IVDD Possible Causes

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.

Genetics

Dachshunds are hunters, maybe not today, but this is their heritage. Long before they were the small pets that watched TV with us and sat on our laps, their frames were larger, more balanced and they were used to hunt badgers by tunneling down long badger runs and capturing their prey. Those days have long passed and preferential breeding has led to the dachshund we know today.

Pictured below are a red Dachshund and a black and tan Coonhound. The Coonhound was chosen to illustrate a very important difference between these two hunters: the percent of long bone vs the percent of cartilage and its effect on spinal stability.

DACHSHUND RESCUE OF BUCKS COUNTY & NJ
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 medications 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.