IVDD in Dachshunds

Dawn Shaw-Moir – Roo – 5 Years old.

Please please please, be aware that it could be that as many as 1 in 4 dachshunds have an episode of IVDD some time in their lives. Intervertebral disc disease symptoms happen when the jelly like content of the disc between vertebra squeezes out and presses on nerves causing severe pain and damage.

Early symptoms are easy to miss or mistake for something else and If action is not taken quickly the dog may be permanently paralysed.

What to do:

1. Get to know the symptoms
2. Restrict movement by confining in crate, box or small baby pen until you see vet
3. Be prepared to challenge your vet if they say it is simply muscular, especially if the dog is aged between 4 and 6, the biggest risk period
4. If in doubt, insist on a referral to a practice who can MRI. This is the ONLY away to accurately diagnose the extent of the issue. An X-ray is NOT enough.
5. Many dogs can be treated ‘conservatively’ with extended crate rest for up to 8 weeks, but the longer it is left or the more severe the symptoms, the less chance of fill recovery.
6. If surgery is needed, it will cost upwards of £4-9000.

Above all, if you have a Dachshund, take out insurance, or put money on one side. If you are saving up for a Dachshund then save up for insurance too. The risk is simply too high not to.

More information here. Please particularly read the section on symptoms.
http://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/

Written by Gill Key, Pet Adviser, Health and Welfare Subcommittee, Dachshund Breed Council

Jo Evers-King – Darcey Doodles – 2nd IVDD Op
Cathanie King – Minnie – 2 days post op
Julie Austin – Bella – 10 days post op
Wanda Eldridge – Demi – IVDD Post Op
Janet Irwin – Darcy – Post Op
Yvonne Brannigan – Paddy – 1 Days post op
Tena Caple – Roxy – Post Op
Abbey Norman – Mr Sizzle – Post Op