Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
As Dachshunds become more popular so too does the incidence of IVDD, which occurs when the intervertebral discs, the shock absorbers between the vertebrae of the spinal column, bulge or burst, becoming herniated. Pressing on the nerves in the spinal cord, these discs can cause pain, nerve damage, loss of bladder and bowel control and sometimes paralysis, whether short term or permanent. The argument regarding genetic, lifestyle or environmental cause continues.
There is no known DNA marker for IVDD. The UK Dachshund Standard has been modified to encourage breeders to breed a dog with a shorter back.
It is possible to reduce the risk of IVDD, but not prevent it altogether, by taking responsible breeding and ownership decisions. Breeders should avoid breeding where there is a history of IVDD in the pedigree or high levels of early calcification are detected by the use of spinal x-rays. If the number is low, then the dog can be bred with, however certain areas of the spine are considered more at risk than others. The procedure is complex and requires thorough understanding.
Owners have a responsibility to keep their dog in a trim and fit condition and avoid over protection by adopting a sensible lifestyle.
A new study will commence early in 2024 to examine the role of nutrition in the onset of IVDD. This study will take approximately 2 years for completion and is being undertaken with the backing of the University of Cambridge. Many breeders in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia have signed up to take part in the study and the results will be extremely interesting.
Dachshund IVDD Support Australia (DISA) offer a wealth of information on IVDD, here is the link to their website:
Tests Database & IVDD Testing Procedures
When submitting your test results for this database please email them to marshlisa2@gmail.com. A photocopy of the Dog’s Pedigree and a photocopy of the Test Certificate is required.
Information for IVDD Spinal X-Raying of your Dachshund
X-Raying of your dog should be carried out between the ages of 2 to 4 years only.
Click here for Procedures of Spinal X-Raying your Dachshund
Current Vets in Australia carrying out IVDD Spinal X-Rays:-
| SE Queensland | New South Wales | Victoria | Tasmania | South Australia | Western Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr David Zeibell Dr B’s Vet Clinic, Unit 1/5 Central Court, Hillcrest QLD 4118 Ph: 07 3802 8763 | Earlwood Animal Hospital 213 Bexley Road, Earlwood, NSW, 2206 Ph: 02 9718 5235 | Dr David Broomfield Murray Street Vet Clinic, 330 Murray Street, Colac, Victoria, 3250 Ph: 03 5231 3375 Email: broomies@bigpond.net.au | Dr James McGregor Ulverstone Veterinary Clinic, Alexandra Road, Ulverstone, Tasmania, 7315 Ph: 03 6425 2248 | Dr John Katakasi Adelaide Plains Veterinary Clinic, 6 Gawler Road, Two Wells, SA, 5501 Ph: 08 8520 3600 Dr Georgie Suttor Blake’s Tiver Road Veterinary Clinic, 5 Tiver Road, Evanstone South, SA, 5116 Ph: 08 7231 3099 | Dr Louisa Burgess and Partners, Kudah Veterinary Services, 39a Alexwood Drive, Forrestdale, WA, 6112 Ph: 08 9399 5544 Dr Garnett Hall West Coast Veterinary Hospital 10 Freeman Road, Forrestdale, WA, 6112 Ph: 08 9393 3373 |
Current analysts of Spinal X-Rays:
In Australia
Dr Alana Rosenblatt, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343
email: rosenblatt.dacvr@gmail.com
In Finland
Dr Anu K Lappalainen DVM, PhD, University of Helsinki
email: anu.k.lappalainen@helsinki.fi
Please note that X-rays can be sent direct to the analysts by email or if using one of the Vets listed above, they will do this on your behalf.