Supplements, back braces, CDB oil, stem cell, at home laser
Supplements
Should you decide
Research
Don't fall for hype
Side effects
Your dog's health history
When to start supplementing
Timing
GI tract problems
Research before using
Back Braces for the IVDD dog
Orthotics, such as a back brace, should require a prescription from a board certified neurologist (ACVIM) who is well educated in disc disease. An ill-fitting product that is not custom made can do more harm, and the prescription would be for a specific reason. Dodgerslist has consulted with several neuro and rehab specialists. The overriding concern is that owners may buy a brace on their own, thinking it will substitute for strict crate rest or that it will prevent a future disc problem.
Dr. Wong, DVM, Neurology (ACVIM): IVDD is the most common spinal cord condition in dogs. There is nothing that can 100% prevent intervertebral disk disease in dogs. Dr. Wong gives his opinion on back braces in video clip below:
During a disc episode these are the concerns:
- Putting a brace on without causing more pain or damage to the spine is number one. Too much movement to get the brace on is not good for a dog when trying to limit movement of the back.
- Additional muscle atrophy in the spine is another big concern, as muscle strength is very important to maintaining spinal health.
- Unnecessary discomfort, pain, and anxiety can be caused by having to wear this device tight enough to limit movement. Adequate limited movement is supplied with owner commitment to safe and effective 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7.
- Braces would require monitoring for pressure (rub) sores. If not properly fitted (not covering from thoracic down to tail) there is the potential to create a fulcrum. It is hard to immobilize the entire back and not end up creating a fulcrum that stresses out adjacent discs. A brace would not be a preventative measure.
- Disc disease is the cause of prematurely aging discs. A disc problem happens at the point the disc has hardened too much. Any activity such as turning to lick a paw or putting on and off a brace could be the last straw for a disc that is no longer flexible.
- At this time, there isn’t enough research on braces for Dodgerslist to support their use with an IVDD dog. What we do know is that strict crate rest is what works to heal a disc. Crate rest is proven and safe.
CDB oil
Dodgerslist doesn’t have enough information about CBD oil to recommend it for an IVDD disc episode or as a supplement for your dog. There is not enough scientific research to determine how effective CBD oil would be for pain/inflammation or use as a sedative in IVDD dogs. What is proven to work is pain meds, anti-inflammatory drugs, and Pepcid AC. Make sure your vet is aware of all medications and supplements you are giving. Herbs, supplements, potions can adversely interact with the necessary big gun medications your vet has prescribed for a disc episode.
Herbs, supplements, potions could adversely interact with the necessary big gun medications your vet has prescribed for a disc episode
Read about medications humans should take with CDB oil. Research for dogs is on-going and may in the future line up with the meds for humans that are contraindicated with CDB oil. http://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-and-drug-interactions-what-you-need-to-know
Stem Cell Therapy
Dodgerslist has been asked several times about Stem Cell Therapy for IVDD. Currently, there has not been enough published research for us to support it. As with any new treatment, therapies, or supplements, Dodgerslist advises you to research thoroughly
At home Laser Therapy
Not all at-home laser products are created equal so be sure to do your research. If you choose home laser therapy for your IVDD dog, work with an IVDD knowledgeable vet or therapist who is qualified in the use of lasers. Mobile vets who can come to your home are an option. In addition, some lasers come with an app for the vet to monitor the treatments and give the owner feedback.