What is IVDD in dogs, and how is it treated?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative disease that can affect your dog's spinal cord and cause painful mobility issues. Today's post focuses on IVDD in dogs and various treatment options.

What is IVDD in dogs?

Intervertebral disk disease in dogs (IVDD) can also be described as a ruptured, slipped, bulging or herniated disk. This condition is most commonly seen in a number of breeds including beagles, dachshunds, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, basset hounds, or American cocker spaniels but may occur in dogs of any breed. 

What causes IVDD to occur in dogs?

IVDD is an age-related, gradual degenerative process that affects the spinal cord of the dog over a period of time, often undetected. Even with yearly wellness exams, your vet may not detect any signs of IVDD until your dog's hardened disc or discs become ruptured and painful symptoms become evident. Something as every day as a jump up onto the sofa could damage a disc that has been weakened by IVDD, and trigger acute and painful symptoms of the disease.

What causes IVDD pain in dogs?

IVDD occurs when the shock-absorbing discs between your dog's vertebrae gradually begin to harden until they are unable to cushion the vertebrae properly. The hardened discs will typically go on to bulge and compress the spinal cord, often damaging the dog's nerve impulses such as those that control bladder and bowel control. In other cases, a simple jump or poor landing can lead one or more of the hardened discs to burst and press into the nerves of the dog's spinal cord causing pain, possible nerve damage or even paralysis.

What are the signs of IVDD in dogs?

IVDD can occur in any of the discs in your dog's spine and symptoms of this condition will depend upon which part of the spine is affected, and how severe the damage is.

Symptoms of this painful condition may appear suddenly or come on gradually over time. If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms seek veterinary care as soon as possible. IVDD can be very painful for dogs and early treatment is essential for preventing the condition from becoming more severe or causing irreversible damage to your dog's spine. 

Symptoms of Neck Intervertebral Disc Disease (Cervical IVDD)

Cervical IVDD occurs in the discs of the dog's neck. If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, which can affect the whole body and range from mild to very severe, contact your veterinarian immediately, or visit your closest animal emergency hospital for urgent care:

Symptoms of Back Intervertebral Disc Disease (Thoracolumbar IVDD)

Dogs with Thoracolumbar IVDD have a damaged disc causing issues in their back region and may display one or more of the following symptoms. Symptoms of Thoracolumbar IVDD mainly affect the mid to back portion of the dog's body and can range from mild to very severe:

Symptoms of Lower-Back Intervertebral Disc Disease (Lumbosacral IVDD)

If your dog is suffering from lumbosacral IVDD the problematic disc or discs are located in your dog's lower back region. Symptoms of lumbosacral IVDD typically affect the very back of the dog's body and may range from mild to very severe:

How do vets diagnose IVDD in dogs?

If your dog begins showing any of the above symptoms immediate veterinary care is required. Tests for diagnosing Intervertebral Disc Disease typically include standard X-rays and/or MRI to help locate the disc or discs causing your dog's symptoms.

What is the treatment for dogs with IVDD?

The diagnosis and treatment for Intervertebral Disc Disease need to begin as early as possible to achieve good treatment outcomes. That's why taking your dog to the vet for a full examination is essential if you spot signs of IVDD. Delays in treatment could lead to irreversible damage.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Pet parents often wonder if their dog can recover from IVDD without surgery. If your dog is diagnosed early with a mild to moderate IVDD injury, your vet may try treatment with steroid and anti-inflammatory medications (to help reduce pain and swelling), combined with strict crate rest for approximately 4 -6 weeks. 

Surgery

Surgery is usually recommended for dogs suffering from more severe cases of Intervertebral Disc Disease where rest and medication are not sufficient to reduce pain and other symptoms. During surgery, your dog's veterinary surgeon will aim to remove the hardened disc material that is pressing on your dog's spinal cord and causing the IVDD symptoms.

Surgery outcomes are most successful in dogs that have not lost their ability to walk. If your dog's surgery is not successful in returning your pet to normal mobility, a dog wheelchair may help your pup to enjoy a happy and active life while living with Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Recovery from IVDD surgery typically requires 6 - 8 weeks of restricted activity. Running, climbing stairs, playing with other dogs, or jumping on furniture need to be prevented to help avoid further damage as your dog's spine heals.

The cost of IVDD surgery varies greatly depending on a number of factors including where you live. Your vet can provide you with an estimate for your dog's IVDD surgery and answer any questions you may have.

Physical Rehabilitation - Physical Therapy for Dogs

Following surgery, your vet may also recommend physical therapy for your dog to work on muscle strengthening and to help get your pet moving comfortably again.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes. The services listed in this post may not be available at this hospital.

Is your dog showing signs of IVDD? Contact us right away! Our team of Tucson emergency and specialist vets provide advanced veterinary care to help get your dog moving comfortably once again. 

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