Genetics of intervertebral disc degeneration in the dachshund

Abstract

The Dachshund is a breed that has existed for several centuries. It was originally used as a hunting dog, but later it became more and more popular as a pet. It is a chondrodystrophoid breed, which means that it has been selected for a genetic form of dwarfism. The discs in chondrodystrophoid dogs are prone to early degeneration and calcification. The Dachshund is more prone than any other chondrodystrophoid dog to IVDD and calcification, and Hansen suggested in 1952 that the Dachshund is genetically predisposed for this condition. Several studies have been done to confirm Hansen’s theory. The results of these studies indicate that the Dachshund is genetically predisposed for disc degeneration and calcification. It is the breeders’ responsibility to exclude those dogs with early calcification from the breeding programs.