Oh, I'm so sorry not to update last night. We all completely passed out after getting the call from the vet. Whom, by the way, turns out to be a woman vet spine specialist.

Otto was out of surgery at about 7 pm. His T 12-13 disc was ruptured. They cleaned out the disc material and had to shave down the bone a bit. (?) The spinal cord looked good. Then they took fatty tissue from nearby tissue to pack in the space. I'm sure that's a bit rudimentary explanation, but that's pretty much it, lol.

Apparently the T12-13 is the most common disc to rupture in the dachsund. I found a very informative site just about doxie backs.
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and this is the homepage.
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The Dodger Brochures link on the left is especially informative.

Otto is gettin the heavy guns pain shots every 4 hours or as needed for the first 24+ hours. This morning the doctor told daughter that he was partly sitting up, very groggy, won't eat (which is normal) and their tests still show no function in the hind quarters. But she said that's to be expected. It could take up to 2 weeks to see motor activity. Everyone there loves the little guy and he even has a heated blankie because he gets so cold.

I truly am still in such awe at the events of yesterday, most especially the top spine surgeon happening into Otto's room. Positive thought and prayer nudging her in that direction???

My parents, 88 years old, who took on the burden of taking Otto to be euthanized (and I found out this morning they both sobbed the entire time.)

My widowed aunt...the strict penny pincher who rose from her kitchen chair without blinking an eye, walked to her kitchen cupboard and took out her checkbook and wrote out a check for $3000.

My mom, who found the courage to humbly ask her strict, not-so-friendly sister for the $3000.

The sad part of it being money. People who can't afford that kind of expense for their pets with no place turn. The stomach churning stress my poor son-in-law went through...the embarrassment of not being able to do anything.

Now I'm just really busy praying for a full recovery for Otto and everyone involved!

Whew.

Thanks everyone for your caring and friendship and powerful thoughts.
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Will keep you updated on his progress.

mommy and daddy with otto

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