The below ramps are an incredible example of the dedication and love that owners can bestow on their beloved Dachshunds - particularly if a Dachshund has a spinal/vertebral problem.
Tony & Katrina Bailey had these incredible ramps custom made for the comfort of their Dachshunds.
The above ramp is in their bedroom, notice the length which, although takes up a good deal of space, puts very little strain on a Dachshund's neck/back. Also notice the secure side-railing, and especially the platform at the top; Tony & Katrina say that the Dachshunds feel more secure getting onto the platform before beginning the downward descent. Below is a side-view of the same ramp.
The above ramp is in their living room, and leads to a favorite couch. Modeling the ramp - may I present (from left to right) "Fred" "Barney" & "George." Below is a side view of the ramp detailing the secure side-railing.
Above is an outside ramp leading to their deck. The ramp is covered with outdoor carpeting, and Tony & Katrina said they will be putting grooved rubber matting on for additional security. Below is a picture of the top of the ramp as it comes up onto the deck.
Barney's Story:
I got Barney from a breeder [........]. I would call it more of a puppy mill operation than a breeder. There were lots and lots of doxies, all caged outside (that gives me chills thinking about it now).
When Barney was 6, he started acting really strange, like he was very scared. He hid under the furniture, he shook, he wouldn't come to me when I called him, and he just looked really scared. I knew something was wrong with him, but didn't have any idea what it would be. I took him to our local vet, and they did x-rays. He said that it appeared to be a compressed vertebra, and he didn't know of any treatment besides surgery. He suggested that I take him to the emergency clinic in Columbus.
We left that appointment with our x-rays and headed straight to Columbus. They agreed with the diagnosis of a vertebra issue and explained that surgery may be our only option. I don't remember all of the details of the surgery except that I'd have to leave Barney there for several days, he could have permanent nerve damage, and it wasn't a guaranteed fix to the problem. I asked them if there was any other treatment we could try, and the vet suggested pain pills combined with bed rest.
I wish now that I knew more at that time how important it was to reduce all strain to Barney's neck, even after he healed. We took him home and didn't let him jump or climb any stairs. At that time, we purchased additional stairs so that there would be no jumping hazard for Barney.
He didn't have anymore problems until March 2009. He had the same symptoms of hiding under the furniture, shaking, and acting scared. Our vet was closed since it was on a Sunday, so he advised me to take Barney to the emergency clinic in Dayton. That vet did x-rays again and came up with the same diagnosis as last time. Along with the x-rays, he also diagnosed Barney by his symptoms. He had me get up and walk to the other side of the room and call Barney. Barney came to me, but he wouldn't look up at me. The vet said that this was a symptom that it hurt Barney when he lifted his head. After he told me that, it did occur to me that Barney held his head lower than he usually does. The vet advised that the only way to be 100% sure of what was wrong with Barney would be to take him to OSU and get a MRI done. He didn't feel that it was necessary since his symptoms were the same as his last injury. He prescribed the same care as last time - Pain meds and bed rest. He again advised against stairs.
On the way home, it occurred to me that maybe the stairs were too much on Barney, even when he wasn't having any problems. Since he didn't jump anywhere, maybe the steps were what caused his problem this time. We took him home, did the bed rest and pain meds, and he's since gotten better again. I honestly think the steps were hurting Barney. Since we've had the ramps installed, he uses them all the time and avoids the stairs completely. He never needed to be trained, or even encouraged, to use the ramps; he immediately used them and seems relieved that they are there.
Looking back, I wish I would have had the ramps installed a long time ago and didn't put Barney through the strain of the stairs. I also like knowing as the dogs age, the ramps should be a lot easier on them. The ramps have two qualities that I think are important: A very gradual slope, and side-rails to protect them from falling over the side. The bedroom ramp is the tallest at 32", and it has an 18" platform that gives the dogs some security from transitioning from the bed to the slope of the ramp. They have definitely been the best investment that we could have ever made for the boys. - Katrina Bailey
Tony & Katrina said that they will be painting the ramps to match the bedroom and living rooms decor.
They have also said that they would be more than happy to answer questions about the ramps and to offer helpful suggestions and tips.
Bravo for Tony & Katrina!
