[Maymoo2]

Has anyone dealt with disc problems/surgery/rehab issues with their bassets?
Jake is facing this today and IF it is a disc, will have surgery and a long 2-3 wk rehab to regain his back leg strength (which is zip, came on all of a sudden). Concerns about devices --like harness to help hold him up to get out to do his business.

 

[2hounds]

Maymoo2,

Unfortunately this seems to be a common problem with our "limo style" dogs. If I'm not mistaken a Bogie on the forum is going through neck/back problems as well as my boy Gibbs (hope I didn't miss anyone). Yesterday (Sunday) Gibbs was diagnosed via xray at the emergency vet with arthritis and narrowing of the discs. Right now Gibbs is on a pain medicine regimine for the next month or so with 6-8 weeks of restricted activity. From there I'm not sure...depends on what the vet says. If you go to search you can find other people's experiences with neck/back problems. Good luck with Jake! I know how you feel!

~Heather

 

[BubbaLeroy]

We are in the middle of disc problems in the neck right now with Bogie which started New Years Eve. It came on suddenly with him yelping in pain, hunched back, tail down, limping, etc. After working with our regular vet for two weeks, who did a myleogram and gave Bogie antiflamitories and pain meds, we were referred to a Vet Specialist in Neurology. The Specialist wanted to give Morther Nature a chance before doing a CT scan with myleogram and possible surgery. Surgery carries dangerous risks, so he used two different meds, total rest, short leash walks to potty, and so far Bogie has done great. We go back Mar. 2 for another check up and to see how to progress.

You can scroll back through the threads here and read the whole saga about Bogie with my updates and vet reports. Bubba Leroy is the author.
Here is a link to a great harness to help with lifting.
Blue Dog Designs

I hope all goes well with Jake. It's been a long two months for Bogie and us but we are so glad things are looking good without the surgery. I hope Jake will heal quickly. Keep us posted.

 

[Lightning&Stomps]

Last year my boy Stomps suddenly lost all ability to control his hind legs due to a back injury. He did not respond to intensive care at the vet's, and due to other issues surgery was not an option. I finally resorted to putting him in a hyperbaric chamber, which caused him to have seizures. When the meds and rest showed no improvement, I chose to send him to the bridge. He was an extremely independent, country dog and he was miserable not being able to move about. There are many, many people who have posted on this board about disc problems that had much happier endings than my story, so please don't be disheartened. Good luck and let us know how Jake does.

 

[Maymoo2]

Jake's disc problem update

Thanks for all your input--it helped. Jake did have surgery after a CTscan and myelogram showed a mass. We all thought it was tumor because of the size, but the biopsy was negative for that and they ended up removing lg amounts of scar tissue and disc material. Indicates that his sporadic lameness over the past 4 years may have been due to this, resulting in a spontaneous ruptured disc. Unfortunately, two wks. post and he is still not mobile with his rear legs. Has deep pain response, wagging tail, no incontinence and a lovely rear harness I bought to help with the haul out to the yard. The dr. indicated it could take longer, with his size (62 lbs.) and age (12) so we are looking at wheel prosthesis. He is otherwise fine, but stressed that he has to be restricted at home--no roaming around. The dr. also indicated he will never be "normal" and may list a bit or fall over. I just don't know which way to go with this. Any experience with the wheels? When to use, etc...??

 

[Lightning&Stomps]

That's a tough call. I live on a farm, and Stomps' favorite thing to do was to roam the perimeter, offering the neighborhood his opinion on everything. The wheels would not have worked in our situation, and Stomps would have been miserable. Sometimes when I feel guilty for putting him to sleep (which is every time I think of him) I remind myself how independent Stomps was and how he wouldn't have tolerated being confined. Lightning on the other hand goes out only to do his business. If the same thing were to happen to him, I'd seriously consider getting him the wheels. Good luck with whatever decision you make and I hope Jake continues to recover.

 

[BubbaLeroy]

I wish you the best with Jake. Our vet in Mitchell, SD where we used to live, had an older dachshund brought to her practice to be put down because of severe back problems and non functioning hind legs. She got permission from the owners to keep her and try wheels for her. The owners didn't want the care she required, and little Mollie ended up being the clinic's mascot. She was a black and tan dachshund and looked so adorable with her greying face wheeling around the office. She always met everyone at the door, was such a cutie and won the hearts of everyone.

 

[5bassetbakery]

Roscoe hurt his back during Christmas '09. After visits with our regular vet., we have made strides with him. The first 3 weeks, Roscoe was on medication. He was unable to walk on his own. I made a make shift brace with 3 socks to support him to walk & also allow him to take potty breaks. His slip disc is now in it's 3rd month. He is improving...but remember guys, it's a long process. Patient and prayers help! Roscoe continue to improve each day and we hope for the best.