About 2 and a half weeks ago, my dog’s back legs became paralyzed. We got him the surgery he needed, but I just need some reassurance and advice because I can’t seem to find much online about recovery.
He’s eating fine, and he’s able to pee on his own without needing my help. He’s also been able to get up a few times on his own, but still drags his legs. Today, he even stood for about 4 minutes without help!
We’re doing physio with him three times a day, but I’m wondering if there’s anything else I could do to help his recovery and get those little legs working again? He had Stage 5, which I know is the worst. Sometimes, when I touch his back legs, he’ll bat my hand away with his nose. Not sure if that’s pain or just a reaction to touch.
I know all dogs recover differently, but his follow-up appointment isn’t until next month. Any tips or advice would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Was it IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)? Is he being crate rested?
You didn’t mention using a sling that goes under his belly to help him stand—those are really helpful. They take the weight off the legs but still give them a chance to practice walking.
Also, if he’s batting your hand away, I’d talk to your vet about his pain relief. I’ve had two Dachshunds who were paralyzed from IVDD, and that was usually a sign their pain wasn’t well controlled.
You’re doing great though! Just take it one day at a time
@Abi
Yes, he’s a Dachshund, and he had a slipped disc in the middle of his back. He’s on crate rest and does have a sling that he likes to use. We give him some doggy paracetamol when we think he’s in pain, but it’s really hard to tell if it’s pain or just feeling coming back. I took him to the vet when I noticed him walking funny, and they sent me home with something. The next day, his back legs were completely gone. He was fine when he went to bed that night. I just want my little guy to get better
@Vale
I totally understand how hard this must be for you. If you’re in the UK, there’s a group on Facebook called Dedicated to Dachshunds, and they can loan out things like doggy wheelchairs and belly bands. They’ve helped me so much, they’re brilliant
Vale said: @Abi
Thank you so much! He’s on gabapentin 3 times a day too. I’ll check out that group. Your advice really helps—thank you again!
You’re welcome! Gabapentin is great for nerve pain, but maybe see if you can give him paracetamol more regularly or ask your vet about meloxicam. It might help control his pain better.
My little guy is running around now after months of recovery, so just hang in there! There’s a lot of healing that happens over time. I’ll be thinking of you both!
@Vale
It sounds like he might need more consistent pain relief. Maybe try to keep the paracetamol in his system regularly, rather than just giving it when he seems in pain. My dog is 13 weeks post-surgery and is still on 100mg of gabapentin twice a day. I just stopped his meloxicam recently.
You might want to take him back to the vet and ask for something a bit stronger. It’ll help him move around easier if he’s not in pain. Sending you and your pup lots of love
