Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition in which a damaged disc presses on the spinal cord and nerves. Signs can escalate quickly - from pain and stiffness, through reluctance to move, to paresis or paralysis of the limbs. In severe cases every hour counts: the time from paralysis to treatment has a real impact on the prognosis.
Symptoms that demand urgency
- a hunched back, yelping when touched or picked up,
- reluctance to walk, wobbliness, "dragging" the paws,
- sudden loss of control of the hind limbs - treat this as an emergency.
Breeds at risk and prevention
IVDD can affect any dog, but chondrodystrophic breeds - long-backed and short-legged - are especially prone: dachshunds above all, but also french bulldogs, beagles and pekingese. Practical prevention means keeping a healthy weight, limiting jumping (especially off sofas and beds), non-slip mats at home, and a harness instead of a collar to avoid jerks on the lead.
Treatment and the role of rehabilitation
Depending on severity, treatment is conservative (strict rest and medication) or surgical. In both cases neurological rehabilitation is hugely important - it helps the patient relearn walking and rebuild the muscle lost during rest.
- neuro-rehabilitation exercises and sensory stimulation,
- the underwater treadmill - relearning gait with the body safely supported,
- INDIBA therapy to support tissues and ease pain.
What is the prognosis?
It depends mainly on the degree of spinal cord damage and how quickly treatment started. Patients who retain deep pain sensation and receive prompt care usually have a good chance of regaining mobility; consistent rehabilitation often brings marked improvement even in harder cases. Our team at MultiVet in Lutynia near Wrocław will plan a safe recovery programme for your dog.