Spinal trauma or a spinal tumor may make walking difficult or impossible for your dachshund.
These tense muscles may start having spasms. [6] X Research source The spasms will look like small, fast movements in the muscles. Each spasm could be quite painful for your dachshund. Your dachshund’s posture could be affected in similar or different ways with the other causes of back problems.
Lower back trauma can cause spinal damage.
Imaging studies are very important in diagnosing back problems in dachshunds. Plain x-rays would show vertebrae, but not the discs or spinal cord. Other imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or myelography, would be more useful. [11] X Research source For myelography, your vet would anesthetize your dachshund and inject a dye into his spine. This dye would make it easier to see the spinal cord on an x-ray. [12] X Research source Imaging studies can help your vet determine if trauma or other diseases are causing the back problems. [13] X Research source If your vet suspects a spinal infection, they would take a sample of fluid from your dachshund’s spine and have it analyzed to identify the ‘culprit’ organism. [14] X Research source
Examples of medical therapy are pain reduction, cage confinement, weight management, and antibiotics.
Since NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and other digestive problems, they should be given with care and following your vet’s instructions and always with or after food. [18] X Research source Steroids could cause your dachshund to gain weight, among other problems (e. g. , weakened bones, liver problems). [19] X Research source Steroids cannot be given with NSAIDs.
If you have already crate trained your dachshund, then her confinement shouldn’t be too difficult to manage. If she is not crate trained, try to keep her as still and quiet as possible in her normal sleeping area. Being confined to the cage or crate could be very lonely for your dachshund. Make sure you continue to talk to her and interact with her during her confinement period. Cage confinement may not be necessary for all back problems. Your vet will let you know if your dachshund’s specific back problem will require confinement.
Consider eliminating all treats from your dachshund’s diet, especially store-bought dog treats. Specially-formulated weight loss diets could help your dachshund lose weight without missing out on important nutrients.
If your dachshund has spinal trauma, immediate surgery may help; however, the trauma (and other injuries) may be too severe for your dachshund to withstand surgery. Your vet will discuss all surgical options with you and let you know if your dachshund would be able to handle the surgery. Your vet may refer you to a veterinary neurosurgeon.
You may have to express your dachshund’s bladder after surgery. Your vet can show you how to do this.
High-impact activities (e. g. , running, jumping), excess body weight, and irresponsible breeding can increase the risk of back problems in dachshunds. [33] X Research source Although IVDD is very common in dachshunds, back problems in this breed can be caused by infection (e. g. , meningitis), spinal tumors, and trauma. [34] X Research source
