Dachshund - Disabled Dachshund


Memorialclick here

In loving memory of Sally Henry
February 3, 1993 - July 21, 2001

Sally the Inspiration Doxie

You think you have it hard?
Here is a little dachsie with BIG problems
Yet she gives nothing but love.
This little girl epitomizes the courage and dignity
of the dachshund, and the love and caring of their
owners. She truely is an Inspiration


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Sally was turned in at the pound at the tender age of six
months by an owner who didn't want to pay a pet deposit
when she moved Dachshund Rescue promptly got her out of
the pound, checked her for heartworms (negative), vaccinated
and spayed her.She was adopted 5 weeks later.

The first 2 1/2 months in her new home, she seemed to be a
normal, active pup. Then at approximately 9 1/2 months of
age,she suddenly became very clumsy - tripping over her back
feet while running, abruptly sitting down while chasing a
toy, etc.

After extensive medical tests - x-rays, myelogram and spinal
fluid analysis - it was determined that Sally had been exposed
to Distemper at some point in her young life, most likely while
at the pound awaiting rescue. Apparently her first owner hadn't
bothered with puppy shots. The vaccinations she received at the
time of her rescue came too late to save her from the ravages of
such a vicious disease. She was treated with corticosteroids to try
to slow the damage to her nervous system.

At her lowest point, she could sit upright for only a few seconds.
The toes on her front feet curled under. Her bark was little more
than a squeak. Bladder and bowel control was nil.

Now three years old, Sally is a survivor. Her back legs remain
paralyzed, but her spirit is indomitable. Her front is muscular,
although she holds her front legs very stiffly due to nerve damage.
Her bark is strong. She has good bladder control, although her
bowel control could still stand some improvement.

She has been receiving acupuncture treatments every two weeks
for the past 9 months. Her front legs have gained strength,
but still not enough for her to successfully use a regular
2-wheeled K-9 Cart. Consequently, she is now using a special
4-wheeled K-9 Cart which provides better front support. She has
also recently begun to crawl when out of her cart, dragging her
rear along behind, another sign of regaining strength in her front
legs. Her preferred mode of transportation is to have someone hold
up her back end while she RUNS to wherever she wants to go.

Despite her physical challenges, Sally is a normal stubborn
Dachshund. She has learned to communicate her wishes through
barking and giving "The Look". No one can say what the
future holds for Sally but for now she is a very loved little girl.



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See SALLY September 2000


Please sign Please sign Sally's guest book bt clicking here


For information about back problems, paralysis,
and related disorders
you can email Sally's owner Karen Henry at:
klhenry@ix.netcom.com

Go to:
Sally's Sister Gretchen RIP 8/28/2001
Another "Disabled" Dachshund
A Paralyzed Dachshund Who Recovered
Links to other back disorder pages
Dachshund WWW Links
Dachshund Rescue Links: Angelfire
(Dis)Abled Dogs Email Group
Disabled Dachshund Society




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>> Author Dick Neville, last modified May 29th, 2005 <<