Inter Vertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) is a debilitating disease that affects multiple “long bodied” dogs. IVDD is particularly prevalent in Dachshunds, where UC Davis estimates that 1 in 5 will be affected.
What is IVDD?
The spine is comprised of several vertebrae that protect and support the spinal cord. Intervertebral discs are the cushion in between the vertebrae that allow for flexibility. Those discs have a tough outer “shell” that protects a “jelly” nucleus inside. When the “shell” is compromised it can cause the “jelly” to move uncharacteristically, typically referred to as bulging discs or herniated discs. Symptoms of IVDD can progress very rapidly or there may be a more chronic onset, lasting days to weeks. Usually signs of neck or back pain can be observed as difficulty walking, stumbling, and weakness. More shocking symptoms are seen as leg dragging, loss of bodily functions, and even paralysis.
IVDD is typically diagnosed with x-rays or an MRI. Once diagnosed, pet owners are usually given one of two options depending on the severity. They can use conservative measures by using anti-inflammatories, steroids, muscle relaxants, and confinement. OR management of the disease from a surgical standpoint where a procedure is done to decompress the spinal cord. The problem with the conservative side is that you are hoping for the best, you are hoping that the medications will prevent it from worsening. If you had the possibility of being paralyzed would you be calm enough to sit back and wait for the drugs to work? Or the other extreme is a surgical procedure, where usually the price is a BIG factor in the owners decisions. It is a costly procedure that has 6-9 weeks of recovery and owners will need to assist there dogs in the healing process. Not all dogs regain all of their motor functions. When dealing with IVDD time is of the essence.
Now knowing all this, let me introduce you to my recent new friend “Roxanne”. “Roxanne” is a 4 year old mini-dachshund, that was diagnosed with IVDD. I received an email from her mom, Kris Gillan, expressing her concern for her pet back on December 11, 2008. She was feeling pressure to go through with surgery from other veterinarians. Luckily, Kris was able to communicate with “Roxanne’s” breeder and was hoping for a non-surgical treatment for her pet. “Roxanne’s” breeder pointed them in my direction. That is when I met “Roxanne”, who is one of the cutest mini-dachshunds I have met, and her mom, armed with a report from the spine specialist, and a list of medications “Roxanne” was on. She had rear end weakness and because of that, she was unable to walk without assistance. We did a combination of treatments for “Roxanne”, acupuncture, chinese herbs, and homotoxicology. Now, my little friend “Roxanne” has made a complete turnaround, and is happy and healthy and walking! The picture was made for me by her mom Kris Gillan, and is now hanging on the wall in my house. I am very pleased that “Roxanne” was given a second chance, and that she can look forward to many more years of mobility. Thankfully, “Roxanne” and her mom are becoming an outreach
and sending more IVDD cases my way. I was sad to meet “Roxanne” in an unfortunate circumstance, but am happy that she has made an amazing recovery with non-invasive modalities.
