Download Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease and Treatment

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Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease and Treatment
The function of the intervertebral disk
and how the disease develops
Intervertebral disks are the “cushions”
in the space between spinal vertebrae.
These disks are subject to a number of
degenerative conditions and forces that
predispose them to bulge or rupture over
time. This rupture leads to damage to the
spinal cord.
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is the
most common cause of spinal cord injury
in dogs. With proper attention, many dogs
with this painful and debilitating condition
can recover to a comfortable and more
active lifestyle.
crying out without apparent reason. Less
frequently, they will have forelimb lameness
caused by a pinched nerve. Pain in the
neck when moved or touched, a tense
neck, limb weakness and wobbly gait can
all present on examination.
Spinal IVDD patients can present with
sudden or progressive rear limb weakness.
The severity of the symptoms varies from
mild weakness to complete paralysis
with an inability to feel pain in the
affected limbs.
Vertebrae
Spinal cord
Nucleus
pulposus
Annulus fibrosus
Fig. 1
The treatments for IVDD
Treatment varies with the type of
symptoms present. Oral anti-inflammatory
medications and cage rest are reserved
for dogs with mild signs, and often result
in improvement within 48 hours. Cervical
IVDD patients with even mild neurological
dysfunction are considered surgical
candidates.
IVDD is most common in short-legged
Extruded
breeds (dachsunds, beagles, etc.) These
disk
material
dogs have been bred for their short
stature, which makes them more prone
to degeneration and hardening of the soft
center material of the disk that normally
serves as a shock absorber (Fig. 1).
Without this cushioning, rupture of the disk Myelography and surgery are indicated
Fig. 2
and subsequent spinal cord trauma occur for all dogs that have failed to respond to
medication, and for those that have more
(Fig. 2).
severe or progressive symptoms. Surgery
The two most common locations of IVDD
involves creating a small window in the
are thoracolumbar (mid-spine) and
bone around the spinal cord to gain
cervical (neck). Dogs with spinal IVDD
access to the disk material. The material
usually have neurological dysfunction
Protrusion
is removed, relieving the spinal cord
of disk
(weakness, inability to walk, etc.) and pain. compression and allowing healing to
Dogs with cervical IVDD often have severe take place.
pain alone.
• Surgery is effective at relieving pain,
How we pinpoint and localize the
eliminating spinal cord compression,
problem
and maximizing chances for patient
recovery.
The symptoms you report in your dog as
Fig. 3
well as our physical examination help us
localize the IVDD to certain areas of the
MedVet surgeons work in conjunction with your family veterinarian to
spine.
determine the most effective care if your pet suffers from disk problems.
Cervical IVDD patients usually have a
We successfully treat hundreds of these patients annually with very
history of painful behavior accompanied by
positive results.
Canine IVDD Treatment continued
The MedVet Surgery Department is comprised of an expert team,
including multiple board certified surgeons.
Surgeons board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons
have completed a three-year residency program, have met specific
training and caseload requirements, performed and had their research
published. This process is supervised by current ACVS Diplomates,
ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards. Once
the residency has been completed, the resident must sit for and pass a
rigorous examination. Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of
ACVS Diplomate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of these
surgeries?
Prognosis for patients with pain
alone from cervical IVDD is very
good, with a >80% chance of
elimination of pain and return to an
active lifestyle.
What are the potential
complications with these
surgeries?
Overall complication rates are low.
A minority of dogs will experience
“seizure-like” activity immediately
upon recovery from surgery as a
reaction to the liquid injected during
The prognosis for spinal IVDD
the myelogram. These reactions are
patients depends on the symptoms
not uncommon, and are completely
present. Weak or paralyzed patients responsive to Valium. All patients
have a very good chance of recovery are closely monitored for such
with surgery, most dogs showing
reactions. Any other potential
dramatic improvement within the
complications specific to your dog’s
first few weeks of the procedure.
neurological status will be discussed
Dogs that are both paralyzed and
with you at the time of your
cannot feel their legs have more
consultation.
severe spinal cord trauma and may
have a more limited capacity to heal. How long will my pet be
Prognosis for these patients
hospitalized after surgery?
is discussed on a case-byThe length of stay will be
case basis.
determined based on your
pet’s postoperative comfort and
neurological function. You will be
updated frequently on your dog’s
progress while they are hospitalized.
Our goal is to get your dog home as
soon as possible, without sacrificing
any of their care.
What is the aftercare like after
surgery?
Aftercare generally involves about
four weeks of activity restriction,
meaning no off-leash activity.
Additional care will be determined
based on your pet’s neurological
function. Some will require help
walking and urinating, while others
will require medications and
aggressive physical rehabilitation.
The particular requirements for
your dog will be explained and
demonstrated thoroughly during
their discharge from MedVet.
Proper physical rehabilitation is
particularly important in patients
with neurological injuries/disorders.
When your pet is discharged,
some basic at-home rehabilitation
exercises will be illustrated for you.
A variety of different postoperative
rehabilitative treatments are also
available at MedVet to help speed
recovery and improve overall result
of surgery. Please refer to the
MedVet Rehabilitation brochure or
visit our website at medvetohio.com
Do I have to bring my dog back for for more details.
a check up?
Yes. Assessing the progress of
a patient recovering from spinal
surgery is an important part of
the overall treatment plan. Most
patients are re-evaluated at MedVet
four weeks following surgery; but
more frequent rechecks may be
recommended for some patients.
This too will be discussed with you
during your dog’s discharge.
CINCINNATI
(513) 561-0069 Main
(877) 841-5818 Toll Free
(513) 561-5688 FAX
www.medvetohio.com
Is physical rehabilitation going
to be important after spinal
surgery?
COLUMBUS
(614) 846-5800 Main
(800) 891-9010 Toll Free
(614) 846-5803 FAX
Veterinarian Line: (614) 431-4400
DAYTON
(937) 293-2714 Main
(800) 289-1165 Toll Free
(937) 293-2787 FAX