Our Treatment of Dachshund Back Strain

 If you have a dachshund or a dog that has a long back and has chased squirrels and sprained their backs, I recommend a couple of things.

(Photo: Tyler posing in his back bracer) 

FOR PAIN AND SWELLING: Have your vet X-ray your dog to ensure that there is no disc slippage. If there is, that requires IVDD surgery. If now, check with your vet for 1) gabapentin for pain, 2) prednisone for swelling, and 3) muscle relaxers if your dog is cramping up from back pain.  

BACK SUPPORT: Our neurologist recommended buying a "Lil' Back Bracer" and it's a cloth fitting, that fits like a sweater, but has a rigid back, and velcro straps. It keeps the dog's back in line.  What it is: The L'il Back Bracer is the only patented orthopedic support brace for dogs. The patented design helps keep your dog’s back supported when dealing with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and other causes of dog back pain.

OUR SITUATION: Tyler the (12 year old) Dachshund sprained his back chasing a squirrel in the back yard. Now he's on leash walks for a month, only to go OUT and Back IN relatively quickly. He's on BED REST for a month. After 5 days of prednisone and muscle relaxers, he was doing better. He's on a maintenance dose of gabapentin. Fortunately, Tyler is pretty patient. No walks around the block for a month and he has to wear the brace for a month. TIP: If your dog is uncomfortable with the straps near the legs, just attached ONE of the Two straps.

It seems to be working, thankfully! 

BY WEEK 4, Tyler was again going on short walks in the neighborhood and  has his energy back!

 Hope someone "has your back" today.