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Question

2 yr old dashund. She''s had diahrea for 3 days. woke up at 3am wimpering. doesnt seem to be able to move hind legs very well. struggles to walk

Submitted: 588 days and 21 hours ago.
Category: Pet
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Female; Breed: dapple dashund

Accepted Answer

Gina,

If you can, yes, take her to the vet. If an emergency clinic is an option, go there if you regular vet is closed.

There are many things that can cause diarrhea such as intestinal parasites, dietary changes, viral infections, bacterial overgrowth, etc. The fact that you mention difficulty walking is more concerning because Daschunds are known for having a problem called IVDD which stands for Intervertebral disk disease. There are two different types of IVDD, your baby is predisposed to type 1. This usually involves a trauma often caused by jumping off of a bed or having an odd landing off of a couch, etc. causing undue pressure on the spinal cord. If not treated promptly, this could cause your baby to lose all capability of walking with the affected limbs...forever. Diagnostics will be needed like x-rays to see what is going on with the spinal cord. Treatment ranges depending on severity and the owner's wishes. Surgery is almost always recommended because frequently the pressure on the spinal cord won't be relieved otherwise. In-hospital treatment not involving surgery usually involves medications to bring swelling down and help with the pain caused by IVDD. Some doctors elect to put pets on muscle relaxers as well. Therapy can continue for a short period of time or an extended period of time--it's really tailored to what the patient needs and how severe the symptoms are. Here are a few links regarding IVDD:

http://vmthpub.vetmed.wisc.edu/sa_services/surg/neurology/ivdd.htm

http://www.thedachshundnetwork.com/discdisease.htm

http://www.westvet.net/Canine%20IVDD.html

http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dog-health/intervertebral-disk-disease.aspx

If my answer helped, please click accept. If not, reply. I personally dont get paid for my hard work unless you click accept. Thanks so much!

Sami

 

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Expert: PitRottMommy
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 4/13/2008

Veterinary Nurse

8 yrs experience with animals, 3 in emergency med. Owner of 3 APBT and 3 sphynx

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