My 8yo dachsund has lost use of his back legs. The vet told us he had 3 ruptured discs in his back and was going to treat with medication. Am wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what the outcome could be. Would surgery be helpful or just prolong his agony?

If he were mine, As long as he is not going to live in agnoy I would allow the vet to try it. Here is a link with pet wheel chair info .it.https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/wheelchairs-pets-217426.html?highlight=eddies+carts

Here is a another link post #7 has a different type made of pvc.https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/dog-wheelchair-184522.html

I have a doxie and know a few that have had the back surgery and even one in a wheelchair like Bush suggested (great suggestion by the way). Doxies are known for back problems and therefore there has been great research on the topic. I say that if the vet says that he is not in pain give it a try. They can still lead happy lives even if they are paralyzed.

If the dog is totally paralyzed, has no pain response in his hind legs, cannot control his bladder and/or bowels, medical treatment is less likely to work. If you decide on surgery, it needs to be done ASAP before the damage becomes permanent, this can happen within a matter of hours.
I ruptured two discs several years ago, on a holiday weekend, when my doctor was out of town. I was admitted to the hospital but was not referred for surgery until my MD returned on Monday and she promptly hit the roof. Next thing I know, I'm having an MRI and then in an ambulance to neurosurgeon. I still have a great deal of numbness in one leg and a limp. My doctor told me that if I had not gotten the surgery I would have been permanently paralyzed within two days.
I have had no back pain since then--I'm certainly a big fan of the surgery if the dog's condition is not improving!