Why Dachshunds Are Basically Walking Vet Bills
Oscar's surgeon explained it perfectly: 'Imagine a suspension bridge built too long for its supports.' That's a dachshund's back. And it explains everything.
The Back Thing Is Real
IVDD stands for fancy words that mean 'your dog's back is broken.' Oscar's surgery was $6,000, but we got lucky. Some dogs need multiple surgeries. The vet tech told me she's seen dachshund back surgery bills hit $15,000. For one dog.
Fat Dachshunds Break Faster
Every extra pound on a dachshund is like adding weight to that suspension bridge. Oscar gained three pounds one winter and started showing signs of back pain. Weight management isn't vanity with these dogs. It's survival.
Their Eyes Give Out Too
Progressive retinal atrophy sounds scary because it is. Some dachshunds go blind from it. My neighbor's wiener dog had cataract surgery at age eight. $3,000 per eye. At least she can see now, but it was either surgery or bumping into furniture forever.
What Dachshund Insurance Actually Needs to Cover
If you're getting a dachshund, you're basically signing up for back surgery at some point. Plan accordingly.
Spinal Surgery Is Not Optional
Oscar's insurance covered his IVDD surgery completely. Without it, we would have been choosing between $6,000 or putting him down. Make sure spinal conditions are covered from day one, because this isn't an 'if' situation with dachshunds.
They'll Have Multiple Episodes
Oscar had another back episode six months after his surgery. Same disc, different spot. Some insurance companies treat that as a new condition. Others call it recurring. Find out before you need to know, because dachshunds rarely have just one back problem.