Maintaining a healthy back for 3 yr old dachshund

[AlisonM]

Hi! Jasper is my 3 year old long haired dachshund who is a happy, healthy guy, weighing 16 lbs. I would like to keep his back (he is a 'long back' doxie) in the best condition possible. We walk every day and Jasper has playtime with our other dogs. I'm wondering if I should start him on a joint supplement now or if there is anything other type of supplement I should be giving to maintain a healthy spine? Thank you

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Alison, thanks for making your first post about Jasper.

It's fantastic that you are thinking about how to practice proactive prevention with regard to Jasper's back!

The very best prevention is a holistic diet and lifestyle, being respectful of the symptom clues from his body (by avoiding "antis"), weight control, mindful exercise (keep jumping to a minimum) with lots of core work and early intervention using BEAM and EWS (early warning signs).

Optimize Your Pet's Quality Of Life Using BEAM

4 simple symptoms - behavior, energy, appetite, and mood - could help you track and increase your pet's health

www.holisticactions.com

How to Use Clues From Your Animal Companions to Promote Optimal Health - Holistic Actions!

www.holisticactions.com

Personally I also recommend minimal "preventive" supplementation in order to help avoid covering up subtle symptoms.

In addition to other forum threads about back, joint and muscle health, perhaps take a look at the mindful supplementation, exercise and PT webinars and other resources.

Jasper should love doing core work so you'll get double the benefit (happiness/vitality and exercise).

 

[AlisonM]

Jasper & I thank you Dr. Jeff!

 

[Dr. Sara]

Dear Alison,
I absolutely agree with Dr. Jeff about the importance of good diet, healthy lifestyle, and core exercises.

I differ somewhat regarding supplementation. A long backed, short legged dog imposes abnormal stress on their back and joints. Therefore, supplements that decrease oxidative stress and provide healthy building blocks for the joints are useful to ensure that the individual has the nutrients needed to maintain healthy joints.

I recommend supplementing fish oil, tested for purity and heavy metals, as few diets contain a sufficient balance of omega fatty acids, and omega fatty acids are an excellent antioxidant. A product like Nordic Naturals is good. There is considerable evidence on the benefits of omega fatty acids in joint health.

I often recommend supplementing glucosamine and glycosaminoglycans in dogs with stress on their joints or for working dogs. There is less hard evidence for the benefits of these products, although these are important components of normal joints.

Dachshunds and many other dogs may have a mutation which makes them more susceptible to early aging of the discs between the bones of the back. This UC Davis article briefly discusses the situation and the testing for it.

Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD) and Chondrodysplasia (CDPA) | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory

Chondrodysplasia is a short-legged phenotype characteristic of many dog breeds. Chondrodystrophy, a separate mutation, also includes a short-legged phenotype as well as premature disc degeneration and increased susceptibility to disc herniation.

vgl.ucdavis.edu

Many breeders have started testing for this mutation. I hope this information is helpful.
Stay well,
Dr. Sara

 

[AlisonM]

Dear Alison,
I absolutely agree with Dr. Jeff about the importance of good diet, healthy lifestyle, and core exercises.

I differ somewhat regarding supplementation. A long backed, short legged dog imposes abnormal stress on their back and joints. Therefore, supplements that decrease oxidative stress and provide healthy building blocks for the joints are useful to ensure that the individual has the nutrients needed to maintain healthy joints.

I recommend supplementing fish oil, tested for purity and heavy metals, as few diets contain a sufficient balance of omega fatty acids, and omega fatty acids are an excellent antioxidant. A product like Nordic Naturals is good. There is considerable evidence on the benefits of omega fatty acids in joint health.

I often recommend supplementing glucosamine and glycosaminoglycans in dogs with stress on their joints or for working dogs. There is less hard evidence for the benefits of these products, although these are important components of normal joints.

Dachshunds and many other dogs may have a mutation which makes them more susceptible to early aging of the discs between the bones of the back. This UC Davis article briefly discusses the situation and the testing for it.

Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD) and Chondrodysplasia (CDPA) | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory

Chondrodysplasia is a short-legged phenotype characteristic of many dog breeds. Chondrodystrophy, a separate mutation, also includes a short-legged phenotype as well as premature disc degeneration and increased susceptibility to disc herniation.

vgl.ucdavis.edu

Many breeders have started testing for this mutation. I hope this information is helpful.
Stay well,
Dr. Sara

Thank you Dr. Sara I have been supplementing with high quality fish oil. I appreciate your expertise and guidance!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Thanks for your great post Dr. Sara and for sharing the UC Davis information about the mutation!

I did not realize that they commercially offer the mutation test. Great to know!

Another source Allison for genetic info is from our folks at Embark:

Resources + Insights

Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of Chondrodystrophy, and what to do if your dog has this health condition.

embarkvet.com

It's definitely fine (and often beneficial) to supplement omega-3s, glucosamine sulfate/green-lipped mussels, eggshell membrane, grape seed extract etc. But since doing so may cover up lots of symptoms, just keep a close eye out for other dis-ease (imbalance) Allison.

Early detection is an important part of proactive prevention.