Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a disease that affects the back. The cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column will either bulge or herniate and put pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure will affect the nerves running through the spinal cord, causing pain, damage the nerves and even cause paralysis. Common dog breeds that are predisposed to IVDD are Dachshund, Beagle, Basset Hound, and Shih Tzu.
What is a disc?
The disc is a spongy, doughnut-shaped pad that is in the joint between each vertebra. The disc is just underneath the spinal cord in dogs and cats. Each disc has a semi-liquid center and a tough outer fibrous layer. These discs help form a bridge between the two vertebrae and act as a cushion. This helps give strength and flexibility to the spine.
How does IVDD happen?
This can happen in two different ways:
1. Trauma. A traumatic event such as being hit by a car or falling off of something high can cause a healthy disc to rupture.
2. Degeneration: As a dog age, The disc can degenerate and eventually protrude and put pressure on the spinal cord. This degeneration can also happen if the disc becomes stiff and loses its cushioning property.
Symptoms of IVDD in dogs
Signs and symptoms that would indicate your dog may have IVDD:
• Not wanting to jump up on things
• Weakness in the back legs
• Painful back
• Muscle spasms
• Hunched back
• Decrease activity level
• Not eating
• Not able to control bladder
• Trouble having a bowel movement
Different types of IVDD in Dogs
Type I is seen in the neck area of smaller dogs. The discs outer layer will harden This hardening of the disc will allow it to break down easier. When your dog is jumping and landing, they are causing a forceful impact to the disc. The inner material of the disc burst and puts pressure on the spinal cord.
Type II the disc herniates. The discs become hard and fibrous as your dog ages; this disc will eventually break down, bulge out, and compress the spinal cord.
When the nerves in the spinal cord are compressed, they are not able to transmit their signals to the rest of the body, such as to the lower legs, or bladder. If the damage is too severe, your dog will become paralyzed and lose control of the bladder and bowel movement. The signs that you see will depend on where the bulging disc is located. This location can occur anywhere in the body from the neck to the rear legs.
How to Diagnose Back Problems in Dogs
Your veterinarian will examine your dog; this will include a full neurological exam. This will help them figure out where in the spinal cord, the problem is located. They then will take x-rays to see any abnormalities around the spine. The spinal cord cannot be seen on an x-ray, and your dog may need a CT or MRI to assess the damage fully.
Treatment of IVDD in Dogs
This will depend on how severe the damage is. If your dog has mild sings, conservative treatment may be fine, while if they have severe signs, they may need back surgery. Conservative treatment includes mediations such as anti-inflammatories and pain killers. These help decrease the swelling around the spinal cord and decrease the pain. Your vet will stress that your dog has a strict cage rest for six weeks. This helps the spinal cord to heal and prevents your dog from doing any other damage.
If the damage is severe and your dog cannot walk or urinate on their own, then emergency surgery is usually needed. Very rarely do these recover without surgery. This surgery will open the space around the spinal cord by removing a piece of the vertebra over the spinal cord. Once this piece of bone is removed, the disc material that is pushing on the spinal cord will be removed. Even with surgery, there is no guarantee on your dog returning to normal. The longer the damage is present, the harder it is for them to recover fully.
Managing IVDD in Dogs
Most dogs that have mild to moderate symptoms of IVDD will return to normal and walk again. Dogs who have surgery recover quicker if they have surgery as soon as they are initially diagnosed. Some dogs may have other bouts of IVDD when other discs burst later in life.
Rehabilitation of your dog after surgery will help your dog regain the function of their legs and recover quicker. Your dog can return to a good quality of life if they receive great aftercare. Even with great care, your dog may need a doggie wheelchair. These help them to be more mobile and active again.
How to Prevent IVDD and other Back Problems in Dogs
For dogs that are predisposed to IVDD, it is best to keep them at a healthy weight as that will decrease the amount of stress on their backbone and neck. Using a harness when you take your dog out for a walk will keep strain off the neck. This is especially needed if your dog tends to pull on the leash. Limiting your dog’s ability to jump on and off furniture will help with any traumatic events by providing your dog with steps or a ramp to help them get up on furniture or beds.
It is best to provide your dog with a good quality diet to maintain them at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs are predisposed to IVDD. We strongly recommend maintaining your dog’s weight at a healthy range and bringing them to the vet as soon as you notice a problem.