Mary Allen
Unfortunately, disc disease (discopathy) is one of the most common spinal problems in dogs. It is an age-related condition, although certain breeds are at a higher risk of developing the condition earlier due to the shape of their spine. It is a degenerative disease, which in short means that a dog suffering from disc disease will worsen over time.
What are intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral discs are located in the spine and act as shock absorbers between the individual vertebrae. They allow the dog’s spine to move freely, with the exception of the first two cervical vertebrae. Each disc consists of a fibrous outer edge and a gelatinous center. If a disc is damaged in any way, it can no longer do its job of supporting the vertebrae and allowing free movement. In short, the intervertebral disc loses its shock-absorbing function. Over time, this can lead to compression of the spinal cord from a herniated disc.
What causes disc disease?
As already mentioned, it is an age-related, degenerative disease. But young dogs can also develop disc disease, with some breeds being more at risk than others. The disease is believed to develop because the discs in a dog’s spine dry out due to their inability to store much-needed fluid. Dog breeds most at risk of developing the disease at a young age include the following:
- Dachshund;
- Bassett Hound;
- Sealyham Terriers;
- Lucas Terrier;
- Shih Tzu.
When a disc begins to degenerate, it calcifies, meaning it can no longer do its job. There are different types of herniated discs, which are as follows:
- Hansen Type I Disc Disease – This condition is most common in smaller breeds when they are two years old. However, larger breeds can also be affected, and the disease usually comes on suddenly.
- Hansen Type II Disc Disease – Dogs suffering from this type of disc disease are generally non-chondrodsytrophic breeds. In this form, the disease is more similar to human disc disease and can be acute or slow and insidious. Dogs between the ages of 5 and 12 are usually most affected by this disease.
- Hansen Type III Disc Disease – Also known as “acute non-compressive” disc disease or “high-velocity-low-volume” disc disease. Onset occurs suddenly and is usually due to trauma or strenuous exercise. Dogs usually recover with cage rest and without surgical intervention.
A painful condition
A herniated disc causes a dog tremendous pain and discomfort. In some cases, this goes so far that the dog has difficulty walking. In very severe cases, dogs can lose control of their hind legs and walk around drunkenly, eventually becoming paralyzed. In the most severe cases, dogs can develop myelomalacia; H. a softening of the spinal cord that causes the nerves that help the dog breathe to stop working, causing fatal apnea.
Signs to look out for
Ivdd Dachshund
When dogs develop disc disease, the most obvious sign that something is wrong is localized pain in the back and neck. Other signs of a problem include the following:
- Weakness in hind legs;
- Weakness in all four legs;
- Paralysis;
- Incontinence;
- Abnormal posture;
- Tremble;
- Gasping;
- Unwillingness to move;
- Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping;
- Complete loss of bladder control.
Diagnosis of the problem
Before a vet examines a dog thoroughly, they need to know its entire medical history. However, with certain dog breeds known to be prone to spinal disc disease, he might already suspect that it is the problem. To confirm his suspicions, the vet would take X-rays of the dog’s spine to determine if the discs have calcified. More detailed imaging would allow the veterinarian to make a definitive diagnosis, which they would reach through MRI and CT scans of a dog’s spine.
Treatment of the condition
If a dog is suffering from a mild case where the disc is only slightly damaged, the vet may prescribe a pain-relieving treatment. However, in more severe cases where a dog has lost all sensation, including the ability to feel pain, more drastic action is usually required, which may well include emergency surgery.
If a dog has a spinal condition or has had its spine injured by trauma, it is imperative that they be kept as still and still as possible, which means they will need to be housed in a crate or cage. Keeping a dog as still as possible reduces the risk of further spinal cord damage.
When vets recommend surgery, it’s usually because without surgery, complete paralysis would occur. The prognosis for dogs undergoing surgery is generally good and a dog is less likely to develop disc disease again. However, if a dog has lost the ability to feel pain, a vet would treat the case as a medical emergency, but the prognosis in such cases is poor.
Intervertebral disc disease (ivdd) in dogs – FAQs
Movement disorders in dogs and cats such as paralysis and spinal cord damage can have a variety of causes, e.g. abnormalities, degeneration, trauma, inflammation, and tumors.
How is a herniated disc noticeable in a dog?
In general, the following symptoms can occur: Your dog suffers from a tense back. Jumping or climbing stairs or the car will be refused. Your dog’s gait shows a lack of coordination.
What is a pinched nerve in a dog?
Changes in mobility. Pay attention to how your dog moves: if he seems stiff or clumsy and avoids certain movements, this may be due to a pinched nerve from spondylosis. If the dog doesn’t jump into the car as much as it used to, that’s a warning sign.
How can I help my dog with a herniated disc?
- Relieve the spine as quickly as possible.
- Use a harness instead of a collar.
- Don’t let the dog jump anymore, not even in the car.
- Avoid stairs or carry your four-legged friend.
- Limit his movement and go easy on him.
- Use a heat lamp to relax your back muscles.
How long can a dog with a herniated disc live without surgery?
In the case of severe paralysis, it can take weeks to months. This is where patience is often rewarded. If there is complete paralysis over a longer period of time (a few hours can be enough here), the nerve cells in the spinal cord are damaged, which can no longer be repaired.
Is a herniated disc in a dog an emergency?
A herniated disc is an emergency. Transport the dog in a side-lying position on a firm surface such as a board. Keep him still and avoid unnecessary movements. The veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis with an x-ray after an intensive neurological examination.
How long does it take for a dog to walk again after disc surgery?
Recovery time after disc surgery. The regeneration time after an intervertebral disc operation is several weeks. Ideally, paralyzed dogs can stand again after about 10-14 days and walk again without symptoms after six to eight weeks.
Slipped disc in dogs – FAQs
In a herniated disc, the outer, fibrous ring tears or the softcore shifts. As a result, the intervertebral disc in the dog’s spinal canal presses on the spinal cord and causes severe pain and more or less severe restriction of movement.
How long does a herniated disc in a dog last?
Patients with minor signs of paralysis usually recover very quickly from surgery. In the case of severe paralysis, it can take weeks to months. This is where patience is often rewarded.
Is a herniated disc in a dog an emergency?
A herniated disc is an emergency. Transport the dog in a side-lying position on a firm surface such as a board. Keep him still and avoid unnecessary movements. The veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis with an x-ray after an intensive neurological examination.
How long does a dog stay in the hospital after disc surgery?
Recovery time after disc surgery. The regeneration time after an intervertebral disc operation is several weeks. Ideally, paralyzed dogs can stand again after about 10-14 days and walk again without symptoms after six to eight weeks.
What is a spinal cord infarction in dogs?
In a spinal cord infarction, fibrocartilaginous material enters the bloodstream of the spinal cord in an as yet unexplained manner and creates a vascular occlusion. This results in ischemia and bleeding in the spinal cord.