Day 15: Ruptured Disk Recovery Day 12
9/3/2005By: Dachshund Lover
It has been just over two weeks since Odie ruptured his disk. With the long Labor Day Weekend we will get to spend more time with him. Molly is getting jealous when I go into the pen with Odie. The 4 foot by 4 foot pen is Molly’s area when we’re away at work and she want’s it back.
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Topics: Ruptured Disk |
I was just wondering, How much did that surgery cost to fix your dogs back. because a week ago my lab became paralyzed and we don’t know why, the vet said it might be a disk and that he would have to have surgery.
Amber, I’m sorry to hear about your Lab. Surgery on a ruptured disk is very expensive. In total, I believe the costs ran well over $5,000. It was worth every penny and I would do it again. I’ve seen costs on the low-side to about 1,500 to the high side like $5,000. It all depends on where you live. Things are highly inflated in California.
I am happy to hear your puppy made it through that. I have a 2 year old minature dashund named Abby, she is very active and we can never seem to keep her from jumping off the couch and so on. I was just wondering how old you dog is and how it happened. I always here people talking about their backs and it worries me. If you know anything let me know that would be great! Take care thanks.
Odie just turned 3 years old when he ruptured his disk. Odie is now 4 1/2. It was probably a combination of jumping and tight turning/stopping when playing ball.
Jumping is not the problem … it’s the landing. You may want help Abby down when she jumps up onto the couch. Also, get her a nice bed she can sleep on that’s low to the ground.
Fred, 8, 16 pounds dachshund, probable ruptured last disk at bottom of neck on 1/31–home care is challenging to say the least, keeping him quiet and trying to keep his little body from getting into the wrong position, which causes him to scream in pain and go into a spastic paralysis.***Has anybody been through this or have any hints and tips? thanks!
Sam, I’m sorry to hear about Fred. I’m assuming that you took Fred to your Vet. Your Vet may have prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for the pain and swelling possibly a muscle relaxer. We kept Odie in 4×4 pen on a big soft bed to quiet him down. The combination of the medication and rest helped with a speedy recovery.
Daudjer, 8, ruptured his disc (just below the rib cage) on the 27th, he was rushed in for emergency surgery and came home on 3rd. I breaks my heart to watch the once graceful and speedy boy, wobble around but he is walking, virtually pain free, and still with us. I work from home so he is able to have attention 24/7. I walk him short trips 4 times a day. You can tell he is mad he can’t be free to run around but I assure him soon he can be a little more free. I wish he could heal today and be back to normal tomorrow. His surgery was 2K and performed at Iowa State Univ., We use to live in California and heard the surgery could run close to 8k there.
When we brought Odie home from surgery, his legs were very wobbly the first couple of weeks. He had to be supported with a walking-sling (which I gave up on and just supported him with my hands.)
After about 3 weeks he was wobbly but didn’t need support anymore. Now he runs just as fast as he did before.
That’s great to know. Daudjer’s scar is still real puffy, he looks like a dinosaur and it’s very bruised, I assume that will return to close to normal, how long did it take for Odie’s hair to grow back????????
Odie’s scar was puffy and hideous looking but after it healed and the stitches were removed, the puffiness went away.
If Daudjer’s scar looks red and infected or have any concerns, you should see your Vet.
It took about 3 months before his hair grew back, but he’s a smooth and didn’t have a lot of hair to grow back.
My dog Sissy just had surgery for a ruptured disc. The surgery cost a little over $2800.00. When we took her into the doggie ER, she could still walk but was a little wobbly. The vet did an XRay and gave her pain pills, anti inflammatory, and muscle relaxers. Her condition got worse, she started dragging her hind legs. We took her to the vet who immediately referred her to the surgeon. She had surgery, but it doesn’t look like much has changed. I realize there is still lots of inflammation, and I just have to wait it out. But we can tell that she isn’t suffering like she was. She is much more animated. Pray for her everyone, that she makes a full recovery. Thanks.
Our 5 yr. old cockapoo is currently at Mizzou’s Vet Teaching Hosp in Columbia, MO after having surgery late afternoon on Feb. 12th for a ruptured disc. They say he is recovering well. Can walk (though the vet says it is not pretty). He also became incontinent but bladder control has recovered. He is to come home on late Feb. 19 or 20. We miss him so. His original symptoms were that he was unable to urinate and appeared to be in pain. He became wobbly standing up. Took him to vet where he got a cortisone shot as well as cortisone pills and painkillers. He became incontinent and paralyzed in his hind end that same day. The key is to get the surgery done ASAP or the paralyis can become permanent. Luckily, Truman still had feeling in his hip area. The cost is estimated at $2000-3000. We placed a $1500 deposit on the day of surgery. Final cost will be determined when we bring him home.
I am so glad to read of Odie’s recovery! My 4-year-old Miniature Dachshund, Jazzy, ruptured her disk today. I rushed her into surgery, where the vet told us her spine was in really bad shape and we won’t really know if she’ll make it or not. He said the next 2-3 days are crucial. It sounds like her rupture was in the same place as Odie’s, so it gives me hope she will recover like he did. Please keep Jazzy in your prayers!
We’ll keep Jazzy in our prayers. Have faith, our Vet told us that Dachshunds have one of the highest rate of surgery success.
Our 3 year old short hair red mini daschund had back surgery last Monday. I have spoken to the doctor each day since then. Yesterday he said things were about the same, but today he said she had good movement in her right leg. I am anxious to bring her home, but we live 180+ miles from the hospital. It helps to read your reports so that I know what to expect. Is there any way to keep them from jumping? She ruptured this disc jumping up to a window to bark at a passer by. Would appreciate any advice you can give and also more information on what to expect during recovery.
Judy, I don’t know how to stop Dachshunds from jumping … they have springs in their legs. I just keep picking them up off the couch/bed and put them on the floor. We keep Odie penned up when were away so he doesn’t jump.
The first week or two after you bring your dog home, don’t expect them to walk. She’s going to be very wobbly and you’ll have to help her walk. Don’t be afraid or cry, this is normal. But if you have ANY doubts that her progress is not improving, always call your Doctor.
The Doctor should give you a walking sling to help her walk and to keep the pressure off her back. The sling didn’t work for Odie since he’s male and he peed all over it. I just supported him with my hands to help help eliminate.
Your dog is going to be on pain medication, an antibiotic, and perhaps an anti-inflammatory. We had to get an extra script of pain medication for Odie since he was still in pain after the original ran out. I would suggest getting a refill or a prescription especially if you have to drive 180 miles.
After about 3 weeks to a month she should be walking on a leash without support from a sling.
In three months, she should be 95 to 100% recovered. I believe Odie is about 95% recovered and may never be 100%. But he’s happy, can run, play and do everything he use to do.
Harley is going in for surgery tomorrow morning. He still has control of his bowels and bladder. When I saw him today he looked like he was in so much pain. When he tried to move, he cried out for about 30 sec or so. It just breaks my heart. I’ve never heard him yelp like that before. I’m glad to hear that Odie is 95% back to normal. That gives me something to hold onto.
Thanks for your comments on back surgery. My mini dachshund, Mayra is a healthy 11 yr old. She recently ruptured her disc and required back surgery. She stayed in the pet hospital for 1 week after the surgery, to receive the constant professional around the clock care. The whole experience was $6,200.00 (4 for the actual operation and 2,200 for the full week of care and meds)Her spirts are high, and she is happy to be home. It has been three weeks now since the surgery and Mayra is making progress. She can pee, poop and stand on her own. She is trying to walk on her own and does so with less wobbling and falling day to day. I am doing the physical therapy exercises daily with her and will take her in next week to get acupuncture and some professional physical therapy that was recommended by the her neurosurgeon. So far so good. I have her crated still for part of the day while I’m at work. I then take her out to hang by me with close supervision, as she was/is an active dog and still wants to be.
I had everyone praying for her and took her to the best surgeon in town after getting 2 second opinions from my normal vets-who said if I can afford the surgery go for it. It is the fastest most effective way for full recovery or close to it! I believe in prayer and it looks as though my furry daughter’s life is on her way back to full recovery!!
P.S. Mayra’s experience is in Glendale, California, so this is probably higher in cost than most states. Animal Specialty Group was the name of this 24 hour pet hospital.I was very impressed with their care and professionalism.
Shauna, I’m happy that Mayra is rapidly recovering! Sound’s like she’s on track for a full recovery. Odie was walking wobbly three weeks after surgery (now Odie’s running in this video)
During the day, we’ve kept Odie in a 4×4 exercise pen to prevent him from jumping. He stayed in there for 6 months until the Dr. said he was recovered.
The cost of the surgery is about what we paid. Not unreasonable for the area.
Who was your Vet at ASG?