Frequent Diseases in Dachshunds
April 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
That is a little misleading since no disease is truly common in Dachshunds The overwhelming majority are born healthy and live long, mostly disease-free lives.Almost every dog can develop minor health issues even if they receive vaccinations and excellent life-long care. Even dogs that receive their vaccinations and excellent life-long care can develop some minor health issues in their lifetime.
Nevertheless, there are some conditions that tend to occur more frequently in Dachshunds that in other breeds.
Diseases of the Adrenal Gland
Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s Disease, is one common disease of the adrenal gland. In Cushing’s Disease, too much of the hormone cortisol is produced, either by the adrenal gland or by a primary tumor, 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, hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, skin conditions, and sometimes 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. If adrenal cancer is present, surgical excision of the gland may be needed. Cushing’s disease is not limited to Dachshunds and can be found in other breeds, too.
The opposite condition is called low cortisol (hypoadrenocorticism) or Addison’s disease. Whereas, Cushing’s takes some time to present itself, Addison’s disease is a sudden episode of collapse due to to low of glucose (blood sugar) and an imbalance of the electrolytes. The sudden illness results in an emergency visit to the veterinarian for cortisone injections and fluid therapy to correct the imbalances. Being as the sudden collapse resembles many disorders, Addison’s is the most difficult disease to diagnose. Specialized blood tests are necessary to identify both Cushing’s and Addison’s Disease. Prednisone and electrolyte supplements will be needed for life long treatment of Addison’s disease.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Several eye diseases can affect Dachshunds, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a gradual deterioration of the retina, the back wall of the eye. This results in slow vision loss and eventual blindness. Because of the slow onset of the disease, it may not be diagnosed until the dog has already been bred, thus passing the condition to their offspring. There is no cure or treatment for PRA unfortunately. Other eye diseases that can affect Dachshunds are glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal eyelashes (distichiasis) 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 provides a cushion between the bones of the back (spine) and is normally gelatinous. In Doxies, this materials sometimes calcifies, or hardens, and sometimes ruptures. The disc protrusion causes pain and swelling around the nerves coming out of the spinal cord and sometimes compresses the cord itself. The herniated disc causes pain, a reluctance to jump up, partial paralysis and can progress to total paralysis. The majority of Doxies with disc disease can be managed medically with anti-inflammatory medications and pain medication. Some owners have tried holistic medicine, such as acupuncture or chiropractic manipulation to help with the pain. When total paralysis is caused from a complete rupture, immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may help restor full function in the legs. The faster the surgery is performed, the greater the chances of full recovery.
Researchers are using lasers to fuse or burn the discs in order to prevent future herniation. Being as this is such a common problem in Doxies, I do recommend purchasing health insurance for your pet. Unfortunately, some owners cannot afford the surgery and pets suffering with total paralysis or extreme pain are euthanized. A few of my patients that were partially paralyzed did recover some function of their legs over time. It is impossible to predict which dogs will recover without the surgery.
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 occasional 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. Improvements in vaccine technology have decreased the side effects and the benefits of preventing disease outweighs the risks.
Dachshunds can lead a very long and healthy life, sometimes upward to 15 years. Good dental care, proper diets, preventive health checks, vaccinations, and heartworm/parasite prevention can help your Dachshund live longer. You can find more information concerning your dogs health at LuvUrDog.com as well Dachshund breed gifts.
