dog carts

Helping Dachshunds Diagnosed with IVDD

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

In 2006 when I got the call that Frankie may never walk again due to a ruptured disc, I was devastated.  How little I knew about IVDD (Intervertabral Disc Disease).  Thank goodness for the internet that I found Dodgerslist, a group dedicated to helping others whose pets are diagnosed with IVDD.  They gave me peace of mind but most of all, they gave me hope.

In part, writing my children’s non-fiction books about Frankie was meant to help children overcome their own challenges like Frankie did, but I also wanted to show others that there truly is hope, and a dachshund diagnosed with IVDD can live a long, happy, quality life.

As part of my mission, I decided anyone who wrote to me or called me who was going through an IVDD diagnoses with their pet, that I would do my best to educate them, provide resources, and most of all pass along the hope I had been given by many caring people through Dodgerslist.  There is no greater joy for me than helping another pet parent feel that with a few adjustments, they too, can help their beloved pet.

Today I received a lovely note from a woman, who over a year ago contacted me about her dog Rio and I wanted to share it with you…. because now she knows there too is hope and the hope will continue to spread, as well as the education that despite a disability, animals DO live quality lives. Thank you for the update… this makes my heart sing!

Last year I wrote to you for advice as my little dachshund Rio had hurt his back and was in a dreadful way.  The vet’s were not optimistic and full of woe.  However having found you on the net with Joyful Paws I wrote to you.  I am sure you won’t remember but your words were so comforting and supportiate in that very grey time.  It was a dreadful year and as I sat at my office desk worrying endlessly surrounded by co-workers who had no idea or compassion for Rio words can not express how much help you and your books gave me.

I have been meaning to update you for sometime.  Rio did get a little better and finally after 5 weeks I was able to see him and lean’t to express him and he was able to come home.  He amazed me as he had found a new job to do in the vets while he was there – Nurse Rio tended to all the animals that came in poorly.  He sat under the vets operating table while he worked and shuffled around keeping an eye on all the cages as the cats and dogs sat in them!
Anyway he came home and the hydro therapy began.  Fortunately my partner was able to work from home and took him twice a day as he could not run on the water walker for more than 2 minutes at a time.  Over the weeks he made amazing progress and was able to run on the water walker for 40 minutes.   Although he still drags his back legs a little and has a slight arch in his back he can run and walk again.  His life has returned to the pre-operation fullness, and continues to give us such love and affection it is insane!
I just wanted to give you this news and thank you so so much for your help in those dark days.

FAQ’s About Dog WheelChairs

Posted by Barbara Techel

FAQs on Dog Wheelchairs

Dog wheelchairs are necessary to help mobility-impaired and handicapped dogs cope with their conditions. Dogs are naturally active – being confined in a bed all day and not able to move will wear down their spirits and cause their bodies to waste away.

If you are interested in getting a dog cart wheelchair for your pet, here are some frequently asked questions – with answers! – on dog wheelchairs:

1. What is a dog wheelchair?

Dog or canine wheelchairs are carts for disabled dogs. Dogs with disabilities due to hip dysplasia, degenerative mylopathy, or neurology problems need additional support. Dog wheelchairs are carts designed to support and give disabled dogs their mobility back. However, instead of riding the cart, dogs are harnessed onto a frame with attached wheels.

via hubpages.com

See remaining questions here.  Great article!  One of the things I most love about Frankie's wheelchair from Eddie's Wheels is the fact it has kept her muscle tone strong by using it as her therapy cart, just as this article talks about.

National Dog Week- Help Us Celebrate Disabled Pets & You Could Win

Posted by Barbara Techel

Don’t you think we should have National Dog Year?  Though happy to have a week devoted to these special critters because they so deserve our love!

I need your help… so please read below… and then at the end see what you could win for helping!

Campaign:

 THERE IS HOPE!

My passion is bringing positive awareness to animals with disabilities, especially dachshunds diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).  There are still so many that are not aware of the hope there is for this breed when diagnosed with IVDD.  So many are told there is no hope and their dog must be put to sleep.  I am here to tell you that a doxie with this diagnoses CAN live a quality life.  Frankie is living proof, along with oodles of others.

 

Sadly many are still being put down. I just learned of another doxie needlessly put to sleep last night because they were told there was no hope.  It broke my heart beyond any words I can say.  Please, during this week of National Dog Week help educate other dachshund owners, vets, vet clinics, etc. that there is HOPE.  Please share with them the resource of Dodgerslist which is a website dedicated to helping educate others on the options available.  You can print out brochures to give to your local vet clinics or to those you know have a doxie.

 

If your doxie is diagnosed with IVDD it is imperative that they have IMMEDIATEcrate rest and get to a vet specializing in IVDD asap.  See Dodgerslist for more Emergency FAQ’s and please pass along.

The cost for surgery may not be an option for many due to various reasons but there is conservative treatment which often times works.  Frankie had the surgery, followed by physical therapy and now in her wheelchair.  She has made leaps and bounds since being fitted for her wheelchair from Eddie’s Wheels four years ago. Her wheelchair has helped maintain her muscle tone and she can spinal walk at times without her wheels- this is huge!!  I shudder to think if I had made the fatal mistake of putting her to sleep.

So what’s in it for you?  How can you help?  It is easy! Just forward this post to any dachshund owner, vet, or vet clinic you know to help educate others that IVDD is not a death sentenceand that there are many options available ( I don’t need proof as I will just trust that you do).  Post it on your Facebook or Twitter about it or if you have a blog post a link back to this information. Or print out the brochure from Dodgerslist  website and give to your vet or doxie owner you may know. Just let me know that you did in the comment section and I will enter your name into a drawing to win:

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series

(Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House, Frankie Activity Workbook)

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog T-shirt

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog pin– EXCLUSIVE!

Dachshund magnet set

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Tote Bag

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Poster

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Stickers

Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog book, by Dana Hilton

(thank you to Sparkles for donating your book- you are a great friend!)

Almost Perfect:  Disabled Pets & the People Who Love Them by Mary Shafer

(thank you so much Mary for donating a copy of your beautiful book!)

Donation made in your name to Dodgerslist

$150 value!!  Drawing will be held Sunday, May 9th.

Thank you, during this week of National Dog Week, in helping to save the lives of dachshunds whose lives are often cut short due to a diagnoses of IVDD.

With your help we can make a difference and save their lives. 

Thank you so much for passing this on!