Leash Logic: Unravelling Intervertebral Disc Disease risk in Dachshunds

Project summary

Carry out a detailed statistical analysis to identify whether specific walking management and behaviours correlate with an increased risk of IVDD in dachshunds.

How will this project benefit the organisation?

VDD affects around 25% of dachshunds and its consequences are severe. Apart from the consequences for the dogs themselves (pain, disability, potentially reduced welfare); surgery is frequently required for these dogs placing a huge financial burden on owners, sometimes reaching £10,000. This is alongside the emotional and time-heavy demands of supporting disabled dogs through recovery or long-term paralysis. In some cases, owners resort to rehoming or euthanasia, highlighting the urgent need for preventative strategies.

This project aims to generate robust, evidence-based insights into how lifestyle factors and on-lead behaviours correlate with the risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dachshunds. With IVDD affecting around 25% of the breed, we believe that the findings will strengthen our ability to provide accurate, practical guidance to carers and clinical practitioners. By identifying potential modifiable risk factors, the research will enable development of further studies to better understand causality of factors identified in this study. Additionally, even with cross sectional correlational findings we believe that we will be able to begin the development of targeted educational resources for owners to enable them to make appropriate lifestyle choices for their dogs which might reduce the risk of the development of IVDD.

Publishing robust research will enhance the charity’s credibility as a trusted source of welfare advice within the dachshund community, support clinical practitioners with data that informs behaviour management strategies, and influence wider breed health initiatives by demonstrating the importance of lifestyle alongside genetics. The project will provide information leading to constructive, realistic advice that improves dachshund welfare, reduces suffering, and promotes healthier outcomes for the breed.

Project description

A dataset of 5,400 responses from a cross-sectional survey of dachshund owners has been collected as part of an MSc thesis by a trustee for Dachshund Health UK. The data includes owner demographics, dog demographics, dog health with respect to IVDD and walking routines and behaviours. Some basic statistical analysis has been carried out.

It is expected that the volunteer will:

  • discuss the project requirements with the researcher and obtain access to the data, the MSc thesis and any additional analysis that has already been carried out
  • consider the appropriate analysis required to examine the broad range of factors together with any interactions that might affect IVDD development
  • carry out the analysis using appropriate software and present the results to the researcher and the Chair of Dachshund Health UK
  • Make any amendments requested to improve the presentation of the results so they are suitable for a scientific peer-reviewed publication
  • The volunteer will proof-read the journal paper and be named as a co-author

 

How to apply:

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to [email protected] by Sunday 25 January 2026.   

Find out more:

For further information about Dachshund Health UK, please visit  Home | Dachshund Health UK

The volunteer will need to have an in-depth knowledge of advanced statistical techniques. It would also be helpful to have an interest in dog health and welfare.

Time commitment: The time commitment will be agreed between the volunteers and organization when completing the project proposal.

Timeframe: There is no required timeline for this project, but the desired start date is early 2026 with the goal of submitting the paper for publication in mid-2026.

Location: The work will be completed remotely, working closely with a researcher who is also a DHUK trustee.

Desired start date

TBC

Desired end date

TBC

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