Screening for IVDD

With effect from 25th May 2021, the IVDD screening programme is being managed by the Kennel Club.
 

X-ray screening and back scoring has been used in Scandinavia for several years and is currently the best available tool to help us reduce the genetic risk of IVDD. All 6 varieties of Dachshund in the UK are encouraged to participate. You can see the results of UK screened dogs here.

Find out why this is important - download infographic.

It has been known for many years that herniated discs in Dachshunds have a significant hereditary component. Research in Scandinavia has shown that there is a good correlation between calcification of the discs and clinical herniations, when dogs are screened between the ages of 2 and 4. The aim of X-ray screening for IVDD is to reduce the occurrence of herniations in future generations by encouraging breeding with dogs that have low numbers of calcifications.

The UK Screening scheme is managed by the Kennel Club and costs £320 per dog if done at an approved centre. Scoring of the X-rays is being subsidised by the Kennel Club (£100) during 2021. Dachshund Health UK (registered charity) will also offer a subsidy (currently £100).

If you prefer to ask your own vet to take the x-rays, you are welcome to do so but will not be eligible for the subsidies and the results will not be able to be recorded by the Kennel Club.

We have provided links to research papers (Open Access) here and here.

Other research may lead to additional, or better, techniques in future.