Chihuahua Information Center
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Chihuahua Back Problems
Overview
Every type of dog breed has certain predisposed health issues. Two of the most common health issues with the Chihuahua are:
However, this does not mean that your Chihuahua is immune from disease, injury or health issues that are more common with other dog breeds.
Back Issues
Intervertebral Disk Disease is a common health problems with many breeds and not just those who are predisposed. More common with the Dachshund, Shih Tzu and other breeds, this back problem is also found with the Chihuahua.
All dogs have 34 bones to the spine (or backbone). These are surrounded by nerves, muscles, ligaments, the interebral disks and blood vessels. The spine protects the sensitive spinal cord and provides support for the dog's entire body. In between each of the 34 individual bones of the spine are disks that cushion stress that would normally be put on the bones.
Issues occur when one or more of the disks slip or rupture. This can cause pain and it can also cause numbness, weakness and paralysis.
There are 2 types of IDD. The 1st can begin to develop when a dog is only a few months old. The 2nd type develops in a dog's later years, typically 6 to 10 years old.
When a Chihuahua Gets IDD
If your Chihuahua has been diagnosed with this health issue, you may wonder how this could happen. Most dogs with short, thick legs such as the above mentioned Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Basset Hound and others are prone to this. So, how could this happen to a Chihuahua?
Just as many 70 years old humans who have smoked for the last 50 years are more prone to lung cancer, there will be people who fall victim and live their lives without being in the risk zone. Do know that there is help available. First, a veterinarian will try a non-invasive treatment which may include:
What Can You Do To Help Your Dog?
Most importantly, get a 2nd opinion! Even the most experienced, trusted veterinarians can sometimes make a misdiagnoses. Do you best to find another vet, one who has experience with dog back issues would be optimal, no matter which breed.
In the meantime, make your Chihuahua as comfortable as possible:
Every type of dog breed has certain predisposed health issues. Two of the most common health issues with the Chihuahua are:
- Patellar Luxation - This is when the kneecap slips out of place
- Entropion - An eye problem involving the lid of the Chihuahua's eye
However, this does not mean that your Chihuahua is immune from disease, injury or health issues that are more common with other dog breeds.
Back Issues
Intervertebral Disk Disease is a common health problems with many breeds and not just those who are predisposed. More common with the Dachshund, Shih Tzu and other breeds, this back problem is also found with the Chihuahua.
All dogs have 34 bones to the spine (or backbone). These are surrounded by nerves, muscles, ligaments, the interebral disks and blood vessels. The spine protects the sensitive spinal cord and provides support for the dog's entire body. In between each of the 34 individual bones of the spine are disks that cushion stress that would normally be put on the bones.
Issues occur when one or more of the disks slip or rupture. This can cause pain and it can also cause numbness, weakness and paralysis.
There are 2 types of IDD. The 1st can begin to develop when a dog is only a few months old. The 2nd type develops in a dog's later years, typically 6 to 10 years old.
When a Chihuahua Gets IDD
If your Chihuahua has been diagnosed with this health issue, you may wonder how this could happen. Most dogs with short, thick legs such as the above mentioned Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Basset Hound and others are prone to this. So, how could this happen to a Chihuahua?
Just as many 70 years old humans who have smoked for the last 50 years are more prone to lung cancer, there will be people who fall victim and live their lives without being in the risk zone. Do know that there is help available. First, a veterinarian will try a non-invasive treatment which may include:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Muscle relaxants
What Can You Do To Help Your Dog?
Most importantly, get a 2nd opinion! Even the most experienced, trusted veterinarians can sometimes make a misdiagnoses. Do you best to find another vet, one who has experience with dog back issues would be optimal, no matter which breed.
In the meantime, make your Chihuahua as comfortable as possible:
- Provide ramps and steps so that your dog can easily go up on and get down from furniture
- Limit exercise, jumping and other activities that would put stress on the dog's back
- Make sure that your dog has a very soft and comfortable resting and sleeping area. Experiment to see what works best for your pet; this may be a dog pillow, dog bed, blankets or other.
- Bringing our dog to the vet
- Following the veterinarian's instructions exactly
- Providing extra comfort at home as discussed
- If treatment does not work, locating a well-qualified, experienced vet for a 2nd opinion
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