IVDD is a condition that affects the intervertebral discs in the back of the spine. It usually progresses slowly and can be painful. It is caused by the chronic bulging and compression of the outer part of the disc, which leads to atrophy. It can also lead to the rupture of the annulus, which can compress the spinal cord. The disease is usually silent and the symptoms may not be visible until it is already too late.
Symptoms
While there is no specific cure for IVDD, the condition can be prevented through early detection. A veterinarian will perform a combination of tests to determine the location of the affected discs and the extent of the damage. Depending on the stage of the disease, IVDD may require additional testing, such as X-rays. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Postoperative care for dogs with IVDD will vary, and the length of stay will be based on the severity of the condition and your dog’s neurological function. While the goal is to allow your dog home as soon as possible, postoperative care may require four to six weeks of activity restriction. Some dogs will need assistance with urination, while others may require aggressive physical rehabilitation.
Dogs can develop IVDD at any age, but it is most common in older dogs. It may also occur as a result of heavy exercise or trauma. In cases where a ruptured disc occurs, material can leak into the spinal column and cause severe pain. The dog may have difficulty walking or controlling its hind limbs.
Often, if surgery is performed early, dogs with mild cases may recover fully. If, however, other discs rupture, the dog may experience recurrences of IVDD. A veterinarian may recommend concurrent treatments with medications to reduce the chances of recurrences.
Nonsurgical treatment for IVDD in dogs may include steroid or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling. It may also involve crate rest and restricted activity. A veterinarian will also perform a neurological exam to determine the cause of the condition. During this procedure, the veterinarian will check motor function, reflexes, and ability to stand and walk.
Intervertebral disc disease in dogs is caused by the degeneration of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column. The disks act as cushions between the bones in the spinal column, protecting them from impact and damage. If a disc becomes inflamed, it may press against the spinal cord and cause pain and even paralysis. While this condition is rare, it is still a cause for concern.
When intervertebral discs degenerate, they become hard and lack the water content needed to cushion the spine. As a result, they can’t function properly. When this happens, nerves can be damaged, and your dog may become paralyzed.
Diagnosis
Dogs with disc disease often experience neck pain, uncoordinated walking, and even paralysis. It is typically a result of trauma, but it can also develop over time. The disease can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly. A diagnosis of disc disease is essential to help your dog get the right treatment.
There are three types of disc disease in dogs. Type I affects the disc, which is made up of water that becomes too hard and can herniate. These herniations can compress the spinal cord and cause pain. These disc herniations are especially common in the middle of a dog’s back. They can also entrap the spinal cord. Type I herniation affects mostly small-breed dogs, although Rottweilers and Labrador Retrievers may also be affected.
Medical management for dogs with disc herniation is usually aimed at reducing pain and limiting movement for up to four weeks. The dog is usually allowed out only for elimination and may receive anti-anxiety medications. The goal of activity restriction is to allow the intervertebral disc to heal.
Operative surgery can be an option in severe cases of intervertebral disc disease. It aims to relieve the pain and prevent further disc extrusions, but is not without risks. In addition, surgery cannot guarantee that the disc won’t herniate in the future.
Diagnosis of intervertebraL disc disease in dogs involves examination of the spinal cord and neurological symptoms. Depending on the type, intervertebral disc disease can cause neurological deficits and paralysis. In acute cases, spinal pain can occur without any other symptoms, while chronic disease can cause slow progressive dysfunction. In severe cases, symptoms can include agitation, aggression, vocalization, and pacing.
Neurological examinations involve a complete neurologic examination and may include x-rays. MRI and CT scans are also helpful. The neurological exam may identify abnormalities in cranial nerves and other tissues. If this is the case, surgery is necessary to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and restore neurological function.
Although a dog with IVDD will not exhibit a sudden onset of symptoms, it can be treated in time to prevent further complications. Post-surgery rehabilitation helps your dog return to function. Physical therapy may even help your dog walk again.
Treatment
Treatment for intervertebral disc disease (IVD) in dogs is important because a degenerating disc can compromise a dog’s mobility and cause paralysis. The disease is an age-related degenerative condition that can result in a herniated disc or compression of the spinal cord. This condition is especially common in dogs with short, curved limbs.
Intervertebral disc disease in dogs can present itself in many ways, causing varying degrees of pain and disability. Some symptoms of the disease include weakness in one or more limbs, inability to lift the head or neck fully, and limping in the front limbs. In severe cases, the dog may also be unable to breathe.
Treatment for intervertebral disc disease is usually surgery. Surgery can be performed to relieve pain and reduce pressure on the spinal cord. Surgery may be combined with other treatments. The most common surgery is a hemilaminectomy. This procedure removes vertebrae and articular facets from the thoracolumbar spine. It also creates an opening for the spinal cord to swell.
Surgery is one of the options for treatment for intervertebral disc disease in your dog. The procedure can take one to three hours, depending on the complexity. Your dog may need physical therapy for several weeks after surgery. The recovery process depends on how severe the condition is and whether or not the surgery has caused any permanent damage.
Surgery is recommended in severe cases and in those where the dog is unable to walk or move its neck. Surgery can remove the herniated disc material and relieve the spinal cord of compression. Your veterinarian may perform a myelography to determine the severity of the disease. The surgical procedure may be indicated if your dog is not responding to medication.
Surgery is not a cure for IVDD. The vet may recommend conservative management to reduce pain and swelling. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to ease the pain. Physical rehabilitation may be beneficial for dogs with mild to moderate IVDD. Rehabilitation can help your pet return to its normal activities.
Recovery
Recovery from IVDD in dogs is a challenging process that requires meticulous nursing care. Improper care can result in a wide range of complications and can reverse the positive effects of surgery. Therefore, it is important to bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible. A trained technician will ensure that your dog receives the best possible care in the hospital and will also educate you on how to best care for your dog at home.
The veterinarian may prescribe a period of crate rest for your dog. This period can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In one study, crate rest improved recovery rates by 92%, which may be beneficial for your pet. If your dog is unable to rest at home for the recommended period, they may require medication to relax.
The chances of your dog recovering from IVDD with the right treatment are high. While this condition is usually treatable, it is not cheap. Your vet will use a variety of methods to help your dog recover. The most effective treatment will involve a combination of medication, exercise therapy, and dedicated home care. Fortunately, with the right treatment, many dogs can make a full recovery and can return to full activity.
Early treatment is critical for a successful recovery from IVDD. Early intervention and rehabilitation can help your dog avoid surgery and other serious procedures. A full assessment of your dog’s condition is essential in order to determine the best treatment plan. Rehabilitation should also include a staged treatment plan. Rehabilitation may involve several physiotherapy methods, including laser therapy, cold therapy, muscle stimulation, hydrotherapy, and home exercise programmes.
Intervertebral disc disease is a degenerative disease of the spine in dogs. It is caused by the herniation of the intervertebral disc between the bones of the spine. A herniated disc can cause a concussion or compress the spinal cord, which can lead to permanent damage. There are two major types of IVDD: Hansen type I and Hansen type II.
Depending on the severity of the condition, recovery time from IVDD can vary. Although it is impossible to predict a dog’s exact recovery time, a doctor can help the owner to make informed decisions based on the symptoms.
