Have you ever heard of IVDD? IVDD is intervertebral disc disease in dogs. This is also referred to as a slipped disc. The disc gets herniated/slipped in the back of the dog and presses on the spinal cord causing problems with the back. I have a Beagle at home that is suffering from IVDD in his lower back, which has paralyzed him in the hind end, and he also has not control over his bladder or bowels. IVDD can happen in any breed of dog but seems to be more common in dogs with longer backs. We have opted for crate rest for the healing process, which is up to 8 weeks. There are other options such as surgery, but surgeries for dogs are very expensive. An MRI at OSU veterinary clinic starts at $2000.00 and the surgery starts at $3500.00, and both could be more depending on the situation and the dog.
We have never heard of IVDD until our dog, Linus, came in Sunday evening and could barely walk. So we rushed him to the ER to find out that he has a slipped disc in his back. By the time we got him home he was unable to walk on his own or control his bladder or bowels. Monday he was in a lot of pain even with the pain medication, Tuesday the pain has decreased some, and this morning his pain is becoming manageable. Linus is showing signs of movement in his legs, so we are hopeful that the 8 weeks of crate rest will result in a full recovery.
If you have never heard of this disease in dogs, please make yourself aware; IVDD Information
In order to care for a dog with IVDD, you have to be aware that you will have to do things that are not comfortable, smelly, and disgusting. Read up on what to do for an handicapped dog: Handicapped Pets; express bladder, Handicapped pets; express bowels
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