Why it is that we are now seeing an explosion of IVDD, particularly over recent times? As we already know, IVDD has a strong genetic (chondrodystrophy short-legs) and heritable (runs in families) aspect. The fact that Dachshunds are a short-legged breed remains the...
The two most common locations of IVDD are thoracolumbar (mid-spine) and cervical (neck). Dogs with spinal IVDD usually have neurological dysfunction (weakness, inability to walk, etc.) and pain. Cervical IVDD in dachshunds refers to intervertebral disc disease in the...
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...
What is it about being a volunteer Admin on a support group? It can’t be the pay. Well, there is a payoff. It comes with helping and guiding those owners that land in our group, often confused and frightened, overwhelmed by the experience of their hound being...
A no-no for dogs and a BIG NO NO for IVDD hounds! Our hounds can be ticking time bombs when it comes to the health of their spines. Statistics tell us that 1:4 will be affected during their lifetime, some worse than others. As an owner, it’s important to...
Meet Audree-RoseA little girl who has never said never. Audree-Rose is a 6.5-year-old pedigree long-hair silver dapple. When she was 12 months old she had bilateral Pes Varus surgery. This surgery was to correct her gait as she was quite bow-legged with a degree of...
We often talk about living a new normal following IVDD and bubble wrapping our fur kids for fear of further episodes. Maggie is a Grade 5 IVDD survivor and it’s now 3.5 years since surgery (September 2018). She doesn’t jump up anymore (with those little front...
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the many naturally occurring chemical compounds known as cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD is known for its many therapeutic effects and non-intoxicating nature. The well known “high” of cannabis is mainly induced by...
Golden Paste You may have heard of the benefits of turmeric for your dog. If you haven’t, then here are all the amazing benefits of this colourful spice: It’s a powerful antioxidant It’s a natural and effective anti-inflammatory. It can help prevent and even treat...
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...
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...
Wouldn’t it be great if we could look into a crystal ball and see into the future? Our pets are family and if they break as owners, we need to be aware that it can be very expensive. https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/pet-ownership/cost-of-pet-ownership...
