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Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most common neurologic problems in dogs. After over 3000 surgical cases, Dr. Parkes has an extensive understanding of treatment options. In some mild cases, owners may elect to treat the animals with corticosteroids. However, a high percentage of these painful episodes are followed by more progressive injury leading to long-term loss of function. Thus, surgery is usually the recommended route. The onsets of signs of thoracolumbar disc disease may run the spectrum from knuckling of the hind paws to rapid, sudden paralysis of the hind legs. Surgical treatment is based on veterinary examination. X-ray myelograms and MRIs may assist localization of which discs are involved. Prognosis after surgery will be based on the degree of injury to the spinal cord and co-morbidities of surgery.
A good prognosis is expected in pets that are still walking prior to surgery. Immediate surgery is recommended. If your pet is not walking in 1-2 weeks, a two-wheeled K9 Cart should be considered.
A guarded prognosis is expected in pets where function in the hind limbs is gone, but some sensation still remains with tail and leg movement. Immediate surgery is recommended. If function does not return in 7-10 days, a two-wheeled K9 Cart should be considered typically at 10-14 days after surgery depending on the rate of recovery.
A poor prognosis is expected with flaccid paralysis of the rear limbs, loss of sensation, loss of bladder control, absence of tail wag, and loss of deep pain. Surgery is not indicated. A two-wheeled K9 Cart should be considered after 5-7 days.
Nursing care should begin immediately after surgery on all animals (See Nursing Care.)
If no improvement in function is seen within 1 month, the prognosis is poor. If voluntary function returns, it will be limited. Occasionally, reflex activity may return but not voluntary control. Some tail wag and voluntary urination may return, but long-term nursing care to express the bladder will be necessary.
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