Dogs walk on all fours and do not have to bend or twist their backs like us bipeds. In fact, they don’t even have to carry loads on their backs. This does not however exempt them from back and spinal problems. They are vertebrates like us and prone to issues like malformations of the vertebral column, fractures, and herniated disk.
In fact, a herniated disk is a very common problem with canines. It is also known as intervertebral disk disease (IDD). It is worthwhile stating in the early stages of this piece that as a pet parent you really should factor in back problems in a pet insurance policy when you go for one.
A herniation of the disk occurs when the shock-absorbing material between the vertebrae loses its properties and becomes hard. Such calcified material can rupture and cause the disk to stick up into the spinal cord. Once this happens, a lot of problems can occur including back pain, walking trouble, and loss of sensation across body parts.
It is a well known fact that certain breeds are more pre-disposed to back problems. These are breeds characterized by long backs and short feet. Basset hounds, Dachshunds, and Pekingese are representative breeds. Poor support to the back in the mid-part of the body leads to herniation in these breeds. The smaller breeds can actually develop abnormalities in the disk quite early on in life, in fact in puppyhood. However; these manifest later on. Often, the calcified material bursts into the spinal cord causing severe trauma.
In larger breeds, it is usually physical trauma or age that causes this condition. In these cases, the degeneration is progressive and the change in condition not as sudden as it is with a burst disk material. In this case, the hardened matter begins to bulge or protrude into the spinal cord canal. Also, pet owners should keep in mind that obese dogs are more prone to the condition.
Regardless of the breed and size of your pet dog; it will face mild or chronic pain in this condition that can be classified as either acute or chronic. When the herniation affects the neck region, dogs become reluctant to move their heads, they may even start eating less in order to avoid the pain that would come with bending their head to eat. Other signs and symptoms of a herniated disk include limping; severe pain that causes shivers when the affected part is touched, incontinence, and whining.
Treatment depends upon the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be treated with anti-inflammation steroids and muscle relaxants. Sometimes, natural food supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are prescribed by the vet.
Early intervention by a veterinary doctor will increase the chances of recovery. Sometimes, surgery is unavoidable; it has to be carried out to remove the invasive debris of disk matter that is impinging on the spinal cord.
Usually chances of an IDD event recurring are not high. If the degeneration has affected multiple disks then the back pain can recur.
You have to take care of your dog during its recuperative period. Gentle massage of the limbs is recommended. You may have to clean it during the phase it has been advised complete cage rest. Check with the vet if custom-fitted carts to support the animal’s weight will reduce the load on its back. And very importantly, you need to give it emotional support. Be there for Rover when he really needs your touch.
