Should I be concerned?

[pipsqueak21]

Peaches doesn't climb stairs or jump on furniture. (or we try our best to stop her when we see that behavior!) Yet, she jumps a lot when we are playing. She is like a pogo stick sometimes! I wasn't sure if that could cause back problems? If so, I would try to stop it while she is young.

Thanks!
Tanya

[Frzframe]

Let bounce around and play it'll build up the muscles in her back.

[blueyezz74]

I was also worried because harley jumps around like a kangaroo. I heard the same thing from my vet. Furniture jumping is bad but play jumping is good.

[pipsqueak21]

She is so excited when we play that I didn't know how I was going to stop the jumping! :bounce:

It's good to know I don't have to! :D

[Mark]

The cause of IDD is believed to be genetic . . . stairs, jumping, etc. simply brings on a genetic flaw that already exists. Caution for these kind of activities is recommended . . . an ounce of prevention . . .

And you have been advised correctly . . . we don't think play jumping is the same as the impact furniture jumping and stairs can cause.

We're glad you are so conciencious and caring. :)

[juliette]

All good advice, but to add to it, the best you can do is to keep her lean with very little body fat and in GREAT muscular condition. Our two run for at least an hour a day to build muscle strength - the better the muscles, the better the support for their spines. I'm convinced that one of the reasons Jinxie didn't get paralysed is because she is in great physical condition.

If you also look at the suppliments that you can add to her diet (especially those that will also help her immune system cope with the burns), then you will have the complete picture for IDD health.

Cheers
J

[dutchman]

I can't say a lot more than what has already been stated. I tend to believe IDD is a genetic trait so little you can do to change that once you have your dog. Trim and fit seems to be good in many ways. LEan means less weight for the spine to support and remember excess weight can contribute to other health issues such as heart disease. Yes dogs can have heart attacks that's how we lost our first dachshund. Fit is good in so many ways and yes many believe strong muscles can help support joints and spine thus helping to minimize the risk of accidental injury should and accident or quick wrong turn in play happen.

I tend to be more on the liberal side in what allow the boys to do. Yes I have seen first hand the impact a spinal problem can be. At least one of our girls growing up went down but responded to conservative treatment. I lost my mill mother Aggie to neurological complications following emergency surgery. I have known people with dachshunds that did stairs jumped on and off beds others that have done agility and their dogs lived to ripe old ages with out ever experiencing any problems. I've known others who never let their dogs climb a stair not even the one or two steps in and out of the house who suffered major disk issues. I for the most part allow each of my boys to set their own limits. Frank seldom ventures to the basement Tanner loves to go down there and would go up and down more if I didn't block the stairs. Dexter will situp for extended periods of time when I eat without ever wavering or saying a word.

Do what feels right to you. IF they ever experience a back episode of ay kind then of course consider restricting their activities. Unless you know their genetic background all you can do is hope. It's a risk those of us with rescue dogs take since few of the dogs I've seen in rescue come with a well documented family history. Those who choose to add a mill dog to their home should recognize they are most likely at an even greater than average risk of having problems

Thank you for asking and this is an area where there can be different views but it's difficult to say for sure. You have to do what feels rigfh. But think about yourself as well how would you feel if everyone always told you you couldn't do things you enjoy because they are too dangerous.

[Kim H.]

My husband thinks I am overly worried, but he does not see the stories on this board about the back injuries!

I also tend to think a lot of it is genetic...

On the other hand, if you try to restrain some of the jumping when they are little... if they DO develop back problems, maybe it's easier to keep them quiet when you have to. For instance, it would be very hard to keep mine from jumping on and off the furniture now that they've gotten used to it.

Cassie bounces around on her hind legs like a little pogo stick too.

**sigh**:afraid:

[pipsqueak21]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I think I'll keep her from jumping on furniture because it is so high.

As far as the stairs, I think I'll let her climb them if she wants, but carry her up and down them when I can.

And finally...I can't keep my little pogo stick from playing!

Tanya