The reality of living with a disabled Dachshund

We don't often post case studies written by Dachshund owners, but given the significance of back disease in Dachshunds, the story presented here is worth reading. Emily Critchley owned Digby, a Mini Smooth Dachshund, who was paralysed due to a herniated disc. He was operated on by the Animal Health Trust and returned home to live with the aid of a "cart". Emily has written about the reality of living with a disabled Dachshund in the hope that her experience will be helpful to other owners if they have to make the tough decision about whether or not to have a herniated disc operated on.

The story also has useful links to back disease resources, including DodgersList, which is the best online source of information on living with back disease in a Dachshund.

Sadly, Digby's story does not have a fairy-tale ending and you'll probably need a box of tissues handy while reading Emily's moving account.

Download Digby's story here (2MB pdf).