Dachshund Degenerative Disc Disease

Dachshund Basics

• Dachshunds were bred from terriers and hounds to be long and low to the ground so they could chase badgers into their dens. Their elongated spines give them their distinctive shape, but also put them at risk for painful, even paralyzing back injuries. Though all dachshunds are at some risk for canine intervertebral disc disease or CIDD, some have a genetic predisposition known as degenerative disc disease.

Causes

• Your spinal cord is like a telegraph line from your brain to the rest of your body. For example, if you touch a hot stove, your brain receives the message "Ouch!" then directs you to pull your finger away. If your spinal cord is damaged, messages can't be sent or received and eventually you may lose sensation and mobility. Because your spinal cord is so essential, you have a spinal column, made up of fluid-filled discs, that protects it from damage. This risk of spinal injury is even greater in the disproportionate dachshund back.

  Dachshunds are susceptible to spinal cord injuries because their discs are thin and brittle, especially in their long lower backs. These discs can easily burst and swell, pressing against the spinal cord and cutting off messages to the brain. In degenerative disc disease, a disc gradually leaks fluid and exerts increasing amounts of pressure on the fragile spinal cord.

Symptoms

• Degenerative disc disease can manifest in one or all of the following symptoms. Ask yourself if your usually active dachshund is refusing to play or come to you, even if you offer him a treat, or if your dachshund is refusing to bend over to drink, eat or pick up his favorite toy. You can also ask if your dachshund walking like he is drunk, with his tail end swaying from side to side of if he whines or yelps when you touch him or pick him up. Does his back or neck arch oddly or stiffen?

  These behaviors may be your first clue that something is wrong with your dachshund's back. If this is due to an injury, the symptoms may exhibit quickly, but if it is due to degenerative disc disease, they may come on gradually. Keep an eye on your dachshund and pay close attention if his behavior changes in any way. Dachshunds, like all dogs, try to conceal any sign of illness or injury because, in the wild, weak or sick animals are the first victims of predators.

Treatment

• Act immediately. If your dachshund is exhibiting any of the symptoms described above, contact your veterinarian. If the problem is not addressed within the first 12 to 24 hours, your dachshund may be paralyzed for life. Pressure from leaking or ruptured discs will damage or even destroy his spinal cord if treatment is not quick enough.

  Your veterinarian will probably recommend one of two treatments: crate rest or surgery. Though surgery has a 95 percent success rate, its cost of $1500 on average may not be feasible for many dachshund owners. The alternative is to confine your dachshund to his crate for four weeks, taking him out two or three times a day to relieve himself. Some holistic veterinarians claim success with high doses of Vitamin C and acupuncture. Whichever route you choose, don't go it alone. Consulting an expert in dachshund anatomy and treatment is essential.

Precautions

• Though some dachshunds seem fated to suffer from degenerative disc disease no matter what, there are several ways you can reduce his chances of experiencing pain or paralysis.

  Keep your dachshund slim and trim. Making sure your dachshund is slender and active will help strengthen his back and reduce the effects of degenerative disc disease.

  Keep his back as straight and as horizontal as possible. Always support his back legs when you hold him and never let him dangle vertically from your hands. Discourage him from making sharp turns, sitting up to beg or twisting his long back.

  Choose your dachshund puppy carefully. Responsible breeders are breeding the tendency for degenerative disc disease out of the dachshund population. Ask to see the puppy's parents. If they show no signs of degenerative disc disease, your puppy may not have the genetic predisposition.