Recognizing and Treating Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs
Also called a herniated or slipped disc, canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition that occurs when a disc in your dog’s spine is bulging, or ruptured. It can occur anywhere along the spine with the most common areas being the lower lumbar spine and the cervical spine (neck).
What is canine intervertebral disc disease?
Like humans, dogs have discs between each of the vertebra in their spines that act as shock absorbers. These discs have a strong outer layer, called the annulus, and gives each disc structure. The inner portion of the disc, or nucleus, is made up of soft matter that absorbs shock from daily use. These discs can bulge or even rupture. When this happens, the soft interior matter can bulge, putting pressure against the spinal nerves. This bulging causes pain, weakness, or numbness in the parts of the body associated with the related nerves.
In the case of a ruptured disc because the deflated disc no longer provides adequate cushioning between the two bones. The leaking contents may also cause inflammation, further increasing the pain for your four-legged friend is experiencing.
Causes for intervertebral disc disease in dogs
There are a few different causes for IVDD. Breed predisposition is the most common reason IVDD occurs. It tends to occur more frequently in certain breeds, like Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Lucas Terriers, and Basset Hounds, which have disproportionate limb to torso ratio (significantly longer bodies than limbs). This build imbalance can add pressure to discs. This breed predisposition also includes all the chondrodystrophic breeds such as those with a short face or legs (i.e. bulldogs, bassets, dachshunds, etc).
It is also associated with an age-related, degenerative condition that naturally occurs over time. It can also be caused by trauma, like in the case of a fall or an accident.
Recognizing symptoms of canine intervertebral disc disease
If you’re worried your dog may be suffering from IVDD, there are a few telltale signs to look for, like a hunched back with a lowered head. The “drunken sailor” walk is another key indicator of IVDD. This walk will appear as your dog limping, hopping, favoring hind legs, and walking in a crooked line.
Other symptoms to look for include:
- Yelping
- Shivering
- Panting
- Reluctance to move
- Poor control of over hind legs
- Difficulty jumping or using stairs
In the early stages, your dog may not appear to be experiencing severe pain or symptoms. However, in severe cases, the disease can lead to paralysis of one or more limbs which in turn could cause a “paralyzed” bladder, making it difficult for your dog to urinate. In the most severe cases, dogs lose bladder function altogether. At this stage, they may have also lost feeling in certain regions entirely.
Diagnosing intervertebral disc disease
Keep in mind, many of the above symptoms can also resemble other illnesses as well, so you may need a visit to your vet for an examination. Because our pets walk horizontally, back pain is often difficult to distinguish from abdominal, or GI, pain. Clinical signs usually lead to a diagnosis. Ultimately, however, diagnostic imaging is necessary to confirm a diagnosis for sure. Radiographs may help confirm a diagnosis but an MR or CT is the only way to definitively make a diagnosis.
Treatments for intervertebral disc disease
There are a range of treatment options for dogs with IVDD, depending on the severity of your dog’s condition.
For dogs with mild symptoms, minimizing movement through crate containment may be enough to allow the disc to heal (this can be anywhere from a minimum of two weeks to twelve weeks). Pain and anti-inflammatory medication will likely be prescribed if you go this route. In more advanced cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery usually has a high rate of success, but it’s also expensive. However, insurance covers this surgery. Therefore, if you have a predisposed breed, insurance is recommended at an early age as IVDD can affect very young dogs.
Some pet owners have reported good results with non-traditional and homeopathic methods, like acupuncture and chiropractic care. However, you’ll want to make sure any provider you work with is reputable and can provide references.
Another non-traditional treatment that is showing exceptional results is stem cell therapy. This option is great for pet owners who had stem cells collected during the spay or neutering process. By introducing healthy, young stem cells to the tissue, dogs experience faster recovery times with significantly reduced and pain and inflammation.
Caring for a bulging or torn disc
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from IVDD, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible – this is one disease where early intervention can make a big difference for your pet. Getting a diagnosis and deciding on a treatment path is critical — not only for ensuring speedy recovery, but also to ensure the problem isn’t becoming more serious and painful for your dog. The good news is that there are many treatment options available, and by addressing the condition early, you may be able to avoid surgery.
