Approximately 25% of dachshunds suffer from Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD during their lifetime. That means that one out of four of us is likely to experience back problems. We can also get easily hurt if we fall or get into an accident.
Dachshunds have a long back, short legs, and a broad chest. We are popularly known as hotdog- shaped dogs. We were bred to hunt badgers, and our body shape is perfect for digging into the ground and chasing after badgers. However, our small legs put significant pressure on our intervertebral discs.
In dachshunds, over time, the intervertebral discs may begin to harden and calcify, leading to disc rupture. A ruptured disc, prolapsed disc, slipped disc, herniated disc, disc protrusion, disc extrusion, and so on, are just a few of the problems that we can encounter.
Back problems such as these can cause severe pain and even lead to paralysis. In some cases, it can lead to death. A dachshund might also need to undergo surgery to fix their back.
Symptoms
If a dachshund is unable to walk or jumps up suddenly when lying down, then these could be signs of back pain. Reluctance to move, shivering or trembling of the body, keeping their nose closer to the ground, yelping, and a taut tummy are signs that they could be experiencing extreme pain.
If your dachshund is experiencing back pain or spinal dysfunction, then you need to take him to a vet and get their X-ray, CT scan, or MRI done. IVDD is more likely to occur if we are under the age of 8 years.
What To Do When You Spot The Symptoms?
Once you realize that your dog is in pain, you need to take him to an emergency vet clinic. They may try to stay cooped up in one place and yelp when you try to get them in their crate for transporting to the vet.
Treatments
Non-Surgical
If your dachshund has a minor case of IVDD and is still able to control his back legs, then a non-surgical approach can be used to treat IVDD. This treatment involves a lot of rest and recuperation, along with laser and acupuncture therapy. Physical therapy, including stretching, short walks, etc. is used during the later stages. With the non-surgical approach, the issue is never wholly fixed. There is a 50% chance that the problem will reoccur.
Surgical Approach
It can be a hard decision to make, to decide whether to put your pet under the knife. However, if we are in extreme pain, it is the only way to avoid paralysis. This surgery will be performed by a neurologist and must be initiated at the earliest possible time in order to increase the probability of a successful operation.
Measures To Prevent Back Problems In Dachshunds
Design Your Home In a Dachshund-Friendly Way
We are fun-loving dogs and like to play in the house. We might jump on the furniture to snatch some treats or climb on the bed to sleep beside you. While you cannot lower the height of every piece of furniture in your house, you can adjust a few things. Buying a futon or a lower-level bed to sleep in can reduce a lot of jumping. You can also add a ramp for the furniture.
While you might be doing everything in your power to adjust your home, your dachshund can still get injured, and it could be their fault. You need to train your dachshund to avoid actions that can increase the chances of damaging their back. Moreover, if they have back problems or have had them before, do not let them sleep on their backs.
Don’t Let Your Dachshund Climb Stairs
Make sure that your dachshund stays away from stairs. Climbing stairs can put pressure on his spine and intervertebral discs. If you live in a double-story or a triple-story building, then you must carry us in your arms when taking us up and down the stairs. Moreover, you need to keep an eye on your dog so that he does not end up following you around. Building a ramp near the stairs and training your dog to use it is essential for his safety.
Learn The Right Way To Pick Up Your Dachshund
You need to use two hands when picking me up. One hand should support my chest and front legs. The other should be placed under my rear end to support the loin and our hind legs. Supporting our rear is crucial to avoiding strain when picking me up.
I am a cute dog, and your visitors can immediately take a liking to me. They might even try to pick me up in their arms to cuddle. However, you must teach them how to pick me up in order to avoid putting pressure on my back. You might come off as a little overprotective, but with a dachshund as your pet, you need to be.
Keep a Check On Your Dachshund’s Weight
While it is okay for some other breeds of dog to put on weight, a dachshund must stay fit. Putting on weight can increase the pressure on our backs and lead to disc problems. Regular exercise and a monitored diet are essential to maintaining our weight. You must be able to feel our ribs while rubbing our stomach. If you are not able to do so, then your dachshund might be overweight. Decrease his food portions and consult the vet about the amount of food that he should be fed.
Do Not Leave a Dachshund Alone With Kids Under the Age of 5
Kids and dogs get along quite well with one another. We love to play with kids and entertain them with our antics. However, if a kid falls on our back while playing, then it can damage our spine. Our discs can become dislocated, leading to extreme pain. A lot of animal care shelters do not let families with small kids adopt a dachshund for the safety of the dog. If you already have a dachshund and your kids are growing up, then you need to keep an eye on them when they play. You need to keep them engaged in games that do not involve moving too much. Moreover, slowly teach your kids and your dog to be careful with each other.
Monitor Your Dachshund’s Mobility
We don’t necessarily experience extreme pain when our back starts getting weak. You must monitor your dachshund’s progress and look for signs of discomfort. If we avoid walks, playtime, daily exercises, and digging, tasks that we usually participate in with enthusiasm, then you need to take us to the vet. If an injury is diagnosed early, it can be treated before it becomes too painful.
Do Not Breed a Dachshund With Four Calcified Discs
Many vets have recommended that if we have four calcified discs at two years of age, we should not be used for breeding.
Conclusion
Dachshunds have a reliable immune system. If we exercise regularly, then we will stay fit. However, our backs are structured in a way that makes them easy to damage. We are also genetically prone to getting IVDD. Watching out for signs of pain and back problems is an essential part of being a dachshund parent.
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