(Thanksgiving) November 2007 (First Back Surgery)
This is a site made for Lukie’s family and friends to know any updates and see pictures of how he is recovering. On Nov 24, Lucas woke up paralyzed, and was rushed to Purdue University for Emergency back surgery. He has 4 bad disc but only one was fixed. The goal right now, is to be patient, take everyday at a time, and wait for those first steps.
(Easter) April 2009 (Second Back Surgery) (different disc from the ‘bad’ ones that were ‘discovered’ in 2007)
Its been a year and a half since his first surgery. I never thought i’d be back on here posting, but here we are starting the recovery once again. It all started 3 weeks ago when he started crying and I noticed his neck was very stiff. We took him to the vet and was sent home with doggie advil. He finally ‘recovered’ from that (so we all thought) but he was just not himself. My Parents took him back two other times for his lost of speech (couldnt bark) and of course sent home with advil and told he will ‘outgrow’ it. On Saturday (11th) he started walking drunkenly so my parents rushed him to the vet and was referred to a specialist here in indy. He had a ruptured disc and was sent into his second surgery. The second time around feels easier then the first as i know what to expect and know what to do. I’m all ready to begin his recovery…
*paralyzed both times*
Background on Lucas:
Name: Lucas Louis Paulin
Nicknames: Luke or Lukie or Lukie poo
Type: Long Haired Miniature Dachshund, AKC registered
AKC Name: Dreamweaver
Born: Menasha, Wisconsin
Weight: 11 pounds
Age: 6 years
Hobbies: Chasing birds, barking at the cows, running 100 mph around the house and in yard, playing with neighbor dogs, rough playing with toys, and playing ’superman’ by jumping off couches, beds, anything high. *From now on, Luke is restricted from stairs, furniture, sleeping with family members and everything that was just mentioned.
I’m sure you are wondering the cost of all these surgeries and doctor visits. Disc surgery on a dachshund is typically around 4K. Total amount of Lucas is roughly around: 15K
No one ever said owning a dachshund was cheap.
November 30, 2007 at 9:25 pm |
Doxies are prone to back problems. You are very fortunate that he is able to walk. It’s great to see that he is recovering.
November 30, 2007 at 9:36 pm |
Well hes not walking yet…but the docs gave him 90-95% to walk again…so yes we are lucky its not as worse as it could have been.
December 12, 2007 at 9:16 am |
Glad the little fellah is doing ok. Ty
December 17, 2007 at 8:47 am |
What a special person you are. My daughters shitzu had same surgery last night and we are all devestated. Can only think so unfair for a 2 year old dog to go through. He is our special little boy and we can only pray that he will reover. Your site put a smile on my face and gives me some hope. We hope Lucas continues to have a full recovery. He is so lucky to have you as his mommy ( just your web site alone shows me this) I would love to correspond with you so you can contact me at my email address. Put GIZMO in the subject box so I won’t delete. Thanks and may Lucas have a long,healthy life with you.
January 30, 2008 at 11:47 pm |
We have four little doxies, ages 15 down to ten…The 10 year old is a long red haired and her name is Rosie. The others, Heidi, Cody and Kiley are all short reds.
Kiley was unable to walk one day. He just flat out could not stand…We took him to the specialist who does about 95% doxie surgeries, right into the hospital, and he had to have surgery as well. Because this team specializes in this, they told us 80-90% chance that he would completely recover. It was a long process, he had blown out more than one disc too. Lots of carrying him, and one day about 8 weeks into this, I was sitting with him and said “Oh, Ki-Ki, are you ever going to walk to Mama again???” , at which point, when I stood up and started to leave the room,my daughter who was sitting with him said…”MOM, LOOK…He is walking!!!” He has made a complete and full recovery and is flying around here like “SUPERMAN” too. PRECIOUS little Luke will get loved right back on his feet with all of the love that you are giving him…I will pray for him!
April 1, 2008 at 2:51 pm |
Hey Lucas is so cute. I really appreciate this page. My boy Rollie is in surgery right now and it’s been three hours so you giving the surgery time frame is really reassuring. Hope recovery continues to go well.
Alex
April 7, 2008 at 10:49 am |
Hey Luke! My name is Fritz (The Celebrity Pup – and fellow Dachshund). I’m so glad to see you’re doing better. I hope to have pics on my blog soon. It’s thecelebritypup.com. Get well my friend.
October 27, 2008 at 8:43 am |
I have a 12 yr old who had surgery last week. Thanks for this blog, now I know a little more about how to prepare and what to look for. Where did you get the “red legs”? She gave me a toe squeeze yesterday so I am on cloud 9!
January 21, 2009 at 1:20 pm |
My dog, LadyBug had surgery on January 7, 2009 for a large
herniated disc. They have given her an 85% chance of recovery.
I am so afraid I will hurt her.
May 4, 2009 at 7:52 am |
Thank you so much for this blog. I have read all about his recovery from his first op. and now following Luke’s second surgery. He is a beautiful dog.
I also have a Dachshund called Luke and this site made me cry (happy and sad tears).
Will be back to hear about his continued recovery and wish you and him all the best.
May 18, 2009 at 8:19 am |
Wow, thought I would have a look to see how he is doing and seems like he has got a lot better in such a short time. Even if he is on Prozac
Good for Lucas, hope that his recovery keeps going in leaps and bounds.
My little Luke is still on a vet diet Z/D because he too was v. sick after op on his belly. They are such little guys with such big hearts. Will come back and check on him again. I put a link on my sight to you so that others can keep and eye on him too. Thanks for the updates. Karen and Dachshund Luke