Intervertebral disc disease sounds scary, what is it exactly? In this article, I, Emma-Lisa Steyn, DVM, will cover Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in French Bulldogs and other dogs.
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Content:
- Understanding Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Causes and Risk Factors
- Symptoms and Prognosis for IVDD in Dogs
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Understanding Intervertebral Disc Disease
In-between each spinal cord in dogs there is a gelatinous substance that is surrounded by a thick outer layer, this is known as the intervertebral disc. This ‘cushion’ acts as a shock absorber for the spine. This disc can rupture causing compression of the spinal cord and the nerves that run through it. When this happens, it can cause lasting and devastating damage. There are two types of IVDD, known as Hansen Type I and Hansen Type II.
The prevalence of this disease increases with the age of your dog. It can occur progressively, or suddenly. A quick jump off the couch to go and bark at the neighbour’s cat can be the cause of a rupture, especially if there is a preexisting condition. The severity can range from discomfort to paralysis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Dr. P Dickinson & Dr. D Bannasch say “Premature degeneration of the intervertebral disc and its association with specific chondrodystrophic dog breeds has been recognized for over a century. Several lines of evidence including disease breed predisposition, studies suggesting heritability of premature intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and association of a dog chromosome 12 (CFA 12) locus with intervertebral disc calcification have strongly supported a genetic component in IVDD in dogs.”
Installing a pet camera at home to check in on your pet is highly recommended if you are away from home for many consecutive hours. Research into this subject has shown that many cases occur due to underlying disc degeneration, which often goes unnoticed until an incident occurs.
Symptoms and Prognosis for IVDD in Dogs
Prognosis is dependent on neurological symptoms and the severity of the symptoms. IVDD is most prevalent in dachshunds, French bulldogs, and a few other breeds according to previous research done.
Your French Bulldog can have an increased risk of IVDD if he/she is overweight or bred from a bad gene pool; in other words due to bad, unregulated breeding practices.
Some of the signs and symptoms of IVDD to look out for are:
- Sudden failure to walk
- Knuckling over on paws and/or dragging paws
- Pain along the spine, neck or back area
- Sudden difficulty defecating or urinating
- Trembling or shivering in response to pain
FAQ
Can IVDD in dogs be fatal?
It is unlikely to be fatal the moment it occurs but can be fatal if left untreated. A undesirable possibility is you as an owner may have to decide to euthanise your dog if surgery is not an option; or if you cannot afford the surgery. This is why having a medical emergency plan such as Petcube Emergency Fund is so important, it could mean life or death for your beloved pet.
Can IVDD reoccur after surgery?
Retrospective studies show that more than half do reoccur unfortunately.
What does the surgery cost?
Surgery cost differs between different veterinary practices. It could range from $3000 - $8000.
When it comes to IVDD, the sooner treatment begins the better, and the better chance of recovery. If your dog is currently exhibiting any of the above-mentioned symptoms, or if you want advice for preventive measures you can implement to protect at-risk breeds from developing IVDD, contact your local veterinary clinic today.