Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a health condition in which a disc herniates, and the disk content forces its way into the spinal canal, causing muscle spasms, pain, incoordination, and even paralysis. IVDD in dogs is sometimes referred to as a herniated or slipped disk.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) represents a significant health problem in dachshunds, with at a relative risk of its occurrence 10–12 times higher than in other breeds. It is a widespread neurological disorder in dachshunds, sadly affecting as much as 25% of dogs.
I, unfortunately, faced this problem, when my dachshund Gudzon has got an IVDD in 2015. The condition caused severe pain, and he had to undergo spinal surgery. So let me tell you about IVDD from my experience. In this article, I will talk in detail about what is IVDD in dogs and how to spot the symptoms of this condition. Most importantly, you will find a detailed guide on how to efficiently prevent it. “Forewarned is forearmed,” they say.
IVDD in dogs: What is a herniated disk?
The intervertebral disc consists of two layers: the outer layer called annulus fibrosus, and the inner content called nucleus pulposus. Intervertebral discs form elastic pads between the vertebrae. This pads provide movement of the spine, act as shock absorbents, and connect the spinal column.
IVD disease usually means the disk content (nucleus pulposus) forces its way into the spinal canal and push against the spinal cord.
The IVDD in dogs can occur in the upper part of the spine or the cervical area, the middle of the spine – thoracolumbar area, or in the lower, lumbosacral region, of the spinal cord.
There are three types of IVDD in dogs – Hansen Type 1, Hansen Type 2, and Hansen Type 3. Dachshunds fall into Hansen Type 1 category.
Hansen Type 1: acute, sudden herniation of a disc. This type of IVDD does usually occur in middle-aged chondrodystrophic (dwarf) breeds with predisposed inherited skeletal deformities. These dogs include Dachshunds, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Corgis.
Hansen Type 2: chronic bulging disks, resulted from a gradual slow process of protrusion of disc material. It occurs in larger, non-chondrodystrophic breeds, and usually most evident between eight and ten years of age. It is rarely accompanied by mineralization. Labrador Retrievers and Dobermans are among the affected breeds.
Hansen Type 3: sometimes referred to as “missile discs,” “traumatic discs.” They result from explosion of the disc content from a sudden tear in the outer layer of the intervertebral disc typically because of heavy exercise or trauma. This explosion causes a non-compressive contusion injury to the spinal cord.
There is no resulting compression as the material dissipate.
What causes a herniated disk in dogs
As mentioned above, dachshunds belong to Hansen type 1 of IVDD disease. The initial stage of this generative process develops gradually. Over time, the cushioning disks between the vertebrae begin to dehydrate and harden and are not able to no longer function as a good shock absorber.
Eventually, some trigger, like a jump, for example, can lead to a disk rupture and bring the IVDD into the next, acute, phase.
The disk content explodes into the spinal canal and hits the spinal cord, causing pressure (compression). If the compression on the spinal cord is not relieved, it results in severe complications because of the reduced blood supply and inflammation.
IVDD in dogs Symptoms
Dachshunds were found to be around ten times more likely to have IVDD than other breeds…
Few symptoms can signal at the presence of an IVDD.
They can vary greatly and be gradual or sudden. The symptoms include:
- Decreased appetite and activity level
- Stiffness of neck, limbs, or back
- Arching of the back
- Pain and weakness in rear legs
- Dragging rear legs
- Knuckling under
- Obvious weakness or pain
- Lowered head when standing
- Increased sensitivity to movement or touch
- Impaired gait
- Incoordination: swaying and wobbliness
- Tense abdomen
- Urinary incontinence
- Muscle spasms
- Paralysis (usually in hind legs)
- Collapse
Phases of IVDD in dogs
There are a few phases of IVDD according to the severity of the condition:
Phase 1: Mild to moderate pain, the dog can move normally, but shows signs of discomfort or pain, including reduced activity levels, trembling, sensitivity to touch in certain areas, muscle spasms, tense abdomen.
Phase 2: Ambulatory paraparesis – the dog can walk, but is weak and shaky. It shows the clear signs of a problem in the rear legs, including crossing the back legs when walking, knuckling over when standing, dragging limbs when walking.
Phase 3: Non-ambulatory paraparesis – moderate to severe pain, the dog is still able to move its legs, but can’t support its weight. Not able to stand and walk properly.
Phase 4: Paraplegia –moderate to severe pain, paralysis in the rear legs. Sometimes urinary incontinence.
Phase 5: Paraplegia with absent perception – in addition to lack of movement in the back legs, there is a loss of deep pain perception in affected limbs
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
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IVDD in dogs: How to diagnose a herniated disk
Sadly, when it comes to IVDD, the vets can often make an incorrect diagnosis. A vast number of them are unsure about the symptoms at first examination, most of the vets giving the broad list of possible problems such as muscle spasms, arthritis, stomach-ache, etc.. In most of the cases, general vet practitioners lack the knowledge and experience in diagnosing the IVDD in dogs.
I faced this problem myself, when my dog Gudzon had suddenly collapsed crying out of pain, and I had to take him urgently to a vet. After carrying out the general check-up, the veterinarian told me that it could be an IVDD, and I have to take my dachshund home to “wait and see” if he gets better, or it deteriorates and will require surgery. In my opinion, it was the worst advice, as time is crucial in identifying acute IVDD cases.
Any delay might result in your dachshund’s quick deterioration and eventually paralysis. The intervertebral disk disease is a severe condition that often catches the dog owners off guard. Considering the severity of the problem, I believe it is essential for every dachshund owner to be educated of the symptoms and possible treatment of IVDD.
Based on my personal experience, I can assure you that the most crucial step is to get the qualified veterinarian to get the right diagnosis. If you suspect your dachshund might have the herniated disk based on the symptoms described above, you should book an appointment with a vet surgeon or neurologist immediately. Only they have the necessary skills and experience to tell you if your dachshund’s condition is severe and whether it needs urgent surgical treatment.
IVDD diagnosis confirmation
There a few ways to confirm the IVDD in dachshunds after preliminary diagnosis by a surgeon or neurologist is made. Subsequent diagnostics to see the overall picture, location, and severity of the injury, includes myelogram (dye injected in the spinal cord), spinal x-rays, MRI, CT scans.
X-rays usually don’t provide a clear picture as the disks of the spinal cord cannot be adequately visualised.
The experienced neurologist can diagnose the IVDD after preliminary examination with 95% certainty. He will also be able to tell you if the case is acute and the surgical intervention is required. In case the surgical operation is necessary, the next stage is the use of advanced imaging (MRI or in a few cases CT or myelography) to see the exact location and extent of the injury. Surgical techniques vary depending on these findings.
The MRI scan is carried out under general anesthesia. It is expensive and costs anywhere from 1500 to 3000 pounds. Despite its cost, it is the most precise way to locate the herniated disk and see the extent of the injury. Without the MRI, the surgery cannot be performed effectively. I recommend getting the life insurance for your dachshund. In that case, you can be sure that the insurance company fully or partially covers the medical expenses.
IVDD in dogs: Treatment options
After the neurologist has diagnosed the IVDD, he can recommend the right treatment according to the severity of the condition. The treatment includes two options: surgery or, alternatively, conventional treatment (crate rest). Surgical intervention is inevitable when the spinal cord is compressed, and it causes extremely severe pain.
IVDD in dogs: Surgery
The goal of surgical procedure is to remove the pressure from the spinal cord.
Admittedly, surgical treatment is highly successful in case an experienced veterinary neurosurgeon performs the surgery. The procedure is invasive, but guaranties high chances of recovery, as well as a short rehabilitation period.
The procedure
During the operation, the surgeon creates a small opening in the bone around the spinal cord to gain access to the disk content. Then he removes the section of the vertebrae with the ruptured disk material. It results in the release of pressure from the spinal cord, allowing the part of the spine to heal.
The recovery time
The surgical incision takes two to three weeks to heal, and generally, your dachshund will feel much better straight after the surgery because of the released pressure on the spinal cord. In most cases, in a couple of days, your dog will be able to walk again. Make sure to give your pet a crate rest for the first week, and avoid walks for two weeks, – just a few steps to do the toilet in the garden.
I strongly recommend asking your vet to prescribe the antibiotics straight after surgery. In the case with my dog Gudzon, the surgeon didn’t do it. Because of that, my dog had to undergo another surgery a few weeks after. He actually had a quick recovery, the incision was healing, until, in a couple of weeks he started to feel a sharp pain in the incision spot and couldn’t walk again.
We were terrified as we thought another disk herniated. It found out that the infection occurred at the surgical place, the fluid collected just under the spinal cord. There was no other option, but to perform another surgery under general anaesthesia.
All these problems could have been avoided if I gave my dachshund the antibiotics. Some vets (like in my case) will tell you that they prescribe antibiotics only if the surgery lasts more than 3 hours. Based on my own experience, I strongly advise you to give it to your dachshund after any invasive surgery.
Cost of the surgery
Spinal surgery is costly. It did cost me around seven thousand pounds for the operation, including anaesthesia, MRI scans, and ambulatory care. When you get a dachshund puppy, make sure you have a good life insurance cover to protect yourself from unexpected medical costs. Some covers will cover the expenses fully, some within the limit, but it will help you to avoid massive vet bills in case of IVDD.
IVDD in dogs: Conservative treatment
When the IVDD condition is not severe (usually Phase 1 or 2), the neurologist can recommend trying a conservative treatment instead of surgery.
If your dachshund has minimal to no neurologic dysfunction and not in severe pain, there is a relatively good prognosis of a full recovery with this treatment. Some dog owners choose this option when they can’t afford the cost of the surgery, or when the dog is too old to undergo an operation.
Conservative management combines strict confinement with anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. The confinement, or cage rest, should last from 6 to 10 weeks. It will allow the spinal cord to heal naturally. “Cage rest” means literally keeping your dachshund in the cage at all times. Twice daily, you should carry your dog outside for short potty-break walks. Most importantly, don’t let your dachshund walk more than a few steps,- the mobility restriction is vital for the spinal cord to heal.
It is needless to say that the strict crate rest for weeks isn’t good for your dachshund’s emotional and physical state. In some dogs, the prolonged crate rest can lead to anxiety and behavior disorders. Yet, the IVDD is a serious issue, and the recovery process is the priority. You can give your dachshund regular massages o release the muscle stiffness and give your pet some emotional comfort.
Pharmaceutical therapy includes the administration of drugs such as:
- Nonsteroidal drugs
- Pain management
- Muscle relaxants
IVDD in dogs: Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after surgery generally involves about three to four weeks of activity restriction. It should be noted that some therapeutic treatments can significantly reduce recovery time. Your vet will generally advise you which therapy is best for your pet, and at what stage it should be implemented. Some forms of therapeutic treatments (laser therapy, cryotherapy) are also used during the conservative treatment of IVDD in dachshunds.
Hydrotherapy
There are a couple of therapy options: hydrotherapy pool and an underwater treadmill. Hydrotherapy treatment helps to restore the movement ability smoothly and safely. The warm water encourages movement and gently massages and stretches of the limbs. It improves the circulation and speeds up recovery after spinal surgery.
The hydrotherapy session should be performed with the help of the experienced physiotherapist, who will support your dachshund’s body in the water and control its movements.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy consists of ice or freezing therapy. Your dachshund will be treated by exposing to extreme cold by different methods. It includes placing your pet in the cryotherapy chamber for a brief period. Ice therapy is known to reduce inflammation and pain.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy helps to relieve the pain, improves neurological recovery, and tissue healing. In most cases, laser therapy brings immediate pain relief. It also increases circulation and enhances movement ability.
Laser therapy is one of a few treatments, that can be done in the acute phase of IVDD. For the best results, it should be carried out every day for 14 consecutive days.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture therapy may also be beneficial for dachshunds with IVDD. It helps reduce the inflammation and pain associated with the condition. It stimulates neuronal regeneration and improves circulation.
According to recent studies, acupuncture in combination with surgery is more effective than surgery alone in improving neurologic functions. Acupuncture combined with conventional treatment for IVDD shortened the recovery time compared to standard care alone in dachshunds.
The other physiotherapy methods include massages or specific exercises, designed to improve mobility and recover sensation after IVDD occurrence.
Can my dachshund get another herniated disk?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. In the case with my dachshund Gudzon, the MRI scan has shown 4-5 disks with problems, including two severely herniated disks. The surgeon had to make a decision which one he will operate on, as it is not possible to operate on a few disks at the same time. Luckily he picked up the right one. Yet, the other “bad” disk is still there, just not in such an acute phase, as the previous one. That is why preventative care is so important- it can minimise the chances of the IVDD reoccurrence.
IVDD in dogs: Prevention
Prevention measures are particularly important when minimising the risk of IVDD in your dachshund. Bear in mind, that dachshunds are predisposed to spinal issues, and sadly, it can still happen even with the right care. However, the preventative measures will certainly help to reduce the chances of a slipped disk occurrence in dachshunds.
Rule № 1: No jumping!
First of all, as mentioned earlier, jumps or any other high impact activity usually serve as a trigger for a disk rupture. You pet dachshund is most likely to get an acute form of IVDD after jumping off a sofa or similar accident.
For this reason, it is essential to limit jumping for your dachshund in everyday life. You should train your Weiner dog to use special ramps to get onto sofas or bed. Furthermore, your dachshund should never be allowed to jump from high surfaces.
Rule № 2: High-Quality Diet
Secondly, a nutritious, high-quality diet will help maintain your dachshund’s weight and minimise the risk of IVDD. Special supplements such as Glucosamine or Chondroitin will also help to maintain cartilage health.
Rule № 3: Weight management
Thirdly, t is a well-known fact obesity leads to extra pressure on the spinal cord, significantly increasing the risk of IVDD occurrence. Excessive weight and lack of postural muscles increase the risks of disk calcification. Therefore, it is vital to keep your dachshund’s weight under control.
Rule № 4: Use harness for active dogs
A harness is a better choice than a collar to use on your dachshund, in case your dog is pulling hard while on the walk. It prevents unnecessary pressure on the neck. Another thing you can do is to teach your dachshund to walk on a leash without pulling.
Rule 5: Avoid any high impact activity
Additionally, dachshunds can easily get the herniated disk after any high impact activity. With that in mind, it’s better to avoid any games or activity that can cause unnecessary strain on your dachshund spine. Stop your dog from jumping on/off furniture by providing ramps. Your dachshund going up and down the stairs is a BIG NO-NO! Please, carry your pet up and down the staircase when necessary. Also, don’t let your doxie run at the highest speed when chasing small animals or balls.
Rule 6: Selective breeding
Finally, some breeders follow specific programs of selective breeding to minimise the genetic factor of IVDD occurrence in dachshunds. They are no longer using dachshunds with more than four calcified discs at two years old for breeding purposes. Ideally, dachshunds used for breeding should have no calcified discs. Although there is yet no evidence that these measures can result in the offsprings, less predisposed to IVDD, some reputable breeders strongly believe in this practice.
You will find an interesting survey regarding the risks of IVDD in dachshunds associated with the lifestyle, published by Canine Genetics and Epidemiology journal here.
In conclusion
In summary, I would like to point up that dachshunds that don’t recover neurologic functions after surgery or conservative treatment, can still have a high quality of life without the full use of their hind limbs. For instance, they can get used to carts to move around, and bladder expression can also be manageable. In spite of the fact that IVDD is a serious issue, it can always be prevented, treated, or managed effectively.
You can find detailed information about general health issues in dachshunds in the following article.