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.
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