IVDD in Dachshunds

Clinical overview

Why Dachshunds carry elevated IVDD risk

Dachshunds are the archetype for chondrodystrophic IVDD risk. Disc calcification can begin young; a single jump off a sofa may trigger extrusion. Because recurrence risk remains high after an episode, a lifetime vault of flare dates, crate-rest compliance, and surgical levels (e.g., T12–T13) is critical for every subsequent neurology consult.

Watch list

Symptom checklist

• Sudden cry-out pain with a hunched posture
• Refusal to move the neck or back
• Wobbly gait progressing to inability to walk
• Loss of deep pain sensation (surgical emergency marker)
• Recurrent episodes after prior conservative management

Digital vault protocol

Emergency & longitudinal management

1. Never delay ER evaluation when pelvic limbs weaken—log onset to the minute
2. Preserve MRI level(s), surgeon name, and hemilaminectomy operative notes
3. Document post-op rehab milestones and deep-pain return
4. Prevent recurrence: ramps, weight control, no stair freedom unsupervised
5. Keep emergency passport contacts + preferred neurology hospital on file