have him checked for INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE .a vet can give him med's befor it gets worse.
----------------------------------------------------------- he may be in pain and may not be able to walk.
Intervertebral disc disease is a premature hardening of the center of the disc, and weakening of the outer layer of the disc occurring primarily in Dachshunds and similar short legged, long back type dogs. As the dog jumps or runs, the outer layer ruptures and the inner material is displaced up against the spinal cord. Because the spinal cord is surrounded by bone, the disc material squeezes the spinal cord. This pressure on the cord damages the nerves traveling to the legs, tail, bowels and urinary bladder causing loss of limb function that can range from weakness to paralysis, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
In some cases, the damage to the spinal cord is mild and conservative management may be a successful treatment. Conservative management may consist of giving anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease the swelling in the cord and allow function to return as well as strict confinement. The dog must be strictly confined to a crate at all times for a certain period to prevent further extrusion of disc material. It takes about 4-6 weeks for the outer layer to heal over, and the dog can gradually return to normal activity. Most of these dogs will regain normal function. About 40% of these dogs will have a recurrence of IVDD. Maintaining the dogs at a slim weight may help prevent recurrence.
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