What is IVDD?

Symptoms
The severity of the symptoms a dog has is directly related to how much spinal cord damage has occurred.  A small disk rupture, or one that happens slowly and gradually over several weeks, may only cause back or neck pain with minimal paralysis.  If a disk ruptures fast and forcefully, the pressure on the spinal cord will cause pain and varying degrees of paralysis.

Examples:

• Hunched posture or stiff posture
• Sensitivity to touch
• Anxious behavior
• Unsteadiness
• Inability to stand
• Hind limb weakness / Holding the back low
• Inability to move or feel the hind legs
• Impaired bowel and/or bladder control​

     IVDD stands for  Intervertebral Disk Disease. This disease is the most common cause of back pain in canines and can lead to reduced mobility and quality of life. 
2 Types of IVDD-
     Type 1 of Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) is when the center of the disk becomes hardened and the capsule becomes brittle. Intervertebral (vertibrae) discs are composed of fibrocartilage. They are like jelly cushions for the spine, acting as shock absorbers and enabling mobility. 
So when they become brittle the capsule of the disk can rupture without warning, allowing the hardened material in the center of the spinal cord to enter the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal cord.
     Type 2 is similar because the discs become harder and less flexible, like type 1, but this happens over a longer period of time. Eventually the disc breaks down and that jelly-like cushion bulges out, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Oftentimes the signs and symptoms are not as severe as those seen in type one.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, from the Atlas of Veterinary Clinical Anatomy.

There is good news- Most IVDD diagnosis’ can be treated. Early intervention is key though.

What should you do if you suspect IVDD?
Call your veterinarian and set up an appointment at your earliest convenience. They will review the past medical history and do a physical examination to get a better idea of what may be causing your pup’s discomfort. Plain radiographs, CT imaging and MRI’s may also be done to rule confirm (or deny) the diagnosis of IVDD. 
It is very important for the Vet to do a full work up as determining the signs and symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as meningitis, infection, and vascular issues. They can then put together a plan of treatment. 

Can you prevent it?
Since IVDD is a disease with a strong genetic component it is difficult to prevent.  Dogs at increased risk of IVDD are chondrodystrophic dogs (dogs with short legs and long backs) and dogs with a known family history of the disease. As we always say:
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It is important for dogs to maintain a healthy body weight and be physically fit to help in the prevention.

IVDD Treatment

There is a variety of ways to help a dog with IVDD which depends on how severe the case. More conservative management involves rest, pain management, anti-inflammatory medication, and rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation includes massage techniques, range-of-motion exercises, and stretching which aids in the recovery
process by improving circulation, reducing muscle
​stiffness, and promoting healing.

More severe cases may require surgery.
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Movement is Medicine
Here at Oklahoma K9 PT, we are movement specialists. We assess your dogs overall mobility and all factors that may affect this. Not only can weakness and neurologic changes cause difficulty with mobility, but also environmental factors, obesity, and traction issues. We help tailor a plan for your dog's individual needs to help you help your canine companion management their arthritis with decreased reliance on pain medication. 

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