Posted by sharlet on October 01, 2004 at 16:34:02:
In Reply to: back problems posted by sheryl on September 28, 2004 at 12:34:25:
Dear sheryl
I have 2 dachshunds who have had back problems.
My 5 year old male came down with back pain.
Having had my oldest dachshund with slipped dics,
I knew what it was. Took him immediately to the vet. She precribed Rimadyl, which did nothing to
improve his condition. I felt stupid knowing from previous experience that prednisone is what he needed. 7 days passed he got worse. The last day of his medication (rimadyl) I called and got him prednisone. That night I gave him a dose. The next morning he could not use his back legs at all. I felt sick. All the vet could say was he needs a 5 to 8 thousand dollar surgery. I felt betrayed. I chose not to have the surgery.
I kept him on prednisone, even though the vet told me to take him off immediately. I kept him confined in his kennel for 8 weeks taking him out 2 a day very carefully carrying him out and no walking except a little in the yard. I kept him quiet. In about 3 days a saw a improvement he could urinate on his own and stand a little. In 2 weeks he was walking like a young doe. This was in May 2004. He is fine today. He has a slight jiggle in his legs but he can walk. I know there are really good vets out there. And I also know there are really bad vets out there. Communication is a really good way to help people out. Thats my experience. I hope it gives you some encouragement. I wish the very best to you and your little one.