What is IVDD?
Inter-Vertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a condition in which a disc develops a problem and the material inside escapes into the spinal column, ultimately causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. The condition is seen more often in dogs than cats.

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What are the symptoms of Inter-Vertebral Disk Disease?

Symptoms of IVDD may include:

• Unwillingness to jump.

• Pain and weakness in rear legs (lameness)

• Crying out in pain.

• Anxious behavior.

• Muscle spasms over back or neck.

• Hunched back or neck with tense muscles.

• Reduced appetite and activity levels.

• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence)

 

 

What is degenerative disease of the spine?

Degenerative spine conditions involve the gradual loss of normal structure and function of the spine over time. They are usually caused by aging, but may also be the result of tumors, infections or arthritis. Pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by degeneration can be caused by: Slipped or herniated discs.

 

 

Preventing IVDD

Obviously, one important way to prevent traumatic damage to a dog’s spinal cord is to manage its athletic enthusiasm. Regular, moderate exercise is good for healthy dogs, and usually for their owners, as well. Uncontrolled leaping and jumping - especially off of high places like decks, tall furniture, ledges, boulders, pick-up truck beds and similar – is not, especially for dogs with degenerative disk disease. Owners of chondrodystrophic breeds (Dachshund, Bulldog, Corgi, Pug, French Bulldog, Bassett Hound, Pekinese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Beagle, and Poodle) should take special care not to let their dogs jump from high places. Their large bodies and comparatively short legs are especially prone to musculoskeletal and spinal injuries. Obesity should be avoided in any dog. Signs of back or neck pain should be taken very seriously. Owners who suspect a spinal cord injury might want to consult with a veterinarian and perhaps with a veterinary neurologist or orthopedic specialist.

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Treatment of Inter-Vertebral Disk Disease

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury or illness, but can be separated into surgical and non-surgical options.  For dogs with a first episode of back pain or mild pelvic limb ataxia, a conservative approach of cage rest and medications may be recommended.  Dogs with more severe signs (grades 2-5) or recurrent or persistent back pain that does not respond to rest and medications are best managed with surgery to decompress the spinal cord.  After examination and an MRI, the size, site and side of the disk herniation can be located.  A removal of one side of the side of the vertebrae can be performed to allow the neurosurgeon to remove the herniated disk material and decompress the spinal cord. This procedure may not always be successful.