paralyzed dachsie!!

[janafloersheim]

Oscar, our 12 year old dachsund who has had a bad back for 2 1/2 years became paralyzed Dec. 25 and cannot use his back legs or control urine and feces. Vet gave him injection of dexamethasone IV and prednisone pills which worked two times before. Can refer us to specialist who may or may not do anything since he has no pain sensation in his hind end. That plus his age is a factor. He now is just confined to lying in his little beds with pee pads underneath. Has anyone dealt with this?

 

[vizzla]

Im so sorry to hear that!! I havnt been there myself but I hope he gets better soon, so sad for you!

 

[Wandering Man]

So sad. Henry went down for the second time this past year. We were able to afford surgery for him when he was 4 and help him through his rehabilitation. But at age 7 we were no longer in a place in our life where we could give him the care he would have needed. And this time the loss of function was greater than the first time.

We are still heartbroken over the decisions we had to make.



Prayers for you and Oscar.

 

[janafloersheim]

Well after a real bad night last night with Oscar whining and feverish we took him straight into the Vet this am and he did give him a shot of pain killer and one of antibiotic and some antibiotic pills. He cked him over carefully, temp and lungs and legs and said "what we have here is an 84 year old man in a nursing home" and that he really felt surgery or other interventions would not help. I then spoke to an understanding surgeon in Colorado Springs who reinforced this saying that with no deep pain reflexes since the moment he became suddenly paralyzed and also no control of bowel and bladder, that his prognosis was really poor. Even if we could get him a little cart, he would leave a trail of urine and feces.Oscar acted very agitated today and not feeling well, drinking but not eating. We have made the decision to let him go to the Rainbow Bridge. My husband who loves Oscar more than me even, is having a difficult time and holding Oscar tonight and tomorrow, but when it comes time to take him I will do it. I have been his "mama" 12 years, he can even say "mama". A sad thing, we have two other dachsies and Vern is young but too fat, he is now on a twice a day feed and the other is not overweight but will also eat twice a day. The smorgasbord is gone. Thanks for listening.

 

[Inkeri]

I'm so sorry. That's a very difficult decision to make, but sometimes it's the best one for our beloved pets. They will live forever in our hearts! Best wishes for you and your family.

 

[vizzla]

So sorry to hear that. Its the best thing you can do for him. I fear that day when I have to make that decision but its best for him. He has had a great time with you Im sure. Now its time for him to go on...

Hugs

 

[garyd]

tears...I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Wandering Man]

That is a really sad place to be.

Kathy & I just sobbed when we had to take Henry in. I held him in my arms as he was given his injection, one of the hardest, most bittersweet things I have ever done in my life.

It helped us to be there with him. I'd like to think it helped Henry as well.

Thank you for the post of your conversation with your surgeon. That eases our minds a bit, regarding our decision with Henry.

 

[babysis]

So sorry to hear about Oscar. I have not dealt with paralyzing in a dachsie but I have with my yellow lab I had a 5 years ago- he was 10. Has back legs just gave out and no meds would work. It sucked because nothing could be done. I couldn't hold my lab (he was 120lbs too heavy) but I had him lay right next to me with his head on my lap-hardest decision but it was for the best. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family. <3

 

[Doxmom]

So sorry to read about Oscar. I wish for you strength to carry you through.

We, too, had to make the same decision about our Shih Tzu, Brittany, years ago. I applaud those who have the strength, like Wandering Man, to hold his pet as it takes its' last breath. I don't have the courage. Many tears were shed by both myself and my husband.

Sending prayers and strength for both of you..

 

[Penny]

I am so sorry for your loss.
I would love to see a new thread dedicated to his memory with lots of photos. I hope you can let us know what a wonderful little man he was in your life. A friend of mine just lost her boy and she described him as a 'once in a lifetime' dog. It's so hard when they leave their space empty and go on without us.