Our 10 year old Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with IVDD at age 5. She had intermittent paralysis and needed spinal surgery to repair a herniated disc and large blood clot. X-rays are not good/useless at picking up IVDD. It took an MRI to see the extent of the damage. Often if caught early enough it can be treated with anti-inflammatories and strict crate rest till the injury heals. Only use a harness, no collars as this can put stress on the vertebra. It's amazing what specialists can do now to help. Sophie has a great quality of life and the only residual effect is that she has no feeling in her lower left rear leg. It takes her a bit longer to do her business but otherwise you'd never guess she had this condition. She's not lame at all. Good luck with your little one! |