I know this is not a good time to ask this question but I am hoping that someone will have the answer. I know Penny is down right now and going through a very tough time. Can anyone tell me what the percentages are for a full doxie or a mini doxie to have back problems? I have two mini's and one of them has already had an episode from slipping on ice. Thank God she was ok after a few weeks rest but is still bothers me.
Any help would be great.
Thank you
Mel, Mimi and Tuttle
They say that 25% of doxies will have a problem in their life. But from what I've seen and heard about, I think it's a lot higher than that. Pretty sobering statistics for our breed. (and why, in my unfounded opinion, no one should breed doxies without extensive research on the lines to be sure they aren't making the problem worse since much of it seems to run in certain lines more than others). Terrifies me too Mel! All we can do is everything they suggest and then try not to worry. I'm so glad your little one is doing OK now!
We were told 25% as well from our neurologist (1 in 4), but I agree with DD that is seems like more.
I have read that it is 25%, but all I know personally is that I have been raised by two dachsies, and I have had 6 of my own, and 2 have had IDD and one had some calcified disks which caused a little discomfort for her, but no crate rest or surgery. In my case with the 8 dachsies I have lived with, the 25% is true. Maybe we feel the percentage is higher, because we tend to find more people who search this and other boards out when there is an incident of back pain or IDD? Just wonderin, myself!
Thanks everyone. It sure does seem like it is higher. My aunt used to breed doxies and she got out of it because the others that would want to sire would not be from a good line. They didn't care, just wanted the money. She couldn't face that knowing it would cause problems in the long run. At least we are prepared for the IDD issues. There is so much information out there now to help prevent which is a great help. Any thing to take care of our babies right? :thumb:
Thanks again for your input on this subject.
Mel, Mimi and Tuttle
Lots of doxies have this back problem thing. I guess it comes with the design of their bodies and thats why its so important to keep them on the skinny side. When they do have an episode, the best thing is to crate them so they can heal up and not further hurt themselves. I've had good luck treating temporary back problems with prescription drugs, but I have been the surgery route too.
We are in Australia where the breeders have been strict plus they are not a common breed and out of 5 we have not had one go down. Prevention is critical, keep weight down and EXERCISE, no jumping, stairs and glucosamine and ester C.
Roberta
From my personal experience Cajsa is the only one to have gone down or had episodes with her back. My grandmother had two who lived to a ripe old age without problem as did a great grandmother. Cajsa is one of three I've had and is the only one to have had any trouble at all. So I guess that would put it at 1 out of 6 full bred dachsies and the one dachsie/chihuahua mix had no problems either so that'd be 1:7 with back problems of any kind.
It is scary - my Rudy, who is now 7 has had a couple of episodes - but were resolved with meds and crate rest. My Brandy, who will be 11 has not had one back episode since I have had her (adopted her at 5) - and she is SO bad at jumping. It is like she forgets the ramps as soon as I remind her (many times a day !!!!). Glad your 2 are doing ok !