Canine Disc Disease

Tip:
Place footstools in front of sofas and chairs to lessen your Dachshund's jump.

Keep your dog's weight down so as to minimize the incidence of IVDD.

Canine Disc Disease Help Sheet

Incidences of Intervertebral Degenerative Disc Disease (IVDD) are very high in Dachshunds. Many of the problems are genetic, which is worsened when irresponsible breeders do little in correcting this defect in their dogs' lines.
Although the chance of a healthier puppy is better when buying only from a Responsible Breeder, difficulties may be prevented by restricting the amount of excessive jumping and managing the weight of the dog.
The dog’s spine is made up of several small bones, which are called vertebrae. They extend from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. The vertebrae are interconnected by flexible discs made of cartilage called the intervertebral disc. These discs provide cushioning between each bone and permit the neck, spine and tail to bend, allowing flexibility in position and posture. Above the discs and running through the vertebrae is the spinal cord, which is made up of nerve fibers that run back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body.
Do your homework while researching reputable, responsible breeders (making sure that the breeders' lines are free of this disease) - that, along with keeping your trim Dachshund from excessive jumping, just might help to increase your chances of having a healthier Dachshund.

Symptoms

Neck Area

Quiet, lethargic, stiff, hunched
Sensitive when touching neck area
Shivering
Crying, when moving head
Poor appetite due to discomfort
Dragging of rear legs (the problem has probably gone on too long if it has gotten to this point with neck disc injury)

Back Area

Quiet, lethargic
Sensative upon touching back area
Shivering
Crying
Dragging of rear legs
Paralysis or discomfort
Unable to move
Poor appetite due to pain
Hunched back
Uncontrollable bladder and bowel movements
No feeling whatsover in rear end
(if the last two symptoms are occuring, this is an emergency situation)

Your Dog is Showing Signs of Disc Disease

What to Do

If your dog displays any of the symptoms above, crate your pet so as to keep him still and quiet while getting him to a clinic immediately.

If veterinary services are unavailable (weekend, holiday, etc), continue to crate your dog, keeping him as quiet as possible. Only time out of crate should be to leash walk dog to potty area.

The longer disc disease goes without veterinary treatment, the worse the problem could become.

If paralysis has set in, it is imperative to explore surgical options with that of a board-certified specialist in the field of neurology.

If the problem has been diagnosed as disc disease yet only crate rest has been advised by the specialist, strictly confine the dog to a crate immediately for a period of at least six weeks, or per advice of the veterinarian or specialist, so as to possibly allow scar tissue to heal over the herniated outer portion of the disc(s). The only movement allowed should be to go to the bathroom while on leash. Food, water and treats should be given while in crate. No jumping whatsoever or the disease could potentially worsen. If the problem continues. or if a relapse occurs afterward, ask your veterinarian to refer you to that skilled board-certified Neurologist. in your area.

If, as a result of your dog's disc disease, your veterinarian advises putting your dog to sleep, please consider alternatives such as seeking the advice of an area acupuncturist or holistic veterinarian, who can also recommend an area acupuncturist. Never give up! Even those dogs who do not recover from this disease can live very healthy and happy lives. Look at Sally, who has been nothing short of an inspiration to those with irreversible paralysis as a result of disc disease.
Consider joining Dodgerslist, a wonderful resource group devoted to helping those whose dogs are either suffering from disc disease or simply want to educate themselves in doing everything possible to pro-actively avoid this problem.

Where to Turn

Conventional Treatment

Initial evaluation is normally done by a veterinarian. Once an IVDD diagnosis has been made, quality help via that of a board-certified Neurologist should be sought. Ask your vet for to refer you to a board-certified neurologist.

Alternative Treatment

Too many dogs have been (and still are being) unnecessarily euthanized when alternative treatments have been known to successfully correct disc disease. If the only option provided by a veterinarian or even a neurologist is euthanasia, please consider immediately seeking alternative therapy via a holistic or homeopathic veterinarian in your area. AHVMA has a geographic referral Web site. If all else fails, e-mail me immediately for assistance. Please do not put your dog to sleep for IVDD!

In no way should this Web site or its links be considered as offering medical advice. The content is provided for informational purposes only, which is in no way intended to replace veterinary care, but as a companion should veterinary care not be readily available.

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