Rehabilitation and Conditioning for Animals

Canine Disc Disease  

What Every Pet Owner Should Know

LA State University School of Vet Med

Canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common problem in dogs that can result in back or neck pain, trouble walking, lameness, trouble urinating, and/or paralysis.  Disc herniation (a "slipped disc") can result in a sudden onset of signs.  This can happen in dogs of any age or breed, but more commonly affects predisposed breeds such as daschunds, basset hournds, corgis, and dobermans, to name a few.

How does this happen?

It is importatn to consider the make up of the spinal column and vertebrae (back bones) to understand why this disease happens.  The vertebrae are lined up from the neck to the tail as small blocks, with the spinal cord running through a hole in the middle.  The discs are small circular shock-absorbers between the vertebrae, below the spinal cord.  Each disc has a fibrous outer ring and a jelly-like center.  With age, the center of the disc may harden or even calcify, and the outer ring may tear.  If the outer ring can no longer hold the inner contents of the disc in, then this material may herniate and press on the spinal cord.  Herniation of the disc often occurs explosively (type I disc disease), causing significant injury to the spinal cord, causing pain, altered gait or paralysis.  This can affect any part of the spinal cord, but more often affects the neck (cervical spine) or mid-lower back (thoraco-lumbar region).  Neurological examination will help determine the location, and a series of X-rays and a myelogram will be required to determine the exact location of the problem.  Other problems that may cause similar signs include trauma/fracture, infection, or neoplasia.

What are my treatment options?

(to be continued...)

Louisiana State University

School of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics

Companion Animal Surgery

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

Phone (225) 578-9600

Rehabilitation intervention is a very important part of the healing process after surgery.  After functional rehab, based on movement and neuro-stimulation using primarily drills and laser therapy, a conditioning program can lead to better core fitness, possibly helping reduce the incidence of reoccurrence.  Weight control, specific strengthening exercises, and certain precautions around the home should all help your pet realize a better quality of life. 

Home health care is essential for a dog that is non-ambulatory after surgery, and just as in human physical therapy, a qualified animal rehabilitation specialist should be relied upon to encourage the healing process and help with return to function.  Owner education in the home environment is also a key factor at this time.

As a functional rehab practitioner, I am able to help with interventions to encourage your dog to stand and walk again.  I focus on practical movement drills, principles of neuroscience and elements of neurology.  I am able to design supportive device programs for those who are slower to heal or have significant nerve damage and cannot be expected to walk soon.  Supportive devices also help owners to accomplish the necessary work and drills that encourage healing.  Many activities and interventions may be realized at home.  Rehabilitation and conditioning programs may then progress to designs that seek to build core strength and supportive spinal muscle strength.

For interesting and exciting information on brain mapping and the basics of neuroscience, see THE BRAIN THAT CHANGES ITSELF, by Doidge.