Barks and Backaches: Navigating Canine Disc Issues

IVDD; What on earth is that?

Not the catchiest name in the world, but IVDD stands for intervertebral disc disease, a common cause of back issues in dogs. Discs sit between the bones of the spine, acting as a cushion and allowing for movement. They are made of a ring of cartilage with a jelly-like centre. Unfortunately, these discs can degenerate; the cartilage can dry out and harden, and the jelly-like centre may then push out and impinge upon the spinal cord. This may also be called a disc bulge or disc rupture, and can be a bit of a problem.

Risk factors/causes

Some of these changes may simply come with age, and alas I have not yet found a cure for aging. When I do, all you loyal blog readers are welcome to come and visit me on my private island, I’ll send the jet to pick you up. Some breeds, however, are more at risk than others in developing IVDD, and therefore it may occur much earlier in life. Long backs with short legs are very cute and make for a great Insta post but regrettably, increase IVDD risk. Dachshunds are the most likely breed to develop IVDD, with an estimated 15-30% of the breed affected. Other breeds more at risk include French Bulldogs, beagles, basset hounds, corgis, miniature poodles and pekingese. Weight also can be a factor, with obese or overweight dogs at an increased risk. 

Signs and Symptoms:

• Signs of pain e.g. crying/whimpering, decreased appetite, decreased mood

• Lameness/limpingactivity, decreased

• Rounded/hunched back 

• Tripping over back feet

• Dragging hind limbs

• Paralysis 

• Incontinence

• Difficulty with peeing or pooing

• Holding head low and stiffly 

• Inability to walk normally 

• Weakness

Prevention

Again, regrettably there is nothing we can do to 100% prevent IVDD. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. You can add ‘reducing IVDD risk’ to the long list of positives that come with keeping your pooch at a healthy weight. If you own a dog on the list of at risk breeds, we strongly recommend you check in with your local canine physio and chat with them about strength and conditioning exercises you can do to diminish the odds of IVDD. The stronger we can get the muscles supporting and stabilising the spine, the less strain is put on those vulnerable discs, and hopefully less back ache (and heart ache) in the future. When it comes to long backed/short legged breeds, we would also recommend not letting them jump on and off high surfaces, or chase balls, as this movement can often be the straw that breaks the camel’s back (pun intended).

Vet input

Diagnosis occurs via your vet’s examination alongside imaging techniques including X-ray and MRI. If your pooch is presenting with a mild case, your vet is likely to start with non-surgical treatment, focused on making your dog feel comfortable and facilitating healing. This may consist of pain relief, using steroids or anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and enforced rest. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary to give your dog the best chance of returning to their normal healthy, happy selves and minimise permanent neurological damage. During surgery, the vet will try to decompress the spine by removing the disc material that is pushing on the spinal cord/nerves and causing symptoms. It is important to note that the likelihood of this surgery being successful decreases with time after the onset of symptoms. So if you notice the changes we’ve discussed, please do not hesitate in taking your dog to the vet. 

Physio input 

Just like after a spinal injury in humans, we believe physio is absolutely vital for the treatment of IVDD. There are three key points in an IVDD case that we can help with.

1. Prevention

As I’ve said above, if you have an at risk breed like the ones we listed above, we recommend you come and see us. Prevention is always preferable to a cure- think a fence at the top of the cliff instead of an ambulance at the bottom! This in no way means you will be bringing your best friend to physio every week for the entirety of their lives, but come and see us and we can get you started on exercises to strengthen core muscles to support the spine. We’re not exactly going to give your sausage dog a six pack, but we may be able to help keep them pain free and happy. 

2. Alongside medical management 

If your dog has IVDD and surgery is deemed unnecessary, or not the best option, we are also here to help. The first thing we do is work alongside your vet to reduce pain. Pain reduction is always the number one priority, we want to get your dog comfortable before we move on to everything else. This may involve electrotherapy like TENS, laser or PEME, or hands on massage and gentle stretching. A progressive strengthening program will then get your pup on the road to recovery, and decrease the risk of symptoms worsening. Any specific neurological deficits can be identified and targeted, such as helping them learn to walk correctly again. Rehab after a neurological injury is a slow and steady process but requires regular and persistent stimulation of the nervous system. Our job is to literally get on your dog’s nerves! 

3. Post surgery 

Prognosis post surgery depends on symptoms, but as a rule this surgery can be very successful. When we see your dog post IVDD surgery, we will aim to help with healing and recovery from the surgery itself, help to regain function lost due to IVDD, and help with management of any persistent long term symptoms. Working alongside your vet, we can contribute to pain management and wound healing, and help to guide you through the journey of gently reintroducing movement and exercise back into your routine. Weakness or paralysis that may have occurred with IVDD will be a key focus of our strengthening and mobility work as we get you pooch up and moving again. If symptoms seem to be more long term, we are here to help you organise equipment such as wheels and harnesses, and ensure your dog is strong and fit enough through the rest of their body to compensate. 

IVDD can be an incredibly scary and stressful experience for both your dog and you, but you are not alone! Not only is this common, but your vet and your physio are here to help, and recovery is possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at JD Pedigree if you have any questions, or come in and see us with your four legged bestie and let’s start the journey together. 

References:

Bergknut N, Egenvall A, Hagman R, Gustås P, Hazewinkel HAW, Meij BP, et al. Incidence and mortality of diseases related to intervertebral disc degeneration in a population of over 600,000 dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;240:1300–9. doi: 10.2460/javma.240.11.1300.