IVDD is all about time. It is a lifeTIME disease. TIME is of the essence for treatment. 6-8 week strict rest TIME. Recovery of nerve function only happens over TIME.
IVDD is all about time. It is a lifeTIME disease. TIME is of the essence for treatment. 6-8 week strict rest TIME. Recovery of nerve function only happens over TIME.
There is good hope for IVDD warriors. Even paralyzed dogs can look forward to many years of play, chasing balls, looking for critters, and going for walks.
Disc herniation/rupture is when the wall of the disc weakens allowing disc material to move into the spinal cord area. Pressure on the cord causes pain and loss of neuro functions such as leg use and bladder control.
IVDD is a disease and not an injury. The trauma to the spinal cord results from hardening of the discs due to the disease.
Time is the spinal cord's enemy. Hours matter. Crate immediately. Limit the vertebrae and spine from moving. Too much movement could cause paralyzed legs.
There are two treatment options for a disc herniation
Nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal. It is better to think in terms of months rather than days/weeks.
At the end of crate rest, you and your vet can better assess if a wheelchair is needed.
IVDD dogs have a special risk whenever they are under anesthesia for dentals, x-rays, etc.
Dogs without deep pain sensation have paralyzed legs. Some of these dogs are able to learn how to use reflexes to spinal walk.
Video show spinal walking due to the “crossed extensor reflex” in a dog who no longer has deep pain sensation (DPS).
Special thanks for use of the above [VIDEO clip] to Dr. Clemmons, UF Associate Professor Neurology and Neurosurgery Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, U of F and to Buc’s mom, Amy Reynolds, UF Veterinary Neurology Technician
“Animals have locomotor automatism, meaning that the basics of walking are hardwired into the spinal cord of domestic species.The brainstem adds the remaining ingredients for rudimentary, voluntary locomotor activity. The cerebellum adds smoothness while the cerebral cortex provides behavioral direction.” The Neurologic Examination. R.M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD
While a dog with severe spinal cord injury does not have deep pain sensation meaning their legs can no longer communicate with the brain, some figure out how to “walk” by using their rear limb reflexes. They learn to swing their legs into position underneath the body. The leg movements look jerky or motorized. The “walk” is in a straight line, as the brain is not involved to tell the legs to change direction to avoid falling.
This information is presented for educational purposes and as a resource for the dog IVDD community. The coordinators are not veterinarians or health care professionals. Nothing herein should be interpreted as medical advice and all should contact their pet care professionals for advice. The coordinators are not responsible for the substance and content contained herein and do not advocate any particular product, item or position contained herein.
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