Signs and Symptoms of IVDD
The symptoms listed below are all cause for concern.
Some, such as a dragging limb and the inability to move the head or limbs, are reason to crate your dog and move immediately to a qualified veterinary surgical center; but any animal exhibiting the symptoms listed should be seen as soon as possible. Early crating and veterinary intervention can make the difference between a dog that regains the ability to walk and one which does not.
Let us say it again, do not wait; crate and seek competent veterinary care. Immobilization and veterinary intervention are key in the recovery of an IVDD dog.
Neck
- Neck sensitivity
- An inability to shake neck and/or ears
- An inability to reach an ear to scratch
Limbs
- Dragging a limb
- Inability to move one or both rear legs
- A crossing of one or both back legs while walking
- Stiffness or difficulty climbing stairs
Generalized Complaints
- Pain when moving or attempting to move
- Difficulty with walking and jumping
- Slower movement
- Reluctance to move
- Crying or shaking due to pain
- Very tense abdomen
Rear Body Complaints
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Tail cannot wag
- Hunched back due to muscle tension
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Painful urination
Watch This!
The video shown below illustrates recovery; however, it is a great demonstration of the wobbly legs that often occur as a dachshund loses nerve sensation due to disc rupture.
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.
