DIAGNOSING AND TREATING SLIPPED DISCS IN DOGS – A GUIDE FOR PET OWNERS

Your pup’s started howling in pain; it could just be a slipped disc. Oh, can, that’s enough to send a shiver down your dog’s spine. Getting your pup the diagnosis and treatment they need for a slipped disc can be downright stressful. “What did you do?” “How did this happen?” At the end of the day, you want your dog back feeling better, fast.

Slipped discs in your beloved pup can be an incredibly distressing situation. You are afraid of the worst and hope for the best. Slipped discs don’t have to spell disaster, though. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan from a knowledgeable vet, your pup can be back on its feet in no time.

In this guide, I provide all the information you need when it comes to dealing with a dog that has suffered from a slipped disc. I cover everything, from the initial diagnosis to figuring out which treatments might be most beneficial throughout recovery.

Armed with this knowledge, you can quickly get a diagnosis and treatment plan in place, so your pup can start to feel better again.

To start, let’s delve into the basics of slipped discs.

What Is The Mystery Of Slipped Discs In Dogs: Causes And Effects

In medical terms, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), slipped discs occur when one of the discs between your pup’s spinal vertebrae slips out of its normal position and presses on its spinal nerves.

Though the exact cause of this condition is not known, it is thought to be caused by an inherited genetic disorder that weakens the discs in your pup’s spine. It can also occur due to trauma or excessive jumping/running.

Age and weight are also contributing factors, as older dogs and overweight dogs tend to be more affected by slipped discs. However, any dog can be affected by a slipped disc, regardless of age and weight.

The effects of slipped discs in dogs can vary depending on the severity. Still, in general, they will experience pain and possibly paralysis if the disc is pressing on the spinal cord. In some cases, it could even lead to permanent neurological damage.

This makes prompt diagnosis and treatment a must. If left undiagnosed or untreated, your pup could suffer permanent disabilities, which would be devastating for them and you.

With a comprehensive understanding of the causes and outcomes of slipped discs, it’s time to uncover the signs and symptoms of disc slippage in dogs so that you can give your prompt pet care.

Signs And Symptoms Of Slipped Discs In Dogs

Keeping an eye out for signs that your pup might be suffering from a slipped disc is essential. The faster you can diagnose it, the faster you can begin treatment and minimize any permanent damage.

The signs and symptoms of a slipped disc vary depending on the severity, but here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Pain – Your pup may yelp or whimper when touched near their spine.
• Loss of appetite – Pain can cause your pup to lose its appetite.
• Unusual posture – Your pup might be trying to alleviate the pain by standing in a peculiar way.
• Weakness or paralysis – If the disc is pressing on your pup’s nerves, they may experience weakness or even paralysis in their hind legs.
• Reluctance to move – Dogs with slipped discs may be reluctant to move because of the pain.
• Poor reflexes – If their nerves are affected, your pup may have slow or weak reflexes.
• Trembling – Pain and fear can cause your pup to tremble.
• Urinary incontinence – If the disc is pressing on their nerves, they may experience bladder control issues.
• Shivering or shaking and muscle spasms may also occur.

These are the main signs and symptoms of a slipped disc in dogs, so if you notice any of these, it’s important to take your pup to the vet immediately.

Now that we are aware of the indicators and manifestations of a slipped disc, it’s time to determine how to diagnose and cure them. Doing so can create an actionable plan for your pup to speed up its recovery process.

Diagnosing Dog Disc Slippage: What The Veterinarian Will Do

Ah, the step to diagnose and cure this condition. It’s an important step for both you and your pup, as not only will it rule out other conditions, but it will give the vet a clear picture of what is going on inside your pup’s body.

Here is what the vet will do in order to diagnose your pup’s disc slippage:

Physical Exam – Your vet will examine your pup and ask questions about their diet, exercise routine, and any other pertinent information that could be related to the condition.

X-rays – During the physical exam, your vet may order X-rays to gain a better understanding of the disc slippage.

MRI – The vet may perform an MRI to get a better view of the spinal cord and determine if there is any nerve damage.

Blood Tests – Blood tests can help the vet rule out other conditions such as cancer, infection, or inflammation.

Myelograms – Myelograms are a type of imaging test that can help the vet see if any disc material is pressing against the spinal cord.

These are the main steps that the vet will take to diagnose what is going on with your pup. So if you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your pup, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet immediately so they can get prompt diagnosis and care.

Now that you have a sound understanding of the causes, symptoms, and diagnoses associated with slipped discs in dogs, it’s time to gain insight into what treatments are available. By exploring these options, we can ensure your pup recovers quickly and safely by exploring these options. Let’s get started.

What Effective Treatments Option For Slipped Discs In Dogs?

Are you concerned about your pup’s slipped disc? Don’t worry; there are a variety of treatments available that can help alleviate the pain and get them on the road to recovery.

No one wants to see their pup in pain, so thankfully, there are a variety of treatment options available when it comes to treating slipped discs in dogs. Depending on the severity of the disc slippage and the amount of nerve damage, your vet will determine which option is best for your pup.

Once the diagnosis is made, your vet can create an actionable plan for your pup that includes treatments such as pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and even surgery if the case is severe.

Pain Medication

Your pup may be prescribed a pain reliever to help manage their discomfort. This can include anything from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to corticosteroids.

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Common anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for slipped discs are glucocorticoids like prednisone. These drugs help reduce inflammation and pain but should only be given in short courses as long-term use can have serious side effects.

Physical Therapy

Your vet may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles of your pup’s back and neck. Doing regular exercises can also help improve posture, flexibility, and range of motion.

Surgery

Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. This invasive procedure should only be used as a last resort if other treatments are ineffective.

What’s Next?

Now that you know the various treatments available for slipped discs in dogs, it’s time to take action. Consult with your vet and discuss what options are best for your pup. Remember that it can take weeks or even months before they fully recover, so patience is key. With proper care and treatment, your pup can return to its old self with proper care and treatment.

Conclusion

As pet owners, you must bear the responsibility of knowing how to look out for signs of slipped discs in our beloved canines and what we can do to alleviate their pain and suffering. Knowing the ins and outs of this sometimes complex area of canine health will only strengthen our role as guardians.

Despite common misconceptions that a slipped disc is unusual or mysterious, diagnosing and treating them in dogs can be a manageable affair – one that often leads to full recovery when handled properly.

With some knowledge of pain management methods and preventive measures to strengthen the spine, pet owners can confidently arm themselves when caring for their pup’s needs. Together, I can make sure your four-legged friends have a chance to live life to its fullest.