Dachshunds commonly suffer back problems. In fact, Dachshunds are the breed most often affected by Intervertebral Disc Disease. According to veterinarian Patricia Luttgen of Denver ,Colorado, about one out of four Dachshunds will develop some form of disc disease in its lifetime.
Why Dachshunds Have Back Problems
Dachshunds are among the chondrodystrophic breeds. The OnlineDictionary defines Chondrodystrophy as an inherited skeletal disorder causing cartilage to convert to bone before birth, resulting in dwarfism. These breeds have short, crooked legs and their joints and vertebrae tend to degenerate prematurely. Vertebrae in the spinal column are separated by discs to absorb the shock of movement. When these discs become damaged, this is called Intervertebral Disc Disease or may be referred to as IVDD or Disc Disease or Slipped Disc.
Cause of Intervertebral Disc Disease
The discs that separate the vertebrae have a gelatinous nucleus with a tough, fibrous outer covering. As the dog ages, these discs lose pliability and may begin to calcify. At this point, a bit of force can cause a disc to push into the spinal cord or to rupture, or become herniated, and push the nucleus into the spinal cord. This causes the dog a great deal of pain and can lead to paralysis.
Symptoms of IVDD
Dogs are usually between the ages of 3 and 6 when symptoms appear. Symptoms may occur suddenly or develop gradually.
- Hunched walking, indicating back pain
- Yelping when lifted, indicating back pain
- Uncoordinated gait
- Hind leg weakness
- Hesitant to rise from a lying position
- Hesitant to climb stairs
- Paralysis
Diagnosing IVDD
The above symptoms can also indicate problems other than IVDD such as a spinal infection, tumor, or other medical issue, so a thorough examination by a veterinarian is necessary for proper diagnosis. A neurological exam and x-rays aid in the diagnosis. If the dog cannot walk, the veterinarian may perform the pinch test on the toes. If the dog pulls back this may be simply a withdrawal reflex but if he yelps or nips, this indicates he retains deep pain sensation in the limb.
Treatment of IVDD
Milder cases in which the dog has obvious pain but can still walk, may be treated with cage rest and anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants. Strict rest is crucial to allowing the disc and spinal cord to heal. Any activity can irritate tissues further and worsen symptoms or delay healing.
Dogs who do not respond to rest and medication or dogs with severe symptoms or paralysis may require surgical intervention where spinal bone and disc are removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, allowing it to heal.
Prognosis
Prompt diagnosis and treatment is important toward a good outcome in IVDD. Rest and medication helps most dogs with mild symptoms. In surgical cases, prognosis is good for dogs who could still walk or had deep pain sensation in the limbs before surgery. In cases where the dog had lost deep pain sensation, chances are not great that he will walk again. Moreover, the longer the dog is without deep pain sensation, the lower the chances. The earlier the dog receives treatment, the better the prognosis.
Preventing Intervertebral Disc Disease
Weight gain and obesity add even more stress to an already compromised spine in Dachshunds and other chondrodystrophic dogs. These dogs should be fed a diet recommended by the veterinarian and provided with adequate exercise. Regular walking is a good activity for Dachshunds. It controls weight and increases spinal support by toning muscles. Jumping and rough play, especially play that causes twisting motions, should be discouraged.
Related Reading:
Genetic Diseases of Purebred Dogs
Sources:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - Thoracolumbar Area in Dogs by Dr. Jon Rappaport, DVM
Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease by Patricia J. Luttgen. DVM, MS Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Neurology, Denver Colorado
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
Join the Conversation