When you think of Ivdd (intervertebral disc disease), you might envision a dog with a dodgy back. But you might need to learn that Ivdd can affect many animals, including cats and horses. In this blog post, we will explore what Ivdd is and the various stages of ivdd in dogs? We will also provide tips on how to detect Ivdd in your pets and how to treat them if they’re affected.
What Is Ivdd?
Ivdd, or Intervertebral Disc Disease, is a developmental disorder in dogs that affects the nervous system. It can occur at any stage of development, but it most commonly develops in puppies between 6 and 12 weeks old.
There are three stages of ivdd in dogs: idiopathic, symptomatic, and progressive. In the idiopathic stage, no cause is known, in the symptomatic phase, there is some identifiable cause (such as an infection).
In the progressive phase, there is a known cause (such as a tumor).
Symptoms of ivdd vary depending on which stage the dog is in. In the early stages (idiopathic and symptomatic), symptoms may include difficulty walking, circling, or pacing incessantly, inability to sit or stand still, weakness or paralysis in one or more limbs, seizures, and abnormal vocalization. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen until the dog dies or becomes completely paralyzed.
What Are The Different Types of Ivdd In Dogs?
Dogs have different types of Ivdd, each with a specific cause and treatment. Here’s a rundown of the different kinds of Ivdd in dogs, along with their symptoms and treatments:
Acute Ivdd: This is the most common type of Ivdd in dogs, and it typically occurs when a dog’s immune system attacks its tissues or organs. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, and lethargy. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to clear the infection, along with supportive care.
Chronic Ivdd: Chronic Ivdd is more common in older dogs. It typically results from an underlying disease or condition (such as cancer) that triggers the dog’s immune system to attack its tissues. Symptoms include gradual worsening of existing health problems, weight loss, increased thirst and appetite, arthritis-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, skin lesions (including sores), swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing. Treatment usually involves:
- Managing the underlying cause of the disease (if possible).
- Using immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation.
- Providing medical support to help the dog recover.
How Do You Treat Ivdd In Dogs?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best way to treat idd in dogs will depend on the individual dog’s specific symptoms and diagnosis. However, generally speaking, idd can be treated in a three-stage process: early detection, treatment, and monitoring.
In the early detection stage, any signs or symptoms of ivdd should catch immediately by the owner, and they should seek veterinary care. Treatment during this stage may include antibiotics or other medications to fight the infection, medicines for pain relief, and cooling measures to reduce inflammation. Close observation of the dog’s health is also essential during this phase to track any improvements or changes.
Stage two consists of treating the infection once it has been detected and spread throughout the body. This may involve antibiotics or other medication, pain relief, and supportive care such as feeding modified diets or keeping a pet excellent with fluids. Monitoring the dog’s overall health is essential to determine whether further treatment is necessary.
The final stage involves ongoing vigilance for signs of ivdd and regular checkups with a veterinarian to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments in treatment.
Pre-Incident Signs That Your Dog Might Have Ivdd
Many different stages can occur in dogs with Ivdd, each associated with specific symptoms. If you’re concerned about your dog having Ivdd, it’s essential to know the signs so you can start treatment early on.
The first stage of Ivdd is usually characterized by decreased appetite and lethargy. In some cases, there may also be fever or vomiting. The dog may also have difficulty walking or standing and breathing.
In the later stages of Ivdd, the dog will become increasingly frail and unable to move around or speak clearly. He may also experience kidney failure, seizures, and death.
Post-Incident Signs Of Ivdd In Dogs
Now you know if you’ve ever wondered what the signs of Ivdd in dogs look like. Following an incident with your pet, several indications indicate further trouble may be brewing. Here are some key markers to watch for:
1. Aggression: Pets exhibiting aggressive behavior towards humans or other animals after an Ivdd episode may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If your dog is constantly snapping at people or running away from them, this could be a sign of PTSD.
Additionally, if your dog exhibits any changes in personality following the event – becoming more aggressive or withdrawn – this could also signal a problem. If you notice these behaviors in your pet, you must seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
2. Changes In Sleeping patterns: Pets who have experienced an Ivdd episode may undergo significant changes in their sleep cycle. Typically, pets will become more restless and wake up frequently during the night following an incident.
This can lead to problems such as obesity and canine diabetes because pets will not get enough restorative sleep. If your dog sleeps fewer hours per day or has difficulty settling down at night, speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of starting treatment for Ivdd.
Conclusion
As you may know, ivdd (intervertebral disc disease) is common in dogs. It can affect any dog, but it most commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs. Ivdd is caused by the gradual wear and tear on the discs between your dog’s vertebrae.
As the discs start degenerating, they can no longer provide adequate pet support. This can lead to pain and stiffness in your dog’s back and physical limitations such as poor mobility.