Dachshund having problems walking/using legs

[chopinop49]

I have a 4.5 year old dachshund. As of late he has had problems walking and using his legs. For example, when he tries to scratch he can't hold himself up and just falls to the ground. His symptoms seem to be worsening over the past couple of days. He also seems to be very sore when trying to pick him up and tries to avoid being picked up at all. He's an indoor dog and hasn't been around other dogs at all. He is also not overweight. He is very fit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Please have your dog evaluated for intervertebral disk disease (spinal disk problems) tomorrow.  Don't wait because progressive disk disease can result in paralysis.  Your veterinarian should be able to give you medications such as muscle relaxers, and steroids, to try to shrink the inflamed area to give your dog some relief.  Occasionally spinal surgery is necessary for this problem.

In the meantime please try to limit his activity by walking him on a leash, and preventing him from jumping up or down.