Dirks:  Adopted

Update: December

We are thrilled to learn that Dirks has been cleared for everything; as long of walks as he wants and as many as he wants! The doctor said he's 100 percent in terms of mobility and activity. He also noticed discernible improvement since the last visit.

The doctor did remind his foster mom that Dirks will have bad days... This can be due to over-activity, general tiredness or even weather changes. But, he should bounce back with a day or two of crate rest.

His foster parents will continue to practice good habits with Dirks such as not letting him jump off the couch or bed.

Update: July 12

As you can tell from the video, Dirks is walking and trying to run! His recovery has been amazing for only three weeks since back surgery. His foster parents take him on 4-5 short walks each day and he wants to keep going and not come back inside. Dirks is a sweet dog and wants to give kisses and cuddle when he is lifted out of the crate.

Check out Dirks in action!

Although he still has to be confined to the crate for three more weeks when he is in the house, he hasn't whined or barked. He is really a sweet boy who realizes he is very lucky. Dirks gets along well with the other two dachshunds in the house. His appetite is very good and he does his potty when taken out.

Update: July 7

Dirks went back to see his doctor for his two-week post-op visit. The doctor said Dirks' recovery is well ahead of schedule and that he may only see 1-2 dachshunds a year that have come as far as fast as Dirks after back surgery. He has great strength in his hind quarters and is walking fairly well for only two weeks out. The doctor wants four more weeks of crate confinement, but Dirks can go out for short walks (5-10 minutes at a time). His stitches were taken out and there is no more physical therapy to do except the walks. All in all, great news!

Update: June 23

Dirks did really well today. He still hasn't gained neuro functions however this is common for the first 3-4 days after surgery. He is very alert and is eating well.

Dirks' Background

Dirks joined CTDR in June when someone dumped him at a local Doggie Day Care and Boarding facility. He's a beautiful red two-year-old mini dachshund. We took him to the vet for an examination and he was up-to-date on everything but a microchip, so he was promptly chipped and even got a courtesy nail trim!

Unfortunately, Dirks wasn't doing too well the next morning. He was dragging his little back legs -- We were just devastated to hear this news! We immediately took him in for a consultation and he was scheduled for surgery later that afternoon.

Dirks came through surgery with flying colors. The doctor told us three areas of his spine (T-11, T-12 and T-13) had decompression of the disks. We are all wishing him a speedy recovery!

We will keep you posted on his status. If you can help us with his vet bills, please make a donation below. We definitely appreciate all the help!