Have you had experience with IVDD? Would you consider being a  foster home for dog with ivdd?

At ADR, dogs occasionally come in to our rescue with health issues that require special care until they are ready to find their forever home. One of the most common health issues that we see with dachshunds is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):
  • IVDD is a condition in which a disc in the spine develops a problem and the material inside escapes into the spinal column, ultimately causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. ​​
  • In the past, IVDD was thought to reduce the quality of life for dogs and many were euthanized. But attitudes and vet care have changed and many dogs go on to live a quality life engaged in many of the same activities as before IVDD.
  • Some dogs receive surgery while many recover through crate rest, pain meds, and therapy such as acupuncture. ​​
  • IVDD can be unpredictable in just how much recovery is possible, and the severity of the injury is different with each animal.​
  • Some dogs lose the ability to empty their bladder and require their bladder to be expressed 3 or 4 times each day. 
Picture
15-year-old Rudy, paralyzed from IVDD for 8 years, out in the garden enjoying the weather!
  • Over time, some dogs regain full mobility, some regain none, while others learn to 'spinal walk', enabling them to get around on their own. Dogs that do not regain any type of mobility are often fitted with a cart so that they can participate in a fairly normal dog-type life.  Dogs that spinal walk often have a cart so that they can go on longer walks as they did before their injury.
  • Learn more about IVDD here.​​

CAN DOGS LIVE HAPPILY WITH IVDD? LUCKILY, THE ANSWER IS 'YES'!

Foster homes are a critical component of the success of any rescue organization. Recently, Alberta Dachshund Rescue has had a number of dogs being surrendered with IVDD and we are needing to find more homes across Alberta willing to foster these pups while they literally get 'back on their feet' and find their forever home.

If you have had experience with a dog with IVDD or would be willing to learn, ADR would love to have you fill out an application to foster one of these little guys. We have volunteers who would be willing to provide assistance and support, and teach you all that you need to know. The big thing would be a willingness to learn how to express a bladder and be willing to get the dog to therapy/acupuncture/vet appointments.
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If you would like more information or think you might be ready to help, please send us a message through the contact page on the ADR website - https://www.albertadachshundrescue.com/contact-us.html - and submit an application to foster.

Thank you!!!