Dachshund Paralysis

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Murphy Lewis

The Constable!

Barked: Thu Jan 7, '10 8:03pm PST


	My dachshund/chihuahua mix became paralyzed six days ago. The back half of his body does not work. He cannot control his bowels or legs. He can't even wag his tail. Murphy is my best friend in the world and I feel completely helpless. Other dogster owners have told me to post something in the health forum. I can't afford to get him the surgery he needs. The specialist he's now seeing is pumping him with steroids and prescribing a ton of rest in hopes that he will regain the use of his legs. Murphy is still has deep pain sensation which is a good sign. I'm struggling, though, because I fear I cannot give my baby the help that he truly needs. I've had help from local organizations already and everyone has been exceptionally supportive. If you have any tips or information to give me on how to deal with puppy paralysis and any treatments I can do I would greatly appreciate it. I am already giving him movement and water therapy but I am no professional. If you know how to handle incontinence in pets, too, I would love the help. This is breaking my heart and I just want him to be happy. I want to make this easy on him because I think right now he's struggling. Thank you for your replies!

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Spot

Boomer Did It

Barked: Thu Jan 7, '10 8:21pm PST


	We had several patients at work who were paralyzed from the mid-back down and chiropractics and/or acupuncture seemed to help somewhat. Not necessarily with movement in the back end (obviously that was permanent) but with maintenance and seemed to provide stress relief (mental and physical). I wouldn't hesitate to look into those alternatives. Good luck!

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Henry Miller

He's a tramp,- but they love- him!

Barked: Thu Jan 7, '10 9:05pm PST


	I'm so sorry about your baby. I don't have much advice. However, I know someone who took her mini dachshund in for a spay, and she came out of surgery paralyzed in her end. At first her mommy was heart broken. But now she gets along just great with a doggie wheelchair like these http://www.k9-carts.com/. She even plays with other dogs that are her size at the park! She does have to wear diapers inside. Good luck with your baby. I'm sending many good thoughts your way!

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Ando

Shepherd Savior.

Barked: Thu Jan 7, '10 9:26pm PST


	I would first recommend that you apply for CareCredit so you can get the financial help you need to get medical treatment for your dog. I applied when I needed help paying for Ando's recent emergency vet trip and it's great. Helps you pay your dog's medical bill over time. Next, I know some paralyzed pups get around great with dog wheelchairs like someone else suggested.

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Leah, CGC

All the Beauty- with none of the- Brains

Barked: Fri Jan 8, '10 6:56am PST


	Care Credit only works if your vet accepts it so first I would find out what your vet accepts or a local vet that accepts Care Credit. Wells Fargo also runs a credit service for animal hospitals. Keep in mind that if you apply for Wells Fargo today then Care Credit will deny you if you apply there in the next month. They flag accounts to prevent people from rackin up alot of credit through this company. This can make it tough especially if your local vet takes Care Credit but the ER takes Wells Fargo. I am sure you have already heard this but the longer you wait to do the surgery the less likely it will be successful. 6 days is a very long time in a paralysed dog HOWEVER that is not to say that sursing care and steriods will not help your dog reagain some function. I would not however put my dog through surgery if it was more than a week after the initial injury as it becomes much much less likely the surgery will be successful and you could use all that money for a new shiny wheelchair and nursing care instead of a 10% chance in surgery! Step 1) Sit down and have a realistic talk with your current vet/specialist about how far you are willing to go and where you want this to lead. If you are willing to put some time in you could provide some great nursing care to allow him to live a long time as a handicapped pet. But you need to make sure that this decision is the best for you, your family and your dog. Step 2) I would talk to a local animal certified Physical Therapist ASAP!! There are tons of excercises you could be doing to help your dog keep its muscles toned and ready to work. The worst thing would be if he reagained function but was too weak to walk. Step 3) Raise funds! Even if you can't do the surgery you will need funds for a wheelchair and physical therapy as well as medication to make him comfortable. Check out this website IMOM Step 4) Start looking for a wheelchair - there are some organizations that have used chairs for less money! Start googling and looking - your PT may be able to help with this as well! Step 5) Be realistic and opptumistic!! You are doing a good thing!

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Tucker, CGC,- TDI

Bloggin' Dog

Barked: Fri Jan 8, '10 7:18am PST


	So sorry to hear about Murphy's paralysis. I could not imagine going through something like this with one of my pets. Except for my human friends and family, they are the most important beings in my world, and it would break my heart to have something like this befall them. Still, when it happens to you/your pet, you cope with it as best you can, because there is really no other choice. I think the Care Credit is a great idea, but as Leah said, I think it's important to be realistic. If the odds are long that Murphy will regain functionality even with surgery, then your limited finances might be better spent in tailoring your environment to a handicapped pet, and in getting him the things he will need to have as much quality of life - ie, a wheelchair, etc. I don't believe that a wheelchair is the answer for all dogs with limited/no mobility, but for young dogs who sustain an injury but are otherwise healthy, I have seen them work miracles. Here is a link that discusses how to live with/assist a paralyzed dog. I hope it will be of help to you. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1522&S=1 We'll be sending you lots of prayers and POTP. Please let us know how Murphy is doing.

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Tiller- (Skansen's- Ira in the M

I DO Exist...To- Drive You Batty

Barked: Fri Jan 8, '10 7:45am PST


	Murphy, what I can best offer you is peace of my mind. Many in the Dachshund community....and I am talking about breeders with valuable stud/show dogs....would not opt for surgery anyway. Steroid blasting often is the choice of preference. I have been through this twice myself, one with much like you are experiencing now with my Dachs, Oscar, and then later with my very large GSD, Pogo, who severely ruptured a disc in his back (his vet, a lead surgeon at Tufts, said it was the worst he had ever seen, as if a "gun went off in his back"). Philo had surgery, Oscar did not. Mostly what you need is patience. If you are going to torment yourself, you will drive yourself nuts. Six months of cage rest is the protocol of expectation. Neither of mine took that six months to regain use of their hindend, but it is a good figure to keep in mind. It is good for you to come to terms with particularly if he has IVDD, which means that there is higher likelihood this might happen again. It's tough, but they are dogs....they are resilient. Be kind, supportive, diligent and don't beat yourself up This is a good link to read - http://www.12many.com/duchwood/backproblems.html

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Captain- Thumper

it's- all- mine

Barked: Thu Jan 14, '10 12:49pm PST


	I am so greatful to finding this thread..not for me but for my wife Princess http://www.dogster.com/dogs/449759 a few days ago her back finally gave out,her disk have calcified and the vet said he said it could snap at any time. She no longer can stand on her hind quarters. He has her on steroids and he said if this doesn't work, she is going to have to have surgery that her mommy just cannot afford, they live on a tiny income and that may not work at this point. She went down so fast. Her mommy has to carry her outside or to the potty pad. She can't do it on her own any more. The other day they gave her an IV as she was dehydrated. If this med do not take care of the pain, he will put her on something. Will you please pray that the meds will help her,She just cannot walk.Her upper spine does not look good.The Dr said from the looks of the three discs they could go anytime. She is going to have to learn how to get around without the use of her hind legs.... till. Taking a deep breath.....please send some thoughts and prayers...the POP to my wife Princess.....who truly needs a miracle.

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Princess- Davia~ILM

Born to love and- be loved by my- Thumper

Barked: Thu Jan 14, '10 5:39pm PST


	My sweet Thumper, from what I have read here they are talking about being paralized due to an injury. I have three discs that are badly calcified. IF I were to gain the use of my legs, I still have a huge risk of snapping those discs. I don't want to be caged for the rest of my life to keep my spine from snapping. My Vet said that without the surgery, this is certain to happen. I run a risk of a cart tipping over and snapping my spine. My darling husband and family are caring for me and they are wonderful. I feel so bad that I am so much trouble. I am not afraid to take my journey to the Bridge. I just don't want to leave my darling husband and son and daughter. Our daughter Tassy and her husband Vip are expecting their first child Feb 21st. I want to see my first grandbaby that is going to be a girl. My darling husband, we will find a way. We just need to stick together and figure it out. I adore you and love you with all my heart. Should something happen don't feel guilty. We know that everyone is doing all they can and that is what is important. There is so much love going into this care.

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Chili-hotdog- , hold the- onions,

Chili

Barked: Thu Jan 14, '10 9:24pm PST


	Murphy Lewis--hope you are feeling better now. I know there are some things that can be done but that is a decision you and your family has to make. My family and I will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

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