User:Kaylaigandia/dachshundspinalinjury

General
Dachshunds have been bred especially to hunt. They hunted mainly badgers, which is why they have such long backs and short legs. They needed to be able to get through tight spaces and be fast at it. Because they have been breed with abnormally long backs, they have frequent back or spinal problems. Though they are also housedogs, an owner must be prepared for surgery for the dachshund, if needed. As many as one quarter of all dachshunds will suffer from what is called intervertebral disk disease (IVDD).

This is when the cushioning disks in between the vertebrae looses the elasticity that is used as a shock absorber. The spine then can cause pressure on the weak disk causing it to rupture. The material inside the ruptured disk surrounds the spinal cord, compressing it, and thus causes pain or paralysis. The way to fix this is surgery.

This information is according to Coile, D. Caroline. "The Dachshund." Dog World 91.3 (2006): 40. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.

Symtoms

 * An abnormal walk
 * Complete no use of back legs (paralysis)
 * No feeling of back side
 * Head held high or nose to the ground with neck discs
 * Significantly reduced activity
 * Slower movement and stiffness
 * Very tense abdomen
 * Hunched back due to muscle tension
 * Crying or shaking
 * Loss of bladder and bowel control

Treatment
Medical treatment combined with crate rest is a used as treatment as long as the dog is only displaying walking problems and/or discomfort. Once paralysis occurs in the legs occur or loss of bladder control, surgery needs to be considered promptly. The longer you wait, the more likely the dog will have spinal damage.

Surgery is the most effective option with 80% chance of fully recovery. This can be very expensive around $2,500 or more. The vet will go in and take out the ruptured disk material. Staple stitches are required since the back skin is very thick.

Crate rest is needed until the dachshund shows signs of pain relief and the wound is healed.

Notice, your dog will have no use of their legs. A wheel chair is generally used post surgery. Also, your vet will recommend canine physical therapy. Though therapy is helpful, it is not needed for full recovery. There is a change your dog will start walking again. This will happen slowly and with patience.

If your dachshund begins walking again, a new lifestyle is recommended. No more jumping on or off couches, or going up and down the stairs. Less strain on your dachshunds’ new back, the better.