Dachshund

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a relatively common disease that is described as when the discs in the spinal column bulge or burst into the spinal cord. Affected discs then press on nerves, causing pain, damage and potentially paralysis.

There are multiple symptoms of IVDD, some more severe than others. They range from unusually unwillingness to jump, crying out in pain, pain and weakness in rear legs, and muscle spasms.

If you know your dog’s breed are predisposed to IVDD, it is very important to take precautions, the most important being discouraging jumping, and keeping their weight down.

IVDD can be diagnosed by a full neurologic exam which will locate exactly which disc is damaged. Special X-Rays may also be suggested, but these don’t show the spinal cord, so a special dye is used. MRI or CT scans may also be necessary.

Treatment depends on the severity of the issue. If the spinal cord is badly damaged, surgery will be needed. For less serious cases, treatment can be purely conservative such as steroids and anti-inflammatories.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is often, but not always, inherited.

The condition causes mild or severe seizures which may show themselves as unusual behaviour such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, hiding, or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness

Although seizures are frightening and saddening to watch, the long-term prognosis for sufferers is generally very good.

If you suspect your dog has epilepsy, take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment as there could be other reasons for seizures.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina.

Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind, with the loss of sight during the day occurring as the disease progresses.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment, but it is known that the condition doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort and most dogs will adapt well to their limited or lost vision, so long as their surroundings and environment stay the same.

Bloat doesn’t sound too serious, but if it’s left untreated it can be deadly for your dog. Large, deep-chested dogs are more commonly affected than smaller breeds.

Bloat causes the stomach to swell with gas and then twist. The dog can’t belch or vomit to release the gas, blood flow to the heart is impeded, blood pressure drops, and the dog goes into shock.

To avoid bloat, split their feeds into multiple smaller meals through the day instead of one large portion. You must also avoid exercise for at least half an hour to an hour after eating. Another cause can be drinking too much water rapidly, so keep a watchful eye on that as well.

Symptoms of Gastric Dilation Volvulus are a swollen abdomen, excessive drooling, dry retching, lethargy and a rapid heart rate.

Without immediate medical attention, bloat can be fatal, so if you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Cushings Disease (Hyperadrenocorticim) is a condition associated with excess cortisol in the body.

A dog’s body has a collective system of glands that produce and secrete hormones, one of which is cortisol. Normal levels of cortisol perform many functions however too much can cause a lot of damage.

Symptoms vary from one dog to another, but there are many indicative symptoms, most of which can also be a sign of multiple other diseases, so diagnosis will require several diagnostic tests by a vet.

Symptoms include, but are not limited to, increased thirst, urination and hunger, a pot-bellied abdomen, loss of hair, lack of energy, infertility and darkening of the skin.