Does anyone have experience of dachshund recovering from spinal surgery and the success rate/recovery?

[fairybeagle]

Hi, looking for any advice. We are absolutely devastated having to look at putting our dachshund to sleep.
He has damaged his spine (happened very quickly, unsure what happened but when he came in from outside he was stumbling, then couldn't move one of his front legs, now he cannot stand at all).
We've been to the vet, four times back and forth. They have recommended spinal surgery. With an MRI first to confirm what it is (though they suspect spinal). The MRI costs £3000 and then the surgery would be about £6000. So looking at about 10,000 at least but probably more with recovery. We would have to get a loan and it is a lot of money.
We also have a toddler, another dog and I am due a baby in a few weeks and have to have a section so have a difficult time ahead.

Essentially I don't think we can provide the support he needs for recovery even if we could afford it. But I feel absolutely awful, I just don't know how to make the decision.

Sorry I don't even know what I'm asking.

Hi!

I don’t have the same breed as you but I was in a very similar situation with my french bulldog. She was asleep on the sofa and rolled of and damaged her spine and her back legs deteriorated over a week

My vet ( breed specialist so might be different) explained it’s a big surgery for a little dog to handle. It’s a three month recovery period too with a 50% chance of long term success.

We ended up getting her a little doggy wheel chair and she’s a happy little soul now.

Have they spoke to you about aqua therapy???

Is there any another option before surgery?

The only reason I am asking is that my dog suffered an injury where he showed severe spinal issues and we were subsequently referred to a neuro vet special but he subsequently made a (quick) recovery without needing to go down the MRi/surgery route.

I presume as you have been to the vets a few times this injury has shown no signs of recovery?

Hi, thank you for the replies.
No mention of hydro therapy. But when we rang today and said that we had made the decision not to put him through the surgery, the vet said that we could give him 3-7 days at home with anti inflammatories and painkillers and see if he got better on his own. That 50% of dogs do get better on their own..

It's very hard as no one can give us any answers of even advice as they said we would have to go for the MRI and consultation to get any further advice, and they are a four hour round trip away and £3000.

In some ways he's shown a little recovery. Like he seems more himself, and he's been eating and drinking but can't see or poo yet. He also still can't stand up at all.

I just feel so awful and guilty and torn. It's so heartbreaking the whole thing

Is it IVDD? it would be worth having a chat to this charity www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/uk-resources/support-for-dogs-with-ivdd/

Thank you @AvocadosBeforeMortgages I will have a read x

Also, the Red Foundation (dachshund breed rescue) does take and rehome dachshunds in this situation

Hi,
Just wanted to give a little update as I appreciated the advice.
He seems to be making more and more of a recovery each day. We're trying not to get our hopes up but he has wee'd and poo'd and is now walking a good bit!
Fingers crossed!!

That's good news. Fingers crossed he continues to get better.