First, did you know that dachshunds are not a long-backed breed? Rather, dachshunds are a short-legged breed.
And, since so many have asked … KissMe’s laminectomy removed not only his C2 C3 ruptured disc, but also his pain. A chunk of the ruptured fibrous exterior portion of the disc had lodged in his spinal canal. The day after surgery, when we travelled to South Austin Vet Hospital for a 2-hour visit in a private exam room, KissMe was walking … and, kissing.
KissMe’s Facebook page ([email protected]) shows a heartwarming video of KissMe slathering RonTom’s face with endless kisses during the visit.
At the end of the visit, Dr. O’Donnell decided KissMe could go home, two days early. Our joy was as endless as KissMe’s kisses.
Our challenge now is keeping KissMe contained inside for four weeks, with potty breaks on a 4-foot leash, while he heals. The stroller Christine loaned makes possible walks around the block.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) affects roughly 25% of dachshunds, but it’s not limited to doxies. Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund (you might have seen some of his Facebook videos) explains, IVDD is when the discs along the spine, between vertebrae, “deteriorate (calcify/harden), wherein they become susceptible to bulging or bursting – especially with hard impacts (jumping off a couch, steps, rough play, etc).”
From our dog days with BoD, we’ve provided elevated food and water bowls and ramps. Now, we will use a harness, rather than a leash. And, we’ll increase his exercise and decrease his caloric intake. He’s at risk for future problems, so “all four feet on the ground”.
Last week, City Council approved an Interlocal Agreement with San Marcos/ Hays County EMS for EMS services. It’s $25,000 for January to October. That’s several years’ worth of city taxes for each household. It’s coming from City savings.
Mayor Phillip Taylor graciously explained,
“Until formation of ESD 9, EMS service for Mountain City and much of Hays County was funded via County tax dollars via the County budget. However, with increased cost in medical care and services a better funding source was needed. Therefore a group of citizens petitioned for an election to create ESD 9, to provide EMS services for the areas not covered by an ESD for EMS. The November 2016 election did not pass in Mountain City. Therefore to continue EMS coverage from San Marcos/Hays County EMS, our provider for over 25 years, the City needed to enter into an inter local agreement with them and pay for the services to be provided. The City will be working with the newly formed ESD for different options in providing coverage.”
“The city would not receive ‘a bill’ for each call, we pay for the EMS service to be provided to Mountain City. We are strictly paying for the services to be provided to the city as are several other cities in Hays County.”
I’ll provide Montage with or without tidbits. But, tidbits help. Please send to [email protected] (subject: TIDBIT) or 512 268 5678. Thanks! Love, Pauline.
Editors Note: This column has been updated from a previous version that ran in our print edition.
