Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/19/2008

Question
my dog is shaking, and cant catch her breathe. the vet said she had allergies, and a vaginal infection. but the antibiotics that he gave her arent working. shes overweight, but i dont think thats any of the problem. her breathe smells really bad, when she walks it is very slow and she whines when she moves. When shes laying on her side she cannot get up.

Answer
Courtney -

An overweight dachshund that does not want to walk can be a case of intervertebral disc disease.  Have the vet take a radiograph of the vertebral column to determine if your dog has an impending problem. Intervertebral disc disease is extremely common in dogs with longer backs, especially dachshunds.  The extra weight only makes it worse and increases the likelihood that she has IVD.  

Have her examined by a doctor as soon as possible.

Good Luck -

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM