When Frankie was first diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) it was a very difficult time in my life. I have, and will always be, grateful for finding Dodgerslistwhich is an organization dedicated to helping pet owners understand and live with this disease. As they adamantly say, and I so agree, IVDD is not a death sentence.
With the proper help and education your pet can live a quality life. Frankie is just one of many examples of doxies living a full, happy life.
Part of my reason in writing Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll book series was to educate not only children on caring for a pet when something goes seriously wrong, but to also educate the parent/grandparent as they read Frankie’s book to their children. I was uneducated in IVDD and thought my only option was to put Frankie down– thank goodness I didn’t. As many of you know, Frankie is one of my biggest blessings- oh, how my life has been enriched because of her.
I think at times people take pity on special needs animals. But if we take pity we then lose out on all they have to teach us. Believe me, Frankie takes no pity on herself. Each time I do a presentation with her I feel this passion rise up in me sharing with children that Frankie is still Frankie- she never changed. Her mind and spirit are as alive and happy as can be. The only thing that has changed is that now she has a special tool (her wheelchair) that helps her live the best life she can live.
So with that said, I was perusing Dodgerslist website this morning, of which I encourage you to do. I came across their database of doxie’s with IVDD and the outcomes. I found it quite interesting and wanted to pass along. You may at some point encounter someone going through this with their pet. Please let them know about Dodgerslist. Unfortunately some vets don’t know these animals can be helped and sadly they are put down needlessly.
Total Dachshunds in Database: 1838
Total Dachshunds Walking: 1255
Total Dachshunds Paralyzed: 583
Total Male: 949
Total Female: 889
Of all dogs, 669 have had surgery. Of those, 444 are walking and 225 are paralyzed.
Of all dogs, 1169 used conventional medicine. Of those, 853 are walking and 316 are paralyzed.
Of all dogs, 1644 had problems occurring in the back, and 194 had problems occurring in the neck.
Of all dogs walking, 1079 had problems occurring in the back, and 176 had problems occurring in the neck.
Of all dogs paralyzed, 521 had problems occurring in the back, and 62 had problems occurring in the neck.
Of all dogs, back problems first occurred at 4 years of age and younger for 950 dogs, at 5 to 10 years of age for 798 dogs, and at 11 years of age and older for 48 dogs.
Of all dogs, 1190 have only had one episode, and 648 have had more than one episode to date.
Of all dogs, 189 have known relatives with back problems, but 1312 aren’t sure and could have some unknown relatives.
