Acupuncture A Natural Approach to Healing

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions in both humans and animals. In veterinary acupuncture, fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on your dog’s body to stimulate their natural...

The current status of IVDD reduction in Australia

Let’s be honest, progress in reducing the incidence of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds across Australia has been frustratingly slow. Despite DISA’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness through its website and social media, the lack of substantial...

Neuropathic pain

Disorders of the somatosensory* system such as neuropathic pain commonly result from an injury or disease (eg IVDD) relating to the body’s nerves and how they function, or within the spinal cord itself. The assessment of neuropathic pain in humans relies heavily...

Urinary Tract Infections

My vet has officially classified Coco as a member of the seniors’ club – it’s a label that makes my heart sing. Post-IVDD surgery in 2015, Coco was paralysed in the back legs and her bladder function was also affected. Whilst it took six months to help her to wobbly...

Crate rest – making it fun

Enrichment & brain games for our dachshunds with IVDD One of the worst things about having a dachshund diagnosed with IVDD is hearing the dreaded words “crate rest”.  Whether you have taken the conservative or surgical route, often our dachshunds with IVDD need a...

Crate & Pen Rest – why it’s crucial

Whoever said crate resting a Dachshund was easy needs to be hunted down and locked in a room full of IVDD sausages without earplugs for a week :-/> When a human is admitted to hospital for back surgery they are confined to a bed, topped up with medication and...

Relapse

A topic that is often asked is “Will my dog have another IVDD episode even after surgery or having successfully recovered from conservative treatment? The rational answer is “Once a diseased spine, always a diseased spine” But let’s break it down and quote some...

Rehabilitation & ongoing maintenance

There is no single “magic cure” for IVDD however, whether being treated conservatively or surgically, the importance of rehabilitation has proven to be paramount in a Dachshund’s rehabilitation and future wellbeing following an IVDD event. A qualified physiotherapist...

Dental due?

Dogs with IVDD face a particular risk whenever they undergo anesthesia for procedures like dental work, x-rays, or scans. Since a diseased spine remains so, it’s crucial for your vet to take necessary precautions whenever your dog is anesthetised. When a dog is...

Surgery or Conservative Treatment

Surgery or Conservative Treatment: Which Path is Right for Your Dachshund? When faced with the challenge of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dachshunds, choosing between surgery and conservative treatment is a significant decision. At Dachshund IVDD Support...

2nd opinion

Thankfully, veterinary medicine has come a long way, and IVDD is no longer a death sentence for affected dogs. With the utmost respect to our amazing Veterinary professionals, signs and symptoms of IVDD can also be indicative of a number of other conditions.  A...

Sling walking your hound (rear legs)

It’s not uncommon for Dachshunds to become very weak or paralysed following an IVDD episode.  Some may not be able to move their legs at all and others may be able to move their hind legs but unable to take proper steps (drunk walking) Without any assistance, these...