DACHSIE AILMENTS

Selectively breeding dogs for desirable traits has led to the situation where all breeds, through anatomy or genetic make-up, are prone to inherited disorders. Dachshunds are no exception although they have few serious inherited disorders.

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CUSHING'S DISEASE

Cushing's disease is a common condition in older dogs and is often mistaken for signs of normal aging. Although most dogs with Cushing's disease cannot be cured, their quality of life can be improved, and their lives may be extended with early intervention. The disease occurs when the adrenal gland produces too much cortisone, causing an imbalance of hormones. In the majority of cases this is caused by a benign tumour on the pituitary or adrenal glands. The symptons are increased thirst, increased urination, muscle weakness, a thinning coat, panting, weakening of the heart and skeletal muscles, obesity, a pendulous abdomen and chronic or frequent infections. The condition can be treated with tablets, or by removing the overactive adrenal glands.

For more information:

http://www.c2cdr.org/health_cushings_disease.html

http://www.petdiabetes.org/cushings.htm

http://www.lbah.com/Canine/cushings.htm

PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) are among the most common eye problems in Dachshunds, the long haired variety being more commonly affected. Pups can display symptoms of this disease as early as five months of age. The cells of the retina degenerate, leading to an eventual loss of sight. Both conditions are hereditary. Conscientious breeders have been trying to eradicate the diesease by selective breeding, so it is therefore essential when purchasing a pup to ensure that you buy from a responsible breeder and that both parents are completely free of the disease.

For more information:

http://www.atlantaveteyeclinic.net/pra.html

http://www.barkbytes.com/medical/med0013.htm

MICROPHTHALMIA

Microphthalmia is a rare disease that is mainly found in dapple coats. It is a birth defect in which one or both eyes are smaller than normal, leading to a restricted field of vision. Dogs with microphthalmia may have eyes of different colours, and partial deafness may also be part of the syndrome. . Microphthalmia itself is not particularly harmful, it is frequently associated with other eye defects such as coloboma, retinal dysplasia, and cataracts. The severity of visual impairment generally depends on the severity of the associated eye abnormalities and can range from virtually no visual impairment to complete blindness.

For more information:

http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/ocular%20disorders/microphthalmia.htm

DEALING WITH BLINDNESS

With their acute senses of smell and hearing, dogs can compensate very well for impaired vision. You may not realize the extent of your dog's vision loss, particularly in familiar surroundings. You can help your visually impaired dog by developing regular routes for exercise, maintaining your dog's surroundings as consistently as possible, introducing any necessary changes gradually, and being patient.

For more information:

http://www.eyevet.org/pra.html

http://www.blinddogs.com/

COPROPHAGIA

Some dachshunds seem susceptible to the development of "depraved eating" or coprophragia which is characterized by the eating of faeces. A few dogs with coprophagia may be deficient in digestive enzymes, and I have read that it can be helpful to supplement the diet with papaya, pumpkin, or pineapple, or to add meat tenderizer to the dog's meal. Apparently however, coprophagia can simply a bad habit, and behaviour modification techniques are advised.

For more information:

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/pets/study.htm

http://www.webtrail.com/petbehavior/april2002.html

http://members.aol.com/paws2tails/private/columns/2_14_98.html

VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE

Along with several other breeds dachshunds are susceptible to an inherited blood clotting disorder known as von Willebrand's disease. It is caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor, which plays an essential role in the blood clotting process. .Because of the deficient clotting agent, dogs with Von Willebrand's disease have excessive bleeding upon injury. This would be similar to hemophilia in humans. Clinically, there are different types of this disease, and dachshunds are usually afflicted by the mildest version, with the clinical severity of the disorder declining with age. The main symptom is excessive bleeding, generally after a wound or surgery. Dachshunds with Von Willebrand's disease may also develop nosebleeds, or bleeding from the gums, and in more serious cases, internal bleeding can also occur. This would lead to thge dog's stools containing blood or being black and tarry. Some dogs will have blood in their urine. Bleeding into the joints can cause symptoms similar to those of arthritis.

For more information:

http://www.vetinfo.com/dvonwillebrands.html

http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/clinical%20pathology/von%20Willebrand%27s%20disease.htm

http://members.tripod.com/dachshealth/von_willebrand.htm

EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a brain-related disorder, and while rare, dachshunds do seem to be a breed for which a genetic factor is highly suspected. The first seizure in a dog usually occurs between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. It may be an isolated occurrence, or may occur with variable rates of frequency depending on the individual dog. Owners of epileptic dachsies need to educate themselves about this disorder and to work closely with the dog's veterinarian.

For more information:

http://www.dachshundpages.com/health_epilepsy.htm

http://www.c2cdr.org/health_epilepsy.html

http://www.dachshund.org/health_epilepsy.html

THYROID

Hypothyroid is an inadequate output of hormone from the thyroid gland in the neck and has been known to be an inherited problem with dachshunds. Symptoms include lethargy, drooping of eyelids, obesity, and inability to lose weight when the dog is on a restricted diet.

For more information:

http://www.thedachshundnetwork.com/thyroid.htm

CANINE UROLITHIASIS

Urolithiasis is a disease caused by the presence and effects of or excessive amounts of crystals in the urinary tract. These stones and crystals can form anywhere in the urinary tract of the dog, including the kidney, urethra, or most commonly, the bladder. They irritate the lining of the urinary tract, causing changes in the lining, blood in the urine, and often pain. In some cases the crystals or stones will block or partially block the flow or urine, making urination painful or impossible. Signs of Canine Urolithiasis include: frequent urination; bloody urine; dribbling urine; straining; weakness; depression; loss of appetite; vomiting and pain.

Dachshunds are a breed susceptible to this condition, and those dachsies with back problems seem to be more at risk, probably because of their inability to completely empty the bladder.

For more information:

http://www.executec.com/urolith.htm

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