IVDD Possible Causes: Trauma

DACHSHUND RESCUE OF BUCKS COUNTY & NJ

Causes of IVDD

Any injury or illness sends owners looking for an underlying cause. This section discusses the two categories of cause for a disc injury.

In This Section:

Trauma

When most people hear the word trauma they envision a serious auto accident or a gory scene at the local emergency room. Rarely is this image that of a dachshund jumping off the couch. Yet, one can be as serious as the other.

As the dachshund's front legs strike the floor, a tremendous force travels up the legs and is displaced through the spine. Time after time, this and other incidents insult the stability of the dachshund vertebra leading to IVDD.

So what are some of these destructive forces:

  • Jumping, any kind [off the bed, the couch, the chair]. Jumping down causes a greater one-time insult than jumping up.
  • Twisting of any kind, jumping up as mentioned above, jumping up to catch a ball, AND improper lifting by humans.
  • Slow and consistent stress, like the dog begging in the picture to the right, also represents a destructive force; just because they can do this does not mean they should.
  • Falling as in falling down the stairs, out of someone's arms, or off the table because no one pushed the chairs in and the smell of food was still there.
  • Weight problems. Look at the pictures above. Who can handle 2 lbs of extra weight better? Many people tell us they love their dachshunds to death; they can't deny them those treats. It is a shame they do not want to love them to life because IVDD in an obese dog carries extra risks and increases the chances that those animals will become an IVDD statistic.
DACHSHUND RESCUE OF BUCKS COUNTY & NJ

Additional Notes:

  • There are no 'over-the-counter' fixes for IVDD. Please consult a qualified veterinarian before using any medication or OTC products on your dachshund.
  • The information offered herein is for informational and educational and purposes only. Seek the timely care of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary surgeon if you believe your dog is exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms of IVDD. This website does not seek to diagnose or treat IVDD.