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Margaret820 · Oct 18, 2011, 11:11 AM

My dachshund Bailey is 5.5 years old and just starting having back problem Saturday. I took her to the vet on Monday and they put her on steroids.. By Tuesday morning she was paralyzed on her hind legs. I rushed her to special neurologist and she is having surgery as we speak... I am so worried about her! I hope she is able to get around on her own again.. I heard it takes 6-8 weeks for recovery! I feel so bad I can't stop crying!

JudyKayTee · Oct 18, 2011, 11:19 AM

I don't think there's anything we can tell you that your Vet hasn't told you.

Fingers crossed for her recovery. Come back and let us know how she does.

Margaret820 · Oct 18, 2011, 12:16 PM

Thank you for your concern. I will keep you posted!

Secret12345 · Oct 18, 2011, 12:29 PM

Don't WORRY ! I have a weiner dog that is 1 and a half . She is very playful but duchaunds are known for having back problems! So many have operations and I did some research only 1.5% of the dogs don't survive this operation. He/she will be back up and running in a couple of weeks you'll see! Best wishes

JudyKayTee · Oct 18, 2011, 12:57 PM

I found this site which is very upbeat and helpful - Dachshund back problems, and common owner mistakes.

Rest following surgery appears to be the key to a complete recovery.

Your dog is very lucky to be with you - in this economy (and because of callous owners) a lot of people would have had her put down.

Again - let us know!

JudyKayTee · Oct 18, 2011, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by Secret12345

DONT WORRY ! i have a weiner dog that is 1 and a half . she is very playful but duchaunds are known for having back problems! so many have operations and i did some reasearch only 1.5% of the dogs dont survive this operation. he/she will be back up and running in a couple of weeks you'll see! best wishes

Please - the OP is worried enough. She doesn't need to hear the mortality rate which, by the way I can't find. I don't know how you found a mortality rate when you don't know the type or extent of surgery.

Please post your research.

Your answers have to be more helpful and well researched if they are going to help anyone. This is your second answer today which is not on point and, in fact, incorrect. Your input is welcome. You just need to be careful what you post. Some bad advice can upset people and seriously affect someone who is relying on help.

paleophlatus · Oct 19, 2011, 01:03 AM

The back surgery is not THAT dangerous. In fact, the anesthesia is the part of surgery that is the most dangerous. The surgery is tricky, but is probably a necessity if she is to have a chance of walking normally. The neurologist will discuss her prognosis after surgery, as it depends on how much, if any, damage has been done to the spinal cord. The surgery is done to relieve pressure on the cord at the site of the ruptured disk, and to clear out the disk material that was squirted into the spinal canal space around the cord, when the disk ruptured.

I hope the news is good for both of you.

Aurora_Bell · Oct 19, 2011, 06:07 AM

Also sending my good wishes. Please keep us posted.

Margaret820 · Oct 23, 2011, 03:46 AM

Thank you all. She is still recovering from the surgery The vet said she will need 6-8 weeks rest and won't be back to normal for about 6 months... I have a long haul ahead of me... But she is sooooo worth it! She is the best!

JudyKayTee · Oct 23, 2011, 06:04 AM

Margaret, I was so happy to see that you had posted and could hardly wait to get here a read what was happening.

I am so happy for both of you!

Margaret820 · Oct 25, 2011, 03:26 PM

Thank you all for posting these important messages to me! Baily came home yesterday and has a very long recovery ahead of her. She is able to urinate out doors with help from me holding up her legs and squatting her down to the best I could.. I am so grateful for that, As far as going #2 (LOL) she will go when she has to... Yes that is right it will just come out of her... I am thankful that is happening out side too! I have to massage her back and hind legs as often as I could.. I put her in her standing position as often as I can and try to make her stand. She stays up for about 3-5 seconds and tends to lean to the left. I am hoping in due time she will be on her own. For now I have to relax and let everything happen as it should... I have high hopes that my dog will be up and running and taking walks with me within the next few months... I want to thank everyone for your concern. This board helps me a lot and puts my mind at ease! I cannot thank you all for your concern,, ♥♥ Keeping the faith!

JudyKayTee · Oct 26, 2011, 06:45 AM

Margaret, I can't say too many times how happy I am for you - and Bailey! This is good news and you (and Bailey) offer hope to anyone who is faced with a decision concerning back surgery for his/her dog.

This is great news.

Aurora_Bell · Oct 26, 2011, 07:22 AM

Thank you so much for comingback and letting us know the good news! I am so happy to hear little Bailey is on the mend! She sure is lucky to have such a wonderful moma in her life!

JudyKayTee · Oct 26, 2011, 08:19 AM

Double agree with Aurorabell. After some of what people post it is refreshing to see someone who actually loves and cares for her dog, knows that medical costs are part of the dog owning package.

Refreshing!