PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on May 25, 2013 7:47:13 GMT -7
Living With The Fear Of IVDD by S.D. reprinted from the Dodgeslist Facebook page
IVDD is probably scarier for us than for our dogs! Having had two dogs with IVDD, in which one entered crate rest (Mia) not 2 weeks from the time the other got out of crate rest (Yanna), I promise you I had all the fears everyone has. IVDD is a nasty disease - a disease that keeps robbing those discs in their spines of the needed moisture to keep the discs hydrated. As a result, the discs lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae and start to calcify (harden). It’s an ongoing disease - IVDD just keeps marching on. On my birthday of all days, Steve rushed into the house carrying Mia saying she was in pain. She had been chasing squirrels along the fence line. I stayed calm this time (I was Dodgerslist trained by now) and knew exactly what to do and the crate was all ready to go. But recrimination started flooding into my brain. “Why didn’t you do something to prevent this? You knew about this disease – you knew this could happen at any moment to any one of the three of them or all three!!! We shouldn’t let her chase squirrels!!” My brain was spinning while I called the vet, got her into the crate, etc. After things were under control and she was resting peacefully in the crate, I started thinking rationally again and reality hit me like a bolt of lightning. We ultimately don’t have much control over a lot of things in life. Living life carries risks. Everyday activities bring risk. We were born being mortal - that IS the ultimate risk of all. The challenge is about living and what we do with whatever time we have and what quality of life we choose to fill our time with. It’s about the journey – not necessarily the destination or the duration. I’ve decided our dogs understand more about life than we do in many ways. They don’t know pity. They don’t know “can’t.” They don’t understand “may never.” They don’t give up. They don’t get discouraged. They epitomize “where there is a will, there is a way.” To them, life is about finding a way because they constantly possess a strong will. For them, each new day brings the promise of another good day to get MORE - more food , more treats, and more love. If they are a dachshund, each new day brings another opportunity to chase a squirrel, capture any type of interesting prey, to have a wonderful sniff fest and, maybe, make some progress on the ultimate dachshund quest of world domination through their stomachs. With that in mind, as I looked at Mia in her crate, hugged Yanna, and kissed Rimini, I decided right then that the best thing I could do for any of our girls was to continue to make the house as back friendly as we could (it was already pretty good but there were still things that could be done) and then do everything in our ability to help them to live the life that THEY value each day. And what we value and they value are very different. Would Mia care if she ended up walking wobbly as long as she could chase a squirrel? NO! Would Mia care if the runners I had to put down over the hardwood floors so she could get good traction won’t qualify our home for the cover of a home décor magazine? NO! Will she care if she has to chase those squirrels in a cart in the future? NO! Will she still love getting attention and affection and continuing the quest for world domination through her stomach via all the food and treats she can beg me out of? YES!!!! Therefore, we needed to do everything in our power to help her to enjoy HER journey in life rather than thinking in human terms. We needed to put aside our fears and stop thinking about how “we” would perceive life if it were us, or wishing things were different or wanting them to be the way they were before we knew about IVDD. And we need to realize that we can’t always protect our sweet dogs from life. Although life is never the same after a life-changing event such as IVDD, our challenge is to move forward just as strongly and surely as our dogs do. Mia is doing great today. Yes, the first time I let her chase a squirrel, my heart was racing. But the thrill of watching her fly, with ears flapping, and the glitter of joy shining brightly in her eyes let me know that I was doing the right thing in helping her to enjoy the best life she can. I know if she could talk, she would tell me that she IS willing to accept the risks her life brings. And in the future, should she need a cart to fly, she won’t care. If anyone might care – it would me because I’m human and not dog. Having learned what she values, if she needs a cart, I’ll get her the one in which she can fly the fastest and safest in and I’ll open the door for her to fly out rolling along to continue her journey in life and able to derive the priceless enjoyment of a squirrel chase. How to overcome your fear? Maybe it is really about learning to control the fear and living with it. Maybe it’s about suborning our fears so our dogs can fulfill their journey in life. Watch your dog enjoy life and learn what is most important to them. They know it’s not important if they walk wobbly or need a cart to fly. They know to take life a moment at a time and enjoy it for all it has to offer. They know that the very best meal of the day is the one they’re eating right now. To learn not to let our fear govern us, we probably should look at life a little more like a dog does. We need to love them and help them in whatever way they need in their journey while realizing, that although life with IVDD can change in a moment’s time, it is ultimately about the love we share in the journey. Perhaps our dogs know more about it than we do. Mia has since developed degenerative heart disease. We thought we were going to lose her in April when she suffered from Endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart) but she is so strong and with her help, so are WE. Great vet care quickly saved her. She pulled through and is doing very well again today. However, her heart is very enlarged now. You may be saying to yourself right now, "Bet you aren't letting her chase squirrels anymore!" If you are, you are wrong. She IS willing to accept the risks that her life brings and life IS about the journey - not necessarily the duration. I have to suborn my fear of losing her so that I can continue to allow her to enjoy HER journey in whatever way she still can for as long as she can. I'm still opening the door for her to chase those squirrels and I know if she dies while in the midst of that chase with that glee in her eyes, she will die in just the way she would have wanted to - happy and thrilled with life in the chase. Oct 2011 update: Mia passed 4 weeks ago today - her heart just couldn't carry her any further. What a legacy of life lessons she left with me! Always face the future with HOPE and take each day and treasure everything in that day! Each moment is all any of us are promised.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on May 25, 2013 17:30:31 GMT -7
Thank you for that. Good stuff.
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Ticker Marie & Daphne
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New problem - uncontrollable kicking of back legs when walking
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Post by Ticker Marie & Daphne on May 31, 2013 20:45:35 GMT -7
Yes, thank you for that story. I will certainly keep that in mind when Daphne wants to chase a squirrel when she is finally off crate rest. It's one of her favorite things to do. I was worried she wouldn't be allowed to do that. Can't keep them in a bubble, they need to enjoy life. Your story helps put things in perspective.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Jun 1, 2013 9:25:17 GMT -7
I still hold my breath when Polly runs around the back yard. Her face is so full of joy I can't help but think its a risk we'll just have to take.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jun 3, 2013 17:52:47 GMT -7
Wonderful article! Thank you
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Post by Aimie & Sampson on Jun 28, 2013 19:49:39 GMT -7
I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing that story, I don't feel so alone and have more hope. My Samson (in the photo, he's the one on the left) hurt himself in March and has fully recovered after his crate rest.
Before falling in love with dachshunds, my husband and I had a couple of golden retrievers (spread out through the years). Our last golden, Sully, came down with what seemed like a stomach ache one weekend and by Sunday, his stomach was gooshy feeling. Home remedies weren't working and my gut told me he needed help, so we took him to the vet ER that Sunday night. I thought that we'd be coming home with some belly problem meds. Tests revealed that his insides were filled with fluid and that the fluid was putting pressure on his internal organs. He must have had cancer for a while and never 'said' a thing. The vet there said that we should leave him there overnight because he wasn't well enough to travel. Our hope was to bring him to our regular vet in the morning and have the fluids drained and put him on treatment, but the vets other words of reality were just below the surface. Sully was dying. On the way to our vet, he tried putting his head out of the window. He hadn't done that before. We all gave each other a glance and nodded that we would allow it. He fell unconscious in the back seat. My daughter (who was with him) seemed to have called him back from death. He was clearly in shock (grey gums, barely hanging on to consciousness). When we arrived, our vet told us that it was just too late to save him. If they drained the fluids, they would fill up again in less than an hour more than likely. Sully hung on long enough for my son, his boy, to say goodbye. It was one of the saddest days ever for our family. The point of sharing the story though is that I don't regret letting him put his head out the window and live while he was alive. Because of that experience, we let our Samson chase squirrels too. I wouldn't judge anyone who made a different choice, because every circumstance is different. Anyhow, thanks again and thanks to who ever is responsible for this website.
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Post by roseenglish on Jul 3, 2013 4:40:46 GMT -7
Very moving. Sat here crying
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Post by Goonipaseo on Jul 6, 2013 11:00:48 GMT -7
Paula Milner, with such beautiful eloquence you put to words what my heart feels. I swallow my human fears and watch my happy little dog love life, dangers and all. Sure I try to clear the way to make it easier, but in the end, I'll be like you, letting him bask in joy! Thank you again, over and over and over, for your part in Dodgerslist and helping Goonie and me get past those 'dark days' and come again into the light of Joy! God Bless!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,884
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 6, 2013 14:44:05 GMT -7
It is a very beautiful way to look at living with the fear of IVDD. A former moderator was the one who explained, I have merely reprinted it on the Forum for all members.
So glad to hear Goonie is back enjoying all the family activities, maybe with new required help to be carried up and down stairs and no jumping off of furniture! LOL
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Nina & Theo
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one year later, all is well…….
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Post by Nina & Theo on Oct 15, 2013 6:14:29 GMT -7
What a beautiful and eloquent discourse.....and so very moving.......I brought theo home late yesterday after his surgery on Friday .....we had a difficult first night and I was sitting here this morning, trying to wake myself up.....theo is resting in his crate after having gone out to potty, had his meds and breakfast .......... I am not that religious but I do feel blessed to have found these words just now as I was indeed worrying about his future.....I am grateful for this reminder to enjoy what we can of each precious moment.......for in truth, that is really all that we have. Thank you, Paula.....
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Post by Aimee & DixieBelle on Nov 12, 2013 13:25:44 GMT -7
What a beautiful story Paula. It really makes me put things in perspective. I live in constant fear with Dixie Belle all the time. I don't want to deprive her of being the happy dog she is but at the same time I want to protect her. This story was very encouraging and believe me I need all the encouragement I can get right now since Dixie Belle has another ruptured disc in her neck (different location) and it may require another surgery. dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/1111/aimees-dixie-belle10-conservative-neck
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Post by Sam & Oreo on Nov 25, 2013 22:27:48 GMT -7
Thank you for that.... It made my husband and I both cry as we are dealing with our little man in the hospital right now recovering from surgery- just hoping and praying that he can walk again!!
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Post by Mary Jane&Kingking on Jan 27, 2014 18:35:54 GMT -7
Those are life lessons. I need to learn then as well. Now I'm going to hold my baby again and love on him.
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Post by Cill & Levi on Apr 16, 2014 12:22:56 GMT -7
This was so helpful, I am already terrified about how I am going to handle Levi when he is off complete crate rest. He is an extremely active, live in the moment little Shih Tzu that likes ripping socks off your feet and runs like a gazelle. He is my heart, but somehow I will have to let him live his life the way he wants to. I am so protective of him - I love him so much.
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Post by Kelly & Bob on May 1, 2014 12:01:41 GMT -7
This was extremely helpful, mentally. I have to keep this in perspective and re-read this when I am worried. Cill & Levi, just like you, my dog is so active. The vet used to call him "wildman" when he was a puppy and he used to jump like a goat. "Run like a gazelle" happened daily! I will make things as back friendly as I can and hope for the best. At least I have insurance for him, though I'm expecting a rate increase after this surgery! lol
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Post by Dee & Gidget+Molly on May 7, 2014 10:14:54 GMT -7
Hi, Paula. I just joined this support group earlier this morning and did post but I can't find it. I'm not sure I did it correctly. I just finished reading your post about Mia's life journey and have tears in my eyes. It was so good to read. I have my Molly being crated right now due to an injury in another part of her back than her surgery site which was January 5 of this year (2014). I would like to know you read this since I'm not sure I put the original thread on correctly. Thanks Molly's thread is here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/1718/delores-molly-26-conservative-grad
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Post by Marie & Winnie on Aug 6, 2014 20:08:24 GMT -7
Thank you for this
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Post by Brenda & Fancy on Aug 9, 2014 10:53:10 GMT -7
These posts have really helped me to realize that I will have to let Fancy do her own thing with as much protection as I can give her inside. She is the grab the sock and run, and she loves to play with her mother. Besides teaching them to use the ramps, I know Fancy will use a ramp as she uses stairs to get up on the bed ( which I will have to change to a ramp), however, she will use the stairs, then turn around and jump off the bed. What are other suggestions or ways are there to IVDD proof the house? Thank you all so much for sharing your stories. All these things enter your mind as you watch your dog lay in the crate day after day. Answer to ramp training given on Fancy's thread: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/1997/brendas-fancy-26-surgery-maltese
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Post by Sidara&Magic Bean on Aug 23, 2014 7:54:28 GMT -7
Hi. My name is sidara. My dog magic bean has had 2 episodes so far. He is a 7 lb pickachow. On the 25 of this month (aug) he will have been off crate rest for 3 months. I am so scared he will get hurt again. I know I stop him from running around and being a dog but he is my baby and u hate to see him in pain. My son wants to get down and play with him on the floor but then he gets to jumping will play king of of person lol and I am just so scared. I used to take him everywhere now he has only been home and the vet ( we go for walks but not to long) i have read everyone's stories and I know I need to let him be a dog but the min he starts to run I flip out. Pick him right up. My mom wants me to bring him to her house for the weekend when I go there but they have dogs and I don't want him to play with them. There is always that thing on my head that says no no no he can't do that it's going to hurt him again., how do I tell that voice that he is a dog he needs to have fun he needs to play.
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 23, 2014 17:16:58 GMT -7
Sidara, dear, let your sweet little Magic Bean run and enjoy himself. Exercise is good for his back. It will strengthen his back muscles, which will help support his spine. Gradually lengthen his walks and if he has a safe place where he can run, let him run. Roll a ball slowly for him to go after - not too fast because sudden stops aren't good. And no zig zag running. And yes, continue to discourage jumping on your son and of course on and off of furniture and discourage rough housing with other dogs. You can take him with you in the car - just be sure he's safely secured either in a padded crate or a doggy bed and lift him in and out of the car. Unfortunately, despite all of the precautions that we take, IVDD can occur again. Hopefully, Magic Bean will never have another episode. But he's been cooped up in a crate and he needs to have some fun. As one vet told me, let him run while he's able to.
Blessings to you both.
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Post by Angie & Ollie on Jan 21, 2015 9:54:00 GMT -7
So sorry for your loss of Mia. You have an amazing story to tell and I feel so fortunate to have read it. I feel so much relief that has been troubling me day and night. Thank you so much.
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Post by Alicia & Reggie on Feb 6, 2015 11:51:48 GMT -7
When I originally read this a few months ago, I "didn't get it". I panicked reading your story. I thought, oh Lord, I so can't let Reggie run and let him go after his IVDD conservative treatment. Now, after 7 months, I "get it"! He runs and I run after him yelling at him "NO RUN"! He doesn't care, yes, his left side sags a little the next day but is he happy? Yes. Did he enjoy his run? Yes. Will he ever be "normal"? No. But he is here and he is loved and he isn't in pain and he is enjoying life as a weiner dog!!! Thank you for this post. We will keep plugging along and making our home IVDD comfortable for Reggie and yes, he may end up in a cart but you know what? We only have these sweet babies for a short time and I am so thankful I still have my baby. He has come so far, from total paralysis, no bladder or bowel function and horrible pain, to being the fearless alpha dachshund he has always been! My fears have been subsided because I have made myself educated on IVDD, that is the key. And with the advice and support of this site I could not have done it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and Reggie's heart.
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Post by John & Marley on Feb 6, 2015 12:51:46 GMT -7
Now, after 7 months, I "get it"! He runs and I run after him yelling at him "NO RUN"! He doesn't care, yes, his left side sags a little the next day but is he happy? Yes. Did he enjoy his run? Yes. Will he ever be "normal"? No. But he is here and he is loved and he isn't in pain and he is enjoying life as a weiner dog!!!
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Roy & Abbie
Helpful Member
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Post by Roy & Abbie on Apr 23, 2015 9:51:18 GMT -7
Thank you for sharing Paula, as you say, clear the way and let them live!
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Post by Jennett & Nathan on Aug 17, 2015 15:43:39 GMT -7
Thank you, Paula for posting this and thank you Paulina for recommending. You really made me think about this ---life IS uncertain---everything in life is a risk--but your story really helped me put into perspective. Nathan will do what his doggy brain tells him and enjoy life--and I will let him. The difference now is that I am very aware that there is alternative to surgery (which we could never afford again anyway) so that if he should have future problems I know I do have other choices to help him recover. I am forever grateful to this forum and all the positive success stories and support--Nathan and I are here to stay!
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Post by Lori & Scout on Sept 10, 2015 18:30:32 GMT -7
So, so sorry to hear about Mia. What an incredible dog she was. Thank you for posting this. My doxie had her second episode of IVDD two months ago. I keep wracking my brain wondering what did I let her do that caused this? What she did was dog stuff...running, playing, happy dog stuff. We can take precautions but short of keeping our dogs confined forever, we can't eliminate all the risks.
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Post by Beth & Zoe on Oct 25, 2015 15:34:57 GMT -7
This really hit the spot for me. IVDD was something that was going to happen to other people's dachshunds, not mine. Remington had a few weeks of crate rest many many years ago and has been fine ever since and he will be 14 on the 29th of this month. Zoe ... oh Zoe though, is on the floor recovering from surgery. It is so very really for me now. Wondering is Zoe will ever walk normally again or be able to chase a ball makes me so sad. I have always described Zoe as joy personified. She just exudes happiness in everything she does. Seeing her just lay there is heart breaking. Remmy, being an old man now, just makes me worried every time he does something.
Even looking at all the "grad" marks under people's name give me hope. She will heal from this.
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Post by buzzle & Carley on Jan 18, 2016 19:43:47 GMT -7
Thank you for sharing your sweet story, because as pet owners, we have all lost our best friends along the way. To share these stories help others get through their tough times. Our sweet little girl is having her back injury moment. Reading your story helps me to just thank the good Lord for one more day.
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Post by Gloria & Harry on Feb 16, 2016 14:36:14 GMT -7
Harry is on week 4 of crate rest and doing well. He is off meds now and I can look forward to his release in a few more weeks. Before this episode, Harry always slept in bed with me, and his fur-brother Oscar still does. I have stairs and both boys used them to get on the bed, but I know there were a few times Harry would skip the stairs and just jump down. I wouldn't feel him move until I heard him jump. Once he's released from crate rest, I'm worried about sleeping arrangements. I can switch the stairs to a ramp, but what if he skips it? I hate to keep making him sleep in the crate while Os ar is in bed. Should I get a soft-sided pet carrier and put Harry in that and then put the carrier on the bed? What do others do? I don't want to restrict Harry's enjoyment of life, and he always loved coming up to me and waking me up. I sure have missed that.
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Post by Lisa & Sassy on Mar 20, 2016 19:27:03 GMT -7
I am learning to try to live with the fear of our Sassy running in the back yard. My stomach lurches each time I let her down. Still pretty rough waters for me right now. I know I am the one with the fears. Our Sassy is fearless. Even though it has been a while since Mia passed I am sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was amazing.
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