Frequent Diseases in Dachshunds

In reality, there is no disease truly common in Dachshunds The overwhelming majority are born healthy and live long, mostly disease-free lives.Some minor health issues arise for nearly every dog at some point, even those who receive early vaccinations and excellent life-long care.

Nevertheless, some conditions do occur more often in Dachshund than in other breeds.

Problems with the Adrenal Gland

One common disease of the adrenal gland is Cushing’s Disease, or hyperadrenocorticism. In Cushing’s Disease, too much of the hormone cortisol is produced, either by a primary tumor or the adrenal gland, or a malfunction of the pituitary gland, which is the master gland that tells the adrenal gland how much cortisol to produce. The elevated cortisol level results in excessive drinking and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, skin conditions, hair loss and occasionally diabetes. Lab tests are performed to measure the cortisol levels and the ability of the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. Several different drugs can be used to decrease the level of cortisol. On occasion, surgical removal of the adrenal gland may be needed. Cushing’s disease can occur in all breeds of dogs, also.

The opposite condition is called Addison’s disease or low cortisol (hypoadrenocorticism). Whereas, Cushing’s takes some time to present itself, Addison’s disease is a sudden episode of collapse due to an imbalance of the electrolytes and too low of blood sugar (glucose). The sudden illness results in an emergency visit to the veterinarian to correct the imbalances with cortisone injections and fluid therapy. Addison’s  is the most difficult disease to diagnose because the sudden collapse resembles many disorders. Specialized blood tests are necessary to identify both Addison’s and Cushing’s Disease. Treatment of Addison’s disease is life-long treatment with prednisone (cortisone) and electrolytes.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Several eye diseases can affect Dachshunds, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a gradual degeneration of the retina, the lining of the back of the eye. The degeneration results with gradual vision loss and blindness. PRA is a genetic trait, and since it is a slow, progressive disease,  these dogs are sometimes bred before the disease is diagnosed, thus perpetuating the disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure or treatment for PRA. Other eye diseases that can affect Doxies are cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve hypoplasia, distichiasis (abnormal eyelashes) as well as other conditions. Regular eye exams can help identify these eye-disorders early.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

By far the most common disease of Dachshunds is related to the discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). The disc is normally gelatinous and provides a cushion between the bones of the back (spine). In Dachshunds, this material sometimes hardens, or calcifies, and sometimes ruptures. The herniated disc causes inflammation and swelling around the spinal cord and nerves. Early signs of a herniated disc are pain, a reluctance to jump up, partial paralysis and sometimes total paralysis or the rear legs,. The majority of them with disc disease can be managed medically with pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications. Holistic medicine, such as chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture, is sometimes used to relieve the pain. Immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may help restore full function in the legs when there is a complete rupture resulting in total paralysis. The faster the surgery is performed, the greater the chances of full recovery.

Experimental treatments are being tested using laser needles to fuse the disc material to try and prevent the herniation. Being as this is such a common problem in them, I do recommend purchasing health insurance for your pet. Spinal surgery for herniated discs is very expensive and I have had the uneasy task of performing euthanasia on several Dachshunds because the owner’s were unable to pay for the surgery. A few of my patients that were partially paralyzed did recover some function of their legs over time. Some dogs may recover without surgery, but it is impossible to predict.

Vaccination Reactions

Allergic reactions to vaccinations does seem to occur in the Dachshund more often than any other breed. The reaction is usually minor, resulting in swelling of the face and muzzle and sometimes hives. Occasional vaccine reactions can occur with any dog so it is always a good idea to observe your pet for a few hours after their shots. Vaccines have improved over the past few years so reactions are fewer and the benefits of protecting your pet against the diseases outweighs the risks.

With good health care, Dachshunds can lead a long and healthy life. Good dental care, proper diets, preventive health checks, vaccinations, and heartworm/parasite prevention can help your Doxie live longer.  You can find more information concerning your dogs health at LuvUrDog.com as well Dachshund breed gifts.

 

Food for Thought for Your Dachshund

Pet food

Pet food

Despite the sometimes frantic comments of advocates of “natural” dog food, commercial dog foods are fine for your Dachshund.  Some of those concerns are well placed, though.A diet that is not too rich and not too lean,(balanced) full of healthy ingredients is best.  But that advice is far too vague as it stands.  What does it really mean?

- Ingredients

Any commercial kibble food will have a list of ingredients on the package, starting with the one present at the highest percentage listed first.  Ensure that the ingredient listed first is some kind of animal protein.Beef, chicken and lamb are the most common.  Vegetable proteins are harder to break down into useful components and contain smaller concentrations of needed amino acids.

Like other dogs, Dachshunds are by nature, meat eaters.But raw meat is not required.  Anything that provides enough protein is fine, since what is really needed are the amino acids that go to make them up.Any protein digested is broken down to those constituents then “re-constructed” again to useful products by the dog.

Apart from amino acids, there are a number of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for good functioning.

Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good not only for humans but Dachshunds, too.In most cases, those compounds help improve joint and skin health.

Antioxidants perform a role similar in a Doxie’s life that they do in their owners.Vitamin E, beta-carotene and others help protect the immune system by clearing something called “free radicals”.  These are elements or molecules with an extra electron that can harm cells when they exist in too-high concentrations.

Fat, far from being the villain it is sometiems (incorrectly) painted in discussions of human diet, is a must.  Fats provide compounds vital for good nerve function.They are broken down to form the hormones and enzymes.  They also provide a source of calories that Dachshunds need to pwer all those activities, just as people do.

- Amounts

Puppies that have been weaned should eat 3-4 meals per day.  Smaller amounts, fed more often, are preferable to large helpings at one time, even though that is a little more inconvenient for the owner.This routine is best for Dachsunds about 8-12 weeks old.

When your puppy reaches 3-6 months, you can reduce the feeding frequency to 3 or even two meals a day.Even puppies can get fat, so keep a watchful eye on the waistline behind the rib cage.  It should have a slight curve.If your Dachshund is perfectly straight (no waist line) you may be feeding too much.

That advice is a little more difficult to follow in the case of Dachshunds than some other breeds, since they are a bit more tubular by nature.  Even so, the curve can be seen if you observe closely.  Aid your eye by feeling the puppy in front of the rear legs.  Get familiar with their shape and it will be easier to judge small changes.

By the time they’ve reached a year old, one meal per day is fine.  If they seem eager to eat more often two meals is fine, but divide the portions in half.

Feed your Dachshund a premium brand food.  Those contain a more appropriate quantity of calories and less “junk food” than cheaper brands.For fussy doxies, or just for extra flavor, mixing a spoonful or two of wet food with dry is fine.

Never feed your Dachshund chocolate, raisins, or grapes – all of which are toxic to dogs.

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Doxie Temperament

Dachshunds are independent. Dachshunds are loving. Doxies like to play. They are aggressive.

How can all this be true of one breed of dog? Well, it is. Dachshunds are among the most complex and interesting breeds precisely because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.

Bred in Germany to chase vermin in the 1600s, bold and fearless characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be persistent, resourceful and strong-willed. If the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit, it does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging.

Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. While most Dachshunds today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. But what is considered simple courage in one circumstance can be aggression in another. What can be considered willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.

Above all, they are an intelligent breed. Having an individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interest in training. If handled properly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Keep in mind, too, that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. Dachshnuds want to take part in any adventure going on around them and are filled with curiosity. Some breeds are satisified to sit by observing quietly. A Dachshund wants to be in the middle of things, participating along with everyone else.

There are variations within these broad outlines.

The classic-looking Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. It will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.

The Wire-Hair type acts and looks like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers are high strung too. They love to play and their behavior is just forthright, not necessarily aggressive.

The Long-Hair Dachshund is more like a miniature Irish Setter, though not to that extreme. Although they enjoy a good romp, they are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn. Though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

They are natural diggers. Bred to chase badgers and other small game into a den, they like getting into things. Dachshunds powerful front legs and muscular chest make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head, getting out isn’t too much more difficult. If you want to keep the garden or lawn intact, don’t allow the dog to roam freely without supervision.

Having natural energy, Dachshunds do need at least moderate exercise in activities. Tunnels in an obstacle course is a good idea for these “gophers”.

They are also loyal and loving. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Doxies enjoy interaction and want to be near people. As any Doxie owner will be happy to tell you……..

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