Degenerative disc disease in dogs can result in several unpleasant symptoms, ranging from mild pain to complete paralysis. This condition can develop slowly or suddenly. The sudden symptoms are usually due to a ruptured disc, while gradual signs result from a gradual increase in pressure on the spinal cord. Early signs include yelping or whining when picked up and may even make a dog unwilling to go up and down stairs or jump up and down furniture.
Symptoms
Disc degeneration in dogs often starts slowly and pain is usually the first symptom. Dogs suffering from this condition may not be aware of it and lie around in pain for a few days before it is recognized. If the condition is severe, however, a disc rupture may occur suddenly and cause paralysis.
In dogs, disc degeneration usually happens at the age of three to seven, although it can affect any breed. However, some breeds are more prone to this condition than others. These breeds include the Dachshund, Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, Corgi, and Lhasa Apso. The symptoms of herniated discs are very similar to those of other spinal conditions.
Physical examination of the dog is an important factor in the diagnosis. If the dog has symptoms such as pain or incoordination while walking, it could be a disc disease. An MRI may also be required if surgery is recommended. The imaging is important because it helps surgeons make the right decision.
If there is pressure on the spinal cord, it can result in a blood clot or a tumor. Both can cause paralysis, but the former is rarer. The most common cause is a slipped disc. The material inside the intervertebral disc presses against the spinal nerves, which results in a painful sensation. Treatment of this condition involves reducing the pressure on the spinal cord. A dog suffering from this condition is often prescribed crate rest to help the damaged outer rim of the disc heal.
The disease is usually not severe, but it is painful. In severe cases, it may cause loss of bladder function, or even paralysis. It is a degenerative condition that can affect the spinal cord and the nerves that control breathing. If your dog suffers from this condition, it is best to consult with a vet as early as possible.
Dogs that suffer from degenerative disc disease usually exhibit a variety of symptoms. Some of the common signs include restlessness, a lowered head, and difficulty climbing stairs. In some cases, your dog may even start to yelp unprovokedly.
Diagnosis
Degenerative disc disease is a degenerative condition that affects the spinal cord. It causes degeneration of the disc, resulting in pain and swelling. In severe cases, dogs can be paralyzed or lose the ability to move their legs. Symptoms of the condition vary depending on the location of the disc damage. If left untreated, degenerative disc disease in dogs can result in a herniated disc and compression of the spinal cord. Treatment depends on the extent of the disease and the type of treatment needed.
A dog can show signs of disc disease if he shows signs of pain, lack of coordination, paralysis, or a history of trauma. The condition is more common in certain breeds than in others. Dogs with a family history of the disease are at higher risk for developing the condition.
Diagnosis of degenerative disc disease requires a thorough examination of your dog’s spine. If your dog is showing signs of pain or dragging its legs, it’s a good idea to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is important to avoid paralysis and prevent further damage. Your vet will assess your dog’s neurological function, assess reflexes, and evaluate the strength of your dog’s legs.
In the event of discogenic herniation, the outer portion of the disc suffers a significant amount of pressure and begins to bulge. This pressure leads to a disc herniation, which causes pain and compression of the spinal cord. In severe cases, disc herniation can cause paralysis.
Diagnosis of degenerative disc disease can be difficult. Because disk degeneration is gradual, it’s hard to predict when the symptoms will first show up. Symptoms are not apparent until the degeneration of the disc has reached the point where the spinal cord is completely compressed.
Surgery may be necessary to relieve the compression on the spinal cord. This surgical procedure removes the ruptured disc material and allows the animal to regain function.
Treatments
Treatments for degenerative disc disease in dogs can be varied, depending on the extent of the disease. For milder cases, a dog may be able to recover on its own. However, severe cases may have to be euthanized. In the meantime, a dog suffering from the disease may require physical therapy.
A dog may be suffering from disc disease if he or she shows signs of pain, uncoordinated walking, or limping. Discs in the spinal column act as shock absorbers. A number of factors can lead to degeneration of this disc material, including over-vaccination and use of topical pesticides. In severe cases, the disc material may protrude and compress the spinal cord. In the worst cases, this may result in pain, inflammation, or even paralysis.
For a dog with mild symptoms and a wobbly gait, conservative management is usually recommended. However, if the dog is experiencing repeated episodes of pain or has a severe neurological deficit, surgery may be necessary. In addition, it is important to monitor urination and defecation to determine the severity of the condition. Physiotherapy can also be beneficial, including therapeutic laser treatments and acupuncture. Passive range of motion exercises and hydrotherapy can also help prevent muscle loss.
Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, is a common cause of pain in dogs. It typically affects the cervical, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral spines. The cause of the disease is unclear, but it is thought to result in disc degeneration and calcification.
In some cases, IVD can lead to paralysis and lost bladder function. Treatments for degenerative disc disease in dogs usually focus on reducing pain and relieving the compression on spinal cord nerves. A combination of drugs and controlled exercise are sometimes prescribed to relieve symptoms. Some dogs will require surgery to remove disc material.
A traumatic accident or sudden injury can cause disc herniation or a sudden rupture. However, in most cases, the degenerative disc disease is not a result of age, but is caused by a traumatic event. Most dogs with disc disease are middle-aged or older, between three and seven years old. Genetic factors may also play a role. Some breeds are more prone to the disease than others. For example, the Poodle is more prone to the disease than the Doberman Pinscher.
Prevention
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to the prevention of degenerative disc disease in dogs. In severe cases, disc disease may lead to a complete paralysis of the limbs and require urgent surgical intervention. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat the disease, including conservative methods such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In Texas, regenerative stem cell therapy may be used to restore cartilage and draw moisture back into the disc.
The most common symptom of the condition is pain, usually in the lumbar region. In some cases, it may cause a lack of coordination in walking. In rare cases, the disease can even lead to loss of feeling. While symptoms may appear gradually, it is imperative to seek medical attention early.
Treatment for degenerative disc disease in dogs will vary depending on the cause and extent of the damage. In some cases, surgery is necessary, but often, the disease will heal without any medical intervention. For example, some patients have a disk rupture without symptoms, and others will experience paralysis. In some cases, the degeneration process occurs over days or weeks. A dog with disc disease will be reluctant to move, and may lay down for days to allow the body time to heal. However, sometimes, the disk may rupture suddenly, leaving the dog completely immobile.
Symptoms of IVDD may be detected through an x-ray of the spine, which can reveal deterioration of the intervertebral discs. A vet will also conduct a neurological examination. For example, a veterinarian may fold a dog’s paw forward to see if the dog is able to correct its position or walk on its front legs. If there are signs of a problem, an MRI may be necessary.
Early diagnosis is vital to preventing the disease. MRI studies can identify early IVD degeneration, but are usually only recommended if there are significant clinical signs. Intradiscal injections are an option for dogs with mild or moderate symptoms, but may not be appropriate for severe cases. Some new regenerative treatments involving growth factors and cells have been studied in animal models of IVD degeneration.
