New hope for Dachshunds with IVDD: Enzyme injections that help Dachshunds walk again
New research paper: Percutaneous enzymatic chemonucleolysis of intervertebral disks appears safe and effective in treatment of acute-onset paraparesis and paraplegia in small dogs
Authors: Paul Freeman, Genna Atiee, Eileen M. Donoghue, and Nick D. Jeffery
This study looks at using a special enzyme injection to treat small dogs, including many Dachshunds, who suddenly can't walk due to spine issues. Instead of expensive surgery, these injections seem like a promising alternative.
Why It Matters
Dachshunds are prone to spine problems, which can suddenly make it hard or impossible for them to walk. Traditional treatment often involves surgery, which is costly and stressful. This paper investigates whether a simpler injection could help these dogs recover.
What They Did
- Researchers injected an enzyme called chondroitinase ABC into the spine of dogs who couldn't walk.
- The study included 54 small dogs weighing under 15 kg, mostly Dachshunds.
- The goal was for dogs to walk 50 steps without help within four months after the injection.
The Results
- Out of the 54 dogs, most were able to walk again.
- Dogs that still had feeling in their hind legs before treatment had a higher success rate.
- Dogs without feeling in their hind legs had mixed results, with some recovering and others not.
The Conclusion
The enzyme injections could be a good alternative to surgery for Dachshunds and other small dogs with spine issues, especially for those that can still feel their hind legs. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Takeaway for Dachshund Owners
If your Dachshund ever has sudden back problems, there may be new, less invasive treatments on the horizon that can help them get back on their paws without the need for surgery.
This research was partly funded by the Dachshund Club of America and was carried out at Texas A&M University (USA) and Cambridge University Vet School (UK).
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