Spinal Compression in Dachshunds

Posted by Barbara Techel

A big thank you to Kim Bauer of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute for permission to reprint this article.

We have so many more advances in caring for our pets these day than we have ever had.  Sharing this information will hopefully help to educate many others that there are choices.

Article written by Kim Kizzier, South Dakota, Tallgrass  Equine & Canine Acupressure Practitioner, Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute

Spinal Compression in Dachshunds

By Kim Kizzier, Certified Tallgrass Equine & Canine Acupressure Practitioner

I have had the opportunity to work with 2 different dachshunds (Sadie & Salty Dog) that suffered spinal compressions and paralysis.  Both were given poor prognosis without surgery and euthanasia was the most likely recommended alternative.  Sadie suffered calcified disc and dorsal herniation at L3 & L4 and was sent home with steroid treatment and pain medication.  Salty was evaluated by both his regular veterinarian and an ACVS surgeon.  He did not have radiographs but the suspected problem was in the thoracic region and he was sent home with a week’s worth of pain medication. Neither owner was able to afford the surgical option.

I began work with Sadie hours after she presented to her veterinarian.  She was in a lot of pain and had no use of her hind legs or tail.  I worked very gently the first couple days but was able to work deeper and with more intensity in later treatments as Sadie began to gain strength. I showed the owner how to continue work between treatments. Sadie was trying to stand on the 5th day, walking a few days later and is back to her usual self now.

I began working with Salty a few days after his initial incident.  He was painful and had many muscle spasms in his back.  He had no feeling in his hind legs or tail and had a hard time holding his bladder.  Again, I showed the owner how to work points and massage between my treatments every few days.  Salty’s owner, Lisa, was getting married and moving in a month, so we were pressed for time.  By the time they moved, Salty was beginning to stand and could walk a few steps.  I received video of him trotting around about 10 days later.  He continues to improve and is a happy little dog.

I had just returned from the Tallgrass Continuing Education class “Tui Na” when I first met Sadie. I used acupoints, theories, and techniques learned from Amy Snow, Nancy Zidonis and Dr. Shauna Cantwell.

I immediately addressed the Chi stagnation presenting as pain and paralysis within the spinal column and governing vessel.  I adjusted the duration and intensity of treatment according to the patient’s level of fragility.

  • Vibration (Zhen-fa & Dou-fa) or massage on KI 1, Tip of tail, GV14, GB20, very gently on the injured area and spasming muscles, and down the spinal column from neck to tip of tail.
  •  Stimulation (holding, vibration, photonic light, or massage) on:
    • ST36, LI4, LIV3, LI11, and injured area
  • Massage of neck, shoulders, and chest area and governing vessel as tolerated with attempt to loosen neck and dura (covering over spinal column).
  • Skin rolling (Nie-fa) from head to tail and from hip to foot.
  • Passive movement of hind legs and tail as tolerated.
  • Gentle movement and twisting of toes on hind legs (Nian-fa).
  • Holding to send energy and use of Reiki over both Governing and Conception Vessel (especially injured area).

Are Prosthetics for Dogs a Good Idea?

Posted by Barbara Techel

This is a great article on prosthetics for dogs.  Just like with a wheelchair, not all animals will adapt to them… but many will.  There are pro’s and con’s to each scenario.  I think it is good to explore all the options and do what is best for your pet.  After all, you as the care taker know them the best, right?

Thank you to Ruthie Bently author of this article, and Canidae  for allowing us to repost this article to help others.


By Ruthie Bently

Most of us have heard about or seen dogs with physical impairments. Some happen through accidents, some through a birth defect, and some happen as the dog ages. Some dogs do perfectly fine after the loss of a limb, while others need assistance of some kind. My first dog Nimber had an accident and lost his right front foot, but after he healed he never had a problem getting around. Some dogs even do well after losing two legs. But what about dogs that might need some help?

Did you know there are now companies that make prosthetics for dogs? I remember seeing carts in the 1970s that were made for pets who had lost the use of their back legs, and now there are companies that make prosthetics for dogs who have had other injuries. Several of them began making prosthetics for people and because of the owner’s love of animals either amended their business to include prosthetics for animals or changed their focus and began making prosthetics for animals exclusively.

A dog that may need a prosthesis is first evaluated to determine what kind of device is best. The dog is appraised using information about any deformity they may have, and the aspects specific to the injury if they received one. Their physical activities and living environment are also taken into consideration. After the evaluation, a cast is made of the part of the body the prosthesis will be used for. The time it takes to manufacture a prosthetic device is typically about five to ten business days. The time can vary depending on which joints of the dog’s body need to be considered, as well as the type of prosthetic and the chosen material it will be manufactured from. As each dog is different, so is the device made for them.

Prosthetics are not intended to be worn 24/7; the dog will need a break from time to time. Because of the materials they’re made from, a prosthetic device will not change its shape or break down over time. To ensure a good fit, the dog needs to use the prosthesis for several weeks. Owners need to watch the prominent bone involved and the dog’s hair and skin for any signs of wear, which will help to determine how well the prosthesis is fitting the dog. By watching the dog use the prosthetic device on a daily basis during regular activities, owners can also determine if it is the proper device for their dog. Adjustments and repairs may need to be made from time to time to make sure the prosthesis keeps doing what it was constructed to do in the proper manner.

Do you think your dog needs a prosthetic device? Have you considered the pros and cons of such a decision? While researching this article I read about a dog that, after being fitted with a device, was miserable when they were forced to wear it. The dog’s owner, while trying to do what they felt was best for the dog (in my opinion) may have made the wrong decision. The dog in question ran away when the device was brought out and once the device was on would chew on it to try and remove it.

There are several things to consider when looking into a prosthetic device for a dog (or a pet of any kind). First and foremost is whether or not the pet would benefit from it both physically and emotionally, and is it in their best interest, or is it to assuage feelings of guilt you may have? Will it add fulfillment and quality to their daily life? The cost of the device and subsequent fittings should also be considered, and whether or not you can afford it.

When Nimber lost his foot I suppose I could have gotten him some kind of prosthesis but never honestly considered it. He didn’t have any physical or emotional issues after his accident; he got on with living and enjoyed his life even with his handicap. I did, however, gain valuable insight from Nimber’s accident. I had many handicapped clients who owned pets and while I always treated them with respect and consideration when helping them find things for their pets, I realized there was something lacking in myself. They dealt with their handicaps in the best way they could, just as Nimber did with his, and I gained even more respect for their handicaps because I lived with a handicapped dog.

Read more articles by Ruthie Bently

Testimonial for Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House

Posted by Barbara Techel

What a wonderful way to start my day with this unsolicited testimonial from Vicki who recently read our newest book.  I asked her if I could have her permission to share, of which she graciously agreed.  Thank you, Vicki!

This book is pure love.  And what a treat to see that the story is told once again by Frankie!  I so enjoyed all the vignettes, and the illustrations are beautifully done.  Thank you to Barbara and Frankie for continuing to share their journey with the world.  They are both treasures.

~Vicki Tiernan, co-author, Almost Perfect, Disabled Pets and the People who Love Them