I have a 4 year old mini dachshund 18 Lbs who has developed a lower back problem. Jj, having problem walking, treated with steroids for a few weeks. I have limited all her jumping (furniture) and try to keep her quiet on the floor level. My question is: Has anyone used a chiropractor (back adjustment) to help aid in this problem. She taking dexamethasone 5mg what are the side effects and can you give her baby asprin with this drug.

I would continue working with your vet. 5 mg per pound of aspirin per pound of body weight is usually safe. I wouldn't trust anybody except your vet's word on taking it with other medicine.

Has your vet discussed your dogs weight? Overweight makes back and other problems worse. Have your vet confirm your judgement after going to LongLiveYourDog.com - Life Span Study - Overview (http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/Default.aspx)

11:35 edit. I garbled the dose on the aspirin. It is 5 mg of aspirin per pound of body weight. If the vet says it is OK, read the label. The standard adult dose of 325 mg is fine for an adult lab, you shoud only give 90 mg.

I would continue working with your vet. 5 mg per pound of aspirin per pound of body weight is usually safe. I wouldn't trust anybody except your vet's word on taking it with other medicine.

Has your vet discussed your dogs weight? Overweight makes back and other problems worse. Have your vet confirm your judgement after going to LongLiveYourDog.com - Life Span Study - Overview (http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/Default.aspx)
I agree with Labman on this trust your vet.and weight is an issue on many dogs but especially Dachshunds,too much pressure on their spine.I have taken my dogs and my father-in-laws Dachshund
To a chiropractor and he did align her spine with success,he is a pro so make sure he or she knows what they are doing.

This information is for anyone who is searching for information on feeding miniature dachsunds in order to keep them from back problems.

We had an 8 year old mini who started having intense back problems and pain to the point that we were contemplating either surgery or euthanasia. We were very upset and did some research online. I came across a site that recommended giving them vitamin C on a daily basis. We figured it was worth a try and so we started her on a vitamin C supplement. We simply used the vitamin C tablets (500mg) that we ourselves took - we crushed them and then mixed it in with about a tablespoon of soft food. Within a week her swelling was gone and she no longer was in pain. She is now 13 and has no back problems, she even can jump up on things and runs around like a puppy. We have continued the practise of a pill mixed in with her food every morning and truly believe it was what has saved her as it is the only thing we changed. We have two other minis ( a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old) that we give the Vitamin C to daily and we anticipate it will keep them from developing any problems.

I hope this information will help someone to keep their beloved pet for a long healthy life.

I would also like to suggest adding Glucosamine and Condroitin to her diet. Also some Calcium supplements. Always check with you vet first, but I've always given my dogs these supplements as a preventative measure, and also pre-existing problems. It strengthens their joints and bones. I have also found that Goji berries/juice is also a benefit for bones and overall health. I have checked all of the above with my vet, and he recommended all of them, but it's always best to ask your own vet, to ensure they don't interfere with anything else in their meds or their diet.