Intervebral disk disease

[Lovetodream88]

Sammy was just diagnosed with intervebral disk disease. Does anyone have any information or know anything about this?

[rubymoon2072]

I do not but from reading online it almost sounds like what my husband has in human form. Sending many prayers for Sammy.

[pstinard]

Here are a couple of links:

http://vetspecialistsofrochester.com...easeInDogs.pdf

Slipped Disc, Bad Back, and Muscle Spasms in Dogs | petMD

[capt_noonie]

Poor Sammy. I hope it can be cured.

[Ellie May]

I figured that was the problem when hearing about Sammy. Yes, Ellie has it.

Any questions in particular?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I figured that was the problem when hearing about Sammy. Yes, Ellie has it.

Any questions in particular?

About 13 years ago we had a dog who had to be put to sleep because a disk broke in her back. Things are different now right? If it breaks there is something we can do to fix it? Does he need to see a specialist?

[YazminD]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

About 13 years ago we had a dog who had to be put to sleep because a disk broke in her back. Things are different now right? If it breaks there is something we can do to fix it? Does he need to see a specialist?

I'm so sorry to hear Sammy's going through this, praying medications will make him feel better. I was just reading the links Pstinard provided, very informative concerning IDD, surgery and how specialist are needed to perform this type of surgery if nessasary. Thank you Pstinard.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

About 13 years ago we had a dog who had to be put to sleep because a disk broke in her back. Things are different now right? If it breaks there is something we can do to fix it? Does he need to see a specialist?

From the first article link I posted:

"Neurosurgery on dogs requires special equipment, training and skills. Most veterinarians do not do these surgeries themselves, and instead refer to doctors who have been board-certified in veterinary neurology or surgery. Surgery on dogs with IVD disease can be very rewarding, and most dogs will walk and lead normal lives even after being completely paralyzed."

So yes, he should see a specialist, and yes, the prognosis after surgery is good.

[107barney]

Taylor you could find out from the surgeon who did Callie's leg where to take Sammy for a surgical and/or neurology opinion. Hope all goes ok.

[Lovetodream88]

That office has a surgeon that does neurosurgery. I just wasn't sure if he needs to go like now or if he has a problem or gets worse. Should I call and get him an appointment soon?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by pstinard

From the first article link I posted:

"Neurosurgery on dogs requires special equipment, training and skills. Most veterinarians do not do these surgeries themselves, and instead refer to doctors who have been board-certified in veterinary neurology or surgery. Surgery on dogs with IVD disease can be very rewarding, and most dogs will walk and lead normal lives even after being completely paralyzed."

So yes, he should see a specialist, and yes, the prognosis after surgery is good.

I didn't mean for the surgery I know that would need to be done by a specialist but I didn't know if he needed on now or what.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

That office has a surgeon that does neurosurgery. I just wasn't sure if he needs to go like now or if he has a problem or gets worse. Should I call and get him an appointment soon?

It is not a bad idea to have a neuro consult, but if he isn't showing obvious signs of a problem, then you don't have to do it. It really depends on whether he is in pain, or if he is showing neurological signs.

[107barney]

BTW, Barney had IVDD in his neck. I crate rested him and gave him meds and he was fine thereafter. Twice actually. He went to the ER a few times for pain in the neck but I never felt he needed a neurologist until recently and that was a diff problem.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I didn't mean for the surgery I know that would need to be done by a specialist but I didn't know if he needed on now or what.

Oh, okay, I wasn't certain how bad his condition is. A consult with a specialist wouldn't hurt, though. They will be able to tell you if surgery might help, or if you can wait.

[kmarla]

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!