Why is my Dachshund puppy's back arched? Is it a health issue?

Congratulations on your new puppy! While dachshunds are prone to back issues, particularly intervertebral disc disease (when the jelly like substance between the bones of the spine comes out and presses on the spinal cord), these issues typically arise in middle aged to older dogs. I recommend keeping a close eye on Candy Cane and having her evaluated by a vet if you notice that she is limping or not using one of her legs.

Dachshunds are notorious for hurting their backs due their conformation. They have very long backs compared to other breeds. This makes them more susceptible to injury. They will often walked hunched and scream when picked up. Usually these dogs need strong pain medications, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. These back issues can become serious as they can herniate a disc and end up paralyzed. Minnie really needs to see a vet for this issue. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Minnie!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Abel! Due to his breed, back issues are very likely which is usually due to intervertebral disk disease. The holding up of one leg in that situation is due to sciatic pain. Other causes are a muscle strain or sprain, Lyme disease, torn ACL, loose knee cap or due to his age a bone tumor. I would have him seen Monday as soon as possible and on emergency if he is very painful or stops using the other leg. I wish Abel the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Sprinkles evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Sprinkles feel better. In the meantime, reduce her activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good night!

That is concerning. Dachshunds are prone to having discs come out of place in their back and press on the spinal cord, leading to weakness or paralysis. I would recommend taking her to the vet in the next day or two to be checked out, and try to prevent her from going running or jumping in the mean time.

Sadie may be having a bulging or ruptured disc issue in her back. She needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately because the sooner this issue is addressed the better chance she has for a full recovery. Disc disease is very painful and can result in paralysis if not treated. Depending on the severity of the disease Sadie may just need prescription medication and rest or if the condition is more severe she may need surgery for a full recovery. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs so you will need to have these prescribed by a veterinarian. Again, the sooner Sadie is treated the better chance for a full recovery so please take her to see a veterinarian right away. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and hope hope Sadie gets the care she needs to make a full recovery!

I am not aware of a specific name for this, but it is very common in dachshunds. Any dogs that have shorter than normal legs (like Dachshund or Basset Hound) can have a twisting appearance to the front limbs as the bones grow and harden. It can be a heritable condition, so dogs that are affected should not be bred. The twisting bones themselves shouldn't cause problems, but since his anatomy is not completely normal, he may be predisposed to developing arthritis as he gets older. Making sure that he stays a lean body weight and continues to get exercise will help a lot.