Otto
 

My daughter's mini dachsund, Otto, needs prayers from my animal friends here. :(

Otto started acting strange yesterday. Wouldn't 'climb' like he usually does. But he was running around. Last night in the middle of the night he started crying and wouldn't move so they rushed him to a vet. The vet said she believed he could have a herniated disc but wasn't sure and gave him a morphine shot. Sent them home. This morning he woke up howling and tried to walk, but his back legs just dragged and he stopped.

My daughter just called me on her way to their vet. They are going to do a myelogram? Vet said if it's what she thinks it is, he would need surgery at a minimum of $2500. My son-in-law refuses to pay that kind of money and said they would have to put Otto down.

I'm just sick inside.

Here's Otto with my Bruna.

Oh Doody...I am so sorry. That just makes me sick to think of the little guy suffering.:( That's an awful lot of $$ anytime but in this economy...:grouphug:

He needs immediate surgery, and they don't qualify for the payment plans. :( Anywhere.

It just breaks my heart for all of you. :( Isn't that breed subject to back problems because of the shape of their bodies? Or did he injure it somehow? What heavy hearts you all must have. :grouphug:

Doody sister I am sorry to hear about otto He must be in bad pain and frustration /confusion about not being able to move back legs. Poor doggie! I can imagen how bad you and DD feel. pets are as much family (sometimes better then family).
keeping Otto dd and you in my prayers and thoughts.
:grouphug:

:hug:Doody, family and Otto:hug:

I pray there will be a way to save Otto

oh, poor baby...
 

This is so sad.

I am so sorry. :hug:

I can't believe how expensive vets have become.

Could she call around for other doctor? Perhaps another vet
would be cooperative financially?

An update. I went to meet daughter at my folks house with Otto - who was obviously in acute pain. We were ready to go ahead and each sacrifice whatever we could to do the surgery and then my dad and SIL started talking on the financial aspect - he's a dog, a pet, not a human being - who knows if the surgery would even work. So, we all came to terms with taking Otto to the college vet clinic to put down...well, come to terms as in sobbing and saying okay we understand. I went to a room to be alone and fell to my knees praying for help.

Mom and dad took him because SIL and daughter were crying. Half hour later they called and said vet wanted to talk with SIL, said he would have to go there to sign the permission papers to put Otto down but also wanted to talk with him.

In essence, the vets nearly begged to at least run tests to see what the damage was, that Otto is a very healthy 4 yr old otherwise, and the surgery most often successful.

So...SIL made the decision to let them go ahead with the tests, they will call him, and if they think it's good, they'll do surgery yet this afternoon. They said it could run anywhere from $1900 - $3000. Several family members are going to pitch in which of course bothers my poor SIL. As I said he's a man's man (with a teddy bear heart) and accepting this is difficult for him.

If this were to happen to Bruna, well I'm not gonna go there right now. Knock on wood.

I'll try to check in again later or tomorrow. Thanks for the support.

Thanks for the update Doody...sending prayers for a positive outcome. :hug:

When my dog needed liver surgery recently, I found out about this, though I didn't use it; it's legit and also for vet. expenses:


.


.


Even if it's not needed right now, it might be useful for someone.

[[[[doody]]]]]]]]]
I'm so sorry to hear about this.
Sendin prayers out to Otto and family!

Sorry to bring you into this, but I wanted to come back in to update.

((Bobbi)) Thanks, my son in law tried that but was turned down. They don't have bad credit but are loaded with debt, most especially their mortgage, and they used up a lot of their savings recently for other emergencies.

Prayer must be mighty powerful.

I had to try and tell you this without going overboard on explanation. My folks said they would take Otto to the college vet clinic to have him put down. Daughter and SIL were sobbing and couldn't bear to do it. As I said, I left and went to a bedroom where I fell on my knees sobbing into the bed, begging and praying for help to see my family through this, most especially my daughter who had a 'minor' nervous breakdown in the last couple of months. I stayed in there just repeating, please help us and give us strength!

About an hour passed and my folks' phone rang. (Mind you, these are my 88 year old parents doing this for us.) It was my mom and she said the vet tech wanted to speak with SIL. That was when he said they needed him to sign papers before they could go on with the procedure.

Well, they had poor Otto in a room, already shaved and prepped for the 'lethal' injection. They were about to administer it when the top spine vet happened by the room and said "So what do we have in here?" They said what they were doing and the vet said "STOP!" He examined Otto. I can't remember everything he said but he said that he must talk to the owner.

SIL arrived and the specialist was waiting in there with Otto. He in essence begged SIL to reconsider, that Otto was a beautiful young and healthy dog and that he did these surgeries all the time with great success. SIL broke down sobbing in front of those men.

Anywayyyy, they did the tests and I can't remember the technical name but definitely one his discs, either diseased or trauma injury. Otto went into surgery about 5:45.

Can you believe that surgeon happened by just as they were preparing to inject him?

Thank you all so much.

Oh, my aunt. She's the widow of a farmer who sits on a lot of productive land. She gave my mom $3000 to give to the kids and they will pay her back.

Ahhhhhhhh.

Wonderful!

Praying for poochie - and your daughter and SIL - that their furry baby will recover beautifully.

Oh (((doody))) I hadn't read this until this morning. I am so grateful that the powers that be intervened. How is Otto doing??? I will pray for a good recovery.....

Oh, my...
 

that is just amazing.

I am relieved that a way was found.

Thank Goodness!

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.
.
and this is the homepage.
.
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. :hug: Will keep you updated on his progress.

mommy and daddy with otto

The power of prayer never ceases to amaze me. God bless your aunt for offering to pay for Otto's care.

I was just crying while reading all the posts and the story of this precious little dog. I am so thankful that the events happened in a manner that sent that doctor around just at the right time. I am truly a believer that there are no coincidences. It all fell into place just as it should have.

Otto is in my prayers for a speedy recovery and a full, happy, and pain free life ahead. :)

Thank you. Thank you Kitty. You brought tears to my eyes!

The power of those thoughts and prayers from here. I'm in awe of the people here.

I went at noon to visit Otto. Waited for 2 hours! Anyway, she let me hold Otto in a consulting room. Broke my heart! I don't know that he recognized me until I said good-bye. He was all about following the vet student's voice. She said, "Oh gosh don't feel bad! I'm the one giving him the big guns medicine and caring for him! He likes me for that."

She said at this point not even being 24 hours out from surgery, he's so doped up on the hydromorphone. I could tell, still and all, he is in a lot of pain. When I held his face and head and talked to him he stopped whimpering and got quiet.

The vet student let me see where the surgery was. There is a very long bandage along about half his spine. She said that they also checked the discs above and below the T12-13 in case any of those needed attention.

She also said the next couple of visits he will be so happy to see the family and that family visiting does make a huge difference.

I'm hoping to report sooner than soon he is getting his movement back.

I hope my doxie friends check out that site I linked. There are good tips for avoiding these types of injuries

Dear Doody,
I had read your first post and wasn't able to reply at the time. I am so relieved to read the updates but I sure feel for you all. I was just talking to a neighbour last night who has to have their little doggie put to sleep this week. She's 15 and very unwell and her life is just too miserable for her to continue.

I'm wishing little Otta a very speedy recovery.

:hug:

Doody please forgive me for not seeing your post until just now. I'm so sorry that Otto, you and all of your family have been put through all this anguish.

Poor Otto! :hug: What must he have been thinking? :(

But.......I'm so glad that he has a new chance at life. God was definitely watching over him Doody, and I'm thrilled to bits that you all have him in your lives for many years to come.

Thank you for keeping us up to date, and once again I apologise for not seing your thread ealier. :hug:

oh doody!!!... i just now saw this too.. i cant imagine going through that. I too believe there are no coincidences. i honestly believe God heard your prayers and intervened in this situation. i'll be praying for a complete recovery. poor cara must be emotionally exhausted. :hug:

....this is just so touching...thank you for the update....will keep the prayers going.... I, too, know the power of prayer....:hug:

A true Christmas miracle Doody. I'll say a prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi for a speedy recovery for little Otto :hug:

((Lara, Koala, Mistiis, Goofy girl, BJ)) thank you very much.

I saw Otto today (and didn't have the 2 hours wait I had yesterday!). It was like the difference between night and day. Yesterday he hardly recognized me and still had his head up straight from the pain. He was on hydromorphone? and very dopey.

Today he is off the hard stuff and getting Tramadol. When the vet brought him in to visit me he went bananas. :) Melted my heart that he finally remembered. He gave me lots and lots of kisses. He still whimpered and shook a little but after a bit he calmed down and laid in my lap in his blanket.

The vet said he even ate a little food this morning. The staff loves him.

He still has no deep pain response but again, they said it could be up to 2 weeks to see if the surgery worked.

I took a couple of pics. His ear is bandaged funny because that is where the IV hookup is taped too. Also got a picture of his backside.

Thank you so much for caring and the prayers.


.



.

((Lara)) I'm sorry for your friend. So many of us have been through that. Our Spooky had to be put down several years ago. She was a huge dog...malamute/golden retriever cross. She became old and very sick and couldn't be helped. It's sad to let go of them when their time has come.

I so hope and pray Otto's surgery will bring back his ability to walk. He's only 4 years old.

:hug:

Oh, ...
 

he is such a sweet thing! You can see the energy he has so clearly! I am so glad that things are working out for all of you.

It appears that the miracle is commensurate to the love you all have!

A great Xmas present for everyone.

....Mrs. D is so right...what a sweetheart...thank you for the update...I will keep Otto, and his loving family in my prayers....:hug:

Doody

I am so sorry I have been away! I have TONS of experience with downed Doxies.

I am so glad you found dogers list they are a wealth of information. Mya went down almost a year ago. She had surgery and is doing fine now. You would never know she was down. The most important thing Otto needs now is STRICK crate rest!!! He needs to be carried out to potty and right back into the crate. Im sure the Docs will give detailed instructions to your daughter.

i am on my way out the door to go to work but will post more later......another website she may want to visit for some AWESOME support is the one a gave you a few months ago...Ill repost it later.

Dottie

PS Im am so happy she went forward with the surgery. So many of these little stinkers go down and have complete recoverys.....Even if they don't they do very well in carts!!

Thanks ((Mistiis, Mrs. D and Dottie)).

I didn't know that Dottie! I'm glad your little one recovered so fully. Yes, Jenny at HUA also told me that Dodgerslist is a very good site. I just happened across it.

The report this morning was good. Otto is eating more and they are thinking about removing the IV tonight or tomorrow. He still has no deep pain response.

They are moving him tomorrow from ICU to the rehabilitation center of the hospital. In fact (i think I told you?) another doxie had the same exact surgery the day before him and she is in rehab today AND this morning had deep pain sensation!

I just love reading these updates.....bless his little heart. I've been telling my boys about Otto and his surgery. Matt (my police officer son) is such an animal lover...he said he'd work part-time assignments forever if either one of our cats ever needed surgery or treatment of any kind. A
.
thought that was so sweet. He brought one of our cats (Gracie) home when she was just a tiny kitten....he found her behind a drug trailer up at the police HQ and kept her with him all day (in his shirt pocket) until he came home.

Otto is so fortunate to have so many people praying for him. Animals add such joy to our lives. I'm so glad Otto will be around to continue to add joy to yours!

Thanks for the pics! :)

Thanks ((Kitty)). That's so sweet.

Daughter, SIL and I all went to see him just a bit ago at lunch. Otto ate an entire can of Science Diet something dog food. He was SO HAPPY to see the kids! And boy did he let them know it!

They will be moving Otto to the rehab center either tonight or in the morning. Still no deep pain response, but they said that's to be expected.

Bless your son's heart! :hug:

Doody

It takes time for the deep pain response to come back. Is he wagging his tail yet?? That is a good sign. It is a long recovery for most.

I know of a woman whos doxie was in a cart for almost 6 months, she did the physical therapy with him and slowly he started to walk.

IS Otto peeing and pooping on his own? I hope he is because that too is a great sign. With some of these pups you have to express the bladder for a while. Mya was fine right away, but she never lost her abilty to walk, she walked like a drunken sailor, but she could walk.

Crate rest is SO important. Initially he will probably be fine with the crate rest as he will feel pretty bad for a while. The pain meds will keep him calm as well. After a couple of weeks when he starts tio feel better it will become a challange.

I put Mya in her crate and borrowed a wagon from a neighbor so I could pull her from room to room so she could be with me. When in the den watching TV I put her crate up on the coffee table so she could see what was going on without getting up.

I have seen MANY doxies that do great in carts as well. Usually after they have the surgery they heal well and are no longer in pain, but some are never able to walk again....but they are NOT IN PAIN.

Its a slow process. I have had 2 back surgeries and I KNOW how slow the progress is...the good news is these dogs are so stubborn LOL you can't keep em down. My thoughts and prayers are continuing for little Mr Otto. Keep us updated!!

Dear Doody.....I am so sorry that I just read about Otto.....but so glad that things seem to be having a happy ending. Hugs to you and the kids....
AMazing story and answer to prayer

Thank you ((Dottie and Mrs. Moi)).

Dottie, I don't know if he's peeing and pooping on his own yet and I guess I haven't noticed the tail wagging. I would think that would catch my attention. I'll watch for that tomorrow when we go visit.

I think it is you that's followed the story of Telly from HUA? I know I read her blog faithfully for awhile and her tale of difficulty expressing his urine at first...until her vet showed her again and it just clicked.

I know they'll have to get a crate for sure!

But I think the kids just aren't prepared for those what ifs, sigh. My daughter today kept asking me, "Will he be alright Mom? I want my Otto back." Most especially my SIL is not prepared for the what ifs. He loves animals, I know, but probably not to the ultimate extreme that my daughter and I do. :o

I've done some checking online on those carts and holy cow Martha...they average $300. I'm hoping that HUA may be able to help with finding one. I like the idea of the wagon, thanks for that!

My kid's house is an obstacle course a majority of the time with my 3-yr-old grandson there! And they don't live in a gigantic house (like Telly does). So I'm already seeing what a challenge a cart would be inside.

There are so many success stories I know of with these doxie surgeries and also those not so successful. I have to keep hoping and praying for the best and most speedy recovery.

It was so nice to hear about the other doxie that had the exact same surgery the day before Otto. She is 4 years old as well, but she is a standard. Otto is a mini, and I mean mini! He was the runt of his mini group, lol. Anyway, she has already had a deep pain response so I'm so hoping that will be the case with Otto.

Tomorrow I'll ask them if he has any bladder functioning yet.

I know Dottie has followed little Telly, a blue piebald I believe. He was rescued from a puppy mill by my (notice I say my, LOL) Hearts United for Animals. But he was already paralyzed from his years in the puppy mill cage.

His web site is so sweet and I love his videos. Here are pictures of him in his cart in the early months he was home.
.
and this is his homepage.
.

Yes Doody....Telly is one special little guy. He is very happy even if he is in a cart!

Healing vibes keep coming for Otto.

Sending prayers for you all Doody...especially for Otto. :hug:


.
(borrowed from Moi...*grin)

Thanks ((Ms. Alffe)). I am stunned every time I see you post a graphic now, LOL.

Well, this morning the update is that nothing has changed with Otto. But, they are holding off on moving him to rehabilitation until tomorrow.

Doody this is for you and Otto, I hope it works!




.

Oh my gosh, an adorable graphic from ((Alffe)) (understand, Alffe has been, um shall we say...somewhat computer challenged, LOL), and such a cute card from you ((Dottie))! I will pass this all along to daughter and SIL.

Daughter told me during her visit that she couldn't resist pinching his toes (which I'm sure she did gingerly anyway!). She was so excited because she said both his hind legs jerked. Well, I can't remember what it's called, but the vet tech asked if he also jerked his head around. She said she didn't notice that. Apparently, they have what are kin to knee jerk reactions. It's just the hind end reacting but the signal isn't going all the way up so that it reaches his brain.

Guess that's why they call it deep pain sensation. :(

He was very happy to see her though. Did his cute little howls where his mouth makes a perfect O. I didn't get to go at noon because my office had an 'end of the year' celebration. (We aren't allowed to utter Christmas or even show displays.)

I will go visit him tomorrow though. Worry more each day and know I shouldn't, sigh. The first 12-24 hours after the injury are critical and I don't know if he had the surgery soon enough.