Why Do People Choose Safari Veterinary Care Center To Treat Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) In Dogs?

Intervertebral disc disease or dog IVDD refers to having a degenerative joint problem that affects the spaces in between the vertebrae that make up the canine’s spinal column. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a disk disease in dogs, causes the discs to harden and become brittle thereby making them unable to cushion the vertebrae.

Intervertebral disc disease in dogs symptoms

IVDD symptoms include: weight loss, fatigue, holding of the head in an upright stiff position, touch sensitivity, reduced activity, head held low, arching back, reluctance to move, inability to walk normally, inability to support own weight, inability to stand, Muscle spasms, tense belly, weakness in hind legs, crossing back legs when walking, inability to walk normally, knuckling of back paws, or dragging rear legs, limp tail, urinary or fecal incontinence, and dilated anus.

Intervertebral disc disease in dogs treatment

IVDD treatment method usually depends on the stage and the diagnosis. Early diagnosis of the disease is necessary in order to achieve good treatment outcomes. It is recommended that you take your dog to the vet for a full examination if you spot signs of IVDD as delays in treatment could lead to irreversible damage.

IVDD dog treatment without surgery would usually involve either taking anti-inflammatory medications or going for physical therapy.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

   For dogs diagnosed with a mild to moderate IVDD injury, steroid and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to help reduce pain and swelling. Also, anti-inflammatory medications are usually most effective if the dog is in a resting state.

2. Physical Therapy

   Following surgery, your vet may also recommend physical therapy for your dog in order to work on muscle strengthening and to help get your pet moving comfortably again.

Surgical treatment: Surgery is usually recommended for dogs with more severe cases of Intervertebral disc disease where rest and medication do not sufficiently alleviate or ameliorate the pain and other symptoms. Once a dog has lost the ability to walk, the chances of undergoing successful surgery to remedy the condition are very slim.

Recovery from IVDD surgery requires 6 – 8 weeks of restricted activity is needed in order for healing to be complete and to order to avoid further damage to your dog’s spine.

IVDD surgery cost

The number of tests that your doctor is forced to complete in order to successfully diagnose the reason for your dogs’ symptoms will largely affect the cost. Also, the breed, location, and severity of your dog’s condition will also affect the cost.

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