Key Figures

Editorial note: prevalence figures vary depending on studies, methods (owner reported vs. veterinary diagnosis) and Dachshund varieties. The 15–24% range is scientifically sound but should be contextualized.

Your Dachshund jumps off the couch, lands normally, and a few hours later refuses to walk. Or worse: its hind legs are unresponsive. This situation is unfortunately well recognised by neurologists and emergency veterinarians. It is even documented as one of the most frequent neurological emergencies in veterinary medicine.

Intervertebral disc herniation in dogs (or IVDD for Intervertebral Disc Disease) is often perceived as an accident. In reality, it's usually the consequence of a degenerative process driven by genetic predisposition that begins long before the first clinical signs appear. 

DachsLife2015; Canine Aging Project 2025

What is an intervertebral disc? And why does it rupture?

Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc: a fibrous cushion with a central gelatinous nucleus (nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus). This disc absorbs shocks, ensures spinal mobility, and protects the spinal cord. Under normal conditions, this nucleus remains flexible and hydrated throughout life. In chondrodystrophic breeds, this process is radically different.

Degeneration that begins in the first year

In Dachshunds, disc degeneration begins in the first few months of life. The nucleus dehydrates, hardens, then calcifies and gradually loses much of its ability to absorb mechanical force. It becomes rigid and fragile, prone to herniating into the spinal canal with the slightest effort. An MRI study revealed that 98% of discs in asymptomatic 2-year-old Dachshunds already showed signs of degeneration (Kasabäck et al., 2023).

Important to understand

A clinically healthy 2-year-old Dachshund may already have intervertebral discs as degenerated as those of a much older dog from another breed. The crisis seems sudden, but it is the culmination of years of a silent process. 

Hansen type I vs type II: two different forms

• Type I (Chondrodystrophic breeds): The calcified nucleus abruptly extrudes into the spinal canal (extrusion), acutely compressing the spinal cord. Symptoms appear within hours and often affect dogs between 3 and 7 years old.

• Type II (Large breeds): The fibrous annulus ruptures and slowly bulges onto the spinal cord. Symptoms (Labradors, German Shepherds) develop over weeks or months. So Type II is more commonly seen in large and older dogs

Most affected breeds

The main genetic factor is the FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12 (Brown et al., PNAS, 2017). Although Dachshunds remain by far the most affected breed, IVDD has been reported in many other breeds carrying the FGF4 retrogene.

Sources: Bruun et al., 2020; Brown et al., PNAS, 2017; Dog Aging Project, JAVMA, 2025

Clinical signs and emergency

Compression ranges over a wide spectrum:

• Back pain: Vocalizing, arched back, refusing stairs.

• Ataxia: Lack of coordination, crossing paws.

• Paraparesis: Marked weakness in the hind legs.

• Complete paralysis: Absolute emergency, sometimes accompanied by loss of sphincter control.

Emergency to know

Any sudden paralysis is an absolute veterinary emergency. The prognosis depends on tdepends on neurological severity at presentation and how quickly appropriate treatment can be started.

Diagnosis and treatment

• Diagnosis: MRI is the reference examination to locate the hernia and plan surgery. CT scan is a high-performance alternative for calcified discs.

• Conservative treatment: Reserved for mild cases (pain only); strict cage rest (4–6 weeks) and analgesics.

• Surgery: Indicated as soon as there is a neurological deficit. Hemilaminectomy decompresses the spinal cord. Dogs that still retain deep pain sensation generally have an excellent prognosis after surgery, with reported success rates above 90% in many studies.

Prevention: what you can do

• Weight management: Excess body weight does not cause IVDD by itself, but it adds mechanical stress to an already vulnerable spine. Keeping a Dachshund lean is one of the few daily actions owners can take to reduce unnecessary strain.

• Physical activity: Recent observational data suggest that dogs allowed regular physical activity, including routine stair use, may have a lower reported lifetime prevalence of IVDD. These findings show an association rather than proof of a protective effect.

 • Selection: DNA tests (FGF4) and radiographic screenings exist to guide breeding.

Should you stop your Dachshund from jumping?

This question comes up constantly.

Although repeated high-impact jumping may increase mechanical stress on the spine, there is currently no strong scientific evidence that banning all jumping prevents IVDD.

Veterinary neurologists generally recommend limiting repetitive high-impact activities, maintaining good muscle condition and keeping dogs lean rather than imposing complete inactivity.

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Sources

1. Bruun CS et al. (2020). Breeding programmes for intervertebral disc disease in the dachshund. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. PMC7708201
2. Brown EA et al. (2017). The FGF4 retrogene on CFA12 is responsible for chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease in the dog. PNAS, 114: 11476–11481.
3. Kasabäck A. et al. (2023). MRI evaluation of intervertebral disc degeneration in young asymptomatic dachshunds. PMC10523717
4. Canine Aging Project (2025). Demographic and lifestyle characteristics impact owner-reported lifetime prevalence of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDD). JAVMA. PubMed 39813820
5. Bergknut N. et al. (2012). Incidence of diseases related to intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs. JAVMA, 240(11).
6. Fitzpatrick N. and Pratola L. (2016). Canine Chondrodystrophic Intervertebral Disc Disease (Hansen type I). PMC4674860