My doxie's hind legs...

[ashton]

Hello, My doxie has been dragging his hind legs for bout 4 days now. He's normally very active and right in line with his weight. Not sure if he hurt his back or hips, I know they are prone to these types of injuries but I haven't seen him fall or hurt himself lately.
I'm in a huge financial crisis and am seeking options to have his condition looked at.

Any ideas...?

[rainbow]

I'm sorry to hear about your doxie. :sad:

There is a plan out called Care Credit that a lot of veterinarians are offering now.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[scol]

Ashton,

It is vital to have your doxie seen asap. It might end up being less expensive than waiting. After that you can weigh your options

My cocker suffered a disc injury four years ago, and my vet prescribed absolute rest and steroids. That was is it. By his symptoms she made the diagnostic, and she was of the opinion that though x rays would maybe pinpoint which disc, it wouldn't change his outcome. Because it was treated quickly the outcome was positive.

Good luck!!

[bendyfoot]

If nothing else, PLEASE CRATE YOUR DOG NOW. Don't let him scoot around the house. Take him out only to pee/poo, you carry him out, then right back in the crate. Your pup really needs to be seen by a vet. When a dog goes down from a back problem, the likelihood of surgery helping decreases significantly after only a few days. Your best bet right now is likely steroids and crate rest...SEE A VET.

Is your dog pee/pooing on his own, and controlling it, or is he leaking/dribbling? If the latter is the case, the situation could be further complicated by a UTI if the bladder is not being fully emptied...this is something you can help with but again you need a vet to evaluate this and show you how to manage it.

Good luck.

[SnowDancer]

I am making an exception and replying to your post as I have officially become a lurker only. BUT I CAN'T STAND the thought that your Dachshund has been in this condition for 4 days. Believe me, I do understand the financial constraints you are under, but I am 100% certain your dog has Dachshund disc disease - the severity of the disease will be known only after an X-Ray. If your pup's condition is very severe it may already be to late for reasonable recovery - it all depends - perhaps only one disc is affected - with my 2 guys it was every disc in back and neck and they had the surgery -no choice for them. If only a couple of discs are affected, you will of course have to have the X-Ray to determine, but then these days dogs are kept at home - in a crate - a small crate - because as movement returns - if it does - Dachshunds feel they are better and try to move too much which in turn causes a setback. You will have to administer steroids to your pup an help with all bodily functions. Absolutely no walking, carrying about except to take outside to do business. I would call vet absolutely immediately and be very clear when paralysis first started. It is called an "event" and can be just walking down the hall, chasing a ball - nothing noteworthy in general - unless of course a major jump from a bed or couch or stairs. You might get yelled at for waiting for four days, but then you can live with that. As advised by other poster check with Care Credit. If they can't help you, you might have to call a Dachshund rescue to see if they would help - but I caution you, depending on where you live and rules of organization, sometimes they will pay for Dachshund care, but will not return dog to original owner which is very hard on the owners whe they are very caring people who love their dogs, but can't afford the treatment. I guess their reasoning is that too many people would try to take advantage - only thig I can think of - and I guess in many cases this would be true, but certainly not the norm. Please call your vet now - if you allow this to continue and the pressure of the calcified discs starts pressing on the spinal nerves your dog will be in agony and you will really have a hard time picking the little darling up. If this happens, put on gloves and be prepared to be bitten. Try carrying with 2 people holding ends of a blanket. Dachshund disc disease is a horrible condition and despite breeding etc. you never know when it will hit - ideal weight, genetics don't seem to matter. Please report back on how things go with the vet. If the condition is deemed extreme - say with treatment your dog will regain say only 30% use well then you will have to think of the quality of your dog's life. I don't mean to sound harsh, I have been there and Dachshunds are not dogs who want to be invalids. 60% is doable. Also be prepared for a relapse should your pup recover this time.