Medication for Disc Problems in Dachshunds

Intervertebral disc disease (IVD) or spondylosis occurs due to gradual degeneration of the intervertebral discs. It commonly occurs in smaller dog breeds, such as dachshunds, and causes acute pain and spinal cord trauma. A veterinarian can examine and detect the problem through radiographs or X-rays. Treatment varies based on the extent of disc degeneration, displacement and damage. There are many types of medications that a vet can prescribe to a dachshund suffering from a disc problem, based on the severity of the problem.

  1. Treating Symptoms

    • Certain treatments aim to eliminate symptoms caused by the problem and also try to prevent recurrence at a later point in time. Mild symptoms of disc degeneration or displacement can be treated using anti-inflammation drugs, and the dosage is increased if the symptoms are severe. The initial symptoms of IVD symptoms include slight neurologic deficits and pain. In this case, the pet requires complete rest in addition to a combination of drugs on the advice of an experienced veterinarian. Typically, crating for around six weeks along with anti-inflammatory medication are the first line of treatment when a dachshund shows signs of disc problem.

    Medication

    • Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids are commonly given to alleviate pain. Steroids prevent relapse of the injury due to compression or contusion. Muscle relaxants provide relief from pain. Antacids may also be recommended to prevent gastrointestinal disorders due to other medications that the dachshund is receiving. Abnormal bladder functioning can be treated using antibiotics. Narcotic analgesics are prescribed to the dachshund in the case of severe pain.

    Surgery

    • If your dog does not respond to medications or has multiple recurrences of mild IVD symptoms, it may result in paralysis in the long run. Generally, paralysis due to IVD is irreversible and hence, to prevent this, surgery may be an option. Surgery aims to prevent recurrence of the problem by relieving pressure on the spinal cord and also tries to eliminate the symptoms. Since special training and expertise are required to perform IVD surgeries, your veterinarian may recommend a certified veterinary surgeon for this purpose. Surgery may completely cure your pet of IVD and your pet dachshund may be able to walk again.

    Alternate Therapies

    • For dogs who do not respond to medication, and surgery is not the right option, acupuncture therapy may be quite effective. The procedure is relatively noninvasive and does not cause pain. This therapy is suitable for dogs with mild neurological deficits or just pain symptoms. Another alternative therapy that is quite effective is hydrotherapy.

      Though nontraditional therapies, such as homeopathy and holistic healing, claim to combine the benefits of herbs and herbal concoctions with spiritualism, no scientific evidence has proven their merit. All alternate therapies necessarily have to be carried out under strict supervision of a licensed veterinarian.