...
By Liz O'Connell
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A terrified pet parent rushed her dog Poggy to the vet after thinking he was paralyzed after he jumped off a table, but what happened at the appointment left her feeling "gaslit" and out of $769.
Poggy's owner explained in a TikTok video posted to the account @poggytheblueeyedoggy earlier this week that she brought her dachshund to the pub with her. The pup ended up launching himself off the table in pursuit of another dog. During the hours that followed, he refused to move, walk or interact, triggering anxiety as she worried her dog could have Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition that damages the discs cushioning the vertebrae in the spine.
Panic set in as Poggy's owner believed he was paralyzed. However, when Poggy was placed on the floor during his vet visit to show his refusal to walk, he did the exact opposite. Poggy walked around, gave a shake and stretched. He acted as if he did not just give his owner a heart attack. His theatrics ended up costing over $760.
Read More on Pets
"We were just shocked," the owner told Newsweek via TikTok. "I felt gaslit and stupid."
The owner, who is based in the United Kingdom, spent well above the U.S. national average of $70 to $174 for dogs at the vet, according to CareCredit. However, those costs will vary based on location, type of visit, age and health, additional vaccines or tests and any treatments. The average cost for an emergency vet visit is about $96 to $236.
But to her, the peace of mind was "worth every penny."
While her panic reduced after seeing Poggy walk again, it quickly crept up the next day. She said he refused to walk again. Not wanting to take any risks, she brought him to a different vet for a second opinion.
"The second vet told us, 'He’s probably worked out that doing this garners him even more attention from you,'" she said. "It was literally like a manipulation tactic. Now he's fine and completely back to normal."
Although Poggy seems back to himself, the owner shared in the comments section of the TikTok video her constant worry, given the breed of her dog.
Dachshunds have a 10-to-12-time higher risk of having IVDD than other dog breeds, according to a 2016 study published by Companion Animal Health and Genetics. About 19 to 24 percent of dachshunds will show clinical signs related to IVDD in their lifetime. IVDD can lead to stiffness, weakness, or full paralysis.
...
TikTok Users React
The TikTok video, which currently has over 34,000 views, quickly struck a chord with users, as many knew all too well that this was "in true sausage style," as dachshunds are known for their shape.
Several shared similar stories of their canines, with one user writing: "My dog was limping & then magically stopped the second the vet asked to put him on the floor."
Another added: "This happened to us when ours was a puppy and he had wind!"
And a third posted: "This happened to me last month. My youngest couldn't seem to walk. I freaked out and rushed her to the emergency vet. When it came time to see the doctor, she was fine. $560."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines