IVDD- 4 phases of healing torn disc

You are in the right place to learn how the disc heals

There is not one of us whose mind is not heavy that we contributed somehow to our dog’s pain. What we can LEARN is that our dogs were born with a progressive disease (IVDD). At some point the disc’s ability to rejuvenate flexibility looses the battle to disc disease. Disc disease causes prematurely aged discs to harden and loose needed flexibility to cushion the vertebrae movements.

Understanding how the dog’s body can self heal in comfort will ease your mind. You will be in control of home care to ensure the disc heals. You will be able ask good questions at vet visits and understand the vet’s treatment.

Prepare with information at your fingertips. Tape Conservative Roadmap (non-surgical treatment) to your fridge for quick reference.

“Dodgerslist is the premier website dedicated to information about paralysis in Dachshunds” –Dr. Jonathan M. Levine DVM, ACVIM (Neurology), Texas A & M University

“Gone are the days when you simply followed your vet’s orders and asked few, if any questions. The vet is now a member of your dog’s health-care team, and you get to be the team captain!” ~Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, DACVIM.

Details on the healing process

Medications do these things:

Steroid or a NSAID reduces painful swelling in approximately 7-30 days

Pain medications give comfort from the pain of painful inflamed tissue around the spinal cord nerves.

Pepcid AC protects the stomach lining from bleeding ulcers. Causes: anti-inflammatory (steroid or a NSAID), stress and nerve damage.

Time and the body heal:

Disc damage is repaired only by time and limited movement to allow scar tissue to form. 100% STRICT rest 24/7 for 8 weeks during conservative treatment.

Nerves heal with time. Think in terms of months for nerves to regenerate enough to bring back bladder control and leg functions.

Two treatments for a disc episode

“Medical vs surgical treatment of IVDD depends on clinical status, financial feasibility, and the degree of changes seen on imaging.” ~Isaacs, DVM, ACVIM . 2016 American Animal Hospital Association Conference SYMPOSIUM CAPSULES. July 2016. cliniciansbrief.com p49.

Pet owners should know there is not a wrong or right choice of the two treatments. If a surgery, for whatever reason (health or financial), is not a family option, then the nonsurgical “conservative treatment” is the best choice. Owner education is key to fully know about both treatments for a disc episode: Conservative vs. Surgical.

Visualize how a disc is torn and the need for strict disc rest for healing.

Disclaimer:

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.

Dodgerslist Facebook 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.