[Introduction & Questions : Harry (Dachshund DOB 25/12/2021)]Good day - thank you for adding us to Dodgerslist!
Kimberley, Northern Cape,
South Africa
[Posted Fri 9:30pm Je 15. S. Africa time]Harry is
6 months old, it is currently his second time around on crate rest. The first time (in March) he improved/recovered fairly quickly even though he had a visible weaker posture than before and was apprehensive of jumping and not did not play as rough with the rest of his pack (we have 5 more - 4 of which was rescued) as he used to - in about 3 weeks. Then on 06/07/2022 while laying at my feet under my desk he suddenly started crying in pain and could not get up from his laying Position.
We immediately started heat treatments and massaging and immobilized by putting him back on crate rest. The following day we took him to our local vet where they took x-rays of the spine and hips: he was
diagnosed with IVDD as well as early arthritis in his hip joints. He was put on
Rimadyl 25 mg for 7 days and
Epileptin [siezures]100mg for 14 days. He had bladder and bowel control and seemed to have some sensation in his hind legs and tail but no strength at all.
3.28kg/ 7.23lbs 6 mo 2 weeks old
Rimadyl as of Je 8: 25mgs for 7 days, then 6/15 Test STOP: _pain/ _neuro
We have been trying to keep him as still as possible, but he was getting quite depressed and frustrated in his crate - so we put up playpens in the classroom, bedroom and on the lawn for him where he can be confined but can have interaction with the other 5 babies besides the
"physio" we give daily and him being VERY needy with MAJOR separation anxiety - wanting to be with mommy at ALL times....
In Kimberley(Northern Cape SA) we do not have access to laser therapy or professional veterinary neurologist or physio therapists and we have to make due with what we can to offer him the best possible care. Seeing that he is SO young and having is second bout with IVDD symptoms, I
have ordered him walkin' wheels so long - which have to be imported as well and can take up to 2 months to arrive - seeing that chances will just get bigger that he will have more problems as he grows older... Further more we are trying to manage his weight as he is a chubby little boy (even though he is only on a special dachshund pellet diet) which in not helping the situation at all.
As it will be
6 weeks on Tuesday - I am
going to start him on water therapy and
try to get him to try walking in a sling.Hy is VERY fussy about hygiene and after every potty time he MUST e cleaned with baby wipes and have everything powered with his favorite brand baby powder... he is pulling up his hind legs and his tail and try to pull into a fetal position if the wipes are a bit too cold for his linking. He stands with support(sling or when body is supported and
wags his tail and lifts his tail at times if he get excited. His
Right hind leg is visibly Weaker with less sensation than the Left hind leg. His feet both have sensation and he will pull up his leg when I massage his hind feet(paws).
We are saving up to order him a light/laser therapy unit as it is clear that he will live with this debilitating disease for the rest of his life and he is SO very young still. We will do anything to give him as good an normal life as possible!
QUESTIONS
☆ 1 Is there still currently pain?
At times it seems that he is uncomfortable, but it is managed with heat and massaging.He gets more and mor active even though his hind quarter is very weak.☐ shivering, trembling
Only when he is overly excited now ☐yelping when picked up or moved
Only when he gets anxious when he thinks Mommy is leaving the room and not taking him with ☐ tight tense tummy -
more relaxed - at times a bit constipated, probably becase he is not getting enough physical exercise.
☐can’t find a comfortable position, appears restless -
Only when he thinks Mommy is not close enough to his liking☐
Arched back Yes☐head held high or nose to the ground -
No - mostly normal posture from mid-body upwards☐ Holding front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight -
No☐Not their normal perky selves? -
Was looking a bit depresses, but is better now, as long as the rest of the pack and Mommy i s close by at all times2 How much does your dog weigh?
3.28 kg Age?
6months and 2 weeksA.. meds currently given
None at the moment date of a NSAID stop [Je 21/22?] 21/06/2022☆ 3
Harry gets constipated at times due to the lack of exercise, causing nausea and gag reflex. He gets Protein daily to aid his diet which seem to keep it under control. ☆ 4
Miniature dachsund,
Harry; Gerda☆ 5
Diagnosed with IVDD as well as early arthritis in his hip joints -- Is the vet a general DVM?
, Dr R. Nel - Vest4All Kimberley.m
Closest specialist and veterinary neurologist is in Cape Town -(about 1000km away)☆ 6 What was the date you saw the vet for CONSERVATIVE treatment?
08/06/2022 [June 8, 2022] Super tried and true tips for setting up the recovery suite, the mattress and more! —> dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/
STRICT means:
Almost 6 weeks now - only now starting him om water therapy and supported (sling) movement besides his messages. Restricted to his crate with playpens set up and a stroller to move him around.- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no dragging or meandering at potty times.
- no PT - no chiro therapy
Why Chiropractic is not recommended for pain for an IVDD dog: dodgerslist.com/2020/04/22/chiropractic/
DOGs with BLADDER CONTROL. Carry to and from the recovery suite to the potty place and then allow a very few limited footsteps.
Using a sling (long winter scarf, ace bandage, belt) will save your back and help to keep a wobbly dog’s back aligned and butt from tipping over.
A harness and 6 foot leash is to control speed and keep footsteps to minimum as you stand in one spot.
An ex-pen in the grass is an excellent alternative to minimizing footsteps with the physical and visual to indicate there will be no sniff festing going on!☆ 8wobbly walk? No H
e is pulling up his hind legs and his tail and try to pull into a fetal position if the wipes are a bit too cold for his linking. He stands with support(sling or when body is supported and
wags his tail and lifts his tail at times if he get excited. His
Right hind leg is visibly Weaker with less sensation than the Left hind leg. His feet both have sensation and he will pull up his leg when I massage his hind feet(paws).
