What is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs?
Intervertebral disc disease or IVDD in dogs are results of injuries to the spinal cord. Sadly, spinal cord injuries are almost always permanent. The damage remains irreversible without medical or surgical intervention.
IVDD in dogs involves damage of the spinal cord. The vertebral column is a long pipe-like structure made up of individual hollow bones called vertebrae. Two vertebrae are separated by the intervertebral discs.
The spinal cord runs through the length of the vertebral column. IVDD in dogs can happen when the disc material shoot upwards and presses on the spinal cord. It results in painful compression of the multiple nerves in the location, often impacting mobility, gate and the senses in the legs of the dog.
Depending on the location(s) and severity of IVDD, a dog can also experience complete paralysis.
What Causes Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs?
The main cause of IVDD in dogs is the “disturbance” in the intervertebral disc that causes it to press against the spinal cord and nerve roots. There are two different types of disease that can affect the intervertebral disk.
- Hansen Type I Disk Disease
- Hansen Type II Disk Disease
The Hansen Type I Disc Disease
In the type I IVDD in dogs, the inner part of the intervertebral disc becomes hardened. One wrong jump is enough to cause the protrusion of the hardened material out of its shell into the spinal cord.
Type 1 Disk Disease results in sharp pain and reduced nerve function. Almost 25% of all Dachshund breed dogs have at least one episode of IVDD (Hansen Type I Disk Disease) in their lifetime. Beagles are genetically predisposed to Type I Disk Disease.
The Hansen Type I IVDD in dogs is common among younger dogs of smaller breeds.
Type II Disk Disease
The Hansen Type II Disc Disease or IVDD is common among older dogs of medium to large breeds. It is a chronic degenerative disease that causes the wear-and-tear of the supportive structure of the intervertebral disc.
The intervertebral disc typically collapses and is pushed forward into the spinal cord. It causes chronic pain and compression of the spinal cord. The process typically takes months or even years. The nerve functions including walking and limb sensations worsen as the days pass by.
IVDD is extremely common among older German Shepherds.
Which Breeds are at a Higher Risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease?
Due to inheritable mutations and other genetic factors some small breeds such as the Beagle and Dachshund are more prone to developing IVDD.
Other breeds include the small breeds with an elongated back and short legs, such as –
- Shih Tzu
- Lhasa Apso
- Miniature Poodle
- Pekingese
- Cocker Spaniel
Medium to large breeds can also develop IVDD. These breeds include –
- German Shepherd
- Doberman Pinscher
- Labrador Retriever
What are the Signs of Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs?
The signs of IVDD can be acute in cases of Type I Disc Disease. The signs of IVDD in Type II Disc Disease can appear slowly over time.
Our veterinarians have curated the common signs of IVDD in dogs that occur in both Type I and Type II Disc Disease. These signs include –
1. Pain
The site of disc herniation or IVDD is generally painful. Sometimes, in the mild cases of IVDD in dogs, pain is the only sign.
2. Neurological Signs
As the spinal cord is compressed over time, neurological signs become progressively prominent. The most prominent sign is the loss of sensation of the correct orientation of the foot. It’s called conscious proprioception. The veterinarian typically conducts the test for this. IVDD in dogs can also cause them to lose balance and drag their feet.
3. Urological Signs
Some dogs with IVDD may also lose their ability to control their bladder or empty their bladder.
How is Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs Diagnosed?
When a dog presents with signs of spinal weakness the veterinarian first determines if the signs are due to the compression of the spinal cord. If the weakness is due to spinal compression, then they will determine the cause of the compression. If it’s not due to IVDD, then surgery or medication may not help the patient.
To rule out other causes of spinal compression or weakness, the veterinarian will run a multi-step diagnostic process –
1. Physical Examination
The veterinarian will test the different reflexes and site of pain to understand which area is most affected.
2. Diagnostic Imaging
The diagnosis of IVDD begins with an X-ray. Plain radiographs are not just inexpensive, but they can also rule out the other factors that may be contributing to the neurological signs. Collapsed discs and other IVDD signs are more clearly visible on CT-Scans and MRIs.
3. Advanced Imaging
In the case, surgery is necessary, the veterinarians may recommend a CT scan or MRI for a clear image of the site and the different types of tissues involved.
What is the Treatment for IVDD in dogs or Intervertebral Disc Disease in dogs?
The treatment for IVDD in dogs depends upon how acute it is. The radiographs and physical examinations will show if the dog requires surgery or medication. Spinal surgery is risky and it involves a long recovery time.
Veterinarians typically follow a few rules that depend on the pain and function of the patient –
- If the dog is able to walk, non-surgical or medical treatment to control the swelling and pain are viable options.
- If the dog is unable to walk and is in severe pain, then surgery is considered.
- In the event the dog has been unable to walk for a little over 48 hours but has no sense of pain, the chances of recovery are much lower, even with surgery.
- In the case the dog cannot walk, medicines will still be effective. However, surgery is recommended since gaining full mobility with just medication can take longer than a year.
- Physiotherapy can help a dog with IVDD recover mobility quickly and reduce the local swelling as well. However, only visit a veterinary physiotherapist upon the recommendation of your veterinarian.
Can Your Dog Recover from IVDD?
The chances of recovery from IVDD depends on quick action on the part of the pet parent and prudent decision-making.
Ideally, you should restrict the movement of your dog and contact the emergency veterinarian ASAP.
Continue with medication and physiotherapy as suggested by the veterinarian. If your vet suggests surgery, consider it before ruling it out due to the risks involved.
Recovery from IVDD is indeed possible. However, your veterinarian will be the best person to explain the prognosis to you depending on the diagnostic imaging and neurological signs presented by your dog.
Can an IVDD Paralysed Dog Walk Again?
There have been multiple cases of IVDD in dogs that resulted in complete paralysis of two or more limbs. However, with persistent medication and physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, it is indeed possible for some dogs to regain the function of their limbs.
The dogs that qualify for surgery have significantly higher chances of walking once their recovery is complete. They may still require physical therapy for longer than 2 months to move their limbs.
FAQs about IVDD in Dogs:
What is IVDD in dogs?
IVDD is a spinal condition where discs degenerate, causing pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis in dogs.
What are common signs of IVDD?
Symptoms include back pain, difficulty walking, reluctance to move, trembling, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Which breeds are most prone to IVDD?
Breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels are particularly susceptible to IVDD due to their genetic predisposition.
How is IVDD diagnosed in dogs?
Vets diagnose IVDD through physical exams, neurological assessments, X-ray and advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT-Scans.
What treatments are available for IVDD in dogs?
Treatments include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, pain relief, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Can IVDD be prevented in dogs?
While genetic predisposition can’t be changed, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding jumping can reduce IVDD risk in the smaller breed of dogs.
Is surgery always necessary for dogs with IVDD?
No, not all cases require surgery; mild to moderate cases often improve with conservative treatment and physical therapy.
What is the recovery time for dogs after IVDD surgery?
Recovery can vary, but typically it ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity and individual dog.
Can dogs with IVDD lead a normal life?
With proper treatment and care, many dogs with IVDD can lead happy, active lives, though they may need ongoing management.
Are there any long-term effects of IVDD in dogs?
Long-term effects can include chronic pain, mobility issues, and in severe cases, permanent paralysis or weakness.