By Anne Chauvet
If your heart has been won by a charming, fun-loving and intelligent Dachshund, you probably also find that long wiener-like body propelled by four short little legs absolutely adorable.
However, that body type with long backs and equally long spines can be susceptible to back problems, particularly “slipped,” or herniated spinal discs. In fact, 40 percent of the back surgeries I perform are on Dachshunds. So, if you already have a Dachshund or other long-backed/short-legged dog in your family or are thinking about adopting one, here are three things you should know.
1) The clinical signs of a herniated disc
2) How to ensure your pet has the best chance for recovery if he or she does have a disc problem
3) What you can do to reduce the chances of a herniated disc
First, disc problems are likely if your dog is experiencing pain, looks like her back is hunched up, has wobbly or weak legs or cannot walk at all. Sometimes these symptoms come on gradually and at times they are sudden. In serious cases, disc herniation can lead to total paralysis of the limbs that are affected.
So, the second thing it is important for you to know is that when a dog is unable to walk, it is an emergency, and she should be taken to your vet or an emergency clinic right away if she is to have the best chance for a full recovery. In serious cases, the quicker the dog gets to surgery, the less likely the paralysis will be permanent.
Third, in order to help reduce the chance that your dog could have a herniated disc, you need to know some things about how a disc herniation occurs. The bones of the spine are separated by gelatinous discs that act as shock absorbers. Over time, these can become stiff and even harden, making them less effective. Sometimes symptoms will appear gradually. These discs also may rupture suddenly if too much force is applied, like jumping out of the car, which compresses the nerve root causing pain or paralysis.
Unfortunately, there is no regimen that will ensure your dog never has spinal problems. Sometimes they just happen as the disc degenerates with age or disease. The best way to help your dog is to be sure he stays at a healthy weight because those added pounds stress the spine and can accelerate the progression of a back problem. One good way to know if your dog is the correct weight is by looking down at his back. There should be a distinct “waist” visible between his hips and ribs. You should be able to see the ribcage somewhat under his coat and feel the ribs when you pet him.
Restrict your dachshund from jumping up, and particularly jumping down, from furniture or your car. This puts severe pressure on the spine and can lead to a disc herniation. Buying steps for your pet is a good investment. Spinal health for dogs, just like for people, is tied into strengthening our core muscles, which in turn helps support the spine. For my back surgery patients, I provide a DVD containing exercises to help these dogs make a full recovery and reduce the chances of a recurrence.
Walking is excellent exercise, of course, but if you walk up and downhill with your dog or in a serpentine pattern, you make it even more beneficial. One easy exercise is “Sit, Stand, Beg.” In this exercise, you have your dog sit, and then teach her to balance herself on her behind, which works the core abdominal and back muscles as she strives to maintain balance. Once she has mastered that, get her to stand all the way up on her back legs. If your dog has trouble balancing, then “dance” with her by lightly holding her paws in your hands and coaxing her up on her back legs.
While we have been focusing on Dachshunds, disc problems affect other breeds of course, like Corgis. German Shepherds are susceptible to degenerative disc issues that can make it difficult to jump, cause lower back pain, drooping tail and weakness in the back legs. The great news is that, with quick intervention and treatment, most herniations can be corrected, and your pooch can be back up and prancing on her paws again.
Dr. Anne Chauvet is a Pet Neurologist, her practice is Critical Care and Veterinary Specialists of Sarasota.