SK Dox Mini Dachshunds
Purebred AKC Miniature Dachshund's since 1992
Understanding the Risk of IVDD in Dachshunds: What Prospective Owners Should Know
Dachshunds are loved for their playful personalities and unique long bodies. However, their body structure - short legs and long back - can increase the risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition that affects the spinal discs, causing pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis if untreated. Due to their elongated spines, dachshunds are more prone to IVDD, with up to 25% potentially affected during their lives. While many dachshunds live long, healthy lives, IVDD can still develop, even with proper care.
What New Dachshund Owners Should Know:
Genetic Predisposition: The dachshund's body structure (long back, short legs) increases the risk of IVDD. It’s important for new owners to be aware of this potential condition.
Preventative Care: Keeping your dachshund at a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact activities like jumping, and offering regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce the risk. Using ramps instead of stairs can also protect their back.
Recognizing Symptoms: Symptoms of IVDD include neck or back pain, difficulty walking, and hind limb dragging. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away for a diagnosis.
Have a Plan in Place: Be prepared for the possibility of IVDD. Having a plan for how to respond if your dog gets injured or shows signs of back pain can ensure quicker, more effective treatment.
Are Dachshunds Healthy as a Breed?
In general, dachshunds are healthy dogs. With a balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a responsible breeder, they can live long, healthy lives.
Health Concerns to Watch For
While dachshunds are generally healthy, there are some health conditions to be aware of. Many of these can be minimized or avoided through responsible breeding practices, as dogs can be clear, carriers, or affected by these conditions (with "clear" being the ideal status). Some of the key health issues include:
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CRD4/CORD1)
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Degenerative Myelopathy
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Mucopolysaccharidosis
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Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Types 1 and 2)
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Narcolepsy
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Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)
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Lafora Disease
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Additionally, it's important that breeders ensure the dog’s patellas and heart are cleared before breeding to help reduce health risks.
However, the main concern is IVDD (Invertible Disc Disease)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) spinal condition that can occur when discs in the back rupture or herniate, putting pressure on the spinal cord. Symptoms can range from a wobbly gait to paralysis. These signs can be mild to severe, and if your dog starts exhibiting these signs, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a diagnosis. Dachshunds are more prone to back injuries because of their unique body structure. Simple precautions like proper exercise, preventing stair climbing, using ramps and supporting their back when lifting can help reduce strain.
Embark Test for IVDD
Embark has developed a test for Type I Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which is related to a dachshund's short legs and long back. While there are different genetic factors that can affect this, the specific variant tested by Embark is the one known to increase the risk of IVDD.
While most dachshunds do test as affected, we have a few dogs that are carriers only of this gene, and we are working towards breeding clear dogs to improve our lines and dachshunds as a whole. Even dogs that are carriers or clear of the IVDD gene can still develop the condition due to their physical build. This test only helps improve one facet of its complexity. It’s important to understand IVDD, do your research, and be prepared with a plan in case it happens.
Do your dachshunds have back problems?
In all my years, we haven't had many back problems with our dogs, two of our own had accidents - one was knocked off the couch, and another was knocked down a couple of steps by bigger dogs. All of our dachshunds are very active and happy! However, over the years, I've had three customers dogs who experienced back injuries - two needed surgery, and one only required water therapy.
It's important to remember there are no guarantees. Unfortunately, Dachshunds do have long backs and exuberant personalities. We very carefully watch our dogs and our bloodlines for all health issues including IVDD and promise to do our absolute best to only produce healthy and happy puppies, but IVDD is a condition that can occur in dachshunds due to their unique body structure. While this body type increases the risk, it is important to understand that IVDD is not caused by any single factor and can happen to any dachshund regardless of the care they receive.