Herniated discs - "Slipped discs" WITH THE SHORT-LEGGED BREEDS

AUTHOR: HELLE FRIIS PROSCHOWSKY, DVM, PH.D., SPECIAL CONSULTANT, THE DANISH KENNEL CLUB (DKC)

See: https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/what-is-ivdd/danish-ivdd-paper-2019/

PDF version: https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/app/download/11009159/Herniated+discs+HFP+2019+v4.pdf

 IVDD is explored in this concise presentation which was originally published in the March 2019 issue of the Danish Kennel Club magazine (HUNDEN).

Translated version by Frøydis Hardeng and Ian Seath..

Quote

The breeding program

Denmark has been at the forefront when it comes to research into disc prolapse, and therefore the Danish Dachshund breeders have had the opportunity to X-ray their dogs’ spines for almost 20 years. During this period of time, the screening programme has alternated between being voluntary and mandatory. This has not been optimal, and from April 1 2019 X-raying of both males and females will be mandatory (Box 4). Additionally, screening programmes have now been implemented in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Australia and UK as well. The Swedish images are scored in Norway and the UK images are scored in Finland. Based on the the number of calcified discs, the dogs are given a back status which can be Free (0 calcifications), Mild (1-2 calcifications), Moderate (3-4 calcifications) or Severe degree (5 or more calcifications) (Figure 2).