Introduction to IVDD: Background and Home Adjustments for Prevention

Stridewise veterinary physiotherapy is based in Waterford, Ireland and provides house calls in counties Waterford, Wexford, and Kilkenny. For more information, text or call 086 031 9783, or email lh.vetphysiotherapy@gmail.com.

Background

The intervertebral discs (IVD) act as a cushion between the bones of the spine, allowing flexibility and absorbing shock during movement. To perform this function, the IVD has two components: an inner gelatinous bag called the nucleus pulposus and an outer multi-layered ligamentous capsule called the annulus fibrosus that surrounds the nucleus. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common spinal issue affecting dogs and cats.

Cause

IVDD is a ‘degenerative’ condition that may occur as an age-related, wear and tear problem in some breeds, or reflect a genetic predisposition to early-onset disc degeneration in other breeds (e.g. dachshund, cocker spaniels and French bulldogs). As the disc degenerates it loses its water content and becomes dry and brittle. This makes it more liable to cracking and splitting. We recognise two clinical syndromes of disc disease in dogs:

• Type-I disc disease is an ‘extrusion’ of the degenerate nuclear material through a tear in the outer annulus fibrosus – like squeezing jam from a doughnut. We most often see this condition as a sudden onset problem in young (2 to 6 years old), small breed dogs. However, dogs of any breed and age can be affected.

• Type-II disc disease is a ‘protrusion’ or ‘bulge’ of the outer annulus fibrosus that has slowly thickened in an effort to stabilise a degenerate disc. We most often see this condition as a slowly progressive disease in older (5 to 12 years old), medium to large breed dogs

Hansen Type 1 IVDD: 

- Most commonly seen in chondrodystrophic breeds (daschunds, corgis, beagles, etc.) at 3 – 7 years of age (can be seen as early as one year old!).

- Most commonly seen in the cervical or Thoracolumbar localization 

- Often sudden onset of mild to severe neuro signs 

 The illustration below shows (A) a healthy intervertebral disc (blue material) at the level of the vertebrae (back bones); (B) a degenerated disc which compresses on the nerves that are running out from the spinal cord.

Any of these could be the first indicators of deterioration of IVDD:

• Back pain—crying or resentment (turning to nip or bite) when moving neck or when petted, brushed, or lifted up.

• Change in personality—seems apathetic or won’t play.

 • Change in gait—walking stiffly or “hunched up,” seems unbalanced or drunk, drags toes on ground, seems weak.

• Sudden total paralysis—this is an emergency, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately

Why are daschunds prone to IVDD?

The mutation that causes short legs in daschunds also causes an abnormality in the biochemistry of the intervertebral discs (IVD). The intervertebral discs are are disc-shaped fibrous sacs fully of jelly-like material. They are found between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers that allow flexibility in the back. In all breeds the discs degenerate as dogs get older. However, in Dachshunds this happens at a much earlier age. The degeneration can be seen on X-ray as calcification of the gel in the centre of the disc in Dachshunds as young as 12 to 18 months (Jensen and Ersboll, 2000). Symptoms of disc disease can appear soon after this. 

- (Sainsbury & Dachshund Health UK., n.d.)

Home Adjustments

· Learn safe lifting techniques Avoid unnecessary spinal strain by learning the correct way to lift your Dachshund or other at-risk breed.

· Introducing crate training early Crate training using positive reinforcement helps reduce stress if your dog ever needs crate rest for IVDD or recovery from another condition.

· Consider pet insurance - with 1 in 4 Dachshunds estimated to experience back issues, pet insurance can help you plan for unexpected care. Choose an illness-inclusive policy and review exclusions carefully.

· Avoid high impact activities – e.g. Jumping on and off furniture or in and out of cars

- Ramps or steps for furniture is advisable

· Avoid steep stairs and slippery flooring when possible

· Keep your Dachshund fit, not fat and feed a well balanced diet

· Exercise in a collar - Dogs over the age of 3 that were exercised in harnesses were 2.3 times more likely to have suffered an IVDD incident than those exercised in collars.

· Exercise on a leash - controlled movement!

· There is some research that shows cod-liver oil could be linked to a reduced likelihood of IVDD

· Keep your dog well-muscled!

How can veterinary physiotherapy help with IVDD prevention and recovery?

Physiotherapy can help:

• Reduce inflammation

• Reduce pain and spasm

• Maintain soft tissues flexibility

• Improve core strength

• Stimulate sensory input

• Re-train postural responses

• Facilitate effective gait

• Increase exercise tolerance and overall cardiovascular fitness

• Return to normal function

Stridewise veterinary physiotherapy is based in Waterford, Ireland and provides house calls in counties Waterford, Wexford, and Kilkenny. For more information, text or call 086 031 9783, or email lh.vetphysiotherapy@gmail.com.

For a download of the information discussed in this blog post, click below:

IVDD Handout.pdf

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