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Never take a disc herniation in dogs lightly. If your dog shows any symptoms, you should definitely consult a veterinarian. Here, you’ll learn what symptoms to look out for and how a disc herniation in dogs can be treated.
A disc herniation in dogs is always an emergency. The pressure on the spinal cord also disrupts its blood circulation. The longer this disruption lasts, the more likely permanent damage becomes. Additionally, your dog will suffer from severe pain. If you suspect a disc herniation, consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
How Does a Disc Herniation Occur in Dogs?
The dog’s spinal cord is protected by the spine. The individual vertebrae encase the spinal cord from all sides, forming the spinal canal. To prevent issues during movement, discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae.
The discs have several layers. At the centre is a soft, gel-like core known as the nucleus pulposus. This is surrounded by the annulus fibrosus, a tough fibrous ring made of cartilage-like material.
A disc herniation (also called discopathy or disc prolapse) involves the disc protruding from the spaces between the vertebrae into the spinal canal. Depending on the severity, various symptoms will then appear.
Symptoms: How Does a Disc Herniation Manifest in Dogs?
The symptoms your dog exhibits depend on where the disc herniation occurs in the spine and how severe it is. However, a disc prolapse always causes significant pain. Possible symptoms include:
If a slipped disc is treated too late, permanent paralysis may occur
Diagnosis: How Does a Veterinarian Identify a Disc Herniation?
If a disc herniation is suspected, a neurological examination is crucial besides the general examination. The veterinarian will test various reflexes to narrow down the affected part of the spine.
Imaging techniques are used to determine both the exact location and severity. The dog will receive anaesthesia, followed by a computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Veterinarians distinguish between two severities of disc herniation. In Grade I, the nucleus of the disc bulges into the spinal canal, but the outer fibrous ring remains intact. In Grade II, the outer fibrous ring is torn, and the disc material presses entirely into the spinal canal.
Once all the examination results are in, the veterinarian will decide on the best treatment options for your dog.
Treatment: What to Do If Your Dog Has a Disc Herniation?
Depending on the severity of the disc herniation, the veterinarian will choose between conservative and surgical treatments.
Conservative Treatment for Disc Herniation in Dogs
This is used for milder disc herniations and consists of several components. Most importantly, your dog must get absolute rest. Additionally, your dog will receive pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications.
A heat lamp or a heat pad on the affected area can help relax tight muscles. If this doesn’t yield the desired effect, the veterinarian can also administer muscle relaxants.
Physiotherapy aids in the healing process. Massages and gentle exercise on an underwater treadmill help relax muscles and strengthen them. The stronger the back muscles, the less strain on the discs.
Surgical Treatment
If there’s a loss of pain sensation, paralysis, or failure of conservative therapy, surgical treatment is necessary for a disc herniation. Permanent damage to the spinal cord could become irreversible.
Under general anaesthesia, a surgeon will open the spinal canal and remove all herniated disc material. However, there’s always a risk of additional nerve damage. Post-surgery, regular physiotherapy is vital to strengthen the surrounding muscles and enhance recovery chances.
Orthopaedic beds provide support for a dog’s spine, promoting comfort and spinal health
Causes of a Disc Herniation
Bone fractures from severe accidents, major dislocations, infections, or tumours can cause disc displacement.
However, the most common cause is degeneration due to wear and tear. This results from continuous misloading, overloading, and inadequate exercise. Overweight and the normal aging process also contribute to disc degeneration.
Whether a disc herniation can be fully healed depends on its severity, location, and the treatment administered. It’s essential to discuss all treatment options with the veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.
Prophylaxis: How Can I Prevent Disc Herniation in Dogs?
To reduce the risk of disc herniation in your dog, ensure regular exercise. This should not overburden the back but promote the development of strong, supportive back muscles.
Additionally, well-cushioned dog beds, such as orthopaedic mats, can relieve the spine and prevent wear and tear.
Recognising early signs of the condition and having the dog examined promptly is crucial. The sooner appropriate therapy is started, the lower the risk of permanent damage.
Important Note: The content provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, please always consult a licensed veterinarian.
Franziska G., Veterinarian
At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene.
Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future.
Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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