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<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>My first Dachshund went down in
the neck, was mis-diagnosed for weeks and eventually had surgery and fully
recovered.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>I have learned a lot over my
years with Bassets and Dachshunds regarding back and spinal
injuries.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore><STRONG>If you suspect a back
injury of any kind crate rest your dog.</STRONG> If you don't have a crate
confine him/her to a small room. Do not let them jump, get up and
down furniture, do steps or move more than they have to. The more you
let the dog do the more severe the risk of further injury. The more severe
the injury the longer the crate rest. This can last from 2 weeks to 6
weeks. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>Please remember that our dogs
want to please us. If they think we are trying to encourage them to do
something they will try, for us, to do it. This will only risk further
injury.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>Also dogs rarely vocalize pain,
especially in stressful situations such as taking them to the vent.
Unusual panting or shivering can be very tell tale signs of pain.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>Go to GNC or other health food
stores and get some Arnica. It is a homeopathic remedy that many people
use especially athletics, for sprains, strains and other injuries.
It is a natural anti-inflammatory and pain killer. Keep some on hand
for yourself and your dog. While you are there, pick up some
Slippery Elm for the occasional stomach distress.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>Vets are not Gods. Again,
dogs will not always show signs of pain at the doctors office. X-rays do
not always tell the complete story. You know your dog the
best. If you are not satisfied with your local vet's assessment take your
dog to a vet specializing in orthopedics. Also, Acupuncture can work
wonders.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>Even dogs who go completely down
can make full recoveries if (and a big if) they are seen quickly, and diagnosed
correctly.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>Happy Holidays to all especially
our hounds</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore>Cathy Blatz<BR><A
href="http://www.summerhilldachshundsandbassets.com">www.summerhilldachshundsandbassets.com</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 size=4 face=Baltimore><A
href="http://www.dachshund-wpdc.org/"></A></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>