Surgical treatment may be ideal for some back problems. For example, if your dachshund has IVDD that has not responded to medical therapy, then your vet would perform a surgery to remove the extruded disc material. This would decrease pressure on the spinal cord and allow it to heal. Surgery may be possible to remove a tumor, depending on its size and location.  If your dachshund has spinal trauma, immediate surgery may help; however, the trauma (and other injuries) may be too severe for your dachshund to withstand surgery. Your vet will discuss all surgical options with you and let you know if your dachshund would be able to handle the surgery. Your vet may refer you to a veterinary neurosurgeon. If your dachshund has surgery, then you will need to care for her at home to ensure she has a full recovery. In general, at-home care involves pain reduction, exercise restriction, and physical therapy (if possible). Realize that a successful surgical outcome (e.g., pain relief, ability to walk) may not be apparent for several days to weeks after surgery. You may have to express your dachshund’s bladder after surgery. Your vet can show you how to do this. If your dachshund’s back problem has left his rear legs paralyzed, he may need a doggie wheelchair so he can get around. As your dachshund recovers from surgery, he may no longer need the wheelchair. Ask your vet for recommendations on wheelchairs and how to use one.

Summary: Discuss surgical options with your vet. Care for your dachshund after surgery. Consider purchasing a doggie wheelchair for your dachshund.


Open a jar of salsa and begin adding it gradually to the dip base. The salsa should be added to taste and stirred in until the mixture becomes a light pink color. Make sure not to add too much at once, as this can overpower the dairy elements and reduce the creaminess of the dip.  Choose a thick salsa instead of thinner types like pico de gallo to avoid making the dip watery. Just to be on the safe side, use mild salsa. If you want to spice the dip up later, you’ll have more control using fresh peppers and other seasonings. Sprinkle roughly a cup’s worth of shredded cheese over the top of the cream cheese/sour cream/salsa mixture. Cover the entire dish so that the cheese is distributed evenly throughout the dip. Add more cheese to taste. The sharper notes of cheeses with distinct flavors, like cheddar and jack, will stand out nicely in your dip. Take the tomatoes, onions and green bell peppers you diced earlier and add them into the dip. Mix the entire entire concoction together so that each ingredient is spread through the dip—ideally, each bite will contain a little bit of everything. Looking for other vegetables to build up your nacho dip? Try minced garlic, black beans or mild Anaheim or poblano peppers. Place the bowl containing the mixed ingredients in the refrigerator and allow it to sit for thirty minutes to an hour until the dip “sets up.” The cream cheese/sour cream mixture will thicken as it cools, and the flavors of the taco seasoning, cheese and vegetables will have time to come together. At the sixty minute mark, or whenever you’re ready to serve it, take the dip out, transfer it to the intended serving dish and arrange tortilla chips around the dip. You’re ready to eat! Leave the dip in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bring it out for your guests.

Summary: Blend salsa into the dip base. Layer on shredded cheese. Incorporate the diced veggies. Refrigerate for up to an hour.


Place a martini glass in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know that it’s cold enough when the glass develops some frost. To mix the martini, you’ll a cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill it almost completely. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar is a good substitute. When the  shaker is filled with ice, pour 1 ounce (30 ml) of whipped cream flavored vodka, ½ ounce (15 ml) of creme de cocoa, ½ ounce (15 ml) of creme de menthe, and 2 ounces (60 ml) of half and half. Cover the shaker, and shake the mixture for about 15 seconds or until all of the ingredients are combined. You can substitute your favorite type of milk for the half and half if you prefer. Take the lid off the shaker, and place a cocktail strainer over the chilled glass. Pour the martini through to strain the ice out of it. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of the martini. Sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the cream, and stick a mint leave in to garnish. Serve the cocktail while it’s still cold. The garnish is optional; you can omit if you prefer.

Summary: Chill a martini glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, creme de cocoa, creme de menthe, and half and half and shake well. Strain and pour the mixture into the glass. Garnish the martini with the whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a mint leaf.


Since Flonase is a corticosteroid and may decrease your body’s ability to fight infections, you need to take extra precautions while using it. If you get sick, let your doctor know immediately. You should always give healthcare providers a complete list of medications you're taking. Remember to include fluticasone inhalation/spray on your list. Stay away from people who are sick and wash your hands often. Be especially careful to stay away from people who have chickenpox or measles. Tell your doctor right away if you find out that you have been around someone who has one of these viruses. In rare cases, prolonged use of corticosteroids decreases your body's ability to respond to physical stress. As such, it's very important that your doctors know you're using Flonase before you undergo any surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment.
Summary: Report illness immediately. Avoid infectious germs and diseases. Report Flonase use before surgeries or emergency treatment.