need ideas for my boy, spinal degenerative disease

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need ideas for my boy, spinal degenerative disease

I have a chihuahua (chachi) who is 11 and has a spinal disease. He is losing feeling in his back legs for about a year and a half now. He doesn't stand or walk very well anymore.

The main issues are that he can't really tell when he is peeing, so he pees as he is walking and all over his bed at night. We connected two crates, one for his bed and one with wee-wee pads for overnights but every morning it's a disaster. I don't think he can tell when he has to poop, so that happens everywhere.
Also, I have a daughter who is almost 2 and he has been snapping at her. The vet said that he probably feels like his back legs have fallen asleep/numb/tingly feeling.

We've taken him for MRIs, put him on/off steroids, muscle relaxers, and herbal meds and we have no idea when/if he will go paralyzed.
Just need ideas if you have 'em. I wish there was a nursing service for dogs because I need some help!

Posted 7/18/12 9:45 PM

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Jessah
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Jess

Re: need ideas for my boy, spinal degenerative disease

Posted by notmyname

I have a chihuahua (chachi) who is 11 and has a spinal disease. He is losing feeling in his back legs for about a year and a half now. He doesn't stand or walk very well anymore.

The main issues are that he can't really tell when he is peeing, so he pees as he is walking and all over his bed at night. We connected two crates, one for his bed and one with wee-wee pads for overnights but every morning it's a disaster. I don't think he can tell when he has to poop, so that happens everywhere.
Also, I have a daughter who is almost 2 and he has been snapping at her. The vet said that he probably feels like his back legs have fallen asleep/numb/tingly feeling.

We've taken him for MRIs, put him on/off steroids, muscle relaxers, and herbal meds and we have no idea when/if he will go paralyzed.
Just need ideas if you have 'em. I wish there was a nursing service for dogs because I need some help!

My doxie was completely paralyzed and had no control over her bladder. During this time we got her accupuncture twice a week and covered all her bedding in garbage bags so it was an easy clean up! I also got a drag bag for her which made it easy for her to scoot around :). People told me I was crazy for not putting her down but she walks now fine and we worked with her handicap !! The vet told me they feel so pain and asked if I would want to be out down if I was paralyzed! Message me for any questions I know how tough it is

Posted 7/18/12 11:49 PM

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thewinterone
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cause you are gray.

Re: need ideas for my boy, spinal degenerative disease

Have you tried dog diapers?
Especially since he is a small guy, maybe they would work.

Posted 7/19/12 2:11 AM

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notmyname
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Re: need ideas for my boy, spinal degenerative disease

These are great ideas, thanks!
I hope that he will still sleep on the bed if it's covered but I'll try it.
I don't know if I should keep him in a smaller designated area. Right now he can roam the kitchen/dining room. I have two other dogs and now they are peeing in the house because he is. ugh.
I'm going to take a look for diapers too.
I can't imagine putting him down if he isn't in pain. I hope that he doesn't continue to get too agressive, though.

Thanks again for the ideas and if anyone else has experience with spinal myelopathy or advice I'd appreciate it.

Posted 7/19/12 8:23 AM

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CallaLily
Thank you, Saint Gerard!