My 5yr old mini dachshund has had x-rays and the vet said she has degenerative spine disease. She is obviously in pain, walking hunched. The vet gave her anti-inflammatory meds and pain killers. They help but it does not seem like that much.
She is on kennel case rest for 3 weeks and I carry her to go potty outside and to eat and drink.
I worry about her quality of life as I cat afford costly treatment nor operations. Would it be better to have her put down to end her suffering? She is very much loved by the family and she is like one of my kids. This is not and easy choice. But is there any hope?

That is sad. I'm so sorry! Well, what you might want to do is try to network with friends and family, to see if you can raise funds. I have heard of some people that have gotten donations, no matter how large or small from people that are members of groups such as Facebook, MySpace, different animal support groups where there are animal lovers that might donate a few bucks to help if they can, because of their love for animals. Your baby is only 5 yrs. Old, and her life shouldn't have to be so short.

Also, what kind of food are you feeding her? You might want to switch to something that has glucosamine/condroitin, and calcium content, as well as other beneficial vitamins and minerals. If it's not in the food, the you can buy the supplements and add them. It may help strengthen her bones. Another thing you can get is the liquid Glucosamine/Condroitin, and add it to her water.

Also, I give my dog Goji Juice. I have heard many stories of how it can be beneficial, and even reverse deteriorating bone strength. I take it myself for arthritis, and a bone problem that I have, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. It is safe for dogs. However, in order for it to have the full effect, you have to get the right brand. I recommend Freelife Goji Juice. I'm not advertising it in anyway, I have just researched it, and have found it to be the most beneficial brand, and I find it really does actually work.

I believe the website is FreeLife Live It! : GoChi, Chi3 Energy, Daily Edge (http://www.freelife.com) If that link doesn't work, and you would like to check it out, I could try and find out where to get it for you. I just get mine locally, but I'm in Canada. I started my dog on it because of inherant hip problems, and I just hope it's doing what it's suppose to do. As I've mentioned, it absolutely works for me, and my dog has a clean bill of health as far as her bones go. Just a thought.

Maybe the anti-inflamatory's will help your dog some, and the pain will be reduced. If it were me, I would exhaust every other option you could, unless it gets really apparent that she is still in a great deal of pain. When it comes to that, I can only say that, although it's heartbreaking, the best you can do for her is to not let her live her life in pain. So sorry! :(

Has your vet mentioned Adequan injections to you? It's a series of injections (two a week for two weeks which can be repeated) which helps to rebuild cartilage. I've used this with two of my dogs (one is getting the injections now) and with great success. I would urge you to ask your vet about it. It really can make a dramatic difference.

Hi Starbuck,

The Adequan shots are expensive, $37 per shot. They get a course of four shots over two weeks and then, a month later, another course of four shots. So it's quite pricey, but nothing compared to the cost of surgery.

Just a quick follow-up re:cost.

When my dog goes for the shots, there is no cost for the visit. She goes in, gets the shot, and comes straight home. So the total for the treatment is under $300 over two to three months. (Of course, you can continue the treatments if it's warranted.)