|
|
|
|
|
This month's Newsletter is devoted to the launch of a major new Back Disease research project and UK IVDD Screening Programme.
|
|
|
New IVDD website launch
Advice on Back Disease in Dachshunds
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is by far the most common health problem in UK Dachshunds: around 1 in 4 may be affected at some stage in their lives. Whilst many recover well in time, there is significant risk of permanent damage so severe it is life changing or threatening. On this new website, you can find out more about the causes, symptoms, treatments, expense, how to reduce the risks, plus details of our UK IVDD screening initiative.
There are lots of great IVDD resources already available on the internet. We've tried to tailor this new site to UK Dachshund owners and not to reinvent the wheel, but wherever we think an existing resource is worth sharing, we've included it.
The information on the website is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the UK Dachshund community. However, nothing on the website should be interpreted as medical advice for your dog and you should contact your own veterinary surgeon for specific advice on your own dog.
|
|
IVDD Screening Programme
X-ray screening is now available in the UK
The Dachshund Breed Council, with support from CVS Group, are launching a UK Screening Programme for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
Research in Scandinavia has shown that there is a good correlation between calcification of the discs and clinical disc herniations, when dogs are X-ray screened between the ages of 2 and 4. The Breed Council have based the screening programme on the Scandinavian protocols and CVS have offered to screen the dogs in a cost-effective manner at a number of their clinics across England, Wales and Scotland. They will also be collaborating on a multi-year research study of the dogs participating in the scheme to monitor its success.
Ian Seath, Chairman of the Breed Council said: “X-ray screening has been used in Scandinavia for several years and is currently the best available tool to help us reduce the genetic risk of IVDD. All 6 varieties of Dachshund in the UK are encouraged to participate. The aim of X-ray screening is to reduce the occurrence of herniations by encouraging breeding with dogs that have low numbers of calcifications.”
Specialist neurologist, Dr Mark Lowrie, of CVS at Dovecote Veterinary Hospital in Castle Donnington said: “We feel it is important that breeders, owners and vets work together to try and reduce the prevalence of this condition which can cause catastrophic changes to a dog’s quality of life and much upset for dedicated and caring owners”
The scheme is being supported by the Breed Council's Health Fund and Dachshund owners can find out more about it at: www.dachshund-ivdd.uk
|
|
A new Support Group
Join our UK IVDD Facebook Group
 Alongside the new website, we have created a Facebook Support Group. This is a closed group and you can apply to join now.
The Group is a place to discuss IVDD and to get further information from experienced Dachshund owners. As with the website, the Group Administrators are not vets, so cannot give advice specifically for your dog.
Before you ask a question in the Group, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions on our new website. There are more than 40 FAQs.
|
|
IVDD research programme
A long-term study of IVDD in Dachshunds
 The components of our research programme include:
-
X-ray screening of dogs/bitches who will be used for breeding
-
CT scanning of a subset of these dogs to allow a comparison of the 2 methods (the cost of CT is coming down and it's a better diagnostic tool which could be adopted in the future)
-
Initial scoring of calcifications by one of the Scandinavian specialists, to be published on an open online registry
-
Collecting cheek swabs for future DNA research (building on our current work with the AHT and the Mogensen research of 2011)
-
Collecting lifestyle data (diet, exercise)
-
Photographing each dog and measuring its length/height and Body Condition (building on the RVC’s work, published in 2013)
-
Annual follow-up questionnaires to identify any IVDD issues
-
Application to the Kennel Club to recognise the test formally as an approved screening programme, once sufficient data is available
-
Work with the Kennel Club to develop Estimated Breeding Values, once sufficient data is available
|
|
Owners' stories of IVDD
Real-world experiences of living with IVDD
 We are really grateful to all the Dachshund owners who have shared their IVDD stories with us and given permission for them to be published on our website.
Some are tales of hope and inspiration; others will cause you to shed a tear.
If you have a Dachshund IVDD story you would like to share on our website, please contact us at info@dachshund-ivdd.uk We'd love to have more stories, videos and pictures to help other owners understand what it's like to live with a dog with IVDD.
Don't forget, if you Dachshund has IVDD, or develops any other health condition, you can submit a report here...
|
|
Infographics explain IVDD
6 new 1-page summaries to help you and your vet
You can download 6 Infographics from our new IVDD website:
- What are the symptoms of IVDD?
- Lifestyle factors and IVDD
- 10 questions to ask your vet
- Conservative Treatment Timeline
- UK IVDD Screening process
- IVDD Screening: what you need to know
|
|
Lifestyle advice
How to keep your Dachshund fit and happy
You are the proud owner of a Dachshund (or maybe more than one!). Can you prevent your dog from developing IVDD? The answer, sadly, is not always, because some dogs are predisposed either through inheritance or shape, but as a responsible owner, you can reduce the risk through the lifestyle choices you make for your dog.
What works for one dog, may not work for another, but the best lifestyle advice is to keep your Dachshund well-exercised, fed a balanced diet and at an ideal body condition (not too lean and not overweight).
In 2015 we conducted a major survey of Dachshunds to identify lifestyle factors that might influence their risk of back problems. You can view the full survey results in a presentation, here. The survey data has been further analysed by a team at the Royal Veterinary College and will soon be reported in a peer-reviewed paper.
|
|
Other news in brief...
Breed Watch Education Day 2016
The annual Breed Watch Education Day will take place on 27th November 2016 at the Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre in Leamington Spa.
This year, the topics will be: Canine Movement, Mouth & Dentition, Obesity & Body Condition. To view the schedule for the Breed Watch Education Day 2016, click here.
Dachshunds at Discover Dogs
The Southern Dachshund Association hosted the Dachshund booths at the recent Discover Dogs event held in London. Pictures available here.
|
|
Dachshund of the Year 2016
The 14th Dachshund of the Year will take place on Saturday 21st January 2017 at the Yew Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre, Packington Hill, Kegworth, DE74 2DF.
Start Time: 10.30a.m.
Tickets will be on sale at The Dachshund Club Show on 19th November 2017 and through the club’s online shop.
|
|
|
|
Crufts 2017
The Kennel Club has announced the qualification criteria for Crufts 2017.
The closing dates for postal entries for Crufts 2017 will be Monday 9th January 2017, but those entering online will be able to do so until Monday 23rd January 2016. Any dog which qualifies for Crufts 2017 after 9th January 2017 may only be entered online. Crufts will be held on 9-12th March 2017. Dachshunds will be on 9th March.
|
|
|
Dachshund Rescue
The independent rescue and welfare charity for UK Dachshunds. Website here. Temporary help for owners is provided by Daxaid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
