![]() They can use x-rays to diagnose the narrowing of the space within the vertebrae, as well as a CT or MRI to examine each individual disc. If your vet is suspicious of IVDD, they will likely suggest a form of diagnostic imaging. They can also perform range of motion exercises and neurological exams, both of which can help them come to the potential diagnosis of IVDD. This physical exam will involve the vet palpating multiple spots of the body, helping them determine which area of the body is in pain. They may ask you when the symptoms began, what symptoms you have noticed at home, or even how quickly these symptoms have progressed.Īfter your vet gathers a detailed history, they will then move onto the physical exam. When diagnosing IVDD in your canine friend, they will often rely on a few different diagnostic tools to help them paint a clear picture.įirst, your veterinarian will ask you questions about your dog’s symptoms to gather a detailed history. Not only is back pain excruciating for a pup to endure, these symptoms can progress to paralysis if left untreated.ĭue to this potential risk, any signs of pain should always be taken seriously. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your canine friend, we recommend having your dog seen by your vet as soon as possible. The symptoms listed above are evidence of discomfort in our canine friends, and will vary in severity from case to case. Difficulty with posturing to urinate or defecate.Crying out during activity, especially those involving jumping.Reluctance to participate in physical activities.Holding their head at a lower position than usual.Appearing guarded around their abdomen and back.Some of the most common signs of IVDD in dogs include: Though you may see differing symptoms from pup to pup, there are some common signs of IVDD to be aware of when dogs are experiencing pain. Signs Of IVDD In Dogsĭogs with IVDD may vary in symptoms based on the type of IVDD they have, and how far progressed their individual condition is. Most cases of type 2 IVDD will not involve a sudden injury, but rather a slow progression of symptoms over time. These discs will begin to bulge and invade the spinal cord space, leading to the deterioration of the entire disc over time. Type 2 IVDD is most often seen in older, large breed dogs. While both forms of the condition will lead to a similar fate, there are certain situations in which each form is most common. When discussing IVDD in dogs, your vet may either diagnose your pup with type 1 or type 2 IVDD. This is why dogs with previous spinal trauma need to be monitored closely, as they are more at risk of developing a slew of degenerative conditions down the line. ![]() Trauma can cause the intervertebral discs to harden, leading to the degenerative process that follows. In other cases, IVDD can develop as a result of traumatic injury to the spine. Though IVDD develops slowly over time, many owners do not notice the symptoms until a sudden injury to the discs occurs. These discs will gradually harden over time, often leading to a sudden burst of these hardened discs through sudden activity or injury. In most cases, IVDD is an age related deterioration of the discs within the spinal vertebrae. Once these discs begin the deterioration process, everything will be compromised as a result. The spinal cord is incredibly fragile, and relies on the protection from the spinal vertebrae and intervertebral discs to prevent any trauma to the region. These disc protrusions can begin to invade the spinal cord space, leading to a massive amount of pain as a result. Read our article on when to euthanize a dog with a slipped disc for further understanding of this condition and how painful it can be. This is usually when our dogs start to lose their quality of life. Not only will these discs be put under stress due to the deterioration, but they may begin to slip and protrude out of place. When a dog has IVDD, these discs will begin to break down over time. These tiny discs prevent the bones within the spine from making contact, allowing for the many movements our pups will participate in throughout their lives. The intervertebral discs act as cushions between each spinal vertebrae, protecting the spine from the shock that comes with normal movement. base (a.k.a.Intervertebral Discs Disease (IVDD) is a painful condition that involves the deterioration of the discs within the bones of the spine.Commonly they are divided into protrusion vs extrusion: A herniation may contain nucleus pulposus, vertebral endplate cartilage, apophyseal bone/ osteophyte and annulus fibrosus.ĭisc herniations can be divided into groups in a variety of ways. Disc herniation refers to the displacement of intervertebral disc material beyond the normal confines of the disc but involving less than 25% of the circumference (to distinguish it from a disc bulge).
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