Dachshund with calcified discs in spine?

Question

My dog was just diagnosed with calcified discs in his spine, he is taking steroids and pain pills. So far they have helped a little bit. Just wondering if anyone else has any expereince with this and what you did

He seems much better with the meds and rest. He just keeps getting up,so I had tobreakout his crate which really upsets him. But it is for his own good.

Thanks for your input

Answer 1

I work for a surgeon and this disc problem (IVDD) is very common in dachshunds and other long-backed breeds. The medication he is on is a good place to start. I am sure your vet has already discussed with you the possibility of surgery if the meds don't help.
Keep a very close eye on his progress and if you feel that he is getting worse, take him back to vet as soon as possible. Dragging legs, turning rear paws under, not urinating, crying...these can all mean he is getting worse.
If he does get worse, the sooner you get him seen the better. So if you feel like he is getting worse after hours or weekends, be prepared to take him to an emergency clinic. Make sure you know where the closest one to your house is located.
Also, if he does well on medications, always remember in the future that this could occur again, so always be careful with him with jumping and climbing stairs.
Good luck to you both...I hope he gets better and stays that way.

Answer 2

Just because the dog has calcified areas in his spine, does not mean he will "go down" Remember to give him crate rest while the dog is healing, sometimes the meds make the dog feel better, therefore activity increases and harms the area further........ I gave my doxie a full two weeks of rest time along with the meds from an episode, he has three calcified areas. We use ramps for the dogs to get up on furniture and along the steps from the deck, Good luck with your fur baby.