Pain medications will be prescribed if your dog is in discomfort. With IVDD, a dog who does not get enough crate rest is at a hugely elevated risk of doing further damage that requires emergency surgery or, in some cases, incurable paralysis. We understand the trepidation some dog owners may have with medicating their pets in this way, but it is completely necessary in some cases to prevent energetic dogs from hurting themselves. Three critical components to non-invasive treatment for IVDD are strict crate rest, sedatives to promote relaxation, and pain medication.Ĭrate rest is mandatory for the IVDD to heal, if your dog's lifestyle does not include crate rest, or if they are otherwise very active and rarely slow down, your vet may prescribe medications to relax the dog and promote a more laid back lifestyle. Dog owners should be aware however that, while this is sometimes sufficient, many of these patients may require surgery further down the road should their condition continue to deteriorate. If the IVDD is caught early enough in your dog, your veterinarian may recommend non-invasive treatments like pain medication and strict exercise confinement instead of surgery. In its early stages, the symptoms of IVDD disorder are mild. Owners should be aware that these breeds of dog are predisposed to IVDD:Ĭan a dog recover from IVDD without surgery? Once IVDD is confirmed, and its severity determined, your pet will either begin conservative treatment to try and prevent further damage without surgery, or they will be referred for x-ray imaging in preparation for surgical intervention If your veterinarian suspects IVDD may be ailing your dog, they will usually begin with a physical exam to check your pet’s orthopedic and neurologic condition. How is IVDD diagnosed? What dog breeds are at risk? Shaking or trembling (usually in response to pain).What are the signs and symptoms of IVDD? Common symptoms of IVDD include, but are not limited to: While a disc can bulge or herniate anywhere along the spinal column, 65% of accounted disc ruptures occur in the thoracolumbar (midback) area, while 18% occur in the cervical (neck) region. This type is slow onset, there likely won't be any particular moment or action that can be identified as having caused the damage. With Type II, the discs become hardened over a longer period of time, eventually bulging or rupturing to cause spinal cord compression. Examples of dog breeds more vulnerable to Hansen Type II IVDD disorder are Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, or Dobermans. Hansen Type II is more commonly seen in large breed dogs. A ruptured disk causes compression of the spinal cord and can result in pain, difficulty walking, paralysis, and/or the inability to urinate. While wear and tear calcifies and damages the disk over time, the rupture generally occurs suddenly as the result of a forceful impact (jumping, landing, etc.). Hansen Type I is more commonly seen in chondrodystrophic breeds (dachshunds, corgis, beagles, etc.) and involves an acute rupture of the disc. When the intervertebral disc herniates, it can result in concussion or compression of the spinal cord, causing lasting and debilitating damage. There are two types of IVDD, known as Hansen Type I and Hansen Type II. This substance constitutes the intervertebral disc, and it serves as a shock absorber for the spine. A gelatinous substance that is surrounded by a thick outer layer can be found between the bones and spine in dogs. IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease, is a spinal disorder that follows from the herniating of an intervertebral disc inside an afflicted dog.

X ray odogs cervical spine