Back Problems in Dachshunds

Dachshunds make the most adorable pet dogs, and if you own a dachshund or are planning to get one as your pet, you should gather as much information as possible on this dog breed. As far as their health is concerned, they are a healthy breed and are not prone to many disorders or illnesses, but back problem could be a cause for concern. They are relatively easy to care for and as pet owners, you must take all preventive measures to avoid the back problems. Treating and curing back problems in this breed could be quite a task and so the best thing to do would be to prevent them from occurring.

Back Problems in Dachshunds

Both, standard and miniature dachshunds are prone to developing back or spinal cord injuries. The structure of dachshunds is such that they have the skeleton of a large dog that is elongated with shortened legs. The most common back disorder that they tend to develop is known as 'intervertebral disc disease'. This disease is characterized by the herniation of any of the spinal cord discs that lie in between the vertebrae. The spinal cord in dogs extends up to the pelvis, unlike in humans where it extends only till the middle of the back. These discs have a fluid that are like cushions in between two vertebrae and that allow the flexible movement of the back in all directions while the spinal cord is also protected. When a large amount of pressure is placed on the spinal column, an injury or damage to the vertebrae may occur and it may result in leaking of the fluid and calcification of it over time. This damage can lead to nerve related disorders, paralysis, and compression of the spinal cord. This dachshund back problem can occur anywhere around the spinal cord.

Symptoms

Dachshunds between the age of 3-6 or younger can develop this intervertebral disease. The symptoms include difficulty in walking and climbing stairs, yelping or whining when lifted, difficulty getting up from a lying position, walking unsteadily, paralysis, snapping if you try to touch their hind legs and disoriented gait. The intervertebral disc disease can also affect the nerves of the colon or the bladder and can make it difficult for the dachshund to urinate or defecate on its own. The dachshund should be taken to the vet as soon as you notice any of the back problem symptoms and a thorough medical examinations should be conducted. An x-ray of the back can be helpful in confirming or ruling out the disorder.

The treatment usually consists of the immediate administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers for dogs. In severe conditions, surgery may be the only option for treatment, but almost 78% of dachshunds are known to recover from the disc disease without surgery. Healing of the condition will require quite some time and during this time the dachshund should be confined to a crate for at least six weeks and should be prohibited from moving around. The surgery would involve removal of the calcified fluid or the disc and the spinal bone to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. Therapies like the water therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments can help in the healing process. Wheel-chair assistance can also help the dachshund get back to normal, post surgery. Treating dachshunds with back problems could prove to be quite heavy on your pockets, so make sure you equip yourself with pet insurance to bear the expenses with some ease.

Prevent them from climbing furniture and long stairs and keep their weight in control. Their muscle and legs need to be exercised on a daily basis. As pet dog owners, caring for the pet and its health is a responsibility and should be carried out efficiently for its well-being.