Intervertrebral disc disease in dogs

Overview

Certain dogs are prone to back problems, particularly breeds with long backs and short legs. These breeds are referred to as chondrodystrophic because of their body conformation. Dogs with these characteristics can suffer from intervertrebral disc disease (IVDD) because of the increased stress that is put on their spine during normal activities (running, jumping, going up stairs).

IVDD type I occurs when the inner layer of a disc suddenly protrudes or herniates in to the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord, putting pressure on it and damaging it. The result can be moderate to severe pain, incoordination, inability to use the rear legs, and loss of pain sensation to the rear legs. This is most commonly seen in the smaller breeds such as the Dachshund, Basset Hound, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi or Pekinese. It is usually seen between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Mixed breed dogs that have chondrodystrophic breeds in their background are also susceptible, especially if they are overweight.

Type II is recognized as a chronic form of protrusion of the inner and outer parts of the disc due to degeneration and dehydration of the disc material. This can happen in any breed and usually presents itself between 8 and 10 years of age. At this age, the disease progresses slowly and often does not require surgical correction.

Dogs suffering IVDD experience weakness in the hindquarters, sometimes resulting in complete paralysis and loss of pain sensation. They also may lose bladder control.

Symptoms

• Hind leg weakness
• Hind leg lameness
• Lack of coordination
• Inability to urinate
• Pain in the lower back
• Dragging rear limbs

Prevention

IVDD is an inherited disorder related to the anatomy of dogs with long backs and short legs, therefore it can be prevented through careful breeding. Dogs that have suffered from the disease should not be bred because they can pass the problem along to their offspring.

A high-quality diet rich in nutrients is thought to help stave off IVDD in breeds that are prone to the condition. Talk to your veterinarian about putting your dog on the best diet possible.

Keeping your chondrodystrophic dog at a healthy weight will help decrease the amount of stress put on his back and decrease the likelihood that they will suffer from IVDD. 

Treatment

The type of treatment needed for IVDD depends on the severity of the condition. Dogs that experience only minor discomfort can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs to help bring down pain-causing inflammation of the spinal cord. With strict cage rest over a one to two-month period, the ruptured disc may heal and the dog can return to normal activity.

More serious cases of IVDD that do not respond to anti-inflammatories or when the dog has lost pain sensation will require surgical correction. The surgery consists of removing a section of bone near the spinal cord, along with some of the herniated disc, to help relieve nerve pressure. The goal of surgery is to restore use of the hind legs for dogs that are unable to walk.

After treatment

Dogs that undergo surgery for IVDD need weeks to months of recovery time before it can be determined how much mobility the dog will regain.  Most fully recover, especially if surgery was performed in a timely manner.  During the recovery time, the dog will need to be kept confined so as to restrict activity and allow the back to heal. Your veterinarian will have instructions on how to manage your dogs care depending on the severity of the case. 

Some dogs, even after surgical intervention, never regain the abiity to walk or urinate on their own.  Carts are available for these dogs and allow them to pull themselves around by their front legs, kind of like a wheelchair for dogs.  These dogs require lifelong nursing care at home, especially to express their bladders, but usually have an excellent quality of life. 

Resources:

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/cpr/IVDD.html
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/AltMed/WienerDog/IVD_AltMed.htm
http://vmthpub.vetmed.wisc.edu/sa_services/surg/neurology/ivdd.htm
http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/disc.htm