Take a deep breath, we’ve got your back!
Understand the facts
- Familiarise yourself with available options such as surgery -v- conservative treatments, rehabilitation and aftercare.
- IVDD is about living a new normal. There are no guarantees that it won’t happen again as once a diseased spine, always a diseased spine.
- Statistically, 25% of dogs will require further surgery within 12 months of the first.
- Talk to your vet and make sure they are knowledgeable about the disease. IVDD isn’t a death sentence.
- Whilst a grading scale (1-5) is used by most professionals, it doesn’t take into account two very important things. The dog and the owner. You do have options!
- Are you aware that if you reach out to a rescue organisation for financial assistance (e.g. they pay for the cost of surgery), that legally you are required to surrender your dog? Whilst it might be comforting knowing that your dog will receive the appropriate care are you prepared to live without your beloved hound?
Taking charge
- Knowledge is power and ignorance can break your heart.
- Avoid financial stress – Pet Insurance, Piggy Bank or being prepared to part with up to $10K.
- Remember that a dog is for life, not just for a season.
- Understand that Dachshunds can break, get educated and don’t ever think it will never happen to you. 1:4 is an alarming statistic.
- Learn about why this genetic disease has become an epidemic through irresponsible breeding practices.
Check out our Website where you can learn about lifestyle tips, what to do in an emergency, how to recognise the signs and symptoms of IVDD, what treatment options are available and loads more.
