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September 09, 2008
Decisions
My best friend Stretch has hurt himself really bad, and I don't know how.
He is a jumper, and now his back legs don't work very well. Basically...he's fucked up pretty good. No pain...he just can't walk very well. I am sad.
My woman is in worse shape than me, if that is possible. The DVM's we use are the best, and they absolutely love him; if I have to board him when I travel...more often than not, one of them will take him home for the night. He has got it made. He is one with the ladies...for certain. Hell, they even have a picture of him on the wall in their practice.
During his examination / procedure yesterday, I point blank told them I would shoot him before I would let him suffer. This did not go over very well. Not well at all.
Let me back up a tad: They said I need to keep him in a cage for 6 weeks...not gonna happen...and now they know that...so we met in the middle.
I, fortunately, put bread on the table by working virtual...which means I can keep an eye on things...so to say. I can and will limit his rambunctious behavior...if that is possible...so he will become my lap dog for the next six weeks. I will do whatever is necessary for him. Whatever that might be. And then we'll see. I will not let him suffer.
He has a Inter Vertebral Disk problem (pinched nerve, in this case) that occurs when the disks along the spinal column, which act like shock absorbers, become inflamed or are traumatized. It puts pressure on the nerves exiting the spinal cord, and in his case...his back legs aren't working very well...but he thinks everything is fine. He is in no pain.
The Vet's believe he will be fine. They tell me this is not uncommon with Dachshunds. I'm not sure I believe them
This is going to be more difficult than I thought. Keeping this little rascal confined will require some engineering. He loves his couch in the living room...so I'm gonna fence it in...make it so he can't jump / fly off it. It is, after all, his space.
Think good thoughts about my boy Stretch.
This is some BadBad Juju.
Posted by Yabu at September 9, 2008 09:19 AM | General
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Yeah, I've heard you have to be careful with Dachshunds' backs because they're so long and take on so much stress. Good luck with keeping him from flying around - they're a busy breed, too. I'm hoping for the best for him.
Posted by: Dash at September 9, 2008 12:01 PM
Oh man - I am so sorry... Hope Stretch heals up fast and well!
Posted by: Richmond at September 9, 2008 12:22 PM
Damn! I hate like hell that the Stretchmeister is awry. I have known some Dachshunds, and a few had that bad back thing. Keep him still and comfortable, let the back get un-inflamed.
Good thoughts and well wishes on their way.
Walrilla
Posted by: Walrilla at September 9, 2008 12:24 PM
Google Dog on Wheels, my corgi can't walk anymore, bad back, hips etc. He is getting on in years and the operation was a 50/50 chance, so I went with the dog on wheels option. He love it.
Posted by: james old guy at September 9, 2008 12:54 PM
Prayers sent up for your puppy pal. I know how crazy you are about him. Hugs to the missus and you!
Posted by: Omnibus Driver at September 9, 2008 02:22 PM
::thinking good thoughts::
Wishing you and your boy Stretch all the best.
Posted by: Erica at September 9, 2008 02:30 PM
I love the idea of stretch with the dog on wheels thing!
The puppy-girls and I send our best to you and the missus, and especially stretch.
Posted by: caltechgirl at September 9, 2008 05:54 PM
Aw, damn and hell. Stretch is such an awesome dog.
Do the vets not offer any anti-inflams or hope? Pepper Dog responded incredibly to the anti-inflams. She's been better ever since. Sending good thoughts Stretch's way.
Posted by: Joan of Argghh! at September 9, 2008 07:53 PM
Damn, that's a bitch. I'm hoping for a full and speedy recovery.
Posted by: Jim - PRS at September 9, 2008 10:34 PM
Give poor Stretch a pat on the head from me. Hope he's back at 100% soon.
Posted by: zonker at September 9, 2008 10:47 PM
I'm right there with ya on not letting a dog suffer, altho I think it would be a pretty difficult to put down your best friend. Thinking good thoughts for Stretch!
Posted by: Michele at September 10, 2008 01:18 PM
Aww, poor Stretch. Give him a hug from me.
Posted by: oddybobo at September 10, 2008 06:54 PM
It is tough to have to put down a friend. Here is hoping for the best.
Posted by: GUYK at September 11, 2008 06:57 AM
Here's to ya, Stretch. I hope he gets better real soon.
Posted by: Braden at September 11, 2008 12:36 PM
Man that sucks. Get well little doggie
Posted by: Catfish at September 11, 2008 11:21 PM
That totally blows. Here's to Stretch. Hell, here's to all three of you.
Posted by: That 1 Guy at September 12, 2008 07:32 AM
... glad to hear that he is getting better!...
Posted by: Eric at September 19, 2008 06:15 AM
