I know this isn’t DIY related but we’re friends and I believe in the power of prayer. If you do too, please say a prayer for our doxie, Niski.
No specific injury but from what I’ve heard, it’s common in dachshunds. Last night we noticed she didn’t seem comfortable and was panting and acting a little differently. This morning she was walking funny and it looked like her back legs were dragging. There aren’t too many things worse than seeing a pet in pain. I took her to the vet a.s.a.p. It’s her back. We opted for trying meds first. They didn’t do x-rays at this point because treatment is the same with/without them and they could diagnose by her symptoms that it’s likely a disc problem. They put her on muscle relaxers and steroids. If she doesn’t improve or gets worse in two days, we have to make a decision. She will need surgery that isn’t 100% guaranteed to work. Although there is never a good time, the timing is the worst for us financially. My heart is breaking.
Please say a prayer that the meds work and she is running circles around us again in a couple of days. She is a sweetheart. Always happy. It breaks my heart to see her in pain. She’s 5 years old. She’s a mini and a dapple. She is probably borderline overweight but only eats once a day. No people food. She does jump on the occasion that she beats us to the couch but we usually have her blocked from it because of her allergy to the wool rug. She’s been trained to stay away from the stairs so she doesn’t go up and down those and again, she’s blocked from that room when we aren’t around. Anyone have a similar experience? Any advice?
We appreciate your prayers more than ever.
If you’ve been a follower for a while, you might remember her being guest blogger (here).
Thank you!
I'm so sorry, she's just a baby too. You hate seeing your pet in pain, they are almost like another child and definitely a member of the family. Your "little girl's" in my thoughts.
Just wanted to say I'll be thinking of you and little Niski! I grew up with dachshunds and have one of my own now. Gabby had a similar back injury a few years ago. We don't know how but one day we noticed her dragging her back legs a bit. The first vet we saw told us to do surgery to a cost of $3000. I was ready to bust out my credit card but my hubby suggested we get a second opinion from our own vet (we'd taken her to an emergency vet as it was late at night). Our own vet suggested trying to crate her first. Gave her steroids and then we kept her in a small crate so that she couldn't move around. She was allowed out occasionally for bathroom breaks but that was it. No cuddling on the couch or anything. It was hard on her and on us but she made full recovery in a week! We haven't had a problem since (although she's rather overweight and does go up and down stairs, even though we try to get to her before she does…).. Hopefully Niski will have the same experience- will be thinking of you!
Aww! I have a doxie, so this breaks my heart even more! Hopefully meds, and rest will help her!
I am sending up prayers for your baby! I know the feeling and I hope she gets well soon. Please keep us updated and stay strong!!
I don't have any personal experience with disc problems but I know of two other people who's dogs have had some sort of back/disc problem and had to be on meds. Both of them did great and improved.
I hope your little Niski does well with the treament! It is so hard to see you pets in pain and not be able to help more. I had a dream last night about my dog having a seizure. I don't know why but I've been watching him all morning wondering if it was some sort of warning!
My heart is breaking for you. I absolutely adore my pets as it sounds like you do ~ and I can only imaging what you are going through.
Im crying reading this because my little Ace(a yorkie) had the exact same thing! I dont wish it on anyone! Praying for you guys and let me know if you have any questions, I know its hard!
Wow! I have the same story as Emskyrooney. Our doxie "Honey" did exactly what described. We took her to the ER vet and they said $4000 non-guaranteed back surgery, give her steriods, etc, or for the low low cost of $80 they could put her down. Our family was in hysterics. After the vet left our room, My husband, kids and myself layed hands on Honey and prayed for her right then and there. God knows our hearts, and he wants to give us our desires. Within 2 weeks of limited mobility she was back on her feet again!! Within 2 months she was chasing rabbits in the field! Praise God! Sadly, she got sick with fluid in her lungs and died last year, but she lived for 4 active years after her back issue!
I'll be praying for you!
This is so sad I hope she gets better, I'm rooting for her. How much would the surgery cost? I love animals and would donate some $ to help her get her surgery if she needs one. Let us all know about her progress, this is so sad =(
Don't worry too much. I have one and her back "acts up" I almost had her put to sleep. The doctor gave her steroids (predisone, I think) and pain med and KENNEL for rest. She was even paralyzed! Once the medicine kicks in, they are fine. My Slinky dog came walking out of her kennel one morning when I thought she would never walk again! A miracle! It is VERY painful for them when their back is out. Keep her comfortable. Mine will start to walk funny or look sore, I just call the doctor and start the meds again. I hope it's the same for you. I am not kidding, my dog was BAD and she is fine now.
Thinking of you.
Missy
My dachshund had issues with his back about 2 years ago. He ran out the front door into the street and ran into a moving car! (It just so happened that he ran into the back tire of the car, but didn't get run over). He seemed fine a first, but a few days later he was yelping at even the slightest touch on his lower end. I brought him to the vet, and he was put on steroids. The steroids really helped with his back pain, but I noticed 2 big side effects in my dog. 1) he got doggie ‘roid rage. He barked a lot more than usual, and had a “I want it and I want it NOW” attitude, especially about food and bones. 2) He gained 3 lbs in the 2 weeks he was on the steroids! This caused his back pain to worsen because of the extra weight. At that time, the vet and I decided to take him off the steroids (because they were a contributing factor to the weight gain) and put him on a strict diet. I put him on Beneful Weight Management, and followed the feeding directions to the letter. In 2 months he lost the weight, and was feeling better overall. He hasn’t had issues with his back since, but I definitely make sure I keep him at a health weight so it won’t irritate the old injury.
I'm so sorry! I hope she gets better soon
Praying for her, Roeshel! The Lord knows your heart and whatever he chooses to do with her, the results will be perfect…for you and her!
of course! prayers right away for your sweet baby. hang in there!
I dont ever comment on blogs.. but we also have a Mini Dachshund who is my heart. I feel horrible for ya'll and will definitely lift up a prayer.
I'm thinking of you and your little pup. Here's to a fast recovery. And after reading everyones comments, I'd say go for a 2nd opinion!
Sending good thoughts. My grandmother went through the same thing with her dachshund. The surgery wasn't an option for her, because the issues were too severe and her dog was too old they said. But they created a little cart for her rear legs that allowed her to move around on her own.
I'm sure it's not an option for everyone, but it worked in her case. I would try to get a second opinion. Best of luck!
My thoughts and prayers will definitely be with you. I lost my 12 year old pomeranian/sheltie mix this year and it broke my heart. I've never been so devastated- I hope the meds work for you, our pets are such a huge part of our lives.
A friend of mine recently had the same problem, they opted for the surgery but their dachshund did just fine and is perfect once again! Another friend had this happen to their french bulldog and the meds work so hopefully that brings good news to you.
Poor baby! I will pray for sure.
After reading the other comments, it sounds like with some rest and meds, your sweetie will soon be feeling better. I will definitely be saying a prayer!
I had the same thing happen. Steroids, rest, and HYDROTHERAPY did the trick! She was better, but not great in 3 days and it took another week to get back to 90%. MUCH of our send home therapy involved holding her suspended in a laundry tub filled to the brim with warm water. She'd paddle away while we held her with her head just above water. Worked GREAT! Good luck! I'm praying for you all!
Kim @ Anthroholic just had the same experience with her doxie as well! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all she needs is some medicine and a little TLC!
Oh my goodness! Definitely saying prayers for your baby. And for you guys, too. Hugs, prayers and much love.
Your dog is a sweet heart…and I am thinking of her and you through these trying times…the exact same thing happened to our very small chihuahua Olive just 1 year ago so I can honestly say that I know where your at right now…at only 3 yrs old she only weighed 3 lbs and had to go through with the surgery.
Due to her very small size the docters knew it would be a very difficult surgery for her…she faught and faught but did not make it through.
I am praying for your little one and thinking of you!
I'm thinking of your little pup and sending wishes for recovery. From reading other comments I hope you feel encouraged that there are some non-surgical option…fingers and toes all crossed. When she IS feeling better, I suggest a little carpet-covered ramp up to the couch. A little puggie of ours was very happy to trundle up and down the one my husband built.
I'm sorry I wanted to mention that our vet did not diagnose Olive fast enough and due to this there were the complications…by the sounds of it your vet diagnosed your little one very quick and this is crutial in the recovery…my prayers are with her…stay strong!!!
A doxsie, a mini, and a dapple…sounds just like my Bella. We went through this with her starting in February. Meds helped for a little while but her pain came back and we had two options from that…Surgery or put her down. Well, she's part of the family and loved by all so she had surgery.
Her first vertebrae had ruptured and most of the disc material had adhered to her spinal cord from the first incident. She has recovered well although at the end of the day she drags her little foot. After surgery, Bella was also put on a diet and was only given a specific amount of food a day and she's lost 2 pounds. Doesn't sound like a lot but as you know for a doxsie it helps greatly.
I'm sure others have said this but keep her as still as possible; in a crate if you can. It's hard to do but will help her recover if she isn't too bad off. Leash her when you take her outside so she doesn't run around. Right now any movement will make things worse. We found that out the hard way.
Good Luck! And prayers for your doxsie.
Aaaawww 🙁 Turbo and I will pray for her. I am always nervous about the Doxie back issue. I hope she is feeling better soon!
Awwwwww, I'm so sorry for your furbaby! Just said a prayer right now! 🙂
Oh, she has the sweetest little expressions. Prayer — already done. I hope she feels better soon.
My prayers are with you and your baby!
Oh – I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet little pup. I'm praying for him and your family. I hope everything turns around.
Very sorry to hear about your poor pup. I said a prayer. Hope it all works out.
One of my dogs is just turning 5 years so I know you feel like you're falling deeper and deeper in love with her each year.
Have you been online to look for something natural that can help correct this without the expensive surgery? Are there any sort of braces you can buy for her? Maybe think…what would a human do if this happened to them?? Follow that?
Animals are so innocent and don't understand what's happening.
Well, I'll say a long prayer for her. She IS adorable.
Kelly
Our dachshund just went through this in January. She was to the point that surgery was the only option. She is 5 as well and our option was surgery or have a paralyzed dog for the rest of her life. We took her up that night for surgery and she was home 2 days later. She was on lots of meds and had a catheter in for 2 weeks. Once the catheter was out she was free to walk around and we did lots of therapy with her. The place we went to is very progressive and they had her doing exercises and water therapy twice a week. It's now been about 5 months and she's probably 95% better. She's never allowed to jump or go up or down even one step. She'll always have a slight limp but most don't notice it if they don't know she had the surgery. Our total for the surgery and rehab was over $5000 but again the place we went to is on the cutting edge of doggie rehab. Many places have them crated for up to 6 weeks after the surgery and the prognosis isn't as good in those cases. Just be sure and research any place you plan on taking her and ask them about their post surgery care.
Sorry for such a long comment but I know how hard this can be.
Aw, poor Niski! Gidget & I will be praying for her. I just met a little doxie that was 13 years old the other day at a garage sale. She was kind of hobbling around & the owner said she broke her back a few years ago but still gets around okay. Hopefully Niski will be back to normal soon!
Awww I'm so sorry I had a dog run away back in Feb and there is nothing hard then losing a pet. My prayers are out to you.
We're all praying for you. If the need comes, we'll start a donation site for you. Just love her right now and pray for the best.
Oh I'm so sorry. I have a doxie too and I would be absolutely heart-broken if something like this happened. Bentley and I send our prayers for your little sweetie. Please keep us updated on her!
Aw Ro, love and prayers for you and Niski!
So sorry to hear about your pup, hope she gets well soon.
My parents had a similar issue with their mini doxie a few years ago. They couldn't afford surgery, but did steriods and pain relievers. They also kept her crated. After a few weeks she made a full recovery. She's been fine ever since.
I wish the best for your Niski. I, too, will probably have to make a decision like yours. I believe my St. Bernard, Zeus, either has hip dysplasia or arthritis. He just turned 10 yrs old this month.
So, my thoughts are with you and your beloved doxie.
I follow your blog but don't think I've ever commented – Niski's photo warms my heart and my little Ollie (our full-size doxie) says get well soon! Thinking of you!!
Oh…my when I saw the headline of your post…I feared the worst. Yes, complete rest in a crate with the steroids may do the trick. I have four doxies myself. Knock on wood non have had back problems. But….I had one that lived to be 17 that did. She didn't drag her back legs but she would shake all over and press her nose into the ground and walk hunched. I would race her to the vet where she would then pretend that nothing was wrong and I would have to re-enact what she was doing…they would send us home with pain pills.
After a week or so…she'd be back to her old self. She was about 8 at the time. This happened about three times over the course of a year….and then I quit my job and started working at home. I started walking 3 miles every night. I started taking her with me. She loved to run as fast as she could at the end of her leash so I'd walk as fast as I could. We did this for four years almost every night and she never had another episode. Ever…..you know walking strengthens the stomach muscles in people and therefore helps the back.
Alas….I got a boyfriend and didn't have the time to walk as much after that….but she did fine right up till the end of her life at 17. When she started failing at that age….she had a stroke….I took her in and they did x-rays to see if there was anything else going on and the vet said…she had a slip disc long long ago….I'm surprised it didn't give her problems. I said..that it had but then we'd exercised a lot and it was never an issue again.
Also….a neighbor of mine has a little black and tan male and he was dragging his legs…same thing as your's. They did the surgery….I think it was two thousand. This neighbor slept on the floor with this dog to keep him happy during his recuperation. He made a full recovery! I now see him out running all over the park. It took awhile. He had a hard time at first and walked slow and hunched. But now if you see him….you'd never know there was ever an issue. And it has been about 5 years since it happened.
If it were my dog and my dogs are like my babies….I'd have the surgery. If it comes to that. Dogs are truly amazing how they can heal and come through hard ship. They accept limitations so much better than we humans. I've seen several dogs that you never ever thought they would live another day and they made it through and went on to live very happy healthy lives.
I would do the surgery if it comes to that but I am praying that it doesn't come to that. I will have you and especially Niski in my thoughts….what a pretty little silly girl.
I am so sorry. My "grandpuppy" had back problems last year and had two rounds of meds and thankfully has been ok since then. The first time I think she was on meds for about 10 days then about a month later the same thing hapened all over. 2nd round was for three weeks. She is much bigger though the Niski, she's a mutt and the love of our lives so I certainly know how you feel. I certanly will keep Niski in my prayers. They are family, no doubt about it. Blessings.
Oh my goodness I will say multiple prayers for her! I have a doxie too his name is Neeko and I would be devastated if this happened to him. I hope that she gets better really really soon. Keep us updated please! I will be thinking about her!
~Morgan
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!!
Meet Virginia!!!
Prayers being sent your way!! Our doxie had the sugery 5 years ago! He had one relapse that steriods and meds got him through last year! Hopefully the meds do the trick!!!
Sending best wishes for a speedy recovery!
I am already praying really hard for her. The Lord does miracles, even in doggies! This breaks my heart. I dread this in my own doxies all the time. I can't believe it has started already and shes only 5! Thats good that shes young though, she will recoup better. She has a good 7 more years At LEAST left!!!
…AND I agree with another readers idea. You should do a donation thing for her. Set it up though pay pal. Even if some people just give $1 think of how quick that could add up. People want to help! I DO!
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this! My husband and I have such a soft spot in our hearts for little doggies and I know it's so hard to see them in pain! I don't have any advice, we've never had a doxie, but lots of prayers and well wishes being sent your way!!! The best advice I got when our little guy was sick was to be calm, they get the cue from us so if we are calm they will be more calm!! Good luck, keep us updated!
Immediately go to http://www.dodgerslist.com. If nothing else read the recommended reading, emergency faqs and the message board links located at the top of the page. The not only have loads of information, but also a great message board with loads of support to help you through this. They are fantastic! Last April, one of our doxies had this problem with his back. We could not afford the surgery and our vet really didn't have any experience with this. We were preparing ourselves to put him down because he was in so much pain and did not have much hope when I came across Dodgerslist. Armed with the information from this site, meds, crate rest, love, loads of patience and a vet who worked with us, I can joyfully say he is having a good ole time chasing bugs in the backyard right now!
Oh my loads of prayers!! I will have to say I have seen this go well most of the time. They are lucky to be so small and easy to help with the back. I would make sure who ever does the surgery has done it a lot. Just to be sure. I know you may trust your regular vet but, just in case. It could be fine with meds and rest. I know you are having a time, it is never easy but honestly they handle this so much better than we do. I am praying for you all and I am sure she will do fine. She is young and will loose some of her extra weight if she has surgery. But it will happen in time too.
Hugs and prayers, Lisa
I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. I pray she gets well soon!
I recently went through a surgery issue with my 2yr old boxer mix, she mysteriously blew out her ACL. To make a long story short, the recommended surgery, referral to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon, would have been at least 5K, yet no guarantee. (We had just moved cross-country into a fixer-upper for my hubby's new job and cash flow was almost zero!) Euthanization was completely out of the question for us. I cried so much that night worried what decision I may have to make for our precious Casper. I called the vet back the next day and asked if there were any possible "Plan B"s if you will. His hesitant answer, Yes. He was able to perform a more simpler/primitive surgery on her, which took longer to recoop, much less expensive so we wouldn't go into more debt. She is now almost 12 weeks post-op and I am sooo thankful we asked for the vet's second opinion. She has some bad days, but you really have to stick to the post-op orders even though you may feel like you're being cruel by keeping her in a crate 24/7. Also, she had a reaction to the pain meds and it was an ordeal, to say the least.
I have two children and I have worried about my Casper just as much as if she were one of them. I'm so happy I can look into her soulful happy eyes and she knows we didn't turn our backs on her.
She is asleep on my foot as I type!!
I'm so sorry!
We have a doxie too & she had back problems years ago. We gave her Rimadyl, kept her confined to a kennel/tiny area for weeks and bought one of those little kiddie pools so she could do "water therapy". It took a few weeks but it worked! Now she has occasional soreness so we keep Rimadyl on hand and limit jumping/stairs/etc.
Good luck!
Prayers and well wishes from me to you! I hope she is well and comfortable again soon!! Its absolutely heartbreaking to see an innocent animal in pain. Good luck to all of you!
I am so sorry. It is so hard to see your pet in pain and/or sick. It stinks that the surgery may not even work. I hate making those types of decisions!
I will keep you all in my prayers that the meds work and she will be just fine!
I'm soo sorry!!! Will keep you and Niski in my thoughts. Sounds like you're sure it's her back. If you have any doubts, though, you might check her stomach. I have a basset hound, and last fall he started not acting too well and couldn't get comfortable. The next morning, he couldn't walk. I rushed Gus to the vet hospital, and they assumed it was his back but, after x-rays, it turned out he had a blockage in the passageway from his stomach to his intestines (I forget the fancy name for that). At the time, they told us surgery was our only option. Once they were inside, they also found an infection and were able to treat him better than if they had just looked at his physical symptoms. Once the meds wore off, he was back to his old self and we were SO relieved. Of course, in talking to other vets now, they say that surgery may have been a little extreme. Ohwell, just glad our pup is back in good health.
Oh, and in the event you do need extra medical care, you might look into places like the SPCA or other non-profit animal shelters for discounted procedures. Might be an option!
Praying for Niski! I know how special a pup can be in one's life.
I am so sorry. I will be praying for your sweet baby. Animals are just like our children, so I know how you are feeling right now. Keep us posted. Love & blessings from NC!
Thinking and wishing the best for your cutie little Niski.
Many many prayers for Niski! I know when our boxers are in pain it tears me apart inside… I hope things improve quickly!
Gucosamine and Chondroitin. Food and treats specially labeled are easiest to administer (check labels for the highest amounts, as some only contain trace amts). They are also available in tablet form that can be given hidden in treats or crushed and added in food.
Rest. Lots of rest.
Short walks to reduce weight (as tolerated).
Keep us posted. xoxo
I don’t have a Doxie, But I do have a Beagle with back issues. When I first took Pea-nut to the vet, they x-rayed him and said he has degenerative bone decease and put him on the same med’s as your baby. Once on the med’s he bounced back to normal within a few days. Every 4-6 months he will have problems and I will have to get more med’s for him. He doesn’t run as hard or play as hard as he once did, but does really well and as far as we know, he is not in pain on a regular basis. So I will be thinking about your baby and hope she recovers soon.
I'm so soory to hear about your dog. My pug had a hugh surgery about 5 years ago. She has chiar malformation. She had fluid at the base of the brain and neck, LONG LONG story, anyway 7,000 dollars later, she still has problems not as bad, but is on meds. I know how you feel been there!!!!! I did everthing for her!!! Hand fed her, held her to use potty, ect….. Maxed out a credit card for her. So I wish you the best!!! Maybe a doggie wheelchair ???? Take Care, I will pray for you 🙂
Prayer request? You got it!
Prayers definitely sent! We had a similar issue with our 10 yr old shih-tzu. Meds did the trick – hope it's the same in your case.
My heart aches for you. I JUST got a puppy and my worst fear is something like this. Prayers for you and good thoughts.
Your blog about your Dachshund broke my heart….Just this past Tuesday we had to put our dachshund of 10 yrs down. He had IVDD, where the discs in his back were ruptured, releasing a gel like substance. After 2 vet visits and no diagnosis, the gel hardened causing him extreme pain. Finally, after a trip to a specialist, we were told surgery was an option, but recovery was not in his favor since he was 10…we were faced with teh difficult decision to let him go. After reading all your posts, I am guilt stricken that he possibly could have been okay…Tucker was our son with fur. I'm so glad you were able to get your baby feeling better. Dachshunds are truly the BEST dog to have!!! I hope your baby heals quickly!!! Please keep me posted!
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Paige
Hi there!
I was out of town for a few days and came back to this post–so, sorry my comments are a few days later than everyone elses, but I had 2 things to say,
First, I have ZERO experience with dogs. Many of the people who commented seemed to know about the condition you were referring to, but I admit that I totally don't. But, my husband is a chiropractor and I know that there are animal chiropractors out there who can work wonders. I have no idea if they'd be able to help with the specific condition your puppy has, but it's WAY less invasive than surgery and way less expensive, too. I don't know where you're located or if you would even be interested, but if you wanted to email me (bethanyweed@gmail.com), I could have my husband do a bit of research to see if he could find a good animal chiropractor in your area. 🙂
And secondly, I DO believe in prayers and I'll say some for you. 🙂
I'm so sorry, you have nothing but my best thoughts and wishes.