Categorized | Ruptured Disk

Day 15: Ruptured Disk Recovery Day 12

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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Dachshund - who has written 127 posts on Dachshunds | 3 Doxies.


32 Responses to “Day 15: Ruptured Disk Recovery Day 12”

  1. Amber says:

    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.

  2. Miniature Daschunds says:

    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.

  3. Diana says:

    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.

  4. Dachshund Lover says:

    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.

  5. sam says:

    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!

  6. Dachshund Lover says:

    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.

  7. Daudjer's Daddy says:

    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.

  8. Dachshund Lover says:

    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.

  9. Daudjer's Daddy says:

    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????????

  10. Dachshund Lover says:

    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.

  11. Tracy says:

    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.

  12. Pat says:

    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.

  13. 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!

  14. Dachshund Lover says:

    We’ll keep Jazzy in our prayers. Have faith, our Vet told us that Dachshunds have one of the highest rate of surgery success.

  15. Judy says:

    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.

  16. Dachshund Lover says:

    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.

  17. Harley's Mom says:

    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.

  18. Shauna Scanlon says:

    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!!

  19. Shauna Scanlon says:

    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.

  20. 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?

  21. Paula Martinez says:

    It is nice to hear that all your dogs are fine. Currently I am going through a diffcult phase. My 6 year old pomeranian had a ruptured disk and had surgery on the 27th. Everything was a success right until they notice his tounge was turning blue. The did some chest xrays and found out he had pneumonia. He was with an oxygen for about 3 days. Finally on new years day he came back home, but now we notice he cannot pee. They told us we had to do it manually but we already tried with no success. He had to take him bak and they put a catheter in. Has anybody been through this? Any recommendations?
    Thank You

  22. Marsha says:

    It is so nice to hear of so many success stories. Our Dwarf Staff. Terrier who also has the long body & short legs ruptured his disc. 16 days ago. We brought him home from the hospital 5 days ago after his 5 night stay. We had to travel to another city to have his surgery as there was no spinal surgeon nearby. Our veterinarian gave him some anti-inflamitory and pain pills for home care but he was in pain and parylized hind legs. We could not watch him suffer. The surgery would give him a pain free chance to enjoy his life with the family. Given the odds of a slim chance of walking again we felt we owed him that chance. The Ideal time for full recovery would have been to have surgery within 24 hrs. or ASAP. Each day without surgery lowers the percentage depending on the injury. His happened to be pretty bad one. The surgery went well and we could see his relief. We did bring him home with a cath. in but that was removed this afternoon. We were informed that this could affect his bladder. We are hopeful as he can now stand with assistance placing wieght on his feet so any prayers will sure be appreciated for Chewy. He has sure been our little miracle. The best to all of you as we exchange prayers for our little loved ones. Thanks for reading. Would like to read how all the others are doing and will post a message when Chewy improves as well.

  23. Lab Dad says:

    Great thread, everyone keep posting updates.

    My 11-year old Yellow Lab “Buca” ruptured a disk in her neck on Jan. 11th. She was unable to walk that day but did gain some movement back over the next couple days. She had partial paralysis in all four legs (worse in the rear). After our second visit to our normal vet we were referred to the Animal Neurology Center (www.animalneurology.com) near Detroit.

    Buca had succesful surgery on Jan. 21st and came home 5 days later. Total cost was nearly $7,000 including MRI and hospital stay. She is happy to be home and seems to have less neck pain. Paralysis in her legs is better, still unsteady on her feet but can walk and relieve herself outside. She takes pain medication 2-3 times per day as needed. Hoping to continue to see improvement over time. Very encouraging to read that Odie is 95% back and can run and play.

    I couldn’t have lived with myself knowing there was a way to restore her mobility and relieve her pain. Surgery was the only solution for us.

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery for all of our friends out there.

  24. Laura Germany says:

    My dachshund 11 years old named Jasper had surgery about 13 days ago. He is standing and is going potty on his own. I sling him to walk because he is very wobbly. He still has his staples and will get them removed next week. He is over weight so progress is slow. The vet says he is a good candidate for the underwater treadmill which I am going to see if he tolartes the water next week. I went to a very good hospital in Fountain Valley Calif. (Al-Care) The surgery, MRI, Hyperberic chamber (used to reduce swelling), and 8 days in the hospital cost me around $5800. The treadmill will be an additional $575 for 12 secession 3 days a week. I live 65 miles from the vet so it is a big commitment. I love my little guy and say prayers daily for his recovery. He is my best friend so I won’t give up.

  25. suzy cooper says:

    Today I took my dog to the vet, he was crying and would not move.The vet gave me some muscle relaxers and told me to crate him,except to pee. Now I am just trying to weigh the surgery options along with everything else.Help

  26. sally wachtel says:

    Definitely go for the surgery if you’re considering it. I just made that tough decision for my little Aurio (he’s a Llasa Apso).
    I went ahead with the surgery, because I couldn’t bare to lose him, and to beat myself up wondering if I did the right thing. The amount of love we share with our pets is priceless. His ruptured disc operation cost $5,700.00, and I only hope that his two left legs will recuperate so he can walk again. I had to give him that chance. THE COST ALMOST GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK, but Aurio is worth it. Best to you. Sally

  27. sally wachtel says:

    I’m sorry I gave my leaning regarding surgery for your dog. I didn’t realize how long ago you posted your plea for “help”. Whatever decision you made was what in your desperation you could do at the time. I wish you the best.

    Sally

  28. Sue Schmidt says:

    I have a little terrier mix that I rescued off the side of the road 4 years ago. He is adorable and so sweet. Two weeks ago he started having pain. I took a conservative approach with medication. He was operated on 2 days ago. I am just sad that I did not take him sooner. He was in great pain by the time I was referred to the surgeon. We are praying for full recovery. Please keep Mikey in your prayers. I am in Houston.

    Sue

  29. susan says:

    Someone please help! I have a mini dachshund and another dog that is part beagle, terrior maybe dachshund 11 months ago she suffered a ruptured disc and had to go to emergency surgery at uc davis, ca. They were wonderful and she was in there a week because she was not eating, it was a long haul after and thru us giving her physical therapy she got stronger & stronger, we had to express her pee for her. Well she can run and walk and she goes out the doggie door to go pee. We paid $5,000 on a carecredit card for her surgery, the problem is she does not have control of her bowels. She’ll be walking and it just drops out and it seems all dry. We cannot afford to take her back for an expensive visit and especially if they say there is nothing that can be done. Sometimes when shes sleeping it just falls out. We really need advise on this.

  30. stephanie says:

    hi susan…have you tried to express your doxie’s bowels?? i have a 6 yr. old mini dachshund who had back surgery on 8/1/09…she has hind limb paralysis and can not urinate on her own…i was having the same issue with her bowels…i would express the urine but the bowels would just come out at random times and when i asked the vet what to do about it they offered no solution…i felt bad for her because there were times she would wake up and be sitting in her own mess or if i picked her up it would fall out all over the place…i went on youtube and watched a video of how to express the bowels on a paralyzed pet…it is really easy and i am happy to say my girl has not had any accidents in over 4 weeks…i have her on a schedule and express the bowels 3-4x a day and this keeps things at bay…it really is alot nicer for me and for her..no more mess..don’t listen to what they tell you because you can get them on a schedule!! hope this helps you and good luck, i know what you are dealing with

  31. Gena B says:

    We have a little doxie girl named Bella, she too has had surgery for disk problems. No warning nothing went to bed fine and woke up the next morning paralisis in her back legs. They were not nice at the Emergency Vet. made us feel like bad dog parents for not being able to pay shell out 3,000 for surgery. (Holiday weekend our vet not open) Our vet called on Tues. and wanted to see her and we went down and he said we would work out the payment not to worry she needed to get to surgery. It has been 7 days now and she is still paralised in the back legs not walking and not urinating on her own. Doc says she is coming along well, trying to walk, but when we go visit her she is not able to walk and drags her back end. We want to bring her home but they say no, we would not be able to express her urine on our own and it would be to hard on her to bring her in to have them express her. Said this would lead to infection and her never being able to urinate on her own. I am so heart broken over this. We miss our girl and so does her buddy, our other doxie, which we are so worried might have the same thing happen to him someday. We try so hard to protect their backs but they jump dive off things anyway.

  32. ana mendez says:

    I have Buck, 8 year old dachshund who had surgery on November 2009 and still does not walk. I catheterize him twice a day. However i always exercized his back legs once daily with the hope of him walking again. he is now more independent and does not like his wheel chair much anymore. Can he ever recuperate completely?

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