I joined this board, not even a week ago and it has already helped my doxies and me so much! Baxter's been acting weird for the last few days, but I thought he just pouting because he's been having to wear a bark control collar that sprays lemon when he barks -- due to a neighbor calling the cops instead of just TALKing to me. (But that's another thread....)
Anyways, I realized tonight that he wasn't just pouting. He wouldn't come through the doggie door and was lying in his bed instead of following me around. Then Bax wouldn't even sit next to me on the couch when I was eatting. I realized he he would wag his tail and be happy, until I touched two spots I noticed were swollen on his back. One last test: got a treat and he wouldn't sit up pretty. He ALWAYS sits up pretty when he's getting a treat.
So, that was it. I remember something Krista had said this week about "going with your gut." I didn't want to wait until Monday, so on to the emergency vet. :ambulance: As I expected he's got a disc problem. But not ruptured. He hasn't been dragging his back legs or anything. He is just confined to his crate for 2 weeks, and is on some meds. So he needs you rays, hopefully he will be better soon. But if not, I'm so glad I found this message board, because I know somebody can tell me where to go if he needs surgery! Thanks for all your help so far! :hello2:
Although I do fill like I'm running a doxie hospital though. :ambulance: :bandaid: Baxter is on two meds for his back, and Bayliss is on two for his eye. So I'm now having to write down when I give each one and when it is due again -- since they all have different amount of times between doses!
Rays to both your babies!
I'm so glad you got him to the vet. Back problems just cannot wait.
I think you would really find DODGER's List to be helpful. I know I have. http://www.dodgerslist.com
Also 2 weeks of crate rest does not sound like long enough. The lowest I have ever heard recommended for backs is 4 weeks - DODGER's List says 6 - 8 weeks. You might want to confer with your regular vet and consider increasing the crate rest time. Do NOT cave in and end crate rest early just because he seems to be doing better. One the meds kick in, he probably will feel much better, but the injury still needs time to really heal. Over-doing it early in the healing process can make things much, much worse.
Hope they both get better very, very soon.
Thanks for the advice Krista. I do plan on taking him to our regular vet tomorrow, and see what he thinks. If he says longer in the crate, we'll do longer! :thumb: Fortunatly he is crate trained, so he isn't too upset about having to be in there. I move the crate to whatever room I'm in. Although a few minutes ago the other guys were getting all riled up, and Bax sure wanted to be part of the fun. We're going to Florida for a week, so I think he might have picked this time so he could go. :wink: There won't be any running on the beach for him, but there's no way we're going without him, now!
Poor Baxter! Cajsa has had an episode or two with her back the first one was the most severe but she's only had to do crate rest and meds. (She was unable to walk or stand for more than a second or two when we took her to the e-vet. It all happened within about an hour too.) She has a ramp and uses it pretty well. She'll be sending Baxter some get well quick rays!
How is Baxter doing today??? We are thinking of you guys.
He thinks he fine b/c his meds work. Poor guy gets all worked up when everybody is running around. I took his crate outside today while I played with the other guys in the back yard and let him get some sunshine. He was actually more calm out their with us than when he was inside by himself and could hear us outside. The emergency vet had said two weeks in the crate, our regular vet said he doesn't like to set a time, just go by how the dog is doing. We did speak with a specialist in town to take him to if he does go down. We were going to go to florida for thanksgiving and take him, but we've just decided not to risk anything. We're staying here with bax. It just kills me worrying about him. I can't imagine how you're feeling!!
Thanks for asking!!