I may have to put down my dog today

[Jim Bremner]

Prayers to Dex and your Family.

[Baz]

Fingers and paws crossed as well as bentley's glowing for Dex here....

[rfuerst911sc]

OK just got back from the vet visit happy to say Dexter is still with us ! So the vet did basically a physical exam and brought Dexter to my wife and I . Stated the obvious that his hind legs are paralyzed which we already knew. But based on the exam and his tail wagging ( he is a very happy dog ) we decided to pass on any imaging for now and start immediately on crate rest and drugs. A combination of steroids , pain meds and inflammatory . The vet believes he has a herniated disc/pinched nerves . Could be from the area that was surgically repaired or could be somewhere else on his spine . The vet said the chances of him recovering to be able to walk is pretty good in her estimation so that's why we passed on imaging ( $$ ) for now. She said we will do this for two months and see how it goes. If it works we'll figure out a medication routine that will keep him going . If it doesn't work then the options are doggie wheelchair , surgery or euthanasia . So for now I'm glad D-Dawg is still with us but I will say the evil looks he's giving me and my wife from within the confined dog cage/bed tell the story of him not being happy he's lost his freedom .

[sammyg2]

I'm hoping for the best for you and your friend.
Whatever decision you make, make it for him and not you.
Never hurt him to ease your pain.


My doggy (half doxy half chiwa-wa) died in my arms about 6 months ago, that was hard.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

I'm hoping for the best for you and your friend.
Whatever decision you make, make it for him and not you.
Never hurt him to ease your pain.


My doggy (half doxy half chiwa-wa) died in my arms about 6 months ago, that was hard.

Sammy I hear you I don't want him to suffer either but at 11 years old I don't think he's ready yet . He is just so full of life and happiness . So we are a few hours into the meds and he just polished off a small dish of dog food so one step at a time. Sorry for your loss been there done that too many times .

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Sammy I hear you I don't want him to suffer either but at 11 years old I don't think he's ready yet . He is just so full of life and happiness . So we are a few hours into the meds and he just polished off a small dish of dog food so one step at a time. Sorry for your loss been there done that too many times .

I'm praying and optimistic that it will turn out OK, but I wanted to make it a little easier for you to make the decision if it ever gets to that point.
Here's hoping it won't.
I had my dog about 13 years and he was full grown when we rescued him so no who knows how old he was. He was blind and deaf when he passed.

[Baz]

Thanks for the update - I was thinking about Dex all day and hoping for the best.

Best wishes from us to the little guy and please keep us posted.

[rfuerst911sc]

Thanks for the support guys it really helps. So today was the first day for the steroids so another step in the long journey . Yesterday was inflam and pain meds so he's now on the full compliment. So far he has maintained his appetite he is eating and drinking. Going to the bathroom is a treat we wrap him in a towel so as we are carrying him outside he's peeing in the towel vs. on us. Just part of squeezing him and his bladder while picking him up and carrying but we'll put up with it if he pulls through this . Our doxies are 11 , 13 + 13 so the next few years could be rough. But the daily joy they give is worth it . Good luck to all in similar situations .

[rfuerst911sc]

UPDATE: So it's been aprox. 2 weeks on the meds for Dexter and today was a follow up visit with the vet. Two weeks ago Dexter couldn't move his legs and had zero feeling in them , last night I gave his toes/feet a pinch and he pulled away so that was a good sign. He has not been in any pain and has been eating/drinking good . At first he couldn't control his bowels at all now he controls # 2 but still sruggling with peeing control .
Anyway the vet today stated she see's an improvement in his rear legs and in her opinion the rest/crate/med therapy is working and in general was quite positive . So we left with 2 more weeks of steroids and pain meds and an angry Dexter he was not thrilled that they cut his nails . When we have him in the backyard he growls/barks at the neighbor dogs so he thinks he's still a tough guy I gotta say I still get a thrill from him when I come home from work , he's just so happy to see me and the wagging of the tail and the look in his eyes tells me he's OK . We go back in 2 weeks and will hopefully continue to progress .

[masraum]

Thanks for the update. It's great to hear positive news. We are so glad that Dex is doing better.

[Baz]

Awesome news! Give the little guy a head skritch from my girls!

[masraum]

Sherlock (dachshund) and Dex (baby) are pulling for Dex to be happy and romping again soon.

[rfuerst911sc]

Thanks guys and Masraum that is a great pic !!!

[rfuerst911sc]

Yesterday my wife went to feed the 3 dogs, Dexter was in the kitchen which is where the dogs bowls are. She filled their bowls and she watched Dexter lift himself up and stand for the first time on his own since he hurt himself !!! We were very happy.........just another step forward in recovery. Dexter goes back to the vet this Thursday for his bi-weekly check up .

[Baz]

Good to hear! Go D-dawg!

Every time I see this thread come back up it's a gut check for me....whew!

[masraum]

Fantastic!!

[rfuerst911sc]

Man time flies ! So Dexter is still not walking but he is getting VERY close . We took him for 3 weeks of therapy twice a week part of the therapy is a water tank treadmill . We are now on our second stint of twice a week sessions and Dexter is able to walk 20 minutes straight in the tank each session! The water apparently helps him float so not as much pressure on the rear legs. The vet and therapist are saying he is doing very well and all looks good . We will see. His muscle mass on his front legs has increased by 1.5 " they say he is a brute !
More and more he is attempting to stand indoors and outdoors . We are optimistic but not setting our sights too high one day at a time . He still loves barking at the neighbors dogs !!!

[rfuerst911sc]

I thought I would post an update as it has been several months . So we did professional therapy including massage , accupuncture and water treadmill for aprox. 2 months . Dexter would walk no problem on the water treadmill for 20 minute stints but get him out of the tank and no walking . The vet therapy specialist basically said it seems like he has mentally made up his mind that his current condition is OK and he will or won't make up his own mind if he will ever walk again .
So we have stopped with the therapy and just work with him at home . We recently bought a dog wheelchair setup that allows the usage of his rear legs , he's not fond of that but we will continue to get him used to using it. He has no issues going to the bathroom and is in zero pain so that's good . He whips around our house on the hardwood floors like a racer he can keep up with the other two . We wish he was walking again but it is what it is . I am not going to discard/give up on him just because of his condition . He continues to provide unconditional love in return . It could be much worse .

[Baz]

Hey Rob...just wanted to say thanks for your update and for giving your little boy the love and care he deserves. Our little furballs have so much heart and determination....it's beyond amazing how much they have to offer us humans in the way of inspiration.

Please give Dex a little belly rub from me and the girls!

And keep up the good work!!!

[masraum]

Glad to hear that he's in no pain and still getting around and doing his business. I used to work with a guy that had a cat that was paralyzed in the rear. He had to go home and squeeze to get the cat to urinate and defecate. The cat, did however drag himself around with the two front legs just fine indoors.

Good luck to both you and Dexter.