Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, is a spinal condition that develops when an intervertebral disc herniates inside the affected dog. In dogs, between the bones and spine, there is a gelatinous material enclosed by a thick outer layer. The intervertebral disc is made up of this material, which acts as a spine’s stress absorber. The spinal cord may be concussed or compressed as a result of the intervertebral disc herniating, resulting in long-lasting and crippling damage. Hansen Type I and Hansen Type II are the two different kinds of IVDD.
Hansen Type I, which involves an abrupt rupture of the disc, is more frequently observed in chondrodystrophic breeds (dachshunds, corgis, beagles, etc.). While calcification and degradation from wear and strain occur to the disc over time, the rupture typically happens suddenly as a result of a strong impact (jumping, landing, etc.). A ruptured disc can result in pain, stumbling, paralysis, and/or the inability to urinate by compressing the spinal cord.
Large breed dogs are more likely to have Hansen Type II. Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and Doberman pinschers are a few canine breeds that are more prone to Hansen Type II IVDD disease. In Type II, the discs stiffen over a longer length of time before bulging or rupturing and compressing the spinal cord. This sort has a gradual beginning, therefore there probably won’t be a specific event or activity that can be blamed for the harm.
Although a disc can herniate or bulge anywhere along the spinal column, 65% of recorded disc ruptures happen in the thoracolumbar (midback) region, while 18% happen in the cervical (neck) region.
What are the signs and symptoms of IVDD?
Included among the common signs of IVDD include, but not restricted to:
- discomfort in the neck or back
- Inability or unwillingness to walk
- Having trouble peeing or pooping
- trembling or swaying (usually in response to pain)
- clenching one’s paws
How is IVDD diagnosed? What dog breeds are at risk?
The first step in diagnosing IVDD in a dog is typically a physical examination to assess the orthopaedic and neurological health of the animal. Your pet will either start receiving conservative treatment to try to stop additional damage without surgery if IVDD is confirmed and its severity is determined, or they will be referred for x-ray imaging in order to prepare for surgical intervention.
Owners should be informed that the following dog breeds are more likely to develop IVDD:
- Dachshunds account for 40–70% of IVDD cases
- Chang Tzu
- Beagle
- English bulldog
- Pekingese
- Tibetan apso
- Corgi
- Basset dog
- Poodle
- Chihuahua
- Spaniel Cocker
- Retrievers from Labrador
- German Sheepdog
- German Pinscher Dog
Can a dog recover from IVDD without surgery?
The symptoms of IVDD illness are minor in the early stages. If your dog’s IVDD is identified early enough, your veterinarian may advise non-invasive therapies over surgery, such as pain medication and restricted exercise. However, dog owners should be informed that while this is occasionally sufficient, many of these patients may need surgery in the future if their condition worsens.
Strict crate rest, sedatives to encourage calm, and painkillers are three essential elements of non-invasive treatment for IVDD.
If your dog’s lifestyle does not allow for crate rest or if they are otherwise very active and rarely take a break, your veterinarian may recommend drugs to calm the dog down and encourage a more relaxed way of life. Crate rest is essential for the IVDD to heal. We are aware that some dog owners may be reluctant to medicate their animals in this way, but in some circumstances, it is absolutely important to prevent excitable canines from injuring themselves. When a dog has IVDD, the chance of further injury that necessitates urgent surgery or, in some cases, incurable paralysis is greatly increased.
If your dog is in pain, painkillers will be prescribed. A slipping disc hurts, it hurts quite badly. Painkillers will probably be needed to keep the pain under control while the injury heals if surgery is not the best course of action.
What is IVDD surgery’s success rate?
Based on how severe the symptoms are, IVDD is rated on a scale of 1 to 5. 90% of the time, a patient who undergoes surgery should expect to have a full recovery. This ranges from 1-4 on the scale. This figure falls to 50% or 60% when treating grade 5 IVDD cases in dogs, and even then, that figure assumes that surgery was conducted within 24 hours of the onset of grade 5 symptoms. The figure also falls further when surgery is carried out more than 24 hours after the onset of grade 5 symptoms. While noninvasive treatments are favoured for canines with a good outlook, it’s still crucial to schedule surgery as soon as possible if it’s the best course of action for your pet because IVDD deteriorates over time. On the basis of the circumstances surrounding each individual patient, your veterinarian will propose surgery.
The bone covering the spinal cord and the disc material that is compressing it will be removed from patients who undergo surgery. Then there will be many days spent in the hospital, pain medication, physical therapy, and perhaps bladder management. After the pet is released from the vet, owners must undergo physical therapy and adhere to exercise limitations for a predetermined period of time.
How much does IVDD surgery cost?
The price of IVDD surgery can range from $1500 to $4000, not including expenditures for x-rays and other diagnostic procedures needed to properly prepare for the procedure. The total cost of surgical treatment for IVDD can fall anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000 per procedure. It can be a good idea to have a savings account or get pet care insurance if you have a dog breed that is particularly prone to IVDD in case the time ever comes when they require surgery. In order to ensure that your canine friend lives a long and fulfilling life, it is best to make sure you are prepared for the financial burden that IVDD might provide. IVDD is thought to be a very manageable disease.
What is the prognosis for dogs with IVDD?
The prognosis for the majority of pets is excellent! Most dogs that undergo therapy for IVDD will fully recover, excepting the most extreme cases. One of the many causes is IVDD. It is crucial to get yearly examinations with your veterinarian since detecting the condition early will lower the costs and risks of surgery—or may even mean that surgery is not necessary at all.
What leads to canine IvDD?
Intervertebral disc disease is a chronic, degenerative disorder that gradually weakens the spine of your pet. The condition primarily affects elderly canines. Any breed of dog can have this illness, although some have a larger risk than others. Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Basset Hounds, and Beagles are a few of these.
The intervertebral discs becoming so rigid that they are unable to adequately cushion the vertebrae is the most frequent cause of IVDD. The hardening may develop gradually or as a result of an external stimulus that is quite strong.
The spinal cord can be abraded or torn when these shock-absorbing discs fail to function appropriately. The spinal cord is also under pressure from these hardened discs. As a result, the nerve impulses in the dog that control their bowel and bladder function are also harmed.
One or more discs may be ruptured when your dog jumps or lands awkwardly on the ground. Additionally, this may crush the dog’s spinal cord’s nerves, resulting in excruciating agony, paralysis, or even permanent nerve damage.
What signs do dogs exhibit when they have IVDD?
Among dogs, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a prevalent spinal condition (it occasionally appears in cats). Usually, dogs with intervertebral disc illness would undergo spinal surgery.
Dogs’ intervertebral discs, which serve as a cushion between the vertebrae surrounding the spinal cord, are formed of cartilage and are encircled by a ring of fibrous tissue. All vertebral sets save the first two have these discs between the vertebrae.
Healthy discs let your dog’s body move normally (flexing, twisting, and extending) while running and jumping. They also absorb trauma and give the spine flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gelatinous core, and an exterior fibrous annulus fibrosus.
Type 1
Due to tears in the disc’s outer layer, the nucleus pulposus, the disc’s middle portion, ruptures (annulus fibrosis). This also goes by the name “slipped disc.” Anywhere along the spine, this kind of disc disease may manifest, and you can experience an unexpected loss of mobility.
When the nucleus pulposus lacks its typical amount of water, calcification may take place. The middle of the back is where disc herniations most frequently occur, and as the spinal cord becomes compressed and the disc is subjected to intolerable strain, clinical symptoms can range from pain to paralysis.
Small-breed dogs two years old and older, like the beagle, basset hound, miniature or toy poodle, shih tzu, dachshund, and others, are more likely to develop type 1 than larger breeds like the Rottweiler and Labrador Retriever.
This kind of disease can be excruciatingly painful, and in extreme circumstances, it should be treated by a veterinarian right away.
Type 2
The outer section of the disc (the annulus) on the spinal cord, which can atrophy as a result of persistent compression, is the source of this disorder, which normally advances more slowly. It can happen that the annulus tears and fragments, squeezing the spinal cord as a result. With this kind, symptoms may appear gradually yet subtly.
Surprisingly, it can be painful or not, and it most frequently affects medium and large-breed dogs who are older (5 to 12 years). The symptoms are comparable to Type 1 symptoms.
Type 3
This variety causes the disease to develop suddenly in dogs, frequently as a result of trauma or strenuous exercise that creates an abrupt tear in the annulus. The spinal cord is not chronically compressed as a result of the injury. Without undergoing surgery, patients can recuperate by participating in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
As a result of this painful illness, your dog may have trouble walking and manipulating his hind limbs. Another possibility is total paralysis. As the spinal cord softens and dies, damaging the nerves your dog uses to breathe, severe cases may be fatal. The result could be respiratory arrest.
What are symptoms of intervertebral disc disease?
Depending on the type of IVDD your dog has, the symptoms will change. An example of a sign is:
- Keeping the neck relaxed
- Having trouble fully lifting the head
- the back or neck
- weak, erratic motion of the four limbs or the hind limbs
- one or both of the front limbs are lagging
- a tendency to leak urine
- shivering or panting
- Four-limb paralysis or respiratory issues (severe cases that are surgical emergencies)
- stiff or arched back look
- Paralysis
The most severe cases, which can involve paralysis, impaired bladder function, and/or an inability to feel pain, are very difficult for owners to observe.
What causes intervertebral disc disease? Is it treatable or curable?
An aging-related, degenerative disorder is IVDD. Dogs like Lucas Terriers, Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, and others with short, bent limbs are more prone to early degenerative changes that can lead to calcification. Degeneration may eventually result in a herniated disc and spinal cord compression.
Surgery for Dogs with IVDD
The cost of therapy varies depending on the procedure employed, the particular condition of your pet, and a number of other considerations.
To identify the issue, your veterinarian will employ cutting-edge diagnostic imaging. Mild cases may be managed conservatively by limiting movement (caging the dog) and providing pain treatment, but paralysis-related scenarios will probably necessitate surgery. Your dog could be able to walk without pain once more.
If there is no reaction to pain, it is an emergency, and there is very little chance of recovery. The length of the operation may range from one to three hours, depending on its intricacy. After that, your dog will need to take a nap and be watched over and evaluated while he recovers. His progress will also depend on physiotherapy.
In the long run, dogs who are unable to walk may use a specially made mobility cart but will have poor bladder control. He might need to have his bladder physically emptied; owners can learn how to do this as they get ready to bring their dog home.
Dogs who have had successful spinal procedures often do not have issues with the same disc, although you might observe issues with degenerating discs that are still present. To lessen the chance of IVDD reoccurring, other discs may be fenestrated during the operation.
Please take note that the information in this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice for animals. Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a precise diagnosis of your pet’s illness.
Do you suspect your dog is suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease? Our veterinarians at Providence South Animal Hospital in Waxhaw have experience in identifying many conditions and illnesses in dogs. Book an appointment today.
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Can dogs withstand Ivdd?
The intervertebral discs are made up of a gelatinous inner substance encircled by a ring of fibrous tissue and are located between the vertebrae. When your dog performs motions like running or jumping, intervertebral discs help to absorb the stress on the spine and offer the spine flexibility.
What is IVDD?
An enlarged, slid, ruptured, or herniated disc can also be referred to as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). In Dachshunds, Pekingese, beagles, basset hounds, and Shih Tzus, this illness frequently affects the back or neck, but it can affect dogs of any breed or size.
What causes IVDD in dogs?
This illness is a result of the slow, degenerative process of ageing. It gradually deteriorates a dog’s spinal cord over time and frequently goes unnoticed until it is already well along.
Your dog’s dog’s shock-absorbing discs gradually start to stiffen and eventually lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae. The spinal cord is frequently compressed and bulged by the stiffened discs, which can affect a dog’s mobility and harm nerve impulses, including those that regulate the bowel and bladder.
A bad landing or a simple jump can occasionally cause one or more of the hardened discs to rupture and press against the dog’s spinal cord’s nerves, potentially resulting in nerve damage, pain, or even paralysis.
Non-surgical treatments could be able to aid your dog’s recovery if he has IVDD but is still able to walk. However, immediate emergency treatment is necessary if your dog’s IVDD is severe and they can no longer walk.
Conservative management or treatment is another name for non-surgical IVDD treatment. Non-surgical treatment seeks to increase mobility and bladder/bowel control, as well as decrease pain and suffering. Dogs with IVDD can receive non-surgical therapies like:
- The only way to treat your dog’s IVDD symptoms without surgery is strict crate rest. Your dog will need to be strictly confined to a tiny space or crate for at least four weeks in order to give his body enough time to try to repair the damage. This will take patience.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs – Anti-inflammatory drugs can help lessen swelling and pain. Along with cage rest and limited exercise, these drugs are employed.
- Dietary Care – Your veterinarian will meticulously determine the precise quantity of calories your pet needs to maintain a healthy weight and prevent further stress on his spine.
- Physical Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy) – After evaluating your dog’s current condition, a rehabilitation specialist will suggest a treatment plan that combines expert and at-home care. Both animals recovering from surgery and those with mild to moderate IVDD can benefit greatly from rehabilitation.
Surgical Treatment of IVDD
For severe cases of IVDD in dogs, surgery is seen to be the best, and in some cases the only, choice for treatment. In order to relieve pressure on your dog’s spinal cord, regain normal blood flow and mobility, minimise pain, and guard against disc problems in the future, IVDD surgery involves removing the damaged intervertebral disc material. There may be a need for several procedures to do this.
The type of surgery required to treat your dog’s IVDD will primarily depend on where the affected disc is located. Fenestration, hemilaminectomy, laminectomy, and ventral slot are only a few of the various IVDD procedures. A spinal stabilisation (fusion) treatment might also be suggested in some circumstances, particularly for large breed dogs. The price of the procedure will vary depending on a number of circumstances, but you should budget between $1,500 and $4,000 for your dog’s IVDD operation.
IVDD Surgery Success Rates
Surgery is typically quite successful, with the best results seen in canines who have not lost all use of their walking ability. Atrophy of the spinal cord can happen in dogs with severe IVDD who have been neglected for a long time, which can result in less favourable outcomes.
If IVDD surgery fails to restore your pet’s normal mobility, a dog wheelchair may enable your canine companion to live an active and fulfilling life despite having intervertebral disc disease. Your dog will need to limit activity for 6 to 8 weeks after IVDD surgery in addition to taking the right drugs to reduce edoema and manage pain. Physical therapy or physical rehabilitation may also be advised by your veterinarian as a recovery assistance.
Should I consider euthanasia for my dog with severe IVDD?
You probably have some extremely difficult decisions to make about the care of your cherished pet if your dog has severe IVDD. Your veterinarian will go over the various treatment options and their expected results. It can be expensive and time-consuming to care for a dog suffering from IVDD, whether you choose surgery or non-surgical treatment.
Each pet is unique, and your dog’s prognosis will be based on a number of variables, including his age, the location and severity of the spinal damage, and the interval between the onset of symptoms and the time the problem was treated. Your veterinarian will compassionately and carefully explain your dog’s chances of recovery so you can decide on the best course of action. Talk openly and honestly with your vet if, after receiving an IVDD diagnosis, you are considering euthanizing your dog. They have the skills to guide you toward the ideal choice for both you and your pet.
