Health Questions for a Mini Dachshund Puppy

Miniature dachshunds are recognized by the American Kennel Club as part of the hound breed. They usually grow to be 5 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 11 pounds fully grown. These dogs come in a variety of solid colors, including red, chocolate, tan and gray. They are also available in bicolors, tricolors and patterns. Dachshunds are loyal and loving dogs, but they have a variety of genetic health issues.

  1. Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

    • Dachshunds are a chondrodystrophoid breed. This means they have a long body and short legs. The Canine Inherited Disorders Database explains that even though this is a breed standard for the dachshund, it is actually a deformation that is caused by the abnormal development of spinal cartilage.

      IVDD, or intervertebral disk disease, is a disease that occurs among chondrodystrophoid breeds. The spinal column is made up of vertebrae, and in between each of the vertebral bones there is a pad called an intervertebral disk. These pads are shock absorbers that protect the vertebrae. They have a rigid outer surface and are filled with a soft gluey material inside. IVDD is caused when the outer surface of the pad ruptures and the inner material leaks out. This puts pressure on the spinal column.

      The symptoms of IVDD are severe pain in the neck or back, sudden incontinence, or paralysis in the back limbs. This condition is treatable with surgery, but it must be addressed immediately because paralysis can become permanent if it is left untreated longer than 24 hours after the initial onset.

    Acanthosis Nigricans

    • According to the Canine Inherited Disorders Database, the dachshund is genetically susceptible to developing an increase in dark pigmentation on its skin. This condition is called Acanthosis nigricans. Over time the skin thickens and becomes leathery, and the hair falls out. The skin may become greasy and foul-smelling because of a secondary condition called seborrhea. Other secondary infections that may develop are malassezia dermatitis, which is a type of yeast infection on the skin, and staphylococcal pyoderma, which is a staph infection that causes redness and itching. The condition cannot be cured, but it can be managed through medicated shampoos, topical steroids and vitamin E treatments.

    Von Willebrand's Disease

    • Type I Von Willebrand's disease is a blood platelet disorder that affects both standard and miniature dachshunds as well as Doberman pinschers, Scottish terriers and poodles, among other breeds. Dogs that are affected with this disorder may have nose bleeds or bleeding from the gums. They may also bleed a great deal during surgical procedures, while in heat or while giving birth. The disease is not usually noticeable until the animal is more than three years old. It is not curable, and the Canine Genetic Disorders Database advises against breeding dogs that have this disorder because it is passed from the parents to the offspring. The website indicates that most dogs can live normal lives, but the veterinarian needs to be aware of the condition before performing surgery.