Dachshund back surgery: What's the best way to care for his recovery?

I'm so sorry to hear Hannu is having back issues. With dachshunds, a bulging disc in the spinal cord is a very likely possibility, and the best treatment option to give the best chance for a return to normal function is surgery to remove the protruding disc material. There is also the chance that there could be an inflammatory process or trauma going on. Ideally, he would be evaluated by a veterinary neurologist to determine the underlying cause and what treatment options are available to him. You can discuss with your regular veterinarian medical management such as cage rest and steroids/antiinflammatories, but time is critical in these cases and I would have a plan decided for him as soon as possible. Good luck!

Once they have a disc issue, Dachshunds are more prone to future issues. I would recommend confinement again, and a quick vet checkup. Often pain medications and rest will help them heal. Veterinary acupuncture is also a great alternative therapy to increase speed of healing and hind end weakness or paralysis.

I would still ensure that Freckles is resting plenty and not overdoing it with activity. Dachshunds have a tendency for spinal injuries and if he is feeling better on medicine, it does not mean that the injury is better. Providing plenty of rest for the recommended amount of time should help Freckles make a full recovery. If he worsens and is unable to walk again, I would bring him back in to the veterinarian for a recheck. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

It does sound like a back injury. If he is getting worse (meaning he started out stumbling and then was dragging his limbs then stopped urinating), the best solution for him is surgery. Make sure you talk to the vet about medications and the biggest importance is REST! This means in a cage only- no walking, carry outside to potty and carry back in. Talk to the vet about how to express his bladder, too. Good luck and kisses to Hannu!

The dog should be kept as quiet as possible for 6-12 weeks to ensure that the bone sets and heals properly. This means no running, jumping, or playing, and the dog should be taken out to toilet on a lead only. Once x-rays are done to confirm that the bone has fully healed, the dog will be allowed to exercise and activity levels must be built back up slowly. Physical therapy and hydrotherapy may be done to help the dog regain it's muscle mass and activity levels.

Poor pup! I recommend resting Austin for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Being aware of IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) when you have a dachshund is very important. Pet insurance is also a very good idea. To decrease the risk of spinal injury/disease you should try to avoid jumping (up/down couches, into cars, etc.), however most times the injury occurs due to the formation of the spine, and this can only be prevented by not breeding dogs to be short and long. With Bow, this isn't an option for this life. Dogs often will become injured just walking, and cannot be prevented, so if he does get an injury don't feel bad, there likely was nothing you could have done to prevent it. You should be aware of the signs of spinal disease, and also be aware that early treatment carries a much better prognosis. Any signs of walking wobbly, dragging back feet, hunched back, reluctance to walk up/down stairs, or signs of paralysis, don't wait, and go to a vet right away. Some spinal disease can be treated just with pain medications and time and cage rest, but others need surgery and surgery has a much better prognosis to return of function if performed very soon after the injury occurs. These surgeries are expensive, therefore pet insurance is highly recommended. Best of luck with Bow, I hope his spine stays nice and happy!