Exercise habits and musculoskeletal health of the Finnish Dachshund population: an online survey study

Background Concern about conformation-related welfare issues in pedigree dogs has risen in recent years. The Dachshund is an example of a short-limbed, i.e. chondrodysplastic, dog breed. Chondrodysplasia may result in angular limb deformities such as elbow incongruity or hind limb growth disorder pes varus. However, the consequences of short-limbed structure on exercise habits or mobility have not been extensively investigated in this breed before. The aim of our study was to determine owner-perceived exercise habits, musculoskeletal health, limb conformations, and prevalence of pes varus in the Finnish purebred Dachshund population by using an online survey for data collection. Results The majority of the dogs (75.8%, n = 485/640) exercised for one to three hours each day, of with intense exercise accounting for less than two hours for most dogs (88.7%). Musculoskeletal disorders were reported by 17.9% of owners. Pes varus (6.9%) was the most frequent musculoskeletal disorder, followed by front limb growth disorders (5.8%). More than half of the dogs (54.6%) had an abnormal angular conformation in one or more limbs. Dogs with bilateral carpal and/or tarsal valgus malposition ( P < 0.001) were more likely to have less exercise and be less willing to locomote than dogs without these conditions. Mobility was likely to be decreased in dogs with any musculoskeletal disorder ( P < 0.001) or any limb malposition ( P = 0.007). Conclusions We demonstrated that musculoskeletal disorders and abnormal limb conformations related to chondrodysplastic structure are common in Dachshunds and are associated with decreased amounts of exercise and impaired mobility in this otherwise active breed. Because of these welfare problems, healthier breed standards and breeding towards more normal limb conformation are warranted.