Dachshund Illnesses & Neurological Disorders

Dachshunds' long bodies make them susceptible to degenrative disk disease.

Dachshunds are known for their long, lean bodies and short legs. This makes them prone to the hereditary, neurological disease canine intervertebral disk disease or degenerative disk disease. This can cause severe neurological conditions if not treated properly.

Features

Dachshunds were first bred in Germany in the 1600s. They were bred to have elongated bodies so they could be used in hunting. Their long bodies and short legs made them ideal for digging into a badger's burrow and flushing it out. This breeding has left them susceptible to degenerative disk disease.

Effects

Dachshunds are part of a group of dogs called the chondrodystrophic breeds. In these breeds, the disks between the vertebrae degenerate prematurely. Signs of deterioration in the disks usually appear at 4 to 6 years old. This can lead to tears in the disk, which can cause it to rupture. The ruptured disc can cause damage to the spinal cord and neurological symptoms, such as inability to walk, lack of coordination, and even complete paralysis.

Types

There are two types of intervertebral disk disease. In type 1 disk disease, rapid rupture of intervertebral discs occurs into the spinal cord causing severe swelling and degeneration of neurons. The second type, type 2 disk disease, is gradual and pressure is exerted over time against the spinal cord. This leads to slow degeneration of neurons and gradual loss of neurological function. Unfortunately, the chondrodystrophic breeds, including dachshunds, are prone to type 1 intervertebral disk disease.

Symptoms

The severity of the disk disease will determine the extent of the symptoms. Early signs of intervertebral disc disease may include pain while walking or moving. The dachshund may refuse to walk or jump. It may shiver or cry in pain when it is moved. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms will occur and it may lose coordination, begin wobbling while walking or drag the hind legs. Eventually, complete loss of the hind limbs may occur. It may lose the ability to urinate and move its bowels.

Treatment

Treatment for intervertebral disc disease is rest and lack of movement. This may be done with the use of sedatives or tranquilizers. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication may be prescribed. If this fails to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, surgery is necessary. It needs to be soon after the disk rupture in order to minimize nerve damage. The ruptured disk will be removed from the spinal canal. This will prevent further spinal cord damage, but can not heal damage that has been done already.

References

• American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Intervertebral Disc Disease
• The Dachshund Network: Canine Disc Disease Help Sheet
• Kathleen Carson, DVM: Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease