Dachshund diseases vary and aren't necessarily going to happen to your baby. Personally I hate even thinking about them!
But I do believe that it's important to know what they are so you can be on the lookout for signs. That way you can practice early treatment as soon as possible. Most of all, if you have any questions or fears, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Here are four dachshund diseases you should know about. I have other articles about eye problems.
Also, check out the dachshund health checkup page.
Epilepsy
Some dachshunds develop epileptic seizures. In general people believe these dogs have either received a blow to the head or have a genetic predisposition to epilepsy.
When a dog has seizures, you need to take him immediately to the vet. The doctor can prescribe medication to control the seizures. But you should treat it as a medical emergency.
Cushings Disease
Some dachshunds develop a condition called Cushings Disease or Hyperadrenocorticism. When this happens, the dog’s body produces an excess of cortisol, which is a hormone.
There are different reasons why this may occur. One reason is that the dachshund’s pituitary gland or the adrenal gland has an imbalance. Another is that the dog may be getting an excess of cortisol because of another condition.
The two main symptoms of Cushings Disease in dogs are:
- when they urinate often
- when they drink a lot.
If this happens to your dachshund, take him to the vet for a check up. The vet may prescribe medicines to help with it, or remove a gland.
Dog Diabetes
Like people, dachshunds can develop diabetes. When they have it it’s called Canine Diabetes Mellitus, or DM. This is more of a risk when dachshunds become overweight.
If your doxie develops this condition, you may need to give her insulin injections every day. You may also need to alter her diet.
When dachshunds have DM they often:
- urinate frequently
- are thirsty a lot
- start to lost weight even though they’re hungry all the time.
Brittle Bone Disease
In some cases dachshunds are affected by Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease). The condition seems to be mainly limited to wire hair dachshunds, with 17% being carriers.
A genetic test is available to allow breeders to avoid breeding carriers to carriers. In such pairings, each puppy will have a 25% chance of being affected.