Dachshund Health Problems: Key Issues

Dachshund health problems trace directly to its build. The breed is among the most recognisable in the world, but its distinctive elongated body and shortened legs come with a significant inherited vulnerability: intervertebral disc disease. Back problems are so prevalent in Dachshunds that the breed has become the primary model species for canine spinal cord injury research.

Beyond disc disease, Dachshunds are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, epilepsy and several other conditions that require informed management throughout their lives.

For a comprehensive overview of Dachshund history, varieties, temperament and general care, see Dachshund.

The Dachshund's Unusual Biology

The Dachshund's body shape results from chondrodysplasia, a genetic condition causing abnormal cartilage development that shortens the limbs while leaving the body length largely intact. The mutation responsible is a retrogene insertion of FGF4 (fibroblast growth factor 4) on chromosome 12, which is now called the CDDY (chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease) variant.

This same mutation causes the intervertebral discs to undergo early mineralisation (calcification) instead of remaining fibrocartilaginous and supple. Mineralised discs are brittle and prone to sudden rupture into the spinal canal, a mechanism called Hansen Type I disc disease. In standard (non-chondrodystrophic) breeds, disc disease follows a different, slower course. In Dachshunds, it occurs younger, more acutely and more severely, and it can occur with little or no preceding warning.

Summary Health Table

Condition	Estimated Prevalence	Screening / Genetic Test
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)	20-25% lifetime risk	MRI (imaging); CDDY genetic marker available
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (cord1-PRA)	Moderate; miniature Dachshunds elevated	DNA test (cord1 mutation)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)	Low-moderate	DNA test
Patellar luxation	Moderate (miniature and toy types)	OFA orthopaedic evaluation
Epilepsy (idiopathic)	Elevated vs general population	Clinical diagnosis
Lafora disease	Low-moderate in miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds	DNA test
Acanthosis nigricans	Breed-specific form (Dachshund-specific)	Clinical examination
Obesity	Very high (management issue)	Body condition scoring
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism)	Elevated in older Dachshunds	Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test; ACTH stimulation
Hypothyroidism	Moderate	OFA thyroid panel

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the defining health problem of the Dachshund and one of the most important conditions in veterinary neurology. The combination of long vertebral column, chondrodystrophic disc mineralisation and the mechanical stresses of jumping and stair-climbing creates an environment where disc herniation is a near-constant threat.

The spinal column consists of individual vertebral bones separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a firm outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like inner nucleus (nucleus pulposus). In a healthy disc, the nucleus remains contained within the annulus. In chondrodystrophic discs, the nucleus mineralises and becomes brittle, the annulus also weakens.

Under compressive force, the brittle nucleus can explosively rupture through the annulus and into the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.

In Dachshunds, IVDD most commonly occurs in the thoracolumbar region. The next most common site is the cervical (neck) region.

Clinical signs depend on the location and severity of compression:

• Mild: spinal pain only, the dog cries when touched along the back, moves stiffly, arches the back, is reluctant to jump or climb
• Moderate: ataxia (uncoordinated, swaying gait), proprioceptive deficits (knuckling of the paws), paresis (weakness in the hindlimbs)
• Severe: complete hindlimb paralysis (paraplegia), incontinence (bladder and bowel)
• Critical: loss of deep pain sensation in the hindlimbs (a critical prognostic indicator)

The presence of deep pain sensation is the single most important prognostic factor. Dogs with intact deep pain and mild-to-moderate signs have very good outcomes with either medical or surgical treatment. Dogs with complete loss of deep pain sensation in the hindlimbs have a much more guarded prognosis, and outcomes are worse if surgery is delayed.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

There is no way to eliminate IVDD risk in a Dachshund given the genetic basis of the condition, but several management practices significantly reduce the frequency of acute disc herniation events:

• Weight management: obesity dramatically increases compressive loading on discs. A lean Dachshund has substantially lower disc herniation risk than an overweight one. This is arguably the most impactful preventive measure within owner control.
• Ramps and steps: minimise the compressive impact of jumping down from furniture and into vehicles. The vertical deceleration force when a Dachshund jumps from sofa to floor is disproportionately concentrated in the long spine. Commercially available dog ramps and steps to all frequently used furniture positions are strongly recommended.
• Controlled stair use: frequent stair climbing adds cumulative spinal loading. Where possible, limiting stair use (carrying the dog on stairs) or providing access via ramps is beneficial.
• Harnesses: neck collars should be avoided for walking, harnesses distribute force across the chest rather than the cervical spine.
• Leash walking, swimming and controlled play are better choices than high-impact activities that involve jumping and twisting.

A genetic test for the CDDY/IVDD marker is available at several commercial laboratories. This does not have immediate utility in standard chondrodystrophic Dachshunds (all chondrodystrophic Dachshunds carry the allele) but has research and breeding implications when considering outcrosses or identifying higher-risk dogs within the population.

Lafora Disease

Lafora disease is an autosomal recessive progressive myoclonic epilepsy caused by a mutation in the EPM2B (NHLRC1) gene. In dogs, the condition has been primarily documented in Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds.

Affected dogs typically begin showing signs between 5 and 9 years of age. The characteristic presentation is stimulus-sensitive myoclonic jerks, sudden brief muscle contractions triggered by flickering light, sudden sounds, or objects approaching from above the head. As the disease progresses, generalised seizures develop.

The myoclonic jerks are distinctive: a dog may suddenly throw its head back or whole-body flinch in response to a sudden movement above it, owners sometimes initially interpret this as startling or anxiety.

A DNA test is available. The condition is autosomal recessive, so two carriers bred together will produce 25% affected offspring. All Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund breeding candidates should be tested. Carriers are phenotypically normal.

There is no cure for Lafora disease. Management involves anticonvulsant medication (levetiracetam, potassium bromide, phenobarbital) and practical environmental modifications to reduce triggers: avoiding rapid movements approaching the dog from above, maintaining consistent lighting and using predictable, calm routines.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Dachshunds are affected by at least two distinct forms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

The cord1-PRA (cone-rod dystrophy 1) mutation is unique to Dachshunds and was originally identified in the breed. It is caused by a double insertion in the RPGRIP1 gene. This form is unusual because it appears to require a modifier gene at a second locus to cause clinical disease, dogs homozygous for the cord1 mutation may or may not develop PRA depending on the modifier genotype.

Clinical signs include day blindness (photophobia) progressing to complete blindness.

The prcd-PRA mutation also occurs in Dachshunds at a lower frequency and causes progressive degeneration beginning with night blindness.

DNA tests are available for both mutations through OFA and commercial laboratories. The CAER ophthalmologist examination provides annual clinical monitoring. Because of the complexity of cord1 penetrance, breeders are advised to test breeding candidates for both mutations.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterised by hyperpigmentation (darkening) and thickening of the skin, particularly in the axillae (armpits) and groin. In most dog breeds, acanthosis nigricans is secondary to another condition (atopy, hypothyroidism, obesity). However, in Dachshunds there is a breed-specific primary form, idiopathic Dachshund acanthosis nigricans, that occurs independently of any systemic disease.

Dachshunds with primary acanthosis nigricans usually develop dark velvety skin in the axillae before they turn 1. Mild cases cause no pain or itch, though the condition can progress to include seborrhoeic changes, bacterial overgrowth in skin folds and discomfort. Vitamin E supplementation, melatonin and topical shampoos help manage the signs.

Older Dachshunds with secondary acanthosis nigricans need treatment of the underlying condition, whether that be hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease.

Cushing's Disease

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) involves excess cortisol production, most commonly due to a pituitary microadenoma (pituitary-dependent Cushing's). Dachshunds, particularly middle-aged to older individuals, appear to have an elevated rate of pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease compared to many breeds.

Signs include: symmetrical hair loss, pot-bellied appearance from muscle wasting and fat redistribution, polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination), polyphagia (excessive appetite), skin thinning and susceptibility to infections. Many owners initially attribute early signs to normal aging.

Diagnosis requires specific endocrine testing: low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) or urine cortisol:creatinine ratio as initial screening, followed by an ACTH stimulation test for confirmation and differentiation of pituitary vs adrenal-dependent forms.

Treatment with trilostane (inhibits cortisol synthesis) or mitotane is effective. Regular monitoring of cortisol response to ACTH stimulation is required throughout treatment. Well-managed dogs can have several years of good quality of life following diagnosis.

Weight Management

Dachshund obesity is a major welfare concern and arguably the most preventable factor exacerbating every other condition on this list. The combination of a visually appealing deep-barrelled body (which conceals early weight gain), extremely high food motivation and the tendency of owners to supplement with human food creates a perfect storm for obesity.

Excess weight dramatically increases the compressive force on intervertebral discs, exacerbates patellar luxation and joint disease, worsens respiratory effort and contributes to Cushing's-like metabolic changes. Every kilogram of excess weight matters more in a small Dachshund than in a large dog.

Body condition scoring (BCS) on a 5- or 9-point scale should be assessed at every veterinary visit. A lean, fit Dachshund should have a visible waist when viewed from above, a visible abdominal tuck when viewed from the side, and ribs that are easily palpable under only a thin layer of fat.

See Pet Exercise and Enrichment Guide for guidance on appropriate low-impact activity for Dachshunds.

Screening Recommendations

Test	Timing	Recommended Body
CAER ophthalmology examination	Annual	OFA CHIC
cord1-PRA DNA test	Before first breeding	OFA CHIC
prcd-PRA DNA test	Before first breeding	OFA CHIC
Lafora disease DNA test	Before first breeding (Miniature Wirehaired)	Breed club / commercial labs
Patellar evaluation (OFA)	Before first breeding (Miniature/Toy)	OFA CHIC

What to Ask a Dachshund Breeder

Before purchasing a Dachshund puppy:

• Ask whether both parents have been DNA tested for cord1-PRA and prcd-PRA, request the result documentation
• For Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds, ask for Lafora disease DNA test results for both parents
• Ask for CAER ophthalmology results (within 12 months)
• Ask for OFA patellar evaluation results for Miniature and Toy parents
• Ask about IVDD history in the line, no genetic test predicts individual risk in standard Dachshunds, but breeders with long histories in the breed will know which lines have higher recurrence
• Ask the breeder's policy on ramps and weight management, a breeder who does not provide ramps and monitors puppy weight is a positive indicator of good husbandry values
• Verify CHIC number at ofa.org

For reference on general preventive health, see Common Dog Illnesses Explained and Signs of a Healthy Dog.