Dachshunds and back problems

I've heard that dachshunds are prone to spine problems. Does anyone know if this true? I'm very careful to keep their weight at a healthy level so we can maybe prevent this from happening. Is it something that can be prevented or is it inevitable?

 

My first thought is you’re having back problem looking after your dachshunds.

Anyway, according to what I read, dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their short and long structure.
Here, this blog post is really helpful for the topic.
http://avetsguidetolife.blogspot.com/2009/08/dachshund-back-problems.html

 

Same thought occurred to me. Bending down to pet dachschunds would give anyone's back a good workout. Unless you are doing the petting lying on the floor yourself.

 

So, I have been doing all the right things! That is good to know! Thanks!

 

I have not experienced having a dachshunds but still good to learn about it just to add knowledge and in case I would have one.

 

When you think of Dachshunds, you do not normally think of racing, but apparently these little fellas can run. Watch this video:

 

I have always been careful with mine as well. He is part dachshund. Fortunately for me I am really short myself. Under 5 feet. So I don't have to worry about having back problems! Just gotta keep an eye on my dog.

 

I have actually taken my dachshunds to the races one year! They didn't win but it was sure fun trying!

 

I’m glad you had fun. Winning shouldn’t be the primary goal, isn’t it? For me, the experience from the competition, meeting new dog owners and dogs and learning from them, the bonding moments you have with your dog from training to the contest proper, seeing your dog giving his best shot, is what makes it all worthwhile.

 

So, I wonder what happened to Dachshunds when they have back problems. I mean, I’ve never seen one with back problems before. Old people when they have osteoporosis, they look hunch forward as their upper back curved. What with the Dachshunds?

 

Just looked up on racing Dachshunds. Definitely looked like a lot of fun. Have a look yourself:

 

I belong to a dachshund forum and back problems range in severity and the course of action ranges from just putting them on a diet to actually having back surgery. A lot of times if it's not too severe the vet prescribes just keeping them calm and keeping them crated until the injury has healed.

 

LOL. I can’t help smiling at work viewing all the dachshunds racing. Great photos, by the way. It’s like poetry in motion. I like the ones as if they are flying. It’s evident how serious these dachshunds are in the race. See, they fly. And they bump on each other to get ahead one another. Haha! I really like the first photo where the dachshund crossed over the line of another racer. It’s like s/he’s saying “Oh, no you don’t! I’ll get there first!" and the other one is saying, “Give it your best shot ‘cause I will win this race (eyes fixed on the finish line).”

 

Great! Thanks for the info. I thought it could really be bad that they will have bad postures or something and they’ll get stuck with it. I’m relieved it doesn’t have to be that way.

 

Sometimess surgery cannot correct the problems that dachshunds have with their spines. There are wheelchairs made for dogs with spinal problems. The chairs are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

 

Not correcting doesn’t mean it’s not cured, right? It’s still good to know that though it’s not corrected, it could be mended and that there are other means for the dog to continue his socializing around.

 

Well, not corrected means that the dog won't regain function of its limbs (if the spinal problems have gone that far) or that there will still be pain or weakness at the point where the dog was experiencing problems. But yes, spinal problems can be mended and treated and dogs can continue to socialize quite well. When I worked in Jackson Square (New Orleans), I knew a little dapple mini dachshund that would run from person to person, greeting them. His hind legs were suspended in a tiny dog wheelchair, somewhat similar in appearance to a horse racing sulky, which moved very easily even across cobblestones. It was an amazing thing to see. Even better, the chair was easy to remove, so he did not suffer any loss of snuggles and cuddles when his owner was sitting at her table in the Square.

 

That mini dapple dachshund surely brings sparkle to those who see it. I mean I could imagine its hind legs suspended in a tiny dog wheelchair while it greeted every person in the room with great ease and spunk. If I have a problem and I would see it like that, I’ll be able to face my problem in high spirit.

 

My Bitsy is a mini silver dapple and I could see here being like that! She loves people and she wouldn't let a little thing like not being able to walk keep her from meeting new friends.

 

Here are some Dachshunds on wheels: