Therapy for Dachshunds with IVDD
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After surgery, your dog will need crate rest, pain management, and physical therapy for about 6 weeks in order to properly heal.
It is important to have physical therapy scheduled for your dog after surgery to help them regain their strength.
Some physical therapy can be done at home, while others will require you to take your dog to a qualified canine rehabilitation therapist (either a Physiotherapist or Veterinary Surgeon).
Rehab services are usually available by referral from your dog’s vet.
These services consist of progressive treatment plans that address strength, range of motion, pain or discomfort, balance, coordination, quality of mobility and walking, and overall function.
What is IVDD?
Intervertebral disc disease, also known as IVDD or slipped disc disease, is an inherited condition of the spine that affects about 25 percent of all Dachshunds. This disease occurs when a disk bulges, ruptures, or slips in the middle of the back. [1]
IVDD is considered a degenerative disk disease. These diseases are caused by progressive degeneration of the intervertebral disks, those cushion-like structures that separate each vertebra of the spinal column.
As the disks degenerate, they calcify and lose their shock-absorbing ability. The disks will then become more susceptible to compression damage, even from normal activities. If a forceful movement occurs, these disks can rupture.
The contents of the disks will then go into the spinal canal and place pressure on the spinal cord. Severe or prolonged pressure on the nerves can lead to pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or even paralysis, to the spinal cord. [2]
Dachshund Fact: These degenerative disk diseases can show up as early as three years of age. The risk of incidence increases as the dachshund grows older. Dachshunds who are overweight are at higher risk for this disorder.
Physical Therapy and Exercises for Dachshunds with IVDD
Leg Stretches
As long as the dog is comfortable, stretching exercises can begin soon after surgery. While your dog is laying on their side, you can move the dog’s leg in its natural range of motion. Stretch the legs forward and backward gently.
Sitting and Standing
To help work on the dog’s back muscles, gently have your dog sit and stand a couple of times daily.
Side Stretches
Hold the dog’s hind end in one hand and with a small treat (or piece of dog food) in your other hand, get them to follow your hand from one side to another.
They will bring their nose from one side (between the end of the chest and the rear leg) around to the other. This is good for flexibility and stretching the back muscles.
Balance Training
Using a wobble board is good for strength building and helps build muscle.
Heat Therapy & Massage
Relieves painful trigger points and muscle spasms and improves your dog’s circulation.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Reduces swelling and promotes healing.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy involves swimming and the use of an underwater treadmill. Being in the water creates resistance and will cushion your dog’s joints.
Post-Op Dog Performing Hydrotherapy
Viivi, the wire haired miniature dachshund contracted IVDD when she was 4 years old. Check out Viivi’s Story for details on her symptoms, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Photo Credit: Dachshund Breed Council, IVDD
Stem Cell Treatment
Many studies are underway using Stem Cell treatment for dogs with IVDD.
Check out Jasper the Dachshund’s story and how he regained his mobility after this treatment.
Emergency Symptoms Post-Op Recovery
If any of the following symptoms occur while your Dachshund is recovering from an IVDD, call your vet for advice:
-
- Pain, weakness, or immobility
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty with urinating or defecating
- Blood in the urine or stools
- Stops eating or drinking
- Acting lethargic
Natural Supplements For Dogs With IVDD
Two natural supplements are recommended for dogs with IVDD: turmeric and omega-3s.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric can help dogs who suffer from chronic joint pain by reducing inflammation.
You can add this supplement to your dog’s food, or purchase a soft chewable tablet on Amazon.
Keep in mind, not all dogs can tolerate turmeric. It is a warming supplement, so if your dog seems pant a lot or sleeps on the cool floor, skip the turmeric.
Caution: If your dog’s on any medications, check with your vet before adding turmeric to her diet.
Turmeric can interact with some medications, including anti-inflammatory and diabetes drugs, and chemotherapy treatments.
2. Omega-3s
Omega-3s can help dogs who suffer from chronic joint pain by reducing inflammation.
They can also help regulate and reduce the effects of arthritis in dogs.
Avoid purchasing Fish oil Omega-3s for dogs because it can be toxic to pets. Fish oil supplements oxidize when exposed to oxygen and this actually increases inflammation in pets.
Try this one: Marine Phytoplankton Omega 3 EPA
This is a vegetarian supplement contains omega 3 fatty acids, but not fatty acids obtained from fish.
Phytoplankton food contains the Omega-3 essential fatty acids nearly double the amount of omega-3 fats by weight as fish oil. [8]
Aids for Dachshund Mobility
In addition to the above treatment options, you may also want to try a mobility aid.
You can Equip your dog with a wheelchair or back brace to help her get around.
Orthopedic braces for dogs help them regain their strength and sense of independence.
Visit the Best IVDD Dog Wheelchair Reviews article.
A sling or harness can be beneficial for your dog. Use these to help your dog upstairs, into the car, or when navigating rough terrain. [8]
Helpful Resources:
- DodgersList IVDD Forum: Learn more from other dog moms and dads about IVDD.
- IVDD Info on Pinterest
- DodgersList Physiotherapy YouTube Channel for a post-operative paralyzed dogs.
- Crate rest for dogs: advice for vets by Dr. Marianne Dorn.
- Walking with your recovering dog by Dr. Marianne Dorn.
- Crate Rest Activities for Dogs after Back, Hip, Leg Injuries
- Why your Dachshund with IVDD should not see a Chiropractor
- Sling walking your dog after surgery
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, IVDD can keep your dachshund from doing all of his favorite things: playing, jumping, and digging. Using IVDD prevention tips can help reduce the risk of your dog getting IVDD.
If your dog does have IVDD, the combination of your vet’s care, physical therapy, mobility aids, and natural supplements will help your dog through the healing process.
If your dog has been through IVDD, please post some lessons learned in the comments below.
Learn More about IVDD in Dachshunds (Part 1 of my IVDD Blog Series) IVDD Prevention, Dog breeds affected by IVDD, IVDD symptoms, and IVDD Treatment options.
Sources:
- Schweitzer, Karen. 2010. Our Best Friends: The Dachshund. Pittsburg, PA: Eldorado Ink.
- Pinney, Chris C. 2010, 2000. Hauppauge, NY 11788.
- NorthStar VETS Vet, NJ. Avoiding back problems in Dachshunds
- UCDAVIS Veterinary Medicine.
- Dachshund Health UK
- Pet Health Network
- PetMD
- Dogs Naturally Magazine
Great post, I have a friend whose Doxie went through it and he is now with a wheelchair wheeling through the park with nothing stopping him, his other Doxie thank goodness is fine
Hi, Thank you for your comment. I’m glad to hear that your friend’s Doxie made it through and is able to use the doggie wheelchair.
Great advice I know a lot of members of my FB would benefit, as it’s something many have been dealing with. When my dog had his spinal surgery for a ruptured disc, there were exercises I had to do with him throughout the day and he was on cage rest, only 5 minute walks allowed using a sling. I found putting him in my other dog’s stroller so he could at least get out and see people was really helpful as it prevented him from getting too bored or depressed.
Hi Hindy, Thank you for your comment. I appreciate the advice about the doggie stroller. What a great way to help them still enjoy the outdoors safely while they heal.
Physical therapy is such an underappreciated modality, isn’t it? And yet it can accomplish so much.
I love that you mention stem cell therapy–I am a big proponent of regenerative therapies. Used stem cell treatments for Jasmine, used platelet-rich plasma treatment for Cookie.
Hi Jana! Oh wow, that is very cool. I’m glad to hear those treatments worked for them. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
What I really would have appreciated from you is a brief definition of what IVDD actually is (on your page). I am a cat owner and have no idea but would appreciate expanding my knowledge. This would have a real impact on how much I absorbed from the post.
I know doxie’s have breed specific issues (like some other breeds) so seeing the range of treatments available including stem cell is a real eye opener.
Hi There, This IVDD Therapy post is more of a part 2 to the IVDD series on my blog. At the bottom of this IVDD Therapy post, there is a link to More information about IVDD (part 1). I can certianly add basic IVDD info to this post as well, thank you for the suggestion.
Here is the link to the IVDD Information.
https://www.dachshundstation.com/ivdd-dachshunds/
I hadn’t heard of IVDD, but I had heard that dachshunds could develop back issues easily.
Hello, thank you for sharing. Yes, it is really sad that doxies are prone to this disease.
Great informative post! For different mobility concerns with a few of my Huskies, I,too, have found cold laser therapy, massage, and supplements extremely helpful. A friend also did hydrotherapy (unfortunately, it is not offered in my area) and had amazing results. Thank you for sharing such great info about IVDD and Doxies. Pinning to share with others.
Thank you very much for sharing Dorothy. It is very encouraging to here about positive experiences with IVDD therapy methods.
I’m glad that there are some ways to treat it now! Thanks for recommending a good source for Omega 3, and the interaction potential problems with turmeric. I did not know about either of those.
Hello, Thank you for your comment. Yes, the Omega 3 and Turmeric are also great for inflamation causing pain and arthritus in dogs. As they get older, it is a big help for their joints.
Thank you so much for your site. My little guy Oscar just had surgery to repair a ruptured disk. He had symptoms for maybe three days then had problems standing and was dragging his left back leg. We were fortunate enough to have a hospital that has an MRI and he had surgery the next day. We are three days out from surgery and he seems to be doing really well. He’s going potty on his own and can bear weight on both legs. I’ve never crated my doxies before so I’ve learned a couple of things about crates: Even though Oscar is only 12 pounds and 22 inches long he needs a crate big enough to turn around so we got a 30X18 and it’s working great. Also it’s impossible to lift him correctly using the crate doors so we took off the top hinges and now we can lift him out. We’re also doing cold laser twice a week and he does seem a bit calmer after. I haven’t found too much on post-surgery rehab so Oscar and I really appreciate all the information.
Hi Annette, Thank you so much for your comment. I am sorry Oscar had to have surgery, Poor guy. I do hope he continues to do well with his post surgery therapy. Are you planning on trying Hydro / water therapy as well? That is great that he is responding well to the cold laser therapy. I like the idea of opening up the crate from the top to help him get out, good idea. Thanks so much for sharing.