Therapy for Dachshunds with IVDD
IVDD can be a scary diagnosis for any Dachshund owner. Don’t lose hope! There are many Successful Therapy Options for Dachshunds with IVDD, with or without surgery.
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Treatment methods for IVDD include Hydrotherapy, Laser Therapy, Acupuncture, Stem Cell Therapy, and Physical Therapy exercises.
Table of Contents
What is IVDD?
Intervertebral disc disease, also known as IVDD or slipped disc disease, is an inherited condition of the spine.
IVDD is a disease caused by progressive degeneration of the intervertebral disks.
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.
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]
How Long Does IVDD Take to Heal?
After IVDD surgery, your dog will need crate rest, pain management, and physical therapy for about 6-8 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, because many doxies do walk again.
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).
Emergency Symptoms Post-Op Recovery:
If any of the following symptoms occur while your Dachshund is recovering from IVDD surgery, call your vet ASAP:
- Pain, weakness, or immobility
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty with urinating or defecating
- Blood in the urine or stools
- Stops eating or drinking
- Acting lethargic
Treating IVDD in Dogs
Treatments for IVDD can go one of two ways: Conservative (non-surgical) or Surgical. It all depends on the severity of the damage to the spinal cord.
1. Conservative Treatment Method: (No-Surgery)
The Conservative Treatment Includes:
- Anti-inflammatory medication from your vet
- Crate rest for 6-8 weeks
- Reduction of Activities
Can a Dog Recover from IVDD Without Surgery?
The conservative method is not the “cure all” for IVDD. It is a treatment for the current spinal problem in order to help the dog heal.
When my miniature dachshund, Reno, occasionally would have issues walking. My vet gave him some medication to help reduce the inflammation and pain he was experiencing. That really helped him get back to feeling like himself again.
Check out the YouTube Video IVDD in Dogs: JP’s Story. JP was able to walk again using conservative treatment methods. Credit to Southern Cross Vet Clinic cc.
2. Surgical Treatment Method
“If the damage is too severe and the dog is paralyzed or incontinent, conservative treatment may not be enough. In many cases, emergency surgery is needed to open up space. This is done by removing a portion of the bony vertebrae over the spinal cord (laminectomy). Even after surgery, however, the dog may not recover fully.” [7]
At the first sign of IVDD Symptoms, it is crucial to get your dog to the vet. If surgery is required, the sooner they have the operation the better chances of success they have to be able to walk again.
It is recommended that you have your dog’s surgery done by a trained neurologist, not a general veterinarian.
If successful, this surgery may fix the injured discs, but with IVDD, it is unfortunately possible that other discs can rupture in the future.
Successful Therapy for Dachshunds with IVDD
IVDD rehabilitation services consist of progressive treatment plans that address your dog’s strength, range of motion, pain, balance, and mobility. Some treatment methods include the following:
- Hydrotherapy
- Laser Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Stem Therapy
- Physical Therapy Exercises
These methods can be used as conservative treatments or post – surgery treatments.
Hydrotherapy:
Hydrotherapy means “Water-Healing.” This type of therapy involves your dog swimming and the using an underwater treadmill. Being in the water creates resistance and will cushion your dog’s joints.
How Does Hydrotherapy work for dogs?
Post-Op Dog Performing Hydrotherapy
Photo Credit: Dachshund Breed Council, IVDD
Viivi, the wire haired miniature dachshund contracted IVDD when she was just 4 years old. Check out Viivi’s Story for details on her symptoms, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Laser Therapy:
With the help of Laser Therapy, Dogs that are not able to stand or walk can regain strength and get back to normal doggie activities. Laser Therapy can reduce the pain caused by IVDD.
Is Laser Therapy Effective For Dogs?
Acupuncture:
The Acupuncture method used for IVDD reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation. Acupuncture can restore the damaged nerves and promote faster healing.
Stem Cell Treatment:
Many studies are underway using Stem Cell treatment for dogs with IVDD. Check out Jasper the Dachshund’s story on YouTube and how he regained his mobility using Stem Cell Treatment.
Physical Therapy Exercises For Dogs With IVDD:
The following are a list of exercises your dog may need to do post IVDD surgery. Only do the exercises that your vet recommends for your dog.
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.
Natural Supplements For Dogs With IVDD:
There are two natural supplements recommended for dogs with IVDD: turmeric and omega-3s.
Note: I am not a veterinarian. I am suggesting products that I have researched. Always check with your Vet before giving your dog any supplements.
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” based 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 that contains omega 3 fatty acids, but not fatty acids obtained from fish. [8]
Dachshund Mobility Aids
In addition to the above treatment options, you may also want to try a mobility aid for your doxie. You can equip your dog with some wheels or a supportive back brace to help them get around with ease.
Dachshund Ramp:
To Protect our Dachshund’s back, we purchased the DachRamp from Alpha Paw. It is lightweight, packs up flat, and nice rubber grips to help our doxies into our bed.
Our Dachshund puppy, Eko, loves his new dachshund ramp!
Back Brace:
Orthopedic back braces can help your dog regain their strength and sense of independence. A sling or harness can also be beneficial for your dog. Use these tools to help your dog upstairs, into the car, or when navigating rough terrain. [8]
Dachshund Wheel Chairs:
Your Dog’s vet can help you find or customize a special wheelchair for your dachshund with IVDD. A doggie wheelchair can provide excellent support for dogs that suffer from weakness or paralysis. You can actually find K9 Wheel Chairs on Amazon!
Post You May Like: Best Dog Wheelchair Reviews by Canine Journal.com
Will My Dog Recover From IVDD?
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 dachshund has been through IVDD, please post some lessons learned in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
Post You May Like: IVDD Diagnosis, Prevention, and Symptoms (Part 1 of the IVDD Series).
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.
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
Thank you for posting this, especially about the natural supplements that could be helpful. My eight year old dachshund Weenie severely injured her back and it was discovered she had IVDD when I came home from work one day and she was jumping upright at the door- her sounds went from happy excited ones to excruciating pain squals ): I got the door open as fast as I could but she was completely paralyzed on the hind end. She had surgery the next morning and is now back to about 95% the normal mobility she had before and it’s been 11 weeks. It was a horrifying experience and I was afraid she would never walk again, she had a significant herniation where almost 50% of her spinal cord was compressed. Now I am curious if I should be allowing her to run with me or run at all? She used to be my running partner and she loves to run, but she’s getting older and I don’t want to overdo it. I will consult with our veterinarian. I am considering supplements and she is on strict no jumping rules which has been tough because she was one bouncy dog. She now has a crate while I’m away at work. Again thank you for the post I enjoyed reading about IVDD therapies.
Hi There, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. I know that every doxie has a different story and so many dachshund parents look for knowledge from experienced folks like you. I’m so glad that your dachshund has successfully come through the surgery and is able to walk again. Did she do some physical therapy after the surgery at home or at a rehabilitation center?
I would consult a canine physical therapist and your vet on the running question. I know that keeping her moving helps, but running may be on the risky side – as IVDD can happen again. It is so hard to keep a doxie from running, playing, jumping because they just love life and don’t want to sit still. Kudos to you for getting through those long 11 weeks.