My Dog's Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Symptoms
Q: What are the signs my dog might have a slipped or herniated disc?
A: Dogs with IVDD often show back or neck pain, reluctance to jump, yelp when picked up, or develop weakness or paralysis in the legs. In severe cases, they may lose bladder or bowel control, leading to incontinence.
Breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis—with long backs and short legs—are especially prone to this condition because of the extra stress on their spine.
Diagnosis
Q: How does my veterinarian diagnose IVDD?
A: Diagnosis begins with a neurologic examination, where your vet checks for pain, reflexes, and limb coordination.
X-rays may show narrowed spaces between the vertebrae, suggesting a disc problem.
For definitive diagnosis, imaging such as an MRI or CT scan is often recommended to locate the exact disc and assess spinal cord compression.
Important: TIME IS CRITICAL—if surgery is being considered, each day of delay will reduce the chances of your pet’s full recovery.
Initial Treatment
Q: What happens once IVDD is diagnosed?
A:
- Mild cases:
- Strict crate rest to rest the spine,
- pain control, typically gabapentin
- drugs to reduce muscle cramping like Robaxin
- anti-inflammatory medications, typically steroids, are essential.
-
Moderate to severe cases: Referral for neurosurgery (hemilaminectomy or similar procedure) may be needed to remove pressure on the spinal cord.
Early intervention is the key—dogs that can still walk have a much higher chance of recovery if treated promptly.
When Surgery May Be Required
Q: When should decompressive spinal surgery be considered?
A: If your pet is acutely paralyzed, or if moderate spinal symptoms fail to improve, decompressive spinal surgery may be necessary. The goal of surgery is to remove pressure from the spinal cord. This typically involves removing a portion of the bony tunnel (vertebral arch) surrounding the spine, which allows the surgeon to physically remove the disc material causing compression and gives the spine more room to heal.
The sooner this surgery is performed, the better the chances of regaining function.
Surgical Outcomes and Recovery Rates
|
Symptoms |
Duration |
% Recovery Without Surgery |
% Recovery With Surgery |
|
Mild/moderate pain |
< 7 days |
80–90% |
90–95% |
|
Mild/moderate pain |
> 7 days |
60–70% |
90–95% |
|
Partial paralysis, weakness |
— |
30–40% |
80–90% |
|
Paralysis but can feel |
< 3 days |
< 25% |
80–90% |
|
Paralysis but can feel |
> 3 days |
< 20% |
60–70% |
|
Paralysis, no feeling |
< 24 hours |
< 5% |
50% |
|
Paralysis, no feeling |
> 24 hours |
< 5% |
< 20% |
Postoperative Care
Q: What kind of care does my pet need after surgery?
A: Postoperative recovery is as important as the surgery itself. Your pet’s care will typically include:
- Pain relief, either injectable or oral.
- Nursing care—helping your pet get up, move, and stay clean. At Mission Animal Hospital, we provide harnesses for post-op support.
- Laser therapy every 2–3 days to promote healing.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation to rebuild strength and coordination.
Assessing Surgical Success
Q: How will we know if surgery has been successful?
A: Surgical success cannot always be determined immediately. The return of normal neurologic function may take days to several weeks.
The outcome depends on four main factors:
- Whether permanent spinal cord damage occurred before surgery.
- How quickly the pressure was removed from the spinal cord.
- The quality of postoperative care.
- Your pet’s motivation and participation in recovery.
Lifestyle and Chronic Management
Q: How can I help prevent future episodes or manage my dog’s condition long-term?
A:
- Avoid jumping, stairs, and slippery floors (use ramps, carpet runners, or yoga mats for traction).
- Maintain a healthy weight to minimize spinal stress.
- Supportive harnesses can help reduce strain on the neck and back. One brand that Dr. Kevin likes is “Blue Dog Help-M-Up harnesses”
- Low-impact exercise (like leash walks or hydrotherapy) helps maintain muscle without overloading the spine.
- Long-term, be alert for any signs of back pain or weakness—recurrence is probable, especially in long-bodied breeds.