Dachshund is a very popular dog breed in Taiwan, and many people keep it. Although their long bodies and short limbs are the source of their charm, did you know? This is also their weakness! Cases of paralysis in Dachshunds have been heard from time to time. If owners do not have the correct knowledge, some Dachshunds can develop the disease even at a young age. Therefore, we must understand the key points of care for such long-spine dogs so as not to unintentionally burden them and effectively reduce the risk of paralysis.
The terrifying intervertebral disc herniation
Dogs with long spines, such as Dachshunds and Corgis, have very long waists and lack of support, so they are prone to the problem of intervertebral disc herniation. Intervertebral disc herniation is generally caused by excessive burden on the waist due to excessive exercise and aging, resulting in intervertebral disc damage. The nucleus pulposus herniation compresses the nerves, causing various discomforts. Intervertebral disc herniation can cause serious consequences such as pain, nerve paralysis, paralysis, and inability to take care of one's bowels and bladder.
The treatment method for intervertebral disc herniation depends on the severity. If it is mild, it can be improved through rehabilitation or surgery; if it is severe, it may not be cured even by surgery. If the dog at home suddenly becomes unable to move and has weakness in its limbs, it must seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If the intervertebral disc herniation is delayed, the condition will worsen. Please seize the golden time to ask a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Key points of daily care
As long as owners pay more attention in daily life, they can reduce the burden on the lumbar spine of Dachshunds and avoid disc herniation:
1. Weight management
On average, one in every four Dachshunds has intervertebral disc problems. Too long, the distance between the forelimbs and hind limbs is too far, and the burden on the lumbar spine is greater than that of ordinary dogs. If there is a slight improper force or external impact, the spine is easily injured; if the weight is too heavy, the burden on the lumbar spine will be It can be said to be a higher level, so breeders should pay attention to their weight and never become overweight.
2. Avoid intense exercise
Excessive fatigue may cause bone brittleness, and intense exercise may also cause injuries due to improper application of force.
３. Avoid vertical jumping
Actions such as jumping up and down on the sofa or going up and down stairs should be avoided to avoid burdening the waist. Of course, actions such as training the dog to stand on its two hind feet, lying on the owner's lap with its forelimbs, etc. that would cause them to form a vertical posture are also prohibited.
４. Please lay anti-slip equipment on the floor.
Walking on smooth ground can easily cause waist injuries. If the dog suddenly runs excitedly, it is easy to slip. Please try to lay down carpets or other anti-slip equipment to prevent the dog from slipping.
５. Avoid wrong holding methods
Many owners are accustomed to grabbing their dogs’ forelimbs and picking them up vertically. In fact, this way can easily cause injuries to the dog's lumbar spine. Not just dachshunds, but all dogs should avoid this way of holding them. The correct way to hold a dog is to reach under the dog's armpits with one hand, hold their butt or hind limbs with the other hand, and pick them up parallel to each other.
The correct way to hold a dog.
Once an intervertebral disc herniation occurs, it will not only cause a decrease in the dog's quality of life, but the cost of treatment will also be considerable; therefore, you should pay attention to details. Prevention is better than cure!
