My 8 year old dachshund woke up last sat morning and couldnt walk. He didnt show any signs of anything wrong. Since then I have been trying to put this all in prospective. I took him to the vet, he wont get better. I have been thinking about the wheel chair thing, but then wonder what kind of life he would have. I would have to care for him, he lost all control of his bodily functions. I dont quite understand how I can make him to do this, if he cant do it on his own. Has anyone gone through this and how do you make the decision???

Originally Posted by Army_Mom

My 8 year old dachshund woke up last sat morning and couldnt walk. He didnt show any signs of anything wrong. Since then I have been trying to put this all in prospective. I took him to the vet, he wont get better. I have been thinking about the wheel chair thing, but then wonder what kind of life he would have. I would have to care for him, he lost all control of his bodily functions. I dont quite understand how I can make him to do this, if he cant do it on his own. Has anyone gone through this and how do you make the decision???

When you took him to the vet, what did he or she say? It's very weird for your dog to wake up just one morning and not be able to walk

Try to go to another vet. for your dog check up. Your dog maybe has lack of calcium.

I talked to another vet and she said that it has something to do with a disc in his back. He needs surgery but I cant afford that so I am checking into my options. Still dont know what to do.

If you can't afford the surgery then you really don't have any other option than to put him to sleep. It's a tough decision but your friend should not be allowed to suffer at all. If he doesn't have control of bodily functions and can't walk then you need to do it quickly. Tell the vet that you insist on being with your friend till the very end and you can hold him or pet him. It is very very quick. You can also tell the vet if you want to bring him home afterwards to bury him in your yard.
I have had to this before and it isn't easy and I know everyone in the waiting room heard me sobbing. My heart goes out to you!

[wishbone]

So sad situation but you have to decide... How is he now, what is he doing, does he still eating well, still playing? It's a matter of quality of life, if he lost it and you can't afford a surgery for him, ask some of your relatives and friends for help or a shelter or rescue house that could recommend some remedy. If none goes well then let him go, don't let him suffer in pain...

[lulusmom]

If surgery can resolve your baby's problem, then please check all of your options. The first option is certainly not euthanizing your beloved dog if there is any way you can get financial assistance. There is financing that a number of people use. I have heard great things about Care Credit. Many folks have used this and it has allowed them to get the medical care their babies needed. Here is a link to their website.

Why Use CareCredit® Veterinary Financing? (Payment Plans for Pet Vaccinations, Pet Surgery, Tests & Affordable Veterinary Medicine Procedures)

If I were you I would also call a dachsund rescue to see if perhaps they may be able to help. A lot of rescues can get deeply discounted medical care.

I have no idea what condition your baby has but quite often if surgery is not done within a relatively short period of time, the damage is permanent and irrevokable. If your dog is a paraplegic with no pain, then a doggie wheelchair is an option. I work in rescue and we've fitted a number of dogs and cats with carts and once they get used to them, they fly like the wind.

You and your baby will be in my prayers.