Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a syndrome of pain and neurological deficits caused by degeneration and displacement of all or part of the material inside an intervertebral disk (called the “nucleus” of the disk). An intervertebral disk is a pad of fibrocartilage located between adjoining vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spinal column. Think of these disks as cushions, or shock-absorbers, between the vertebral bones. Intervertebral disks are subject to degeneration, protrusion,
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) can cause a number of symptoms in domestic dogs, ranging from signs of mild pain to partial or complete paralysis. Most cases fall somewhere in between these two extremes. The signs of IVDD can mimic those of acutely ruptured disks such as from trauma or otherwise, but the causes are very different. IVDD occurs more commonly in certain breeds but can occur in any breed or mix of breeds and in
IVDD can be caused by degeneration in the cervical (neck) or thoracolumbar (along the back) areas of the spinal column. Two primary forms of the disease occur in dogs, called Hansen Types I and II intervertebral disk disease. These both involve degeneration of intervertebral disks, but the mechanisms of degeneration and the predisposed breeds are different. Regardless of the form of disk disease, prompt treatment is needed to prevent further damage.Hansen Type I intervertebral disk
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) can be difficult to localize and diagnose. Most general veterinarians will consult with (or refer cases to) a veterinary neurologist or a specialized veterinary teaching hospital when spinal cord damage or disease is suspected.The first part of almost any diagnostic protocol is a thorough history and a complete physical examination. When spinal injuries are suspected, a complete neurological examination is warranted. In cases of IVDD, the neurological examination will be consistent
Signs of back or neck pain in companion animals should be taken seriously and merit immediate veterinary attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent pain and paralysis in many cases. Veterinarians have a number of tools to help them diagnose intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and localize the lesion to particular areas along the dog’s spinal cord. Once the affected disk has been located, the veterinarians can assess their options and come up with an