i have a little Shih tzu who on sunday night ruptured a disc in her back. She has llost partial use of both her back legs but is not incontinent and doesnt seem to be inany pain.The vet had put her on steroid tablets and told me to stop her from doing anything - treat her as if she had total bed rest. Easier said than done. Because she had no pain its as if she doesn't know that she has a problem and is trying to do everything she normally does. Does anyone know if maybe I should buy her a cage to keep her in for a while or carry on as I am carrying her to the garden and trying to stop her walking about?
Many Thanks Tina Miller

Hi Tina,
I would definitely get her a crate for a few weeks - it will minimise the risk of her doing further damage. Crates are inexpensive really, especially when compared to vet's bills, and if you put her bed in it she may like to use it for this even when she's better, which can make staying at friend's houses or hotels a lot easier.

Hope this helps :)

Hi Tina. I've had three dogs with the same problem. You definately need a crate. Argos sell one for around 40 pounds. Crate rest is a must for back problems like this. It is essential that you limit any further damage.
My first dog didn't lose the use of her back end at all, so steroids and cage rest did the trick. The other two both needed surgery. One unfortunately didn't make it. The other i'm happy to say is still with me, and she's no different to what she was before.
Has your vet spoken to you about surgery? If it comes to that, then the quicker you go for it the better. I don't mean to scare you but it is very important. Where abouts do you live?
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Good luck.

Hi Snoopy (hope you dont mind me calling you that) thank you for your comments re: my shih tzu Jade with the ruptured disc she is making a remarkable recovery and has now got a lot of movement back in both her back legs although she is still limping quite badly. I decided against a cage as she is doing so well and know she would be quite distressed in one. Hope I'm making the right decision!
I live in Harpenden and am feeling so much better now Jade seems to be on the mend. We're back to the vets on Monday and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The vet did suggest surgery but because of Jades age he said he wouldn't recommend it.
Thanks once again, its great to be able to talk to someone who understands what we're going through.
Tina.

Hi Jeangenie
Thank you for your advice. My shih tzu is making a remarkable recovery and so I have decided against a cage.We are back to the vets on Monday and I'm sure he is going to be amazed at her. Shes a tough cookie.
Thanks once again
Tina

I'm glad she's improving, Tina! :)

Tina, i'm so glad, that's really good news.
No one knows a dog like their owner so if you think that she would be so unhappy in a crate then you've made the right decision. No point stressing her out more.
I've got my fingers crossed for both of you, hope she continues with her speedy recovery.