion? When he does go out to potty he is a bit wobbly but perky. It is like he is stiff from all the crate rest. Has anyone else had this conservative treatment? I sure hope I am doing the right thing. I have talked to 3 vets and they all say the same thing... That this is the correct procedure. I guess I won't know really until I have my appointment with the neurologist.

This is the first time of being a Dachshund owner and I did not realize all the health issues they have.

Rudy has allergies to his vaccinations, a host of pollens, bad knee caps and bad back. I love him very much and will do anything to make his health better. I just hope the bad health stops here...

I am not wondering if I should contact the breeder... It has been 4 years... I don't know if that would do any good..

[Oscar's Mom]

Poor Rudy, hope he's better soon.
I think a responsible breeder would want to know about the problems you are having with Rudy. They could breeding lots of pups with the same problems and if no one ever tells them about the problems, they might not know.
Keep us posted on how he's doing.

[dutchman]

First off I make no claims of being an expert but have lived with several dachshunds who developed back problems and have done some additional study after my little Aggie went down in April of 2000 and never made it our of the hospital due to neurological complications following emergency surgery.

First off in the case of mild or slow onset symptoms crate rest and steroids can be very successful. My mother brought back one of the dachsie girls we had when I was growing up using this method. When surgery is critical and time for that surgery is critical is with very rapid onset symptoms which include rapid onset paralysis and especially if there is a loss of deep pain response.

Keep up the good work it sounds like Rudy is a fighter and has a very good chance of recovery if you can keep him quiet.

Best wishes and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[MARTHA]

Good luck to you and Rudy. The "Girls" send lots of "Take Care" kisses. Keep us updated

Martha (and the "Girls")

[Carol A. Smith]

Dear Rudy's Mom: I know you are having lots of problems with Rudy right now. But, please don't let this situation make you believe that *all* dachshunds have multiple health problems, because that is just not so. By and large, this is a healthy, hearty, long-lived breed. But, if your pup came from a poor background, a puppy mill, a BYB or some other less than savory place, you may be experiencing the effects of poor breeding, poor care, poor genetics, etc. etc..

Please, don't assume that all dachshunds are like your Rudy.

And, I do hope that Rudy continues to improve.

Carol, and the healthy pack <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm12.gif" border=0>

[Rudy's Mom]

In hindsight, I realize that the place I got him from was not the best. I also know that not all Dachshunds are a illness prone as mine. I guess the excitement of getting a dog shadowed the reality of how bad this place really was. What I really would like to do is give this breeder a piece of my mind, which would only make me feel better. I also know that Rudy is getting the best care and love one dog owner can give. If and when I do get another Dachshund I will do a better background check on the breeder.