Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), sometimes referred to as a slipped or herniated disc, is a condition in which the fluid-filled disc between two spinal vertebrae is ruptured or herniated. This leads to inflammation, and compression of the spinal nerve and cord.IVDD can cause severe pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in extreme cases.
Causes of IVDD
IVDD is a degenerative condition that is more common in dogs than cats. It can be triggered by trauma to the spine or develop with age, as a pet’s spinal vertebrae deteriorate and become more susceptible to injury.
Obesity is also a risk factor for IVDD, as excess weight can put strain on the spinal cord. Small breeds of dog are most prone to developing the condition, especially chondrodystrophic breeds such as Dachshunds and Beagles that have long backs and short legs.
Symptoms of IVDD
Your pet’s symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the condition and the area of the spine affected. Pets with IVDD respond best to treatment when the condition is diagnosed in its early stages. For this reason, it’s important to visit your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following common symptoms.
- Neck stiffness
- Back pain
- Exercise intolerance
- Muscle spasms
- Sensitivity to touch
- Lameness
- Abnormal gait
- Incontinence
- Paralysis
- Diagnosis of IVDD
Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to check for signs of IVDD. They will also perform a neurological examination to help identify the affected area of the spine.
Radiographs can be useful for confirming a diagnosis of IVDD, especially when combined with myleography, a technique in which dye is injected into the spinal cord. Your veterinarian may also use advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. In some cases, your pet may need to be sedated while diagnostic tests are performed.
Treatment of IVDD
Treatment of IVDD will depend on the severity of your pet’s symptoms. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory and steroidal medications to reduce pain and swelling.
Other treatment methods include physical therapy and weight control. If your pet has severe IVDD, surgery may be the best option. In these cases, post-surgical physical rehabilitation is often recommended. Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s treatment advice carefully to aid your pet’s recovery.
Prevention of IVDD
There are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of your pet developing IVDD. Feed a balanced, nutritious diet and provide plenty of exercises to help your pet maintain a healthy weight. You can also reduce trauma to your pet’s spine by preventing them from jumping on and off furniture.
If you are a dog owner, a simple way to reduce pressure on your dog’s spine is by switching from a collar to a harness. Finally, visit your veterinarian immediately if you notice any potential signs of the condition. The prognosis for pets with IVDD is usually very positive when it is identified and treated early on.
