A clear guide to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dachshunds: why the breed is at risk, the warning signs, why it's an emergency, treatment options, recovery and what you can do to lower the risk.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common serious health problem in dachshunds. It can cause anything from back pain to sudden paralysis. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can make a big difference to the outcome.
What IVDD is?
The discs between the bones of the spine act as shock absorbers. Each has a tough outer layer and a softer centre. In IVDD, a disc degenerates and bulges or bursts into the spinal canal, pressing on the spinal cord. This causes pain and can damage the nerves that control the legs, bladder and bowel.
Why dachshunds are at risk?
Dachshunds are a chondrodystrophic breed: the same genetics that give them short legs cause their discs to age early. The discs can harden and calcify from a young age, making them more likely to rupture suddenly. This type of disc rupture (often called Hansen type I) most often happens in dogs aged around three to seven, and can happen after something as ordinary as a jump. The Dachshund Breed Council estimates that around one in four dachshunds will have some degree of back disease in their lifetime.
Warning signs
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs or move
- Crying out when picked up or touched
- A hunched back or tense tummy
- Shaking, panting or hiding, which can be signs of pain
- Wobbliness, knuckling over the back paws or dragging the legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Why it's an emergency?
If your dog is wobbly, can't walk or can't feel their back legs, contact a vet straight away, day or night. The chance of recovery is best when severe cases are treated quickly. Don't give human painkillers: many, including ibuprofen, are toxic to dogs.
How it's treated?
Vets usually grade IVDD from mild (pain only) to severe (paralysis with no deep pain sensation). Treatment depends on the grade.
- Conservative treatment: for milder cases, strict cage rest, often for several weeks, with pain relief and gradual return to activity. Rest means confinement, not just "taking it easy".
- Surgery: for dogs that are weak, paralysed or not improving, a vet may refer you to a neurologist for imaging (usually MRI) and surgery to remove the disc material pressing on the cord.
- Rehabilitation: physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can help recovery after either approach.
Many dogs recover well, but some are left with weakness, and dogs that have had IVDD can be affected again. Ask your vet about the likely outcome for your dog's grade.
Lowering the risk
- Keep your dog slim. Extra weight puts more strain on the spine.
- Keep them fit. Regular exercise keeps muscles strong; there's no evidence that normal activity needs to be avoided.
- Limit high jumps. Ramps for sofas and beds, and carrying them on steep stairs, may help, though evidence is limited.
- Use a harness rather than a collar for walks.
- Talk to your vet about neutering. A 2018 UK study of nearly 2,000 dachshunds found that neutered dogs, especially those neutered before 12 months old, had a higher risk of disc herniation. It shows an association, not proof of cause, so weigh it with your vet alongside other health factors.
Breeding and screening
In the UK, the Dachshund Breed Council runs an IVDD screening programme. X-rays taken at around two years old show how many discs have calcified, which helps breeders choose dogs at lower risk. If you're buying a puppy, ask whether the parents have been screened and see the results.
Insurance
Surgery and imaging can cost thousands of pounds. Pet insurance taken out before any signs appear is worth considering, and lifetime cover is usually best for a condition that can come back. Check exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Sources and further reading
- Dachshund Breed Council: IVDD
- Dachshund IVDD (Breed Council): how common is IVDD?
- Dorn & Seath (2018): neuter status as a risk factor for IVDD in dachshunds
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Frequently asked questions
What IVDD is?
The discs between the bones of the spine act as shock absorbers. Each has a tough outer layer and a softer centre.
Why dachshunds are at risk?
Dachshunds are a chondrodystrophic breed: the same genetics that give them short legs cause their discs to age early. The discs can harden and calcify from a young age, making them more likely to rupture suddenly.
Why it's an emergency?
If your dog is wobbly, can't walk or can't feel their back legs, contact a vet straight away, day or night. The chance of recovery is best when severe cases are treated quickly.
How it's treated?
Vets usually grade IVDD from mild (pain only) to severe (paralysis with no deep pain sensation). Treatment depends on the grade.
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Elena has a background in veterinary science and writes about common breed health issues, nutrition, and preventive care.
Last updated: 2026-04-25 · Fact-checked by editorial team
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