21 Widespread Dachshund Well being Points – YouDidWhatWithYourWiener.com

Each canine breed has a set of medical situations they’re susceptible to. The Dachshund breed shouldn’t be exempt.

There are frequent Dachshund well being points that each proprietor ought to pay attention to to allow them to preserve a watch out for related indicators and signs.

This won’t solely show you how to catch any points early, nevertheless it additionally offers you an inventory of choices to debate together with your veterinarian in case one thing appears “off” together with your canine.

Under are the highest 21 Dachshund well being points I’ve compiled from 10+ years of finding out the breed, having private expertise with over 100, and by studying from different Dachshund house owners.

A few of these well being points have an effect on Dachshunds due to genetics, some are orthopedic points associated to their measurement and form, and a few are age associated.

The High 5 Well being Points in Dachshunds

Under are the well being points you’re most definitely to see in Dachshunds.

These are those I’ve personally encountered most and those that I see individuals in Dachshunds teams and boards asking about most frequently.

Again Issues

Dachshund again issues are the #1 most typical well being problem seen within the breed. 

One in 4 Dachshunds might expertise again points of their lifetime.

In Dachshunds, the vast majority of again issues are brought on by Intervertebral Disk Illness (IVDD)

IVDD is a genetic situation that causes a Dachshund’s spinal disks to harden, dry out, and calcify at a younger age.

In accordance with the College of California – Davis Faculty of Veterinary Drugs (UC Davis), one of many premier analysis services for IVDD within the US:

“A Dachshund’s lengthy again and quick limbs (legs) is brought on by Chondrodysplasia (CDPA), generally known as the dwarfism, which interferes with the physique’s regular growth of cartilage.”

Nearly all Dachshunds have no less than one copy of the gene that causes IVDD as a result of it’s additionally what causes the unmistakable “lengthy and low” Dachshund look.

There could also be another genes concerned that haven’t been recognized but so, sadly, right now, there isn’t a dependable take a look at for IVDD. 

The perfect factor you are able to do is preserve your Dachshund at a wholesome weight, make certain they get sufficient muscle-strengthening train, and memorize the warning indicators of a Dachshund again damage so you possibly can catch and deal with it early.

Weight problems

The Dachshund is listed by Banfield Pet Hospital as one of many prime 10 breeds at highest threat of weight problems. 

Some Dachshund house owners don’t think about pet weight problems a well being problem however the newest Affiliation for Pet Weight problems Survey reveals many pet dad and mom and veterinary professionals think about it a illness.

The issue is that a good portion of pet dad and mom don’t know what their Dachshund ought to weigh and fail to acknowledge after they might lose just a few kilos.

The identical examine above discovered that solely 39% of canine house owners think about their pet obese or overweight, which contrasts with quite a few studies indicating over 50% of canine and cats are obese.

Being severely obese can take years off your Dachshund’s life and result in a number of different well being points on this record, together with arthritis, and a better threat when going below anesthesia.

It might probably additionally affect the frequency and severity of disk rupture brought on by Intervertebral Disk Illness (IVDD) as a result of the additional hanging weight places stress on the backbone. 

Cushing’s Illness (Hyperadrenocorticism)

Cushing’s Illness is brought on when the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of of a steroid hormone known as cortisone.

Cushing’s illness could be brought on by both a benign tumor on the pituitary gland or an adrenal gland tumor.

This hormone imbalance often develops slowly, largely happens in previous age, and might simply be mistaken for indicators of growing older.

Signs embody extreme ingesting, urination accidents in the home, hair loss, elevated urge for food, and weight acquire. 

All of these items could be signs of different points too however Cushing’s is the most typical trigger, particularly after they all current on the identical time.

Happily, Cushing’s is treatable with oral medicines or surgical procedure to take away the adrenal glands.

Dental Points

Dachshunds are predisposed to dental points as a result of their small measurement, and the chondrodysplasia talked about above, can lead to the crowding of tooth within the jaw.

When tooth are overcrowded, they’ll put strain on one another, inflicting microscopic cracks that then turn into weak to periodontal illness.

Crowded tooth are additionally susceptible to entice meals, plaque, and calculus in between them, resulting in an infection and irritation.

One other Dachshund dental problem is damaged tooth.

Dachshunds are actually powerful chewers (critically, attempt to discover a toy they’ll’t destroy) and chunk down onerous.

This mostly ends in a cracked or damaged molar, however canine tooth can break off too. 

A damaged tooth sometimes causes ache and can have to be eliminated.

You may assist preserve your Dachshund’s tooth wholesome with a very good house dental routine, which may embody brushing or cleansing your canine’s tooth and not using a toothbrush.

You may additionally wish to think about the occasional anesthesia-free canine tooth cleansing from a licensed skilled to assist preserve the buildup of tartar down.

In case your Dachshund’s tooth get actually soiled, otherwise you see indicators of an infection, they are going to probably require a radical cleansing, and x-ray, on the vet below anesthesia.

Pores and skin Points

Dachshunds are inclined to a few major pores and skin situations – irritation and yeast overgrowth, dry, flaky pores and skin, and alopecia (baldness).

Yeast and flaky pores and skin

Yeast overgrowth on the pores and skin in canine could be brought on by meals or environmental allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances, poor hygiene, immune system issues, antibiotic use, or extra moisture.

Dry, flaky pores and skin is most frequently brought on by bathing an excessive amount of, allergic reactions, or genetics.

The signs of each could be related and embody itching and scratching, pores and skin redness and irritation, and, within the case of a yeast an infection, greasy or oily pores and skin and a foul odor.

When you suspect the reason for your canine’s pores and skin points is a yeast an infection, and common bathing and maintaining the pores and skin dry doesn’t make it go away, then it’s finest to seek the advice of together with your vet to find out the perfect treatment.

Which will embody switching your canine’s food regimen to keep away from allergens, medicated shampoos, topical lotions or ointments, and/or oral medicine comparable to antifungal medicine.

In case your Dachshund is merely itching resulting from dry, flaky pores and skin, it’s possible you’ll wish to attempt bathing them rather less (that is how typically it is best to bathe your Dachshund) and including omega-3 fish oils to their meals.

Altering your Dachshund’s food regimen, and utilizing the following pointers to assist forestall and handle frequent Dachshund pores and skin situations, may help.

Alopecia

Baldness in Dachshunds is primarily brought on by one thing known as coloration dilution alopecia (CDA).

This situation is most typical in “dilute” coloration Dachshunds like blue and isabella and is related to the genes that trigger this coloring.

Due to this, there isn’t a lot you are able to do besides handle signs and warmth regulation (with jackets, and many others.).

Pinnal Alopecia – hair loss particularly on the ears – can also be frequent in Dachshunds and could be developed by any of them, no matter age or coloration.

This situation could be mitigated by rubbing a pores and skin soothing balm or coconut oil on the ends of the ears.

Different Potential Well being Issues

Whereas a few of the well being points listed beneath are much less frequent in Dachshunds, all of them happen steadily sufficient to say.

Meals Allergic reactions

Meals allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts abnormally to a protein or different ingredient within the canine’s meals. 

Dachshunds, like another breed, can develop meals allergic reactions, and a few could also be extra susceptible to it than others.

Allergic reactions generally is a drawback on their very own however most sometimes exacerbate different points comparable to pores and skin points and gastrointestinal issues. 

Pet food allergic reactions are additionally the most typical perpetrator of ear infections, which may trigger a yeast overgrowth main to go shaking, scratching on the ears, and a foul odor.

Widespread meals allergens for canine embody beef, hen, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn. 

When a canine is suspected of getting a meals allergy, your veterinarian might advocate an elimination food regimen, the place the canine is fed a particular food regimen consisting of novel proteins and carbohydrates for a number of weeks to see if the signs enhance. 

If the signs do enhance, the canine could also be allergic to a number of of the components of their earlier meals.

As soon as the allergen is recognized, you possibly can swap to a pet food that doesn’t comprise the offending components, which can embody a uncooked food regimen, kibble with out that supply of protein, or a prescription pet food advisable by your veterinarian (I’m a proponent of attempting the previous two first).

Pes varus and pes valgus

Pes varus and pes valgus are each angular limb deformities that may happen in any breed, however are extra generally seen in achondroplastic, or dwarf, breeds comparable to Dachshunds.

These situations are brought on by uneven progress of a pair of bones (bones sitting side-by-side), whereby one bone stops rising prematurely, inflicting the paired bone (which remains to be rising) to bend and twist (supply)

Varus is a Latin time period which means bent inward whereas valgus is a Latin that denotes being bent outward.

Pes varus, also called “bow leggedness,” is a situation the place the legs bend outward on the knees, inflicting the ft to show inward. 

A Dachshund with pes varus is typically described as having a membership foot or as strolling like a cowboy.

Pes valgus is a situation the place the legs bend inward on the knees, inflicting the ft to show outward. 

This situation can also be typically known as a Queen Anne entrance (named for the furnishings model that was common within the time of Queen Anne).

Each pes varus and pes valgus could be brought on by quite a lot of elements, together with genetics, progress abnormalities, and trauma (like a fall or vigorously exercising a pet too quickly). 

Typically, these deformities are usually not sufficient to trigger an excessive amount of additional stress on the joints and a Dachshund can stay usually.

But when the deformity is excessive sufficient to trigger ache, discomfort, and hassle strolling, a Dachshund might require orthopedic gadgets comparable to braces or splints, corrective surgical procedure, and/or bodily remedy.

Moreover, maintaining your Dachshund at a wholesome weight and offering applicable train may help cut back the chance of orthopedic points like pes varus.

Diabetes

Dachshunds, like another breed, can develop diabetes, and a few could also be extra susceptible to it than others.

In accordance with the American Kennel Membership (AKC), canine can endure from two several types of diabetes.

Insulin-deficiency diabetes (kind 1 diabetes) happens when the canine’s pancreas is broken, or in any other case not functioning correctly, and isn’t producing sufficient insulin. 

That is the most typical kind of diabetes in canine and people with any such diabetes want every day pictures to switch the lacking insulin. 

Insulin-resistance diabetes (kind 2 diabetes) happens when the pancreas is producing some insulin, however the canine’s physique isn’t using the insulin because it ought to. 

One of these diabetes can particularly happen in older, overweight canine.

Diabetes could cause a variety of signs comparable to elevated thirst and urination, elevated urge for food, weight reduction, lethargy and frequent urinary tract infections.

In case your Dachshund is recognized with diabetes, remedy might embody insulin injections, dietary modifications, and common blood glucose monitoring. 

Luxating Patella

The phrase “patella” refers back to the kneecap. “Luxating” means misplaced.

Subsequently, a luxating patella is an misplaced, or dislocated, kneecap.

Many canine, particularly small canine with bowed legs like Dachshunds, are susceptible to a luxating patella, as a result of the purpose of the patellar ligament attachment shouldn’t be within the heart of the shin bone prefer it must be.

In canine with a luxating patella, the kneecap can transfer misplaced and catch (not transfer again into place) whereas strolling or exercising.

It might probably trigger ache and discomfort and trigger a Dachshund to skip, maintain one leg up within the air whereas shifting, or refuse to stroll.

If the situation is minor, it might not occur steadily sufficient that one thing must be achieved about it or bodily remedy could also be advisable to strengthen the encircling muscular tissues and ligaments.

Whether it is impacting a canine’s high quality of life an excessive amount of, surgical procedure could also be advisable.

Hip Dysplasia

Folks most frequently hear about hip dysplasia in reference to bigger breeds just like the German Shepherd, however Dachshunds can endure from the situation too (though a number of veterinarians have instructed me that it’s uncommon).

Hip dysplasia is a genetic situation brought on by the irregular growth of the hip joint, which can lead to the ball and socket not becoming collectively correctly.

Signs embody ache, stiffness, problem getting up or down, reluctance to climb stairs or bounce, lameness, and problem strolling.

Nevertheless, some canine with hip dysplasia might not present any signs in any respect.

Remedy contains weight administration, train modification, pain-managing medicines, joint dietary supplements, and surgical procedure.

Cancers/Tumors

Dachshunds have a higher-than-average threat of creating some cancers. 

This features a explicit threat of creating mast cell tumors and squamous cell carcinoma.

Dachshunds may also develop different varieties of cancers, together with testicular most cancers, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, Hemangiosarcoma, anal sac most cancers.

It’s vital to test your canine’s pores and skin frequently for any irregular lumps on or simply below the pores and skin’s floor, together with on their ft, and to have your vet test any lumps you discover.

Different indicators that your canine may need most cancers embody excessive losses in urge for food and/or vitality.

Cardiac Issues

Dachshunds can develop a number of varieties of coronary heart issues, together with mitral valve illness (MVD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), aortic stenosis (AS), and congestive coronary heart failure (CHF).

Out of that record, I’ve personally recognized just a few Dachshunds with congestive coronary heart failure however not the others.

Nevertheless, because it seems, congestive coronary heart failure is a blanket time period for a situation the place the guts is unable to pump blood successfully, resulting in a buildup of fluid within the lungs and different organs. 

CHF could be brought on by quite a lot of underlying coronary heart situations, together with mitral valve illness (MVD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and different congenital coronary heart defects.

Signs of CHF in canine can embody coughing, problem respiratory, decreased urge for food, lethargy, and weak spot. 

When you suspect your Dachshund could also be affected by CHF, it’s vital to seek the advice of with a veterinarian as quickly as doable for correct analysis and remedy.

Remedy for CHF in canine might embody medicines to assist handle signs and enhance coronary heart operate, comparable to diuretics to assist take away extra fluid, ACE inhibitors to assist dilate blood vessels and cut back blood strain, and/or optimistic inotropes to assist enhance coronary heart contractility.

Along with medicine, a veterinarian might advocate dietary modifications and train restrictions to assist handle the situation. 

Whereas CHF generally is a critical situation, with applicable remedy and administration, many canine with CHF can lead wholesome and lively lives. 

Seizures

Dachshunds are susceptible to a number of neurologic issues, together with seizures and epilepsy.

As with people, seizures in canine are brought on by a misfiring of the mind or an imbalance of mind chemical substances.

Signs can embody freezing right into a inflexible place, jerking motions, tremors, imbalance, extreme sleeping, or weak spot.

Throughout this irregular mind exercise, a Dachshund will basically be unconscious however nonetheless awake. 

Their physique will act in unusual methods, they usually won’t be able to listen to or reply to you.

I skilled one Dachshund seizure in particular person and the canine’s physique grew to become stiff, he bought a vacant look in his eyes, and he stood in a single place swaying forwards and backwards a bit.

I’ve heard of another Dachshunds urinating or defecating throughout a seizure.

I’ve been instructed that Dachshunds with the dapple gene are genetically susceptible to common seizures (the one I described above was dapple and so is Summit’s sibling, who’s dapple).

Wire-haired Dachshunds are inclined to a particular kind of epilepsy known as Lafora’s Illness (see beneath for extra).

In case your Dachshund has a seizure, the veterinarian will run assessments. However do bear in mind that typically a definite trigger can’t be discovered.

Remedy for seizures contains anti-seizure medicines, dietary modifications, environmental modifications like decreasing stress and triggers and various therapies comparable to acupuncture or CBD oil.

Lafora Illness

Lafora illness (LD) is an inherited, late onset, progressive myoclonic epilepsy.

It seems as transient, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a bunch of muscular tissues that often solely lasts a second or two.

Any Dachshund can have it however there’s a excessive prevalence within the miniature Wirehaired Dachshund – as much as 20% of miniature wire hairs could be affected.

Eye Issues

Dachshunds are in danger for eye issues like cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and dry eye (often known as KCS, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca).

A few of these eye points are extraordinarily painful or could cause blindness if not handled instantly.

Dry eye could cause itchy, or irritated eyes, eye redness, weepy eyes (discharge), or a cloudy look.

If one thing seems to be off together with your Dachshund’s eyes, otherwise you suppose they could be dropping their sight, see your veterinarian for analysis and remedy.

Dachshunds may also have cherry eye, which is a situation the place the gland that produces tears prolapses from its regular place, inflicting a crimson, swollen mass within the nook of the attention. 

Whereas this situation shouldn’t be sometimes critical, it may well trigger discomfort and require surgical procedure to right.

I feel it’s additionally value mentioning that older canine can develop nuclear sclerosis (also called lenticular sclerosis) as a standard growing older of the lens inside the eye. 

It causes a canine’s eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy look to them and is usually confused with glaucoma.

Nevertheless nuclear sclerosis is usually not painful and doesn’t intervene with a canine’s sight.

Liver Illness

Dachshunds are susceptible to sure varieties of liver illness, together with hepatic lipidosis (also called fatty liver illness) and portosystemic shunts (PSS).

Hepatic lipidosis is a situation the place fats accumulates within the liver, resulting in liver harm and potential liver failure. 

Dachshunds are significantly susceptible to this situation due to their predisposition to weight problems and since they’ve a genetic tendency to retailer fats of their liver. 

Signs of hepatic lipidosis in Dachshunds might embody lack of urge for food, weight reduction, vomiting, and jaundice.

Portosystemic shunts are a congenital situation the place blood circulate is diverted across the liver so it may well’t successfully take away toxins from the bloodstream.

Signs of PSS in Dachshunds might embody poor progress, vomiting, lethargy, and seizures.

When you suspect your Dachshund could also be affected by liver illness, seek the advice of together with your veterinarian as quickly as doable for correct analysis and remedy. 

Remedy for liver illness in Dachshunds might embody dietary modifications, medicine, and/or surgical procedure.

Abdomen Points

It’s not unusual for Dachshund’s to expertise abdomen points.

Some are merely delicate to sure meals or abrupt meals modifications.

Others can endure from gastroenteritis, a time period referring to abdomen points leading to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), and Inflammatory bowel illness (IBD).

Gastroenteritis has an underlying trigger comparable to parasites, dietary points, and many others.

HGE can have related signs as gastroenteritis however has a extreme onset and no underlying trigger could be discovered.

The principle signs are bloody diarrhea and sudden onset.

IBD is a situation the place the liner of the abdomen and/or intestines turns into infected, resulting in signs comparable to vomiting, diarrhea, and weight reduction. 

Dachshunds, due to their propensity to chew, and typically chew issues that aren’t truly meals, are susceptible to intestinal blockages requiring surgical procedure to take away (my first Dachshund Chester wanted this surgical procedure twice).

Signs of a GI international physique in Dachshunds might embody vomiting, diarrhea, belly ache, and lack of urge for food.

Dachshunds are a deep-chested breed so may also develop gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also called bloat.

Bloat is a life-threatening situation the place the abdomen turns into distended and might twist, resulting in lowered blood circulate to the abdomen and different organs. 

Nevertheless, I’ve been instructed by a number of veterinarians that this situation could be very uncommon in Dachshunds, regardless of their deep chests (different breeds that generally get it have deep chests too).

Signs of GDV in Dachshunds might embody restlessness, panting, vomiting, and a distended stomach.

To assist forestall abdomen points in Dachshunds, it’s vital to feed a high-quality food regimen, present common train (however not heavy train instantly after consuming), and supervise your canine to stop them from consuming issues they shouldn’t.

Remedy for abdomen points might embody dietary modifications, medicine, and/or surgical procedure.

Immune System Issues

Dachshunds are susceptible to a number of varieties of immune system issues, together with allergic reactions, Immunodeficiency issues, and autoimmune illness.

Allergic reactions had been coated above.

Immunodeficiency issues happen when the immune system is unable to operate correctly, resulting in elevated susceptibility to infections and different well being issues.

An autoimmune illness causes the immune system to assault the physique’s personal tissues and cells.

Dachshunds are susceptible to a number of varieties of autoimmune ailments, together with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, the place the immune system assaults the crimson blood cells, and autoimmune thyroiditis, the place the immune system assaults the thyroid gland.

When you suspect your Dachshund could also be affected by an immune system dysfunction, it’s vital to seek the advice of with a veterinarian as quickly as doable for correct analysis and remedy. 

Remedy for immune system issues in Dachshunds might embody medicine, dietary modifications, and/or immune system modulators.

Dementia

Dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome, shouldn’t be Dachshund-specific however it’s common. 

CCD is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative dysfunction that impacts the mind, resulting in modifications in conduct, reminiscence, and cognitive operate. 

CCD is often seen in older canine, and its signs could be just like these seen in human Alzheimer’s illness. 

The precise reason for CCD shouldn’t be absolutely understood, however it’s believed to be related to mind modifications comparable to beta-amyloid plaques, oxidative stress, and neuronal loss of life. 

Signs of CCD in canine can embody confusion, disorientation, modifications in sleep patterns, lack of curiosity in actions, and modifications in social conduct. 

There isn’t any recognized remedy for CCD, however early detection and remedy may help handle the signs and gradual the development of the illness. 

Remedy might embody medicine, dietary modifications, and environmental modifications.

Sadly, I needed to put my first Dachshund to sleep resulting from his dementia. 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a situation the place the thyroid gland doesn’t produce sufficient thyroid hormone, which may result in quite a lot of well being points. 

Whereas any breed can develop hypothyroidism, some breeds, together with Dachshunds, could also be extra predisposed to this situation. 

Widespread signs of hypothyroidism in canine embody weight acquire, lethargy, hair loss, pores and skin points, and intolerance to chilly.

Younger dachshunds are inclined to get this greater than older canine.

Hypothyroidism could be recognized by means of a blood take a look at that measures the degrees of thyroid hormones within the bloodstream.

In case your Dachshund is recognized with hypothyroidism, remedy might embody medicine to complement the lacking thyroid hormone. 

With applicable remedy, most canine with hypothyroidism can lead wholesome and lively lives.

Notice: Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s illness (described above) are each hormonal issues, however they’ve totally different underlying causes and signs.

Double Dapple Dachshund

A double dapple Dachshund is one which had two dapple dad and mom, which may occur on goal, might be a results of unintentional breeding, or might be a failure to well being take a look at to ensure neither Dachshund mum or dad is a hidden dapple.

Whereas double dapple shouldn’t be a real well being situation in itself, a canine that has double dapple (merle) genes steadily have extreme well being points.

Double Dapple Dachshunds are sometimes mistaken for piebald Dachshunds due to the numerous quantity of white on their physique, however there are a pair methods to inform them aside.

• Piebalds solely have brown eyes. They’ll by no means have blue eyes, or one blue eye, or a blue tick in a watch (supply). The American Kennel Membership (AKC) Dachshund breed commonplace additionally backs this up: “eyes are by no means partially or wholly blue as distinguished from the dapple sample.”

• When you have a look at a piebald Dachshund head-on, the coloured areas will cowl each ears and be symmetrical – what you see on the left facet it is best to see mirrored on the suitable facet.

• The coloured patches on a piebald have clean, rounded edges. Double dapples can have jagged patches of coloration.

• Double dapples typically have “starburst eyes” – The pupil (black spot within the heart of the attention) can have spiked, jagged, or irregular edges – or misshapen eyes.

The commonest well being points in double dapple Dachshunds are malformed ears, malformed eyes, and deafness and blindness.

Nevertheless, they’ll even have inside deformities and well being points that may’t be seen.

Most double dapples could be noticed resulting from their coat sample and misshapen eyes however a genetic take a look at may also verify.

As a result of double dapple is genetic, nothing could be achieved besides handle the signs.

Remaining Ideas

Though this record of Dachshund well being points could appear lengthy and scary, the vast majority of these listed are merely potentialities and never tremendous frequent.

Essentially the most prevalent Dachshund well being issues – those I’ve seen most frequently during the last 10+ years, are again issues (IVDD), allergic reactions, Cushing’s illness, seizures, tooth issues, pores and skin points, and weight problems.

Nevertheless, I wished to incorporate each well being situation I feel Dachshund house owners ought to pay attention to.

A very powerful factor you are able to do to guard your Dachshund’s well being is to bear in mind, know your canine’s regular so you possibly can rapidly detect any modifications, and see your veterinarian instantly if one thing appears off.

Moreover, working with a good breeder who screens their canine for genetic well being points may help cut back the chance of your Dachshund creating orthopedic situations or different genetic well being issues.

Notice: I’m not professional breeder or in opposition to rescue – I’m simply stating a truth