First things first:  IVDD (Disc Disease) is not a death sentence.

If you are considering a dachshund, you need to be aware of the breed's tendency to IVDD.  Before you read any further, please view this video of a happy dachshund who suffered a profound, inoperable disc rupture about 1 and 1/2 years ago.

All of the information here is based on our own experience caring for dogs with partial or full paralysis.  While you can receive qualified medical information only from a veterinarian, please be aware that there are as many opinions on IVDD as there are vets.  If you do not like what your vet tells you, try another one!

One thing to keep in mind is that dogs do not have the same emotional sense about an injury as a person might.  A dog with a disability is not embarrassed.  He is not ashamed, or comparing himself to other dogs, or even comparing himself to how he used to be.  He isn't bitter.  He just isn't.  He's dealing with the here and now the best way he knows how.  Dogs live in the present, and they are happy to do so.

From a medical standpoint, the most important thing you can do, if you notice symptoms of a back problem, is to crate your dog IMMEDIATELY.  Keep her as still as possible, and get her to a vet.  If she has not gone "down," you may be able to prevent the paralysis with 4-6 weeks of crate rest and anti-inflammatory drugs. It's going to be tough -- think of it as tough love.  If your vet sends you home with drugs or an injection, but does not prescribe crate rest, find another vet.  Pain serves a purpose in the body -- it tells your dog something is wrong and limits activity.  If you treat the pain but do not treat the cause, the condition will become worse, possibly irreversible.  Symptoms include crying, shaking, tight tummy muscles, unsteady back legs, and, of course, paralysis.  Err on the conservative side...if you think there is a problem, go for the crate rest.

The most important things you can do to prevent disc disease are 1)  keep your dachsie thin, and 2) NEVER allow him to jump off furniture.  However, IVDD is a congenital condition.  Even dogs whose families are strict about the above can be struck with the disease.

If you are facing IVDD with your dog, remember 3 things:

1.  You are not alone.  See all the communities to the left, ready and eager to help you through this journey.

2.  You can do this.  Surgery is available, yes, but there are other options.  Crate rest has helped many many dogs without surgery.  Swim therapy can work miracles, after surgery or in its place, depending on the stage.  There is acupuncture, canine rehabilitation (physical therapy), and many other options.  And you CAN learn to express a bladder.  Expressing the bladder is not a big deal.  It takes only a few seconds, doesn't hurt, isn't messy, and requires no equipment.  If you learn to do it over the toilet, your "down" dog may be the best housetrained dog in the house!  And no, your dog will not have to wear a diaper all the time.  Our 3 "down" dogs wear diapers only at night, because we want them to sleep with us.  (Yes, that's right, we have 3, all with different abilities and severity of injuries.  And they are a blessing every day.)

3. Trust your own judgment, but ask for help when you need it.

In closing -- a lot of vets do not understand all the options available.  We have heard from so many people whose vets recommended euthanization, when the dog could have had a happy life with just a few adjustments, or time to heal. 

You can do this.  You can.