HELP! my dog has calcified discs anyone with this experience

Grimmerick
Grimmerick Posts: 3,342 Member
in Chit-Chat
I am beside myself right now, Found out yesterday my 5 year old dachshund has 4 calcified disks in his back. Today he is on pain meds and anti-inflammatories. He was a little wobbly on his legs last night but could still walk and potty, this morning he can't walk at all. He doesn't seem to be in pain and he still peed when we took him out this morning although he couldn't stand up to do it. The vet said he would probably need an mri and surgery, but I also had a coworker tell me her friend had a dachshund with this issue and she did a steroid injection, anti-inflammatories and traction and it helped her dog. Anybody go through this before? What did you do? I don't want to put him through the pain and healing of expensive tests and surgery if he won't really get better or if I am just prolonging the inevitable.

Replies

  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,342 Member
    anybody?
  • alglenn2013
    alglenn2013 Posts: 97 Member
    I worked in the veterinary field for many years as a vet tech, and doxies are notorious for having back problems due to their long body and short legs. It's important to keep them very lean. Extra weight on the spine can increase the likelihood of them having spinal problems.

    For now restrict his activity completely. In and out to go potty and that is it! He needs to keep taking his meds and get plenty of rest, and follow up with your vet at the scheduled times. There is a chance he might not need surgery, but not following the doctor's orders could increase his risk.

    There are canine chiropractors that might be useful for a second opinion, but I don't know that they would do much for him while his injury is so acute. There is also acupuncture and laser therapy that could help reduce inflammation and increase mobility. You definitely have other options available to you, but sometimes surgery is still necessary. I would say follow your vet's instructions and if he doesn't show improvement ask for a referral to a specialist, and discuss non-surgical options that might be beneficial to him.

    This isn't necessarily a death sentence for him, but you really have to take strict care of his back.
    1.If he is pudgy get him on a diet! Your vet can tell you how much he should weigh.
    2. Don't pick him up in the middle of his body. Scoop him with both arms, one arm in the front and one in the back of his body. This way his body weight is supported evenly.
    3. Keep him confined to a small area, NO STAIRS!! Only allow short walks outside to go potty!
    4. If you have slippery floors get rugs and mats to help him get traction.
    5. Rest rest rest! He needs his meds to keep him comfortable and time to heal.

    Good Luck! I know how hard it can be when your baby is hurt. He's has youth on his side, so take good care of him and hopefully he will recover. Feel free to hit me up if you need a virtual hug! ((HUG)) here have one anyway!

    edit to clarify a point :)
  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,342 Member
    Thank You sooo much!!!! he is crated during the day and at night to sleep normally so I will restrict his movements even more, he is a little pudgy so he is on a prescription diet now. Thank you again!

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