Approximately nine weeks ago, on April 25th to be exact, our miniature dachshund Annie suffered a ruptured disc. The technical term for her injury is canine intervertebral disc disease. Due to their genetic makeup and elongated spines, dachshunds are extremely susceptible to this disease and have a 10-12 times higher rate of occurrence than any other breed. Approximately, 85% of dogs with IVDD are between 3 and 8 years of age (Annie will be 4 in September).
Of course, when we brought Annie into our family, these facts were not something that we thought of ~ it truly never entered into our realm of thought. She was so precious with those sad brown eyes she has mastered to perfection, that there was no way we weren't going to take her home with us. Even now, with all that has happened, we would never, ever change a thing! She is our sweet baby girl and has more love to give than you can possibly imagine!
So on that dreadful day, which I will never forget as long as I live, Jaime and I rushed Annie to the emergency vet clinic in Katy ~ hoping for the best but fully knowing from the screams coming from my baby that this was indeed very, very bad. James and Kevin met us there as they were out running errands. Annie was given a high dose of pain meds and off we went to College Station for emergency surgery. I have to commend Kevin for making EXCELLENT time! The Lord paved the way for us and with flashers going, we made it in record time!
Without too many boring details, Annie came out of surgery around midnight with a 50% change of ever walking again. Annie stayed two full weeks at Texas A&M and was spoiled beyond belief by her wonderful resident, Jennifer. Unfortunately, upon her being released by the neurosurgeon, Annie was still completely paralyzed in her back end and thus, the odds of improvement after such a period of time, were very, very slim. We were all prepared to go back in four weeks and have her fitted for a cart to help her have some mobility.
Here is the good part...GOD HAD OTHER PLANS! I was blessed to find the most amazing rehab clinic, Canine Health Institute, for Annie and she is currently going 3 days a week. At first we were only doing e-stem therapy, but have now graduated to acupuncture and hydrotherapy which you are about to witness with your very own eyes!
To those who have been praying and still are praying, for our baby girl, I can never ever thank you enough! Here is proof that the time spent on your knees was heard by our Mighty God! Please continue to keep Annie in your prayers! We love and appreciate each and every one of you!!!
The Beginning of our Rehab Journey!
First Day of Rehab - May 11th
Graduation to the Underwater Treadmill!
Hydrotherapy - June 26th
Walking on Dry Land! Go Miss Annie Go!
Walking - July 6th
1 comment:
We are so excited to hear the news about Annie. I know she is a huge part of ya'lls family. Astro and Augusta are our 1st and 3rd kids and would do anything for them. So glad you are blogging!
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