1. Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease -

To put it simply: the dachshund's back goes out for some reason. The dachsie goes down in the rear. It can't walk. Sometimes, it loses bowel and bladder control. Most times, surgery is needed to repair the disks which have been damaged. Sometimes, surgery works. Sometimes, surgery doesn't. Many times, the dachshund is confined to a doggie wheelchair.

There are many reasons a dachshund can develop disk disease: genetics, moving the wrong way, jumping on/off furniture, falling......Each dachshund is different, just as each dachshund's treatment and recovery is different. Just because a dachshund goes down in its back doesn't mean its life has to end. Dachshunds can and do live life to the fullest regardless of disability.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: Crating and waiting, surgery,

water therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, medications, massage therapy, retraining to walk by placing a towel under the belly & "towel walking" with the dachsie, using one of the many types of dog carts/wheelchairs.

For more information about this disease, refer to the DCA booklet on Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease.

2. Bloat -

Dachshunds are deep chested and as such, they can develop bloat/torsion/Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This normally is a problem with bigger dogs, and it is when a dog gulps food, air and water and then exercises. It's a prescription for death for the dog. This twisting of the stomach can kill a dog in a matter of minutes.

3. Cushings Disease -

This is when there is an excess of cortisol in the body. Another name for it is hyperadrenocorticism. It can evolve in the pituitary gland or in the adrenal gland or because a doctor gives the dog too much cortisol because it is treating another condition. The most common signs are excess urination and excess drinking.

Granted these symptoms can be caused by other diseases too, such as diabetes, but regardless, if your dachshund is showing these two symptoms, take it to the veterinarian. There are treatments to help with this disease from the removal of a gland to medications.

4. Diabetes -

Canine Diabetes Mellitus (DM). It is easy to diagnose, can be treated but carries similar side effects as diabetes does in humans. Excess urination and thirst and either weight loss or gain. Treatments include various medications and glucose levels checked at regular intervals.

5. Epilepsy -

Canine Epilepsy. Dachshunds are a susceptible breed, and canine epilepsy is similar to human epilepsy. It can be inherited/genetic or caused by an unknown cause or by being hit on the head, medications, a fall, or some other type of trauma.

Treatments can vary according to the type of seizures and the severity. Various Medications, depending upon the dachsie, can control the seizures. When a dog seizes, it can be a scary thing to see. However, remain calm. Make sure the dog is in a safe environment where it won't hurt itself.

Keep your hands out of its mouth. If not, you could lose a finger or two. The dog may lose control of bladder/bowels. Just permit the seizure to pass. Call your vet for further assistance if your dachsie continues seizing for a long period of time or after the seizure, doesn't come out of it easily.

6. Obesity -

What can we say? An overweight dachshund is at risk for disk disease, epilepsy, thyroid problems, heart disease, etc: Same things people are at risk for when they are overweight. For dachshunds, it can be much more problematic because of their long backs and short legs. Ensure your dachshund is on a well balanced diet and is at a comfortable weight for its size.

7. Thyroid Disease -

Dachshunds can be predisposed to hypothyroidism. This can be genetic or due to other medical issues or medications. It is easily diagnosed and treated. Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, excess thirst and urination. Just like a human who develops hypothyroidism.

8. Eye Diseases -

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) -

PRA is GENETIC. It is INHERITED. Its human equivalent is Retinitis Pigmentosa.

PRA first impacts the dogs night vision, and later, their day vision fails.

Cataracts 

As you look at your dachshund, notice the lens of the eye is clear. When a cataract forms, the eye becomes cloudy and appears as a milky color. Inheritance is the main reason cataracts develop in dogs. Genetics again. Surgery, the removal of the lens affects is the ONLY successful treatment for dog and human.