Disc disease is commonly found in dachshunds. Though, many other small breeds are susceptible too. I remember reading in a magazine once that the pressure on their spine from jumping, climbing stairs, etc. can be equivalent to a human jumping off the roof of a house every day. After time, a dachshunds discs can degenerate, causing a disk to rupture, as was the case with Frankie.
With that said, even if you did everything "right" and prevented your dog from jumping and climbing stairs, Frankie’s surgeon told me a dachshund could still rupture a disk. Some dogs too, can lead very active, death-defying leaps and never be affected. There is some thought that over breeding can play a part as well.
With that said, I wanted to call attention and help spread the word about Disc Disease through a wonderful website called, www.dodgerslist.com. This site was started by Linda Stowe when her dog, Dodger was put down prematurely from disc disease. We now know so much more about how to treat and live with the disease and these little dogs can still lead quality lives even if diagnosed with disc disease, or in Frankie’s case, in a wheelchair because of permanent paralysis.
Dodger’s list offers a quarterly newsletter bringing attention to Disc Disease. They also featured Frankie’s book in April’s issue and we are honored to be associated with them. Check it out: http://www.dodgerslist.com/Digests/April08.pdf
If your dog or someone else’s dog experiences symptoms from disc disease please let them know about Dodger’s List. Sadly, there are still many vets who don’t know the many options and these dogs are put to sleep. So, please help spread the word that there is help available! Dodger’s List was instrumental in helping me get through the first three months of Frankie’s recovery.