Rufus | October 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
Dodger’s List http://www.dodgerslist.com/
There he is, resting comfortably and peacefully in his crate. In Southern California today it’s rainy and cold so it’s the perfect occasion for the whole pack to be inside lounging and doing nothing. I’m so very grateful Rufus is crate trained. We never used the crate as a means of punishment so he only has positive associations with it. One friend wrote, “it’s harder on the human than the dogs to see them confined in the crate.” And I believe this true. Rufus, from everything we can see, is perfectly content in his crate. I’m also a good dad because I take his crate to the living room, the kitchen and to my office so he is always part of the action and right in the middle of everything. I think that inclusion really helps us both. The girls are very curious but respectful. Each time Rufus is let of the crate to pee and poop, the girls immediately rush over to inspect him all over. They especially like to smell his back legs, and I think they can tell something is not completely right.
Rufus continues to poop and pee like normal and his appetite is good and strong. He can still stand and walk on his own. His walk is a little wobbly, perhaps like how a drunk person might walk after a late night of fun, but at least he can still do it. Monday is our second laser light treatment and we have received some strong recommendations for a chiropractor and acupuncturist. We remain optimistic, and thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. We’re choosing to remember happier days and times, and can’t wait to get back to them (as seen in the video). With a little luck and strong resolve to the crate rest, we’ll hopefully get through this latest challenge together. Wishing you and yours all the best. Hug them hounds tight for us, and remember if you or someone you know is experiencing similar back problems, please visit our friends at Dodger’s List. They’re an excellent resource and wealth of information.
Rufus | October 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
Emily | October 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
Lily & Emily | October 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
rufusontheweb 
My previous dachsie had full-blown back surgery. The vet told us she would never walk again. I guess Gretchen wasn’t listening! We did physical therapy with her at home, gently moving her back legs in a smooth, circular motion (like riding a bicycle). When she went outside, we always put on her sling harness – it was much easier than a towel. After a few weeks, she began moving her back feet when we tickled them. Then she started trying to walk – always wearing her sling. Eventually, she began walking on her own again. Gretchen lived 8 more wonderful years after her surgery – to the ripe old age of 14! I know with your excellent care that Rufus will completely recover! Have you seen the “Little Back Bracer” device? It supports the dachshund’s back and helps keep it straight while they heal. You might want to check one out. Hopefully yours,Jessica
From: rufusontheweb To: jecadelta@yahoo.com Sent: Sunday, October 4, 2015 5:46 PM Subject: [New post] It’s a good day for crate rest #yiv5075096583 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv5075096583 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv5075096583 a.yiv5075096583primaryactionlink:link, #yiv5075096583 a.yiv5075096583primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv5075096583 a.yiv5075096583primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv5075096583 a.yiv5075096583primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv5075096583 WordPress.com | rufusontheweb posted: “There he is, resting comfortably and peacefully in his crate. In Southern California today it’s rainy and cold so it’s the perfect occasion for the whole pack to be inside lounging and doing nothing. I’m so very grateful Rufus is crate trained. We” | |
I put these Dodgerlist flyers out on my table at every event I attend. Lots of people take them and I’m glad.
Hi Jhonny
My name is Marianne and I have two dachunds living in Pretoria, South Africa.
My beloved 5 year old Monty also has back problems. In 2014 he had two back operations and numerous treatments in between. MRI scans show out he has a very weak back so it is a long term issue for us.
So all my sympathy with Rufus – it is horrible to see that happen to your beloved companion. What I found very helpful for pain and healing is acupuncture. I also take him to a vet that specialize in hydro and physical therapy. Unfortunately I am in South Africa, so it is to far away to recommend her, but I am posting the links so that you can have some idea of what she does. The PT and underwater treadmill (starting only about 4-5 weeks after the initial cage rest) are amazing. Monty recently got a sore back again and an early intervention with meds, cage rest and then the therapy starting at four weeks has left his back stress free. So best of luck to Rufus. I follow your blog and adore your doxies. My two are a Monty (a red) and Marie is a black and tan like Emily. And FYI – dachshunds are one of the most popular breeds in South Africa. We love their stubbornness and lovable nature.
Check these out:
http://www.ahah.co.za/
https://www.facebook.com/AHAH154
And Monty’s therapy after his first surgery:
My best
Marianne de Klerk
Thank you for the information and share. We appreciate it. Lots of good things to consider. Best! 🙂
Continued prayers for Rufus and his healing. Ours too love their crate. Our Schnitzel goes in his on his own when he is painful from his knee. God bless you all.
Rufus looks just like our 1st doxie “Coco”. Coco needed back at an early age. We were lucky and there was no paralisis. Over the years, while Coco was still with us, we expanded our horizons getting 3 more doxies. Believe it or not ALL of them had back problems! One was almost totally out of commission when he had surgery. He came out of surgery paralyzed in the rear. We helped him do everything and after awhile he slowly “woke up”. He was never completely out of pain tho. It was very sad and eventually we had to let him go…I know how heart wrenching it can be to see the little guy hurting, but hang in there. Each one of them is different and time will tell how Rufus comes out of this. Just 6 weeks ago we got our 5th doxie. He is so cute, and makes me remember why, despite the problems, we stick with the breed. Good luck to Rufus and your family.
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