IVDD Treatment Options
There are two treatment options for a disc herniation: non-surgical with meds and rest OR surgery and rest.
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Non-surgical Conservative Treatment of medications and STRICT rest
A dog heals his disc after 8 weeks of STRICT conservative rest. After the disc has healed, then if needed, at home or in-clinic PT to help relearn the art of walking. Nerve healing may or may not come back in the short time it takes to heal a disc. Better to think in terms of months rather than days/weeks for this slowest part of the body to heal.
Surgical therapy
Often post-op rest of 4 or 6 weeks is prescribed to allow the surgical areas to heal. Post-op rest often will include, if needed, at home or at a clinic PT to relearn the art of walking. Nerve healing may or may not come back the day after surgery.
If surgery is not an option (for whatever reason) the best option is conservative therapy.
MONITORING NEURO FUNCTIONS
As damage to the spinal cord increases, there can be a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions if excessive back/neck movement for example.
Nerves do heal in the exact opposite order nerve damage occurred.
1. __ Pain with initial tear of disc and ensuing swelling
2. __ Wobbly walking
__ legs cross
3. __ Nails/toes scuffing floor
4. __ Paws knuckle under. Dog is slow to correct or can’t right the paw(s) at all
5. __ Weak/little leg movement,
__ can’t move up into a stand on their own
6. __ Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down)
7. __ Bladder control is lost. Leaks on you when lifted.
Can no longer sniff and then pee on an old urine spot outdoors.
8. __ Tail wagging with joy is lost specifically upon owner’s happy talk.
9. __ Deep pain sensation (DPS), the last neuro function, a critical indicator for additional nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. DPS has the potential to return.
Preventative procedures
- Fenestration
- Laser Disc Ablation (LDA)
Discharge day
NOTE: Develop a list of questions to take with you so you don’t forget to ask the vet everything. Questions for discharge day
WARNING: Avoid chiropractic therapy with an IVDD dog.