When your dachshund is first diagnosed with Intervertebral disc disease, it can be a daunting and overwhelming time. I understand, as I have been through it. But what I have learned from my experience, I now share with others to hopefully bring some peace of mind and hope to those facing the same situation.
One of the most important things you can do is educate yourself on disc disease. There are many support groups ready to help you, such as Dodgers List, Handicapped Pets and The Dachshund Network, just to name a few. They are available to provide you with many articles and resources to answer your questions. At Dodgers List and The Dachshund Network you can become a part of their e-mail yahoo group to receive free support from their members.
If your vet is not specialized in disc disease ask for a referral to a vet who specializes in spinal injuries. Set up an appointment with the specialist to go over all your options and what you can do to best help your pet recover to its fullest capacity.
Patience with recovery time and nursing care of your dachshund is crucial. Whether or not your dachshund has surgery, the healing time is at least eight weeks. It is imperative your dachshund have strict cage rest, so the disc can heal and your dog has the best chance of walking again. This can seem very hard at the beginning. You may want to equate your human feelings to your dachshund thinking they are depressed confined to their cage. But just like a child, you are its parent and you must adhere to your dachshund resting 24/7 for the next eight weeks. This will greatly enhance their chances of a full recovery.
Keep a positive attitude. I am a firm believer our dogs can read our emotions. If your dachshund senses you are unhappy, they may pick up on it. Remain upbeat and tell your dog how great he/she is looking and doing. Keep your dogs crate in a busy part of the house so he/she feels like they are not missing out on anything. This will also help them to feel secure and not abandoned.
Connect with others in your area that may have been through this before. Being able to talk with others may help ease your worries and you won't feel so alone. Talk to your local vet and ask if they know of anyone else who has a dachshund with IVDD and if they'd be willing to talk with you. Or call your local animal hospital and ask if they offer any type of support as you go through the process of caring for your dachshund.
Don't ever give up hope. Even after 8-12 weeks if it looks like your dachshund may not regain full use of his/her legs, it is not a time to give up. These dogs can truly live quality lives with the help of a doggie wheelchair. Research various companies via the internet that offer this option, so if you are faced with that decision you will know who to turn to when the time comes.
Last, but not least, be grateful. Animals have a way of facing adversity with dignity and grace. They will show you just what it means to overcome a challenge by being positive. Find the blessing in the lessons they are teaching you and share that with others. Be grateful your little one is still here and their mind and spirit is happy and whole.
Barbara Techel is the author of "Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog," a 2008 National Best Book awarded by USA Book News. A true, inspirational story about her dachshund that started out walking in life until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Visit Barbara at http://www.joyfulpaws.com |
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