Monday, December 15, 2014

A Very Sad Scooter

Apache Junction, AZ  High 68  Low 42

A week ago, When Jim took Scooter out she stumbled coming back into the fifth wheel. But then she seemed fine. A little later she tried going up the steps into the bedroom and cried out in pain.

At this time she doesn’t have much use of her hind legs. We took her to the vet and it’s a neurological problem with her back. She is not a candidate for surgery because of her heart.

I got on the internet on Dodgerslist.com which is a website devoted to dogs with IVDD (canine back problems) especially dachshunds and started reading. We are going to use the “conservative” method of treatment which means complete crate rest for two months. We don’t know if this will work but we are praying that it works for her.

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She will probably never be able to walk normally and will always look like a drunken sailor but that’s okay. Just means the rabbits are a little bit safer.

This has been a real adjustment time for all of us. It took us a few days to decide on the crate rest and during that time one of us had to be with her at all times to make sure she didn’t move. We have to carry her outside and since she’s on a heart medicine that makes her have to go to the bathroom, we make several trips a day. Now with the crate we can leave her for a couple of hours at a time. And Ginny is always just across the street to help us out.

Scooter just looks at us like what in the world has happened to me. I feel so bad for her but she isn’t in any pain which is something we can really be grateful for. Skittlez also doesn’t understand what is going on but she’s getting used to Scooter being in the crate.

Jim and Paul went to Casa Grande to Jan and Bill’s Christmas Party last Friday. I stayed home with Scooter but I heard that everyone had a fantastic time and a whole lot of good food.

41 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about Scooter. I bet she really wonders why she's in jail. I hope it works for her.

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  2. So sorry to hear this but don't give up hope. We had an incident with one of our dachshunds a number of years ago. The doctor put her on steroids for a week and then we gave her a baby aspirin morning and night. That helps with the swelling. Eventually it was an aspirin once a day. We were very afraid that was the beginning of bad back problems for Heidi. Well, she surprised us and made a complete recovery and never had another incident. We also had a friend who had a dachshund lose use of their back legs for a lengthy period of time. They were the ones that told us about the baby aspirin treatment. Their little dog was very fortunate in gaining use of her legs again after many many months. So hang in there, try to ensure the girls stay slim, and don't give up hope. Hugs from me and all the Traveling Longdogs (Willy, Gretchen, and Harley).

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  3. I am so sorry to hear this. It is sad when our pets get old and can't do the things they always did. It seems like you are keeping her comfortable in the crate, and I hope this treatment works in a month or so.

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  4. Poor Scooter. It's so sad to hear about the crate. I don't understand how that helps. I do understand cutting outings short ..... been there, done that. Our vet told us as they get older it's the quality of their life that counts. Getting older isn't always fun.

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  5. Paul and I are so sorry to read about the Scooter. She does look so confused. We will keep her in our prayers, and we will keep you to in our prayers for patients.

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  6. So sorry to hear about scooter hopefully this therapy will help.

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  7. We do love our pets don't we! Having just been through hell with Emmi and I can understand your feelings exactly!! Here's hoping for a quick recovery for Ms. Scooter!!

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  8. Poor baby! Hope the crate and rest work quickly for Scooter, she looks so sad sitting there in "jail". :c(

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  9. It is always so difficult when our beloved pets are having difficulties. It's heart wrenching when you see their struggles & the confused sad looks on their faces when they don't understand what is going on. It's going to be a tough couple months for all & I sincerely hope Scooter rallies & makes a complete recovery. Thinking of you & all the best to you all.

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  10. Oh, Poor Scooter! I'm so sorry to read this and sending prayers that the crate rest will help her heal.

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  11. Poor Scooter..hope she feels better soon!

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  12. It is quality of life that counts. We know exactly where you are at with this. Only time will tell.

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  13. Poor little Scooter! Maybe some arthritis meds or the baby aspirin with reduced exercise and food will help after a couple of weeks in the crate. Two months will be tough. Good Luck to you all.

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  14. If anyone can handle the crate, it would be Scooter. Give her a big kiss for us. You're in our prayers and thoughts.

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  15. Prayers that these 2 months will be exactly what Scooter needs!

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  16. Prayers for Scooter's fast and complete recovery. Hope you guys are doing well and Merry Christmas!

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  17. I feel so bad for Scooter - and of course for you guys, too. It's so hard when things are going on with our pets and they don't understand what's happening. Fingers crossed that the crate time will help heal her back and she will be better soon.

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  18. Poor Scooter - I hate when they get injured, especially when they must be penned.

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  19. So sorry to read this. Lots of hugs and prayers to Scooter.

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  20. oh, poor scooter. I hope the bed rest helps her heal. I'm glad she doesn't have pain from this.

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  21. Gerry and I are hoping for a speedy & successful recovery for Scooter. It's difficult to look at their sad eyes when they are in pain.

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  22. So sorry to hear about Scooter... know you are both doing all you can to help her be comfortable and be well soon. Doesn't it just break your heart to have both girls confused and not able to understand what is happening ?! Will keep good thoughts for you all!
    Hugs, Dianne & Tom

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  23. sigh ... I had written a comment .... Charlie came in ... I went with Charlie and am just now back to my computer and clicked on my blog over your blog and WAIT I hadn't hit Publish on your comment and so rats....

    I had related a story about my Maine Coon cat who broke her pelvis and I had to immobilize her ... a cat ... I did. The vent said the next so and so hours were crucial ... 24?48? this was back in the mid 70s... the most beautiful loved animal in the Universe ...

    I bawled myself sick ... she had to pee ~ if she didn't? that mean the rupture was irreparable and there was nothing they could do.. She was about ten then.

    I slept with her comforting her ..... whenever it was a day or two ... she began squirming... as though she were looking for her litter box... I made a litter box bed pan! gently slid it underneath ... oh please oh please oh please ...

    SHE PEED ... oh, lord? cat pee is not pleasant but in this case? ... I'm tearing up thinking about it now all these years later! oh, joy ....

    She lived another 7-8 years ... Yates was about a year old and if he hadn't come along ... I'd been buried with her... I tell ya.

    I said never ever never again will I ever get that attached to an animal ... and I haven't. Almost one other time but nothing like her.

    Poor little precious Scooter! .... she'll be just fine ... you and Jim? I dunno ...

    thinking about you ... ;) heartbreaking to see our little pals not up to snuff... sniff

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  24. It's as hard to see our pets suffer as it is to see any of our friends suffer. I wish the best for all of you.

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  25. Oh My ! Two months is a VERY long time - hope it goes by quickly for you guys. Can't say much more as everybody has already said it. Will be thinking of you & Scooter.

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  26. So sorry about Scooter I know how hard it is to see your baby like that. Wishing her well soon.

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  27. Poor baby.. hope she gets better.... so sad seeing then hurt or in pain

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  28. So sorry to read this. Having a doxie I always worry about the back. I have taught him NO furniture so worried about that jump up or down. I notice he is clumsy and glad my stairs are not high steppers. I always pick him up for anything higher. but sometimes no matter what we do they still get hurt. I am praying for the little girl that this bed rest works out just fine

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  29. So sorry about Scooter, good luck with the rehab

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  30. Seems every breed has some sort of problems. Hope you can keep her comfortable and happy. Remember her frolicking puppy days!

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  31. Awwww ... so sorry to hear this :( We hope Scooter will recover and that you guys will have a good holiday.

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  32. I'm so sorry to hear about Scooter. A couple of months will go by fast although it may not seem like it while it is happening.
    I have a crate in my car for Angel where she is secured and she seems to like it.

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  33. I have found out how attached you can get to your four legged friends. Hoping Scooter does well.

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  34. So sorry to hear about Scooter. Our Harley jumped off the couch 2 years ago and lost the use of her back legs. A few weeks of rest she started regaining the use of her legs. They weren't as strong as before but she could get around. No more jumping up or down off of things. Get well Scooter.

    Tina and Jeff

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  35. We had 2 different mini dachsunds who both had similar back injuries, although neither of them did anything remarkable before they became unable to walk. The female, who was at the time about 8 years old, recovered after weeks of cage rest (we boarded her at the vet's office, so she couldn't plead us into rescuing her from jail). She lived a long time thereafter, until she was 14. But the male, several years later, who was only 3, never regained use of his hind legs. We bought him one of those wheeled carts so he could scoot around. Sadly, he only lived about 3 years after his injury. I do hope Scooter follows our Heidi's pattern.

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  36. Poor Scooter! I sure hope the crate idea works. Give her a pat on the head for us!

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  37. Hello There, I enjoyed your post today. Bless Scooter's heart... I am so sorry to hear this. Hope this method will help... I would be doing the same thing... Love and Prayers for SCOOTER.

    Sorry I haven’t been around much lately. I do try to read blogs—but just haven’t commented very much lately like I usually try to do. Please don’t give up on me. Hopefully my life will be back to ‘normal’— whatever that is (ha), sometime in January.

    I did get a cortisone shot in my knee —which has helped with the pain somewhat. In January, I will most likely have meniscus tear surgery…. BUT—in the meantime, I plan to have a fantastic Christmas —and hopefully get to see my kids/grands… God is Good.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  38. I think Jack's problem is his back, too. I think I told you about the Previcox--it's keeping him mobile. He's happy and no pain, but every now and then his back legs collapse underneath him. Because he no longer could get on the sofas, I called a hazmat team to come and get the ones you saw. 1st time after the ablation I went out and ordered two new ones. Makes a world of difference--the room looks so much neater. I learned my lesson with loose pillows. The two that I threw out owed me nothing. No telling (besides my ample bottom) how many dogs have enjoyed the comfort they provided. Next time you visit I won't have to point you to the chair that has no dog hair. :)

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  39. I read this post when you first posted it but was on my phone so I never commented. Just want to let you know I feel so bad for poor Skooter. I hope she is doing better and adjusting to her confinement. Poor baby. I always am nervous when I see doggies trying to navigate these rv stairs...maybe they need a ramp? I'm sure Jim could build something for them. Hang in there Skooter.

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