Mechanical factors affecting the occurrence of intervertebral disc calcification in the dachshund - a population study

In a population sample comprising 48 standard wirehaired dachshunds, the oc currence of intervertebral disc calcification was determined by plain spina l radiography. Body dimensions of the dogs were measured and information ob tained from owners about exercise patterns, including stair climbing, and t he relation of these variables to the number of calcified discs was analyse d by logistic repression. In the Danish population of wirehaired dachshunds , the prevalence of disc calcification was estimated at 77%. The spinal dis tribution of calcified discs is similar amongst different populations, whil e the prevalence varies significantly. Most types of exercise included in t he variable 'duration of exercise' as well as moderate stair climbing seeme d to reduce the rate of occurrence of disc calcification. The effects of mo derate stair climbing (OR = 0.34) and duration of exercise (OR = 0.52) were statistically significant and the effects appear to be additive. Running n ext to a bicycle was the only type of exercise with a positive association with the number of calcified discs. This was, however, not significant. Eff ects of body conformation, including absolute and relative body measurement s, were not found.