Stella the Dachshund
November 2022 Stella, (Nicknamed Baby) was enrolled in training to become a certified therapy dog. February 2023, she injured her back, became paralyzed in her hind limbs, torso and lost control of her bowel and bladder. Her situation worsened very quickly. We rushed her to the nearest emergency neurological veterinarian. Upon assessment in the ER, Stella had only a 5% chance of regaining any movement or pain sensation. Despite the odds, she underwent spinal surgery.
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At first, she had little to no recovery from the surgery. She then underwent multiple sessions of hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy. Unfortunately, she still did not show any signs of improvement. We brought her home and began Rehabilitation. She has worked very hard. At first her rehab consisted of using an underwater treadmill with stimulation to her tail to facilitate activation of spinal nerves. She also participated in acupuncture, laser treatment and physical therapy three times a week. After one and half years of intensive therapy, she made many gains but remains partially paralyzed.
Stella's injury was devasting to us as a practice and as a family. Stella has always been a very special girl. From when she was a tiny puppy, she would make a unique "RaRoooo", sound when we get home, or even just walk into the room she is in, as if to say "yay, you're here, you're the best! I missed you so much!" After her injury, she lost the ability to make this sound. She would try to RaRoooo, but she no longer had the muscle control from her diaphragm. It would come out squeaky and so soft you could barely hear it.
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Update as of January 3, 2025
Stella continues to participate in Rehab once a week in our home through Kelsey's K9 Rehabilitation. She still requires assistance to empty her bladder. Deep pain sensation has returned. Although her ability to move is compromised, she is still a happy girl. Stella loves people, her lambchop and chasing her tennis ball. She has mostly regained her ability to RaRooo! At the time of her injury, she had to discontinue training to become a therapy dog to focus on her recovery. Now that she is stabilized, we are exploring options to resume her training. Until then, sadly, all appointments with Stella are on hold. She remains an inspiration to us and a reminder to NEVER GIVE UP, despite the odds, Hope and Healing are possible. Keep working Stella, we believe in you.
