Dachshunds are prone to having herniated discs due to their long bodies and active character. You can prevent injury to your dachshund by stopping it from leaping and jumping, but everyone who has known a dachshund knows how difficult that can be. Herniated discs are dangerous and painful injuries, veterinarian Patricia J. Luttgen said in a paper she prepared for the Dachshund Club of America, but with treatment you can prevent permanent damage to your dog, and it can go on to live a long and healthy life.
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Appetite Loss
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One of the first signs that something is wrong with your dog is that it begins to lose its appetite. While this is a symptom of many problems, it is often the first thing that pet owners notice when their dog has a disc that is herniating. If you find that your dachshund has lost his appetite, you may want to take him to the vet, because the sooner you treat a herniated disc, the less damage will be done.
Reluctance to Run or Jump
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When your normally active dachshund suddenly slows down and avoids the strenuous activities that she used to love, something is wrong. While this can be a sign of many problems, it is worth a trip to the vet to rule out a herniated disc or other problem before the symptoms become more serious. You know your dog, and if something seems off, it's worth checking into.
Hunched Back
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If your dog begins holding his back differently, hunching over, you should seek immediate veterinary attention. This is a sign of a herniated disc or other back or stomach problem, and can result in paralysis or even death if not promptly treated.
Head Held Low
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Another postural symptom of a herniated disc is that the dog sometimes begins holding his head low to the floor, as if it were heavy. This can be a sign of a disc problem in the dog's neck, and it also requires immediate veterinary attention.
Weakness
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Weakness or lethargy can also be a sign of a herniated disc. If your dog is suddenly unable to do most of things that she used to do, or is reluctant to do them, they may have a disc problem, or another medical problem, and should be seen by your veterinarian.
Trouble Walking
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If your dog suddenly has trouble walking (often referred to as "walking like a drunken person"), or is falling over frequently, it should be seen by your veterinarian because it may have a herniating disk. It is important to seek immediate veterinary attention because the symptoms can progress rapidly, and you want to stop that progression as soon as possible before it reaches permanent paralysis.
Paralysis
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The most serious symptom of a herniated disk is paralysis. If your dog is suddenly unable to move a part of its body, seek immediate veterinary attention. Paralysis due to a herniated disc is often reversible if medical attention is rendered immediately, but the prognosis worsens with time, according to Luttgen.
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