JAck Russell Terrier

Like any breed, Dachshunds are at risk for an abundance of diseases and conditions.  But because of their long bodies and short legs they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition called IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease), which is an umbrella term for an abundance of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They envelop the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a cushion between the bones.IVDD threatens a Doxie’s health in many different ways.

Excessive leaping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually toward the rear.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to reduce its fluid level, making it less pliant.That also increases the chances of herniation or rupture.Frequently the spinal column becomes more brittle.

A number of serious possibilities exist if that occurs.

As a portion of the spine loses vital support, the spinal cord can be put in danger.If compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Constriction of spinal fluid can have comparable effect.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, because the nerves are cut off from necessary nutrition.

Look for any instance of inability to lift the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Other signs include loss of bladder control or weakness in the rear legs.

In these extreme incidents, medical care – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.If left untreated, the result is commonly permanent disability.

Even in less serious cases back pain is present.It can be difficult to identify when a dog is in pain but symptoms include difficulty walking up stairs, lethargy and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Treatment with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) is occasionally recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Adequan injections can help promote disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advantageous to cage your Dachshund or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given their assertive and active nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Don’t allow the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.  Don’t allow the dog to jump down stairs.Yard games should be restricted until the dog has completely healed.Also, always support the whole length of the spine when picking up your Dachshund.

With the right kind of care many Dachshunds recover completely to lead active, normal, healthy lives.But formal diagnosis as early as possible is essential to improve the odds.

More tips, information and dog supplies can be found at LuvUrDog.com, just for Dog Lover’s

Despite the sometimes frantic comments of advocates of “natural” dog food, commercial dog foods are fine for your Dachshund.  Some of those concerns are well placed, though.A diet that is not too rich and not too lean,(balanced) full of healthy ingredients is best.But that advise is fairly vague.  What does it really mean?

- Ingredients

Any commercial kibble food will have a list of ingredients on the package, starting with the one present at the highest percentage listed first.  Ensure that the ingredient listed first is some kind of animal protein.  Chicken, beef or lamb are the most common.  Vegetable proteins are harder to break down into useful components and contain smaller concentrations of needed amino acids.

Like other dogs, Doxies are by nature meat eaters.  But fresh meat isn’t required.  Anything that provides enough protein is fine, since what is really needed are the amino acids that go to make them up.Proteins consumed are broken down to those constituents then “re-constructed” again by the dog.

Besides amino acids, there are a number of essential vitamins and minerals required for good functioning.

Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good not only for humans but dogs, too.  In both cases, those compounds help improve joint and skin health.

Antioxidants perform a role similar in a Doxie’s life that they do in their owners.  Vitamin E, beta-carotene and others help protect the immune system by reducing something called “free radicals”.  These are elements or molecules with an extra electron that can harm cells when they exist in too-high concentrations.

Fat, far from being the villain it is sometiems (incorrectly) painted in discussions of human diet, is necessary for proper functioning.  Fats provide compounds vital for good nerve function.  They are broken down to take part in forming hormones and enzymes.  They also provide a source of calories that Dachshunds need to pwer all those activities, just as people do.

- Amounts

Puppies that have been weaned should eat 3-4 meals per day.Even though that is a little more inconvenient for the owner,smaller amounts, fed more often, are preferable to large helpings at one time,.The routine is best for puppies 8-12 weeks old.

Between the ages of 3-6 months the frequency should be reduced to no more than three and possibly only two meals per day.Even puppies can get fat, so keep a watchful eye on the waistline behind the rib cage.  It should have a slight curve.If your Dachshund is perfectly straight (no waist line) you may be feeding too much.

That advice is a little more difficult to follow in the case of Dachshunds than some other breeds, since they are a bit more tubular by nature.  Even so, the curve can be seen if you observe closely.  Aid your eye by feeling the puppy in front of the rear legs.Become familiar with your dogs shape and it will be easier to see small changes.

By the time they’ve reached a year old, one meal per day is fine.  If they seem eager to eat more often two meals is fine, but divide the portions in half.

Feed your Dachshund a premium brand food.  Those contain a more appropriate quantity of calories and less “junk food” than cheaper brands.For fussy doxies, or just for extra flavor, mixing a spoonful or two of wet food with dry is fine.

Never give your Dachshund chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, macadamian nuts or xylitol which are toxic to dogs.

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The title is a little misleading since no disease is truly common in Dachshunds. Most Dachshunds are born healthy and live long, relatively disease-free lives.Some minor health issues arise for nearly every dog at some point, even those who receive early vaccinations and excellent life-long care.

Nevertheless, some conditions do occur more often in Dachshund than in other breeds.

Diseases of the Adrenal Gland

One common disease of the adrenal gland is hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s Disease. In Cushing’s Disease, too much of the cortisol hormone is produced, either by the adrenal gland or a primary tumor, or a malfunction of the pituitary gland, which is the master gland that tells the adrenal gland how much cortisol to produce. The elevated cortisol level results in hair loss, excessive drinking and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, skin conditions and sometimes diabetes. Lab tests are performed to measure the cortisol levels and the ability of the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. There are several different drugs that can be used to decrease the level of cortisol. On occasion, surgical removal of the adrenal gland may be needed. Cushing’s disease can occur in all breeds of dogs, also.

The opposite condition is called hypoadrenocorticism (low cortisol) or Addison’s disease. Whereas, Cushing’s takes some time to present itself, Addison’s disease is a sudden episode of collapse due to to low of glucose (blood sugar) and an imbalance of the electrolytes. The sudden illness results in an emergency visit to the veterinarian to correct the imbalances with cortisone injections and fluid therapy. Addison’s disease is the most difficult to diagnose because the sudden collapse resembles many disorders. Specialized blood tests are necessary to identify both Cushing’s and Addison’s Disease. Life long treatment with prednisone and electrolyte supplements will be needed to treat Addison’s disease.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Several eye diseases can affect Dachshunds, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a gradual deterioration of the retina, the back wall of the eye. The deterioration leads to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. Because of the slow onset of the disease, it may not be diagnosed until the dog has already been bred, thus passing the condition to their offspring. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure or treatment for PRA. Other eye diseases that can affect Doxies are cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal eyelashes (distichiasis) as well as other conditions. Regular eye exams can help early detection of these eye-disorders.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

By far the most common disease of Dachshunds is related to the discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). The disc is normally gelatinous and provides a cushion between the bones of the back (spine). In Dachshunds, this material sometimes ruptures and sometimes calcifies, or hardens. The disc protrusion causes pain and swelling around the nerves coming out of the spinal cord and sometimes compresses the cord itself. A herniated disc starts with back pain or a reluctance to jump, and can progress to partial or even total paralysis of the back legs. The majority of Doxies with disc disease can be managed medically with pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications. Acupuncture and Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes used to help relieve the pain with varying success. When total paralysis is caused from a complete rupture, immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may help restor full function in the legs. The faster the surgery is performed, the greater the chances of full recovery.

Researchers are using lasers to fuse or burn the discs in order to prevent future herniation. Because this is such a common problem in this breed, I do recommend purchasing health insurance for your pet. Unfortunately, some owners cannot afford the surgery and pets suffering with total paralysis or extreme pain are euthanized. A few of my patients that were partially paralyzed did recover some function of their legs over time. Some dogs may recover without surgery, but it is impossible to predict.

Vaccination Reactions

Allergic reactions to vaccinations does seem to occur in the Dachshund more often than any other breed. Usually, the reaction is minor, resulting in swelling of the face and muzzle and sometimes hives. Vaccine reactions do occur with any dog, so it is wise to observe your pet for a few hours after receiving. Vaccines have improved over the past few years so reactions are fewer and the benefits of protecting your pet against the diseases outweighs the risks.

With good health care, Dachshunds can lead a long and healthy life. Preventive health checks, proper diets, vaccinations, heartworm and parasite prevention, and good dental care can help your Dachshund live longer.  You can find more information concerning your dogs health at LuvUrDog.com as well Dachshund breed gifts.