Nathan's Journey With IVDD

March 26, 2011 is a day I will never forget. That was the day Nathan, my 5-yr old dachshund, ruptured a disk in his back. IVDD would become a permanent word in my vocabulary.  I've documented Nathan's journey from injury to recovery in his blog, Nathan's Journey.

In a nutshell, I learned a few valuable lessons:

1. If you have a dachshund, research in your area who the IVDD experts are AHEAD of time.   After all this happened, we found out that one of the best spine surgeons in the state of Florida was only 1 hour away from us.  Instead, we went to the nearby emergency hospital and errors there led us to where we are today.
2. Therapy, Therapy, Therapy.  There's no getting around this.  Speak to vets in your area and find out who the rehab experts are.  There are vets who are certified to be rehab vets.  They may specialize in water therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy or even stem cell therapy (don't panic - its platelets taken from your own dog's body).  Don't forget home therapy.  Nathan got his "Jane Fonda" at home 4 times a day, everyday.
3. For acupuncture, find the teaching institute in your state (eg. Chi Institute in Florida).  Their website will likely have info on the experts in your area.  Some of their teachers are also practicing vets.  Who better to do your dog's acupuncture than someone who actually teaches and practices this?

4. HOPE.  So many days seem hopeless during the recovery.  Do not focus on day-to-day improvements (or lack of).  Instead, look at improvements week over week.  Take videos to remind yourself of the improvements. 

Nathan may not be able to do all the things he used to be able to do, but he is as goofy and affectionate as ever. And, he is still improving after almost 7 months.

-Heidi Davis