June's IVDD Story

June And Her Dachshund Back Problems

June, while in her prime, was diagnosed with IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), a string of fancy words that translate into lots of back problems for dachshunds.

June’s life with IVDD began when she was only two years old and weighed about eight pounds. While playing in the backyard she injured her back to such a degree she could barely walk. I rushed her to the ER where the on-call vet administered Rimadyl for inflammation, Tramadol for back pain, and Roboxin to relax muscles IVDD Disc Disease Fast Facts. But the worst was yet to come, my rambunctious pet was to be “confined to rest” for a month! Whaaat?

With a lot of diligence on my part, June recovered, only to re-injure her back when she was three years old! After a series of x-rays and veterinary examinations, I learned that June was a “chondrodystrophic” breed, which means a dog with short legs and long spines (but not always), prone to IVDD. When the vet told me that June’s back was like a “ticking time bomb” and suggested spinal surgery or maybe even euthanasia, I panicked. Was my sweet angel destined to a life of pain and other maladies than can accompany IVDD such as shaking, and loss of appetite and bladder control? I felt an immense sadness and frustration. Why did June have to suffer so? I took a little time to worry and commiserate, but then…I got busy.

I realized that if June remained still, she wouldn’t injure her back. But what kind of life is that for a dog? Dogs need to be active. I had to find a way to keep June from twisting her spine and wiggling so much, while she went about her daily business. That’s when the solution came to me. June needed a back brace for dogs, something like what the chiropractor gave me when I had injured my back.

I immediately combed through the pet shops and searched online. I even asked my vet for a dog back brace, but there was nothing out there that would work for June. Unwilling to give up, I hired a seamstress and together we designed a cheery, yellow vest with strong boning to keep June from wiggling. And guess what? It worked! And that was the very first WiggleLess® dog back brace. It afforded June the comfort and stability she needed to live a full, comfortable and happy life!

Then there’s my sweet, precious Henry! My husband and daughters brought home this little ball of fur while I was going through treatment for breast cancer in 2001. He and June brought my spirits up so many times. Henry was diagnosed with IVDD early on as well. Henry, also a mini longhaired dachshund was stockier than June with a shorter spine. Fitting him for his WiggleLess®  dog back brace afforded me time to redesign a more adjustable and effective support.

Fast forward to today and there are now eight sizes of WiggleLess® dog back braces available, providing comfortable, firm, back support for many breeds and builds of dogs with back problems.

Sadly, June passed away in 2011 from cancer. Henry also passed on in 2012 from a long and well-lived life. They both inspired me to create WiggleLess® dog back braces. June and Henry were spinally challenged, chondrodystrophic mini long-haired dachshunds. But to my family and me, they were so much more. They were a friend, a constant source of joy and love, and the inspiration behind WiggleLess® dog back braces.

June continues to inspire me and to watch over her friends who need the same support she did. It is she, who keeps me motivated ensuring WiggleLess® dog back braces are available to most dog sizes and shapes with back problems. June is and always will be our WiggleLess® Guardian Angel. We love you, June!