Please can I ask a favour, and some advice...

Kathleen37

Kathleen37

O.G.
Jan 5, 2006
1,556
1,126
#1
I don't post nearly as much as I'd like (due to rubbish dial up at home, and work only web access at work) but I see such lovely posts on here, so I hope you don't mind if I ask for you to spare a moment to send good thoughts to one of my pups.

I have two Dachshunds, Molly and Amy, and on Friday morning, Amy woke up, and her back legs were paralysed. She's 10, and has never had any back problems at all. She hasn't had a fall, or trip or anything. After rushing her to the Vets, we were refered to a specialist in Belfast and after a 3 hour car journey, she went under for xrays/mylogram. Unfortunately, she nearly died as she reacted really badly under the anaethetic, but they were thankfully able to save her. The bad news is, they think she has a slipped disc, which needs surgery, but because of her terrible reaction to the anaesthetic, there is no way she can have it. The vet said "A dog that can't walk is not a happy dog, but a dead dog is less happy..."

So, basically, she needs major surgery, but it would probably kill her.

I'm just numb. Completely gutted. Cant stop crying. It's worse because I haven't seen her since Friday. The vet said he would advise me not to visit, because a.) she needs to be completely still and would be over excited to see me and b.) if she did see me, would think she was going home, and would be more stressed when I left.

I'm speaking to the specialist again later this morning, but was wondering if anyone had any experience of anything similar? I've heard that acupuncture is especially good for spinal problems in dogs. Has anyone ever used acupuncture on their dog? Would I even be able to find an acupuncturist in this country??

Apologies for the rambling. I'm just pretty lost at the moment.

Thanks

Kath
xx
 
#2
I'm so sorry to hear about this, Kath. When I found out that my Summer had hip dysplacia, I felt like my whole world shattered. I couldn't stop crying as the vet was talking to me, all the way home, and for days after that.

I've never sent my dogs for acupuncture, but I know of a family whose dog had some bone problem and they did send him to acupuncture. But it was very expensive and they do it 2 times a week, driving the dog there, carrying him in and out of the car, and basically taking care of him very well at home. Since this happened I hardly see them at Summer's doggie school anymore, but if I do meet them again I will check up on their experience for you.
 
#3
Thanks, Tammy, I really appreciate it.

I've just seen a picture of your Summer, and she looks beautiful, a real star!! I hope she's recovered fully from her surgery.

Take care,

K
x
 
#4
I'm so sorry Kath. I don't have any advice but I really wish you and Amy the best. I hope everything turns out good, and I'll keep you and your baby in my thoughts. Good luck!
 
#5
when we were in highschool, my husband's family doxie slipped a disc. the surgery was too expensive/complex so the family/vet decided to keep her immobile for a while...my husband reacted much like you are. he was absolutely distraught over it. as a family they pulled together to carry her EVERYWHERE...she was literally always in someone's arms...eventually she improved. now she is very much healthy, happy and walking. she still has bad days where she hurts and is in obvious pain...but like your vet said a dead dog is much less happy.

i hope your puppy gets better soon. :flowers:
 
#7
poor little Amy (thats my name too!) I'm in the States so I cant recommend someone to you perhaps a websearch would help, but I do know a cat who went thru something very similiar-he wasnt completely paralyzed but he could not stand or walk, my friend got accupuncture and he wasnt 100% but did get 70% of his strength back, and then my doggy-niece was paralyzed, she was a bigger breed (a terrier not sure which kind tho sorry) and she had a skateboard-type contraption that my BIL rigged up and she was very happy and lived another 4 years after till the age of 17. Take your little baby home as soon as you can she'll be happier and def look into these things there is no reason for her to be unhappy unless she is in pain. PLease keep us posted and good luck to you and Amy:love:
 
#8
Thanks everyone, for all your kind words. I really helps.

I was trying*not* to do the "internet" search. From experience, I've always found that searching for medical stuff on the web, can always make things seem so much worse... however, I have now had a look, and one thing I read was that it may be possible, with TWELVE WEEKS caging (ie forced rest/no movement) there may be some recovery..

I'm just gutted though, as we had a similar problem with her Mum, Molly about 4 years ago. She had the surgery, and it was a 100% success. Vet said they nearly couldn't get her back, so they now can't consider any surgery at all...

Thanks again, it really helps!

K
x
 
#10
Hi Kath,

I’m sorry, but my English isn’t as good as I would like it to be ;). I’m so sorry this happend to your little Amy. I hope she will be fine soon.

My dog had hip displasia and bad arthritis (sp?) from the day I got him. He couldn’t jump on the couch and certain moves hurt him real bad. I browsed the internet a lot and read about acupuncture and gold acupuncture. Even though my dog is doing fine with devils claw, glucosamine and chondroitine I thought gold acupuncture is something to consider if it’s getting worse. You can find information in English on this site: http://www.vierbeiner-rehazentrum.de/english/Default.htm

You could talk with your vet about it. I just found a list with a directory of practitioners but I’m sure it not complete. I know there are a lot more in Germany and I think there should be more in the UK, too. http://www.danebytes.com/gold_bead_implants.htm

Gold bead implants will not work for every dog but if it doesn’t it will do no harm either. Very other treatment is still possible.

This was the first that came to my mind, but I will look for more possible treatments. I will let you know if I see something that could work for you.

I know how you feel not seeing Amy. My dog had a stroke last year and he was in the hospital for a week. We couldn’t visit him for the same reasons you can’t see Amy and it was so hard. He almonst died and when we could pick him up he was so week that there was only a small change he would recover fully.

I wish you all the best.

Tanja
 
#11
Oh, I forgot something. The are two different ways of anaesthesia for this treatment. There is no need for the injection method, that doesn’t work for amy.

I’m still reading for more information ;).
 
#12
Hi Kathleen, I am so sorry to hear about Amy. Can't offer any constructive advice but wish to send some positive energy and good wishes your way. Have you asked anyone else about acupuncture for dogs (eg do you post on other forums in Ireland, for instance)?
 
#13
Bless you, Tanja, (your English is excellent) I'm still reading through all the information you gave me. It certainly looks very interesting. I'm still trying to find any animal practise acupunturists is Northern Ireland or Ireland. No luck so far...

I spoke again to my vet this morning, and he said that he was very pleased with Amy, as she's trying to stand up, which is a good sign, so I'm very grateful. I asked what the problem was this time with the anaestetic, and he said that she now has problems with her heart, which is why a general is now out of the question.

Once again, many thanks for all your kind words, and all the advice you've offered. I can't tell you all how much of a help you've been.

I'll keep you updated and fingers crossed, she'll keep improving.

Here a link to a picture of the pups. Molly in on the left, and Amy in on the right.
http://forum.purseblog.com/general-discussion/ok-who-are-your-pets-10368-9.html#post234394

Thanks again,

K
xxxx
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top
Back