IVDD is Not The End!
You and Your Dog Can Have a Great Life With IVDD!
It is our mission to end the misconceptions that surround IVDD and paralyzed dogs. Many people, even some vets, think that paralyzed dogs can’t have a good quality of life. We are living proof that this just isn’t true! Just head over to our gallery and you will see many dogs living a great life despite being paralyzed.
Your dog may have a good chance of recovery!
Not only that, but many dogs who were once paralyzed due to IVDD have made seemingly miraculous recoveries and resumed life as a normal fully abled dog. But this is no miracle, in fact it’s quite common for a dog, paralyzed due to a ruptured disc, to regain it’s mobility with time and proper care. For the ones who don’t recover their mobility, they’re still able to live happy and fulfilling lives.
It may seem hopeless at first, but that’s why we’re here, to give you the tools and information you need to make that adjustment with hope and optimism.
Be Optimistic!
It is very likely that you are way more depressed about it than your dog is. When my dog went down I was sad for her at first, but when I looked at her I realized that she wasn’t feeling sorry for herself. She still wanted to rip toys apart and play with her ball. She still barked at the people outside and playfully bit at my sleeves. It was like she never looked back and I decided that if she wasn’t going to feel sad or sorry for herself, than neither was I.
She was a very severe case, and it’s likely that she will never regain the use of her hind legs or tail, but that doesn’t matter. If she does regain mobility that’s great! If not, that’s fine too. We have a wonderful life, disabled or not. Embrace your new role as a special needs dog parent. I promise you that it’s worth it. You will find your new normal. Having a disabled dog has been very rewarding. It has taught me so much about perseverance. You and your dog can overcome this obstacle. You are not alone!
The hardest part is just getting through the first few weeks. Mainly because your dog might be in pain and looking miserable in their crate. It won’t be like that forever. Your dog will soon be back to their old happy self. They just need time to heal, like when you break a bone. They will be forever grateful to you for putting in the time and effort to give them a good life.
I’m not saying it will be easy. You have to be willing to give them the care and attention they need, but it is absolutely worth it and totally doable. IVDD is not the end. You got this!
February 21, 2020 @ 4:11 am
Thank you so much for writing this. I am completely heartbroken my 7 year old dachshund has just been diagnosed with IVDD. I have spent the last 24 hours crying wondering what kind of life he will have if he doesn’t regain use of his legs. This has have me
So much hope thank you x
February 22, 2020 @ 10:25 pm
The first weeks of this diagnosis is so scary and overwhelming. I know how it feels! I too worried about my dog’s quality of life, and was so heartbroken to think that she may never walk again. But I can tell you that she never looked back or felt sorry for herself. She really adapted to her disability so well! As soon as we got past the initial injury and pain she was right back to her happy self. She never cared about losing the use of her back legs. My rehab vet even says she is their happiest patient. So definitely know that it will be ok. You and your dog can totally get through this. Cali loves the freedom and mobility that her wheelchair gives her. It really is the best! And with that she’s just like any other dog running around the park. I swear she loves all the extra love, attention, and care that she gets since she went down. A disabled dog can still be a very happy dog. Thanks for reaching out and I wish you the very best!