We’ve talked about understanding pain in our pets and how difficult it can be to recognize signs of pain. That’s why we want to focus on some of the common diseases found in our pets to help ensure we care for them in the best ways possible.
Bad backs are common in dogs just as they are in people. In the human world, we often refer to discomfort and pain from a bad back as a slipped disc. For dogs, this is referred to as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
IVDD can be tricky to diagnose without sophisticated tests, even though it is a relatively common spinal problem in dogs. Still, understanding the signs of IVDD is a helpful tool for any pet parent because, with early detection, IVDD can be treated.
Understanding IVDD
Between the vertebrae or bones on the back lie disc-shaped cushions of tissue known as intervertebral discs. These cushions have a gel-like interior protected with a tough covering on the outside. Intervertebral discs protect the spinal cord from damage and prevent the backbones from rubbing against each other during movement.
IVDD is a disease that affects these intervertebral discs in your dog.
IVDD Symptoms
A change in how your dog moves and pain is often expected at the onset of IVDD. Signs of IVDD can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of pressure on the spinal cord caused by the bulging intervertebral disc.
Here are a few key signs to look out for in your dog:
Paw raising
New, unfamiliar stride
Sudden weakness or paralysis
IVDD Treatments
Thankfully, if diagnosed early enough, IVDD can be treated. In addition to surgery, there are several treatment options to consider. Of course, speaking with your regular veterinarian about the severity of the spinal cord damage is required in developing an effective treatment plan.
Here are a few of the common treatment plans to consider:
Surgical intervention
Acupuncture
Anti-inflammatory medication
IVDD Treatment with Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture
There is no denying the benefits of veterinary acupuncture when it comes to developing pain management plans for your pets, especially in instances
of IVDD.
If you are interested in learning more about how veterinary acupuncture can help your pet, Dr. Kho is happy to discuss your concerns with you and determine whether your pet may benefit from acupuncture treatments.
Ultimately, the goal is to help your loved one have the best quality of life with you, and if you are unsure if they may be suffering from chronic pain, Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture can help!