***Disclaimer***
The folloiwng information is not meant to replace the guidance and expertise of a qualified veterinarian but rather to shorten the journey in the search for information on IVDD that may help you make a more informed decision regarding the care of your dog.
The folloiwng information is not meant to replace the guidance and expertise of a qualified veterinarian but rather to shorten the journey in the search for information on IVDD that may help you make a more informed decision regarding the care of your dog.
IVDD
Canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common orthopedic problem seen by veterinarians. The discs are thick plate- or disc-like cushions which lie between the bony vertebrae in the spine. They are composed of a fibrous outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a pulpy, gelatinous center called the nucleus pulpusos. The discs help to cushion the spine as your dog walks, trots, runs, twists, and jumps.
IVDD is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.
IVDD is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.
Symptoms of IVDD
The observable signs of intervertebral disk disease can be quite variable. Owners of affected dogs may notice one or more of the following symptoms, which can be sudden, intermittent or gradual in onset:
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Owners often notice similar signs after their dog has engaged in strenuous physical activity or experienced acute physical trauma. An acutely ruptured disk can be caused in an otherwise normal dog by jumping off high places, jumping out of a car or off the bed of a pick-up truck, playing a rousing game of fetch or Frisbee or leaping out of an owner’s arms, among other activities.
A healthy dog can also suffer acute-onset of disk damage when it has been hit by a car, attacked by another animal or experienced some other form of trauma. This type of acute traumatic injury is not the same as IVDD, although the symptoms can be very similar. IVDD involves a degenerative process and does not result merely from sudden trauma, although sudden trauma can cause rupture or herniation of an intervertebral disk in a dog whose disks already are weakened by IVDD.
Excerpt from: https://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Intervertebral-Disk-Disease/Symptoms.aspx
Time is of the essence!
It is important that valuable time is not lost getting the facts about IVDD, searching out a qualified veterinarian that can make a diagnosis, and finding a center that can provide imaging of the spine if that is needed.
Time is of the essence especially if your dog's legs are paralyzed and may have lost deep pain sensation (DPS). Precious hours can be lost with a vet that gets DPS wrong. Find a neuro vet or emergency clinic that has vet specialists. Find out from a specialist what you are dealing with and then you can make the best decision for your dog.
As damage to the spinal cord increases, progression of symptoms of IVDD occurs in a predictable sequence:
The last best chance for a good surgical outcome is within a window of 12-24 hours from losing the last of neuro functions which is deep pain sensation (DPS). Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome but each hour that passes decreases that chance.
Neither surgery nor conservative treatment (medications and crate rest) are "guaranteed" to work. If surgery is an option, know that there is a limited window of time to make this decision.
IVDD is not a death sentence! Be sure you know the two treatments - conservative and surgery. Not everyone can afford surgery. Conservative treatment along with medication and therapy, such as acupuncture and water treatment, can make a huge difference for a dog with IVDD. The first key is to recovery is to make sure you get your dog to a vet knowledgeable about IVDD and possible treatments ASAP. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, you can make a decision on how to best treat your dog. Remember, many dachshund owners have dealt with IVDD. You are definitely not alone!
Time is of the essence especially if your dog's legs are paralyzed and may have lost deep pain sensation (DPS). Precious hours can be lost with a vet that gets DPS wrong. Find a neuro vet or emergency clinic that has vet specialists. Find out from a specialist what you are dealing with and then you can make the best decision for your dog.
As damage to the spinal cord increases, progression of symptoms of IVDD occurs in a predictable sequence:
- Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord
- Wobbly walking, legs cross
- Nails scuffing on the floor
- Paws knuckling
- Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) - this is an emergency. Find that vet specialist!
- Bladder control is lost
- Tail wagging is lost
- Loss of deep pain sensation, the last neuro function can only be correctly identified by a specialist. A general vet is not qualified to tell if a dog is a candidate for surgery but is qualified to refer you to a specialist. Only a board certified ortho or neuro surgeon can advise you on surgery.
The last best chance for a good surgical outcome is within a window of 12-24 hours from losing the last of neuro functions which is deep pain sensation (DPS). Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome but each hour that passes decreases that chance.
Neither surgery nor conservative treatment (medications and crate rest) are "guaranteed" to work. If surgery is an option, know that there is a limited window of time to make this decision.
IVDD is not a death sentence! Be sure you know the two treatments - conservative and surgery. Not everyone can afford surgery. Conservative treatment along with medication and therapy, such as acupuncture and water treatment, can make a huge difference for a dog with IVDD. The first key is to recovery is to make sure you get your dog to a vet knowledgeable about IVDD and possible treatments ASAP. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, you can make a decision on how to best treat your dog. Remember, many dachshund owners have dealt with IVDD. You are definitely not alone!
My dog is showing symptoms of IVDD. What do I do?
Always crate your dog immediately when you first suspect a back problem (shivering/trembling, yelping, reluctant to move, arched back, head held high or low, wobbly walk) and get him to a vet asap. Crating will help keep the dog from further injuring the spinal cord that could potentially lead to paralysis and loss of bladder control. Learn more here - http://www.dodgerslist.com/faq.htm
If your dog is showing symptoms of IVDD, it needs to be seen by a vet for a diagnosis and the right medications just as soon as possible. The sooner medications are on board the sooner healing can get underway, pain be brought under control and deterioration of neuro functions be avoided.
Don't wait, minutes & hours matter... and if you lack confidence in your vet or seem to be getting nowhere, don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion or better yet a referral to a specialist (neuro or ortho) as these specialists see many cases of back problems daily.
If your dog is showing symptoms of IVDD, it needs to be seen by a vet for a diagnosis and the right medications just as soon as possible. The sooner medications are on board the sooner healing can get underway, pain be brought under control and deterioration of neuro functions be avoided.
Don't wait, minutes & hours matter... and if you lack confidence in your vet or seem to be getting nowhere, don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion or better yet a referral to a specialist (neuro or ortho) as these specialists see many cases of back problems daily.
Where can i find a vet who knows about ivdd?
In Edmonton:
Edmonton Holistic Vet Clinic
8215 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 4A5
(780) 436-4944
River Valley Veterinary Wellness Clinic
8744 149 Street
Edmonton, AB
(780) 484-6672
https://rivervalleyvet.ca
Town Centre Veterinary Hospital
1502 Lakewood Rd W
Edmonton, AB T6K 3J4
(780) 496-9065
In Red Deer:
Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital
7644 Gaetz Ave.
Red Deer, AB T4P 2A8
(403) 342-5200
In Calgary:
Silverado Veterinary Hospital
19369 Sheriff King St #318
Calgary, AB T2X 0G2
(403) 256-7760
Canine Fitness Centre
4515 Manhattan Rd SE
Calgary, AB T2G 4B3
(403) 204-0823
Edmonton Holistic Vet Clinic
8215 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 4A5
(780) 436-4944
River Valley Veterinary Wellness Clinic
8744 149 Street
Edmonton, AB
(780) 484-6672
https://rivervalleyvet.ca
Town Centre Veterinary Hospital
1502 Lakewood Rd W
Edmonton, AB T6K 3J4
(780) 496-9065
In Red Deer:
Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital
7644 Gaetz Ave.
Red Deer, AB T4P 2A8
(403) 342-5200
In Calgary:
Silverado Veterinary Hospital
19369 Sheriff King St #318
Calgary, AB T2X 0G2
(403) 256-7760
Canine Fitness Centre
4515 Manhattan Rd SE
Calgary, AB T2G 4B3
(403) 204-0823
More information about ivdd
Acorn Veterinary Hospital
http://www.acornvets.com/content/intervertebral-disc-disease
Azzore Veterinary Specialists
http://www.azzore.com/services/neurologic-surgery/intervertebral-disc-disease-ivdd
Care of a Paralyzed Pet
https://dvsc.com/medical_library/intervertebral-disc-disease-ivdd-care-paralyzed-pet
Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center - The Facts About Backs
http://dfwvetsurgeons.com/library/intervertebral-disc-disease
Dodgerslist - support and education for dogs with intervertebral disc disease
http://www.dodgerslist.com / http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm
Invertebral Disk Disease
www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Intervertebral-Disk-Disease.aspx
IVDD is not a death sentence! Read about the quality of life a dog with IVDD can have...
http://www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm
Strict Rest Recovery Process - Dodgerslist
https://dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process
Swelling in the spinal cord
http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm
http://www.acornvets.com/content/intervertebral-disc-disease
Azzore Veterinary Specialists
http://www.azzore.com/services/neurologic-surgery/intervertebral-disc-disease-ivdd
Care of a Paralyzed Pet
https://dvsc.com/medical_library/intervertebral-disc-disease-ivdd-care-paralyzed-pet
Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center - The Facts About Backs
http://dfwvetsurgeons.com/library/intervertebral-disc-disease
Dodgerslist - support and education for dogs with intervertebral disc disease
http://www.dodgerslist.com / http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm
Invertebral Disk Disease
www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Intervertebral-Disk-Disease.aspx
IVDD is not a death sentence! Read about the quality of life a dog with IVDD can have...
http://www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htm
Strict Rest Recovery Process - Dodgerslist
https://dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process
Swelling in the spinal cord
http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htm
Don't lose hope!
The ability for each dog to return to a good quality of life no matter the degree of healing is absolutely in the cards! Please contact ADR if you are considering putting your pup down after a diagnosis of IVDD. Only rarely is this the best solution (Myelomalacia).
We have had dogs who appeared fully paralyzed recover to the way they were prior to an IVDD diagnosis and others who went on to heal enough to live full and active lives. ADR is willing to support you to the best of our ability through the healing process with your dog and to point you in the direction of others who can help with rehab.
DON'T LOSE HOPE!
Dodgers List Success Stories - http://www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htm
We have had dogs who appeared fully paralyzed recover to the way they were prior to an IVDD diagnosis and others who went on to heal enough to live full and active lives. ADR is willing to support you to the best of our ability through the healing process with your dog and to point you in the direction of others who can help with rehab.
DON'T LOSE HOPE!
Dodgers List Success Stories - http://www.dodgerslist.com/monthstory.htm
Photo of Rudy taken by Sandra Gluth