My dachshund’s slipped disc risk

QI HAVE a two-year-old male dachshund. Are slipped discs a common problem, what should I look for and how do I prevent it happening?

ADISC problems are common in dachshunds, as a result of their relatively long backs and short legs. Indeed, it is estimated that up to 25 per cent may suffer from slipped discs at some point in their lives.

Often it is young dogs between three and seven that are affected.

The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and give some flexibility to the spine. In dachshunds the discs become hard and calcium is deposited, and when this occurs the spine loses flexibility.

Jumping and twisting can pop a disc out, usually upwards towards the nervous tissue of the spinal column.

Signs of a slipped disc vary depending on whether it damages the nervous tissue of the spine or not. Around 85 per cent of slipped discs occur mid spine and 15 per cent in the neck.

With neck issues the dog will not want to move the neck at all and this will cause issues with eating. Mid-spine signs range from reluctance to jump up, go upstairs or walk, to paralysis of the back legs. Pain is an important sign to look out for, with crying and panting common. Severe cases require urgent specialist surgery to remove the discs. To minimise the risk keep your dog’s weight down, with regular gentle exercise that avoids rushing about and jumping.