How to Avoid IVDD in Dachshunds

Last Updated on August 13, 2020 by Ava Jaine

All Dachshund owners should be aware of the debilitating disease called IVDD. Small dog breeds, including dachshunds, are more susceptible to this disease because of their short stature and long spine.

Whether you are currently going through IVDD with your Dachshund or you are a concerned dog owner who would like to learn more about how to avoid IVDD in Dachshunds, we have you covered.

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Table Of Contents

What is IVDD? Intervertebral disc disease, also known as IVDD or slipped disc disease, is an inherited condition of the spine that affects about 25 percent of all Dachshunds. This disease occurs when a disk ruptures or slips in the middle of the back. [1] IVDD is considered a degenerative disk disease. It is caused by a progressive degeneration of the intervertebral disks. These disks are the cushion-like structures that separate each vertebra of the dog’s spine.

As a disk degenerates, they calcify and lose their shock-absorbing ability. The disks will then become more susceptible to compression damage. If a forceful movement occurs, the disks can rupture. The contents of the disks will then go into the spinal canal and place pressure on the spinal cord. Prolonged pressure on the nerves can lead to severe pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or even paralysis. [2]

Dachshund Fact: IVDD can show up as early as three years of age. The risk of incidence increases as the dachshund grows older or gains too much weight.

What Causes IVDD? When the nerves of the spinal cord are compacted, they are not able to deliver their signals to the the legs, bladder, etc. If severely damaged, spinal paralysis and loss of bladder or bowel control can occur. Depending on the location of the disc that is bulging, signs occur anywhere in the body from the neck, to the rear legs. [6]

How to Avoid IVDD in Dachshunds It is important to learn how to prevent and avoid IVDD in Dachshunds. But, keep in mind, sometimes IVDD unfortunately can just happen. Nevertheless, here are some safety measures you can follow on how to reduce the risk of IVDD in Dachshunds.

Prevent Obesity

Reduce High Impact Activities

Dog Crate

Walking with a Harness

Careful Handling

Avoid Breeding

1. Prevent Obesity The most important step to lowering the risk of IVDD is to prevent your dachshund from becoming obese or overweight. Any extra weight puts a lot of strain on the spine and can increase the risk of intervertebral disk calcification. Here are some easy-to-follow Dachshund Weight loss Tips. As a dog parent, your dachshund’s nutrition is a priority. Every Dachshund owner should ask their vet for some guidelines on how much to feed their dog to maintain a healthy body weight. Posts You May Like: 3 Easy Ways To Keep Your Dachshund Healthy

2. Reduce High Impact Activities Your dachshund may be willing to jump up and down on your furniture, but you really should discourage them from doing so. Jumping or falling might cause the disks in the spine to burst, causing pressure and pain. All Dachshunds should avoid high-impact activities including jumping, running at high-speed, and any activity that will put too much strain on their spine. To Protect our Dachshund’s back, we purchased the Dachramp From Alpha Paw. It is lightweight, packs up flat, and has nice rubber grips to help our doxies onto our couch.

Also consider purchasing dog ramps for the car (from Amazon) so you don’t have to lift them in and out of the car all the time.

Eko Loves his new Dachshund Ramp! It is really is great quality, made in the USA, and safe for our adorable dachshund puppy.