Dogs as children (Read 752 times)

Beagles and Doxies are 2 of my very favorite kinds of dogs (with the exception of that nasty little Doxie a block over who is gonna get my foot through his face one of these days--either that or he'll end up roadkill as he crosses the street to chomp on my calf). He is an awfully cute and sweet looking guy. I hope he comes through with flying colors and no future scary health issues.

thanks for the good wishes, folks. Since doggies don't understand "don't move", they put them under to do MRIs. Then, once the doctors locate the specific problem area, they go straight to surgery. Which is where he is now. Sigh. pitrunner, you asked about symptoms. At first, all I noticed was a sudden unwillingness on his part to go up his steps to the couch or to beg by standing against my shins. I took him to the vet Saturday and it was diagnosed as a disk inflammation... as long as I could keep him still for a week, it would get better on its own. BUT, I was told that if he suddenly started walking crazy (drunken) or started dragging his legs, then this meant that the inflammation was now pushing against his spine and that it would be an emergent (aka, go to the ER) situation. "Don't wait." After Saturday's vet visit, which came with a cortisone shot and a fist full of prednisone, he perked up and was acting fairly normal. I caught him trying to go up steps and trying to jump a few times. But I also missed a couple times, and he managed to launch himself off the couch on Sunday afternoon. Things went downhill after that. Over the next few hours, his back legs started working less and less. By 11p, it was obvious that he was doing what the vet said to watch, so we went to the doggie ER. The doggie ER, like the people ER, is a scary place at midnight. The only other pets at the ER at midnight on Sunday are pets in really, really bad shape... and also pet owners who are missing a few screws. While I was there, one guy brought in his two little dogs because they were acting lethargic. Lots of testing ensued. After awhile, it turned out that all these dogs ever got to eat... EVER... was one daily portion of cooked meat, with hamburger grease as a treat sometimes... never dog food, never vegetable material. Dogs are not carnivores (cats are). These dogs were malnourished. I overheard a 30 minute conversation with the vet regarding doggie eating. It was strange. Anyway, Tobias stayed overnight at the pet hospital. When I talked to the neurologist at 8a, his back legs had pretty much ceased motor function. He still had (and hopefully has) some sensation of touch and pain... which is very good news. Assuming the surgery goes well... 80-90% chance of that... he has a 4-6 week recovery period. YIKES. Most breeds of dogs would have a 5-10% chance of recurrence down the road once this happens... but dachshunds with their long backs and squatty legs have a 20% chance.

Sorry to hear about Tobias. Hope recovery goes well. I have 2 doxies & let them jump onto the sofa. I know I shouldn't. We were just talking today that we need to get another set of steps for them. They have a set by the bed so they can get up & down from there. They are stubborn aren't they! But that's what makes them special. I'll be thinking of Tobias. Let us know how he does. Vicki

Stevie Ray Robert... ongoing hugs to you. ongoing hugs & healing vibes for Tobias J Funky. health & peace of mind for you both. it's nice of you to think of the 'parent types' as you're going through this. thank you. as a parent to kids & to dogs... neither is easy. how is he? (mta. sorry. missed page 2..) how are you?

SR - He probably just plain don't feel good. Poor little guy. And there's no way to tell them, "Hang in there!" Hope he comes out of this just fine and dandy. We don't have kids, but have 5 cats, and have had to bury two in the 21+ years we've been married. Our oldest is 18+ years old (and is actually irritating the heck outta me at this very moment 'cause he thinks he should be on my lap ). It never ceases to amaze me how their furry little bodies just crawl their way straight into our hearts.

Good luck with your doggie! I have a soft spot for all dogs coming out of surgery because they have no idea what happened and why they feel bad. I worked at a vets for 4 years (bit 2x both times dachsunds!) ANyway I am sure he is wondering where you are!

Thanks so much for the in-depth run down of the symptoms. I always like to pass on doxie back info to my sister so she can have a better grasp of what's normal and what's not. She's very protective of their backs, but they're little rapscallions and you can only do so much. Lots of healing vibes going out to little Tobias! Hang in there buddy!

Oh no, keeping all fingers/paws crossed. Don't worry too much about anesthesia - I think it is common for animals to come out of it cranky. I know mine have. I was once waiting to pick up my cat after a procedure and couldn't figure out what was taking so long, it turned out no one could get near her since she was growling and biting so much. Alas, she was fine once she readjusted at home. <--- this guy is definitely my child. this="" guy="" is="" definitely="" my=""></--- this guy is definitely my child.>