Dachshund needs to be euthanized. Need answers?

Question

My friend's 2 year old Dachshund wasn't feeling well and she was taking her to the vet today but she said last night the dog suddenly just went limp and is now paralyzed. She has 3 crushed vertabrae. The vet wants to put her down but my friend says as long as the dog can use the bathroom, she is going to take care of her. Is it true that these dogs are common to have back problems? Should she put the dog down? I just want to be a good friend. How to help her?

Answer 1

We don't put people down because they can't walk. Get another vet, some vets just don't have the knowledge about disc problems. This is serious get to another vet ASAP. Don't put the dog down. There are many of us who have doxies that are leading •very• happy lives. Now here is how you can help your friend.

First and •very important• make sure the doxie is crated immediately.

Be *very strict* on this! Not to be out of crate except for potty break and then she must be on a leash and only walk as far as the leash permits or less. This is very important so that no further damage to the spinal cord occurs.

Second, join Dodger's list
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Dodgerslist/
immediately where there are many of us that can answer many questions for you almost 24/7 and give you first hand information in dealing with dachshund back problems. Tell you the pros and cons between medical or surgical treatment for the back problem. Over 1000 members world-wide who been thru this or are now going thru the same as your friend.


When you join tell us:

-- exactly what medications vet prescribed (btw if she's on prednizone or other steroid make sure she's getting an anti acid like Pepcid to protect the stomach)
--Did vet do just an xray, was he a neurosurgeon or specialist?
--Does the dog still have deep pain sensation?
--Does she have control to completely empty the bladder?

This page will give you some over all fast facts about disc problems.
http://users.cyberport.net/~milnerwm/fastfacts.html
--
Paula, Lewis & Clark
email: [e-mail]
Dachsie IVDD Care FAQ:
http://users.cyberport.net/~milnerwm/dachsieFAQ.html

Answer 2

Crushed vertabrae and the dog wasn't in any sort of accident? Not likely. Just sounds like a blown disk. Dachshunds are short of limb because of chondrodystrophism. This is what causes dwarfism in animals and humans. Beagles and corgi's are also dwarfs. Unfortunately this also gives them a higher percentage chance of having a genetic defect in the sheath containing the disk, and to be weaker than normal precipitating a blowout that puts pressure on the spinal cord and causing paralysis. The remedy is usually surgery depending on how deep the paralysis. If the dog can control its bladder then this is a good sign. Surgery is most effective if: one, you have an surgeon experienced in this exact problem and two, if you get the dog under the knife with 24 hours of the onset of paralysis. The spinal column starts to die within 24 hours of being deprived of blood and oxygen and thus the success from surgery declines.

Dogs that are paralyzed are NOT in any pain. Actually if the dog were in pain that would be a good sign and indicate that the spinal cord is not totally blocked.

Dachshunds that have lost the use of their rear legs and have to use the wheel carts do just fine. They do not know that they should have the use of all four legs. They adapt just as blind and deaf dogs do or dogs that only have three legs for that matter.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, dachshunds do form back problems due to the long backs. That's why if you own one you're supposed to keep their jumping up/down furniture, climbing stairs, and if they sit up and beg, to a minimum.

I have heard of dachshunds being paralyzed in their back legs and the owners made/bought a sort of wheelchair for them. They use their front legs to move around and manuever. I have no idea if this was something those one people made and how expensive it is if they are available.

If the dog is entirely paralyzed (cannot move) then it might be best to put her down. Your friend can go to another vet to get a second opinion on if the only possible solution for the pup is euthanasia or if there is something else. Unfortunately, if the pup is in pain, it's best to let her go and find peace.

I'm sorry.

Answer 4

It depends. Can surgery be done? If so, there may be help available for the dog. Even if the dog is paralyzed, there are little harnesses with wheels in the back under the legs that he could wear, and most dogs adapt quite well. Your friend may want to get a second opinion. However, the vet may have also based his diagnosis on what your friend told him. Is she willing to CARE for the dog? Even if the dog undergoes surgery, if he is paralyzed your friend will have to care for him. He may not have control of his bowels and may have to wear a little doggie diaper.

Not knowing all the facts it's hard to tell. But she could definitely get a second opinion and make sure it is from a board certified specialist that knows spinal injuries.

Answer 5

yes, this breed has back and leg problems. I would suggest to my friend that she carefully listen to what the dr is telling her and ask questions for a few days as they come up. This will also give her a few days of taking care of the dog in this situation. If this was my dog I would try to consider the dogs quality of life. Yes, this will be hard on your friend but she needs to think of the dog. Right now she is only thinking with her heart which is certainly understandable but there is more to consider. I am sorry that this has happened.

Answer 6

Her dog will be in a great deal of pain. I suggest you talk to your friend about the quality of life she will be giving this animal. It's selfish to keep an animal alive when it is paralyzed and in pain because your friend doesn't want to let go.

Your friends dog won't be able to do anything for herself, even go to the toilet, clean herself, run around in the yard etc. Her dog really would be better off if she had it euthanized.

Answer 7

Back problems are incredibly common in doxies. Have your friend look into a doggie wheelchair http://www.dogkarts.com/ I've actually seen quite a few dachshunds in them.

She needs to discuss with the vet how feasable one of these apparatuses would be for the dog's injury and go from there.

I'm very sorry about this. It must just be heart wrenching for her.

Answer 8

Yes, unfortunately it's very common for Doxies. They are breed long and low and the backs are problems. The dog is probably in pain. Her quality of life won't be very good. I think the vet is being realistic. You sound like a wonderful friend. I would just support your friend in what she decides to do and let her come to that decision herself. It's terrible to put down a dog and she'll need someone to talk to.

Answer 9

Dachshunds are prone to have back problems. If the quality of the dogs life is not that good, then I would euthanize it.

Answer 10

You say that the vet has recommended that the dog be PTS. Those decisions are not taken lightly. Explain to your friend what a cruel selfish, spiteful person she is. The dog has no quality of life, and your friend is to blame for that.