Dachshunds are working dogs, bread from the beagle family to chase and root out burrow-dwelling animals such as badgers. Like other long-bodied dogs, many Dachshund health problems arise from the obstacles of a modern lifestyle: jumping, excessive stair-climbing, and other high-impact activities.
Another trend that exacerbates Dachshund health problems is our pet obesity epidemic. Extra weight puts extra strain on their already fragile backs. They also face increased chances of genetic disorders due to their purebred status and careless breeding practices.
When picking out a Dachshund puppy, make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder to minimize the risk of genetic diseases. Educate yourself on the most common dachshund health problems, and screen for them regularly. Some of these conditions are curable and/or preventable. Others may require pain management for the rest of the dog’s life. Where conditions or their symptoms are the results of inflammatory stress, the Assisi loop PEMF device may be useful.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy is a promising alternative and/or supplement to the medications and surgical interventions that are used to treat Dachshund health problems. PEMF has significant anti-inflammatory activity that can be used in virtually any disorders that emerge from inflammation. PEMF is not known to have remediating effects on strictly mechanical disorders, such as bone deformities or the like, but is known to reduce the pain and swelling symptoms associated with those deformities, and so significantly improve the quality of life for animals who suffer from those conditions.
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
IVDD affects more Dachshunds than all other dogs combined and is a top concern Dachshund owners. You can read more about it in detail in our article on Dachshund back problems.
PEMF has been shown in animal models to improve function in animals suffering from a spinal disease such as wobblers syndrome in Great Danes. Congenital disease with a genetic component is unlikely to be remediated by PEMF, but PEMF can address the pain and underlying inflammation and providing symptomatic relief. Some studies suggest that PEMF may improve cartilage and slow the rate of loss in other conditions.
Acanthosis nigricans
This is s a genetic condition unique to the Dachshund characterized by dark, thick skin in dog’s groin and armpits. Vitamin E supplementation has been used to improve the condition, but there is no known cure. Affected dogs should not be bred.
Since Primary Acanthosis Nigricans is apparently driven by an inflammatory process, PEMF may provide symptomatic effects.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that affects Dachshunds as well as many other breeds of dog. Epileptic dogs can be managed with various veterinary drugs, though some side effects exist, including temporary weakness and increased appetite and thirst.
PEMF is not currently known to affect Epilepsy, although it has been used to treat seizing in canines with severe head trauma.
Obesity
Dachshunds are at risk for hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormone to regulate the dog’s metabolism. This can manifest as an increased weight to obesity without intervention. Obesity from overfeeding and under-activity is also a threat to a Dachshund’s health as the extra weight particularly stresses their long backs and short legs and can exacerbate arthritis. Luckily, the Assisi loop is effective at treating the symptoms of this inflammatory stress in joint areas.