What is Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)?

IVDD is a condition where the cushioning disc between the vertebrae (bones of the spine) ruptures and pushes into the spinal canal. This extrusion can compress the spinal cord and lead to pain, weakness, or even paralysis.

What Causes IVDD?

The discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Over time, they can degenerate and become more susceptible to injury. When they rupture, the inner material pushes out and can press on the spinal cord.

This process is most commonly seen in dog breeds such as dachshunds, beagles, French bulldogs, and corgis, but any breed of any size can be affected.

Diagnosis

1. Clinical examination: This involves assessing reflexes, pain response, and muscle strength.
2. X-rays: Provide a view of the spine's bones but may not show the disc material itself.
3. MRI or CT scans: Give a detailed image of the spine and the discs, helping to pinpoint the location and severity of the extrusion. Often a CT scan will be combined with a procedure called a myelogram, which is where contrast material is injected into the space around the spinal cord. This gives even better assessment of the disc extrusion.

Treatment Options

1. Conservative management: Depending on the severity, some dogs may benefit from rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain relief. This allows the disc to naturally heal and the spinal cord to recover.
2. Surgical management: For more severely affected dogs, or those where conservative management isn’t working, surgical removal of the disc allows the compression of the spinal cord to be relieved.
   • Hemilaminectomy: A surgical option where a small portion of the bone covering the spinal cord is removed, allowing the removal of the extruded disc material.
   • Partial lateral corpectomy: In this surgery, part of the vertebral body and the disc is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. It's used in specific cases where the disc material is harder to remove, or has moved to the side.

What is the Prognosis?

The outcome after treatment often depends on the severity of the neurological symptoms:

• Ambulatory dogs (can walk): Very good prognosis with surgical management, or even with conservative management if pain is the only sign. Dogs with some wobbliness in the legs have a better prognosis with surgery.
• Non-ambulatory dogs (cannot walk but feel pain): Good to excellent prognosis with timely surgical intervention.
• Dogs with no deep pain perception: The prognosis can be guarded, but with prompt surgical treatment, some dogs can regain function.

Our patients generally stay in hospital on high-strength pain relief, until they are comfortable and able to go to the toilet by themselves.

Recovery at Home

1. Rest and confinement: Your dog should be confined to a small space or crate for several weeks to allow healing. This prevents them from making sudden movements that could further injure the spine.
2. Medication: Ensure your dog takes all prescribed medications to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Physical therapy: After the initial healing period, exercises can help improve mobility and strength. We can give you a physiotherapy program to use at home, or put you in touch with another professional if needed.    
4. Regular check-ups: To monitor healing and ensure no complications arise.
5. Avoid high-impact activities: Jumping off furniture or rough play can put strain on the healing spine. This should be avoided for several months.

Understanding your dog's condition and the road to recovery can be overwhelming. Remember, every dog's situation is unique. Your dog's full return to normal activity may take several months, but with diligence and proper care, they can enjoy a pain-free, active life once again.