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My dog has a spinal injury. Can his back legs heal without surgery?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | 1 year and 1 month old | 13 lbs

Hannu is having no pain in back legs and back legs are not working too. Vet says spinal cord injury. Is there any treatment without surgery. As he is only 1 year old

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear Hannu is having back issues. With dachshunds, a bulging disc in the spinal cord is a very likely possibility, and the best treatment option to give the best chance for a return to normal function is surgery to remove the protruding disc material. There is also the chance that there could be an inflammatory process or trauma going on. Ideally, he would be evaluated by a veterinary neurologist to determine the underlying cause and what treatment options are available to him. You can discuss with your regular veterinarian medical management such as cage rest and steroids/antiinflammatories, but time is critical in these cases and I would have a plan decided for him as soon as possible. Good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 2nd, 2017

    I am so sorry Hannu isn't doing well! He's a lovely looking boy. Unfortunately, back problems are very common in Dachshunds due to their elongated spine and surgery is frequently needed to repair the problem. It is very concerning he is unable to move his back legs, and that suggests that the nerves from the spine could be compressed and preventing the legs from getting signals to move. Surgery may be the only option you have left in this case, especially if medical treatment isn't helping. I would speak to your vet about surgical options. Again, I'm sorry Hannu is having such a tough time :-(

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