Is IVDD In Dogs Fatal? How Much Does It Cost To Treat IVDD In Dogs?
Healthy intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers, offer flexibility to the spine, aid a full vary of movements (flexing, twisting, and extending), and energy-intensive activities like running and jumping. IVDD is a disk disease in dogs that causes the spinal cord to degenerate over time.
Breed Specific
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is usually seen in larger dogs though smaller dogs could also have it. Small dogs prone to IVDD include poodles, Shih Tzus, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds. Larger breeds prone to IVDD include the Rottweiler and Labrador Retriever.
Is IVDD In Dogs Fatal?
The severity of dog IVDD depends on the type of IVDD. There are three main types of intervertebral disc disease in dogs, and they are as follows:
Type 1: This happens once the center portion of the disc becomes busted thanks to tears within the outer part of the disc. It is also referred to as a slipped disc and can happen anywhere along the spine. When the inner core of the vertebral discloses normal water content, calcification can occur.
This kind of IVDD is killing and severe cases are classified as danger that need to be instantly take care by your veterinarian.
This kind of IVDD is hurting and serious cases are classified as emergencies that need to be instantly assessed by your veterinarian.
Type 2: This is a gradually progressive condition that may or may not cause pain. If the outer part of the disc becomes torn and fragmented, the fragmented piece may compress the spinal cord.
Type 3: It is typically characterized by trauma that results in an abrupt tear in the outer part of the disc. This type of IVDD does not lead to chronic compression of the spinal cord but it is just as painful and dogs with it have trouble walking and controlling their hind limbs. Severe cases can turn fatal if the spinal cord softens and dies and complete paralysis may occur.
Intervertebral disc disease in dog treatment
IVDD dog treatment without surgery is for mild cases of IVDD which can be treated conservatively by restricting the movement of the dog and the use of pain relievers. Dogs either suffering from paralysis or not responding to pain will most likely require surgery. Physiotherapy will also be essential to your dog’s progress after recovering from surgery.
Cost of treatment
There are several factors that will influence the cost of IVDD treatment, such as your dog’s specific condition, location, the procedure and treatment approach used, breed, etc. Proper diagnosis is the bedrock to any price estimation.
A Conservative treatment approach is cheaper than surgery, however, your veterinarian will be the one to recommend the most effective choice of treatment.