Hey there, I’m Dash, a proud Dachshund, and I’d love to tell you about a recent challenge that changed my life—Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD in Dachshunds. I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth knowing about, especially if you have a dog with a long back like mine.
One day, I was doing my usual thing, zooming around the living room and jumping off the couch, when suddenly—yikes! I felt a sharp pain in my back, and my legs weren’t doing what I wanted them to anymore.
Turns out, I have IVDD, which is pretty common for dogs like me. My human and I ended up at the vet’s, where we discovered how this sneaky disease works and how my human could help me get back on my paws!
What Is IVDD?
IVDD is a condition where the squishy discs between the bones in my spine—those jelly-like cushions that help me bend and move—start to bulge or even burst. In my case, when I jumped off the couch, one of my discs slipped out of place and pressed on my spinal cord. Ouch! It was like my back stopped working, and I couldn’t move like I used to.
My vet told me that the problem often starts with how my back is built (you know, the whole long-body, short-legs situation). But what really caused the disc to pop was my jump. I didn’t know my back couldn’t handle that kind of force!
Breeds Like Me—Who’s at Risk?
Dachshunds like me are the kings and queens of IVDD. Our long spines and short legs make us prime candidates for this condition. But we’re not alone! My friends, the beagles, cocker spaniels, and shih tzus, are also prone to this, especially when they do things like jump off furniture or get picked up the wrong way.
If you’ve got a dog that’s shaped like me, or even one of those other breeds, it’s super important to be careful about how you move us. No more wild leaps off the couch, okay?
What Happens When You Have IVDD?
When my disc slipped, it hurt like crazy. I couldn’t walk straight, and soon enough, I was dragging my back legs. It was terrifying! My human rushed me to the vet, who said I had to take it easy for a while (which meant no more jumping on or off the furniture—sad face). I had to rest in a crate for weeks and take medicine to help with the pain and swelling. Sometimes I felt so stiff that I didn’t want to move at all.
In severe cases, IVDD can cause dogs to lose control of their back legs entirely, and we might even have trouble going to the bathroom. Thankfully, that didn’t happen to me, but I know some dogs who’ve had to deal with that, and it’s really tough.
How My Human Helped Me Get Better
Luckily, my human is a superstar. She gave me lots of rest, followed the vet’s orders to the letter, and made sure I took all my medicine. In mild cases like mine, we can manage it with meds, rest, and some good old-fashioned TLC.
For dogs with more severe IVDD, though, surgery might be needed. The vet will go in and fix the damaged discs to help relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. It sounds scary, but it’s often the best option for pups who can’t move or are in a lot of pain.
I didn’t need surgery this time, but my human makes sure I don’t put any extra strain on my back. She bought me ramps to help me get on the couch (I mean, where else would I be?), and she’s super careful about how she picks me up. She even gives me extra belly rubs now because she knows I’ve been through a lot!
Living With IVDD Long-Term
Living with IVDD means I’ve had to make some changes. No more wild stunts or crazy jumps, and I have to take it slow on my walks. But with my human’s help, I’m still living my best life! We do gentler activities, like short walks, and she’s made the house safer for me by putting down rugs so I don’t slip.
IVDD can be managed, but it takes a lot of love and care. If your dog shows signs like dragging their legs, yelping in pain, or struggling to walk, don’t wait! Take them to the vet as soon as possible. Early treatment can make all the difference.
If you don’t take care of your dog when they develop IVDD, the risk of severe injury increases, and they can pinch a nerve so severely that they may become paralyzed. Lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help ensure your dog remains able and mobile for years.
FAQs About IVDD
Can IVDD be prevented?
While you can’t totally prevent IVDD, especially with a breed like me, you can reduce the risks by keeping your dog from jumping on and off high surfaces by using ramps and avoiding rough handling.
What are the signs of IVDD?
Look out for sudden pain, difficulty walking, dragging legs, or your dog refusing to move. If you see any of these signs, get to the vet right away!
Is IVDD curable?
There’s no cure for IVDD, but it can be managed with medication, rest, or surgery in more serious cases. With the right care, your dog can still have a great life!
More Jack’s Dacks Articles
- Senior Dog Massage: How to Massage Your Senior Dog for Pain Relief
- Canine Rehabilitation: From Injury to Independence
- Degenerative Myelopathy In Dogs
The Final Woof
IVDD might have slowed me down a bit, but I’m still the same happy-go-lucky Dachshund I’ve always been. My human knows how to care for me, and we’ve got this together. If your dog is diagnosed with IVDD, don’t lose hope—there are ways to manage it, and with a little extra love, your pup will keep living their best life, too!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a nap to take on my favorite couch…using my ramp, of course!