IVDD - Intervertebral Disc Disease

What is IVDD?

The most commonly treated spinal disease that dogs can have. IVDD is an age related, degenerative condition, however some breeds, such as Dachshunds and Bassett Hounds (chondrodystrophic breeds and crosses) can suffer from young adult age.

There are 2 types of IVDD.

  • Type 1 - a rupture of the middle part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) which poses through tears in the outer part of the disc (annulus fibrosis). This is also known as a slipped disc. The nucleus pulposus loses its normal water content and becomes calcified. Common in young to middle aged smaller dogs (but can occur in large dogs)

  • Type 2 - bulging of the annulus fibrosis putting pressure on the spinal cord. Quite progressive in its nature and may or may not cause pain. This spiral compression may lead to spinal cord atrophy. Common in middle to older aged medium to larger breeds.

how does it progress?

In small to medium breeds some instances can occur from a young adult age range, but it is most common in young to middle age. In larger breeds it is more likely to be middle to older aged dogs.

The most common indication of IVDD is a change in posture, gait or a dog will present with pain. The dog may also have onset symptoms of wobbliness or pain in the neck or back.

There are 3 types of disc disease:

Hansen type I - this has an acute and sudden onset usually following trauma or jumping.

Hansen type II - this has more of a gradual onset, caused by ‘wear and tear’ on the back.

Hansen type III - this is known as ‘acute non-compressive’ or ‘high velocity low volume’ disc disease. This injury to the spinal cord does not result in ongoing compression and with rehabilitation and physiotherapy a dog can recover without surgical intervention.

Image from Canine PT & Me. Please note that BelMar Clinical Canine Massage is not affiliated with Canine PT & Me.

what causes IVDD?

  • Degeneration is effectively an aging process that is heavily influenced by canine genetics and accelerated by biomechanical strain and trauma among other things

  • Trauma to the back

  • Jumpin in or out of the car etc

  • General ‘wear and tear’ on the back

what are the symptoms?

  • Initial intense pain when the disc ruptures

  • An arched spine in the middle of the back (roachback)

  • Your dog may have an unwillingness to turn, raise/lower their head and shiver with pain

  • They may walk very carefully and slowly

  • Severe, partial or complete paralysis of the hind limbs

  • Limping or lameness of the front limbs

  • They may seem uncoordinated when walking

  • Draggin of the rear limbs can be seen in the more severe cases of IVDD

** Dogs who have no pain response from their hind limbs should be considered a surgical emergency **

Video by Fitzpatrick Referrals. Please note that Belmar Canine Massage is not affiliated with Fitzpatrick Referrals.

how can massage help with IVDD?

  • Treats overcompensation , particularly in the front legs, neck and shoulders.

  • Improves muscle tone, especially in areas underused, such as hind legs, gracilis, gluteals etc

  • Increases blood & lymph circulation, so nourishing the cells and getting blood to muscles that aren’t being used

  • Speeds up natural healing

  • Rebuild atrophied (wasted) muscles in unused limbs

  • Treats muscular overcompensation. This is where there is an overuse of supporting muscles or muscle groups, resulting in secondary areas of injury

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema

  • Bruises

  • Open wounds

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Broken bones

  • Pregnancy