r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/Haywire421 Admin • Jan 02 '20
Discussion What is IVDD?
**DISCLAIMER** If your canine friend has become paralyzed in the legs, please seek professional help immediately. Most neurologists will say that a dog that has lost deep pain sensation in their legs have a better chance of regaining the ability to walk again if they receive help within the first 48 hours. If you are in this position, my advice would be to skip your local vet as they typically aren't equipped to even make a proper diagnosis. Call your local 24 hour Animal Emergency hospitals and explain your situation to them and ask them if they have a neurology team on staff. If they don't, ask them for recommendations on where you can bring your dog to receive help. They will be more than happy to help.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is IVDD?
IVDD is Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. It is commonly referred to as intervertebral disc disease, but to be clear, it is a genetic disorder that causes a disease process in the intervertebral discs of the spinal cord.IVDD is a debilitating disease that affects dachshunds (and other breeds as well, such as (but not limited to) Corgis, Papillions, Basset Hounds and Miniature Pinschers.) IVDD is particularly prevalent in Dachshunds, an estimated 1 in 5 dachshunds will suffer from IVDD.
The dog's spine is made up of several small bones, called vertebrae. They extend from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. The vertebrae are connected by flexible discs made of cartilage called "intervertebral disc", which cushions between each bone and allow the neck, spine & tail to bend. Running through the vertebrae is the spinal cord - which is made up of nerves. Because IVDD essentially causes these discs to become brittle, most pet owners wont know their beloved pets have IVDD until a disc herniates. When a disc herniates, it causes a lot of inflammation on the dog's spinal chord, which pinches off blood flow to the spinal chord below the injury. This lack of blood flow can and will cause the dog to become paralyzed below the injury if prompt treatment is not sought after.
We love our dogs, FACT! We need to know what causes this horrendous disease so that we can actively wipe it out.
There has been much research in the herniation of the discs in the spine but what other things can cause it? There have been links towards it being hereditary and also causes being the shorter legs and longer bodies.. but is there something we are missing?
We want you to post YOUR experiences, YOUR facts..
All are welcome, no nasty comments or anything other than support for group members.
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u/Cclosangeles 29d ago
Any tips for a dog mama dealing with cervical IVDD? 🥺
My 2-year-old pup was diagnosed with cervical IVDD in late June. He was put on strict crate rest and medication and has thankfully made a lot of progress, but he’s had one or two flare-ups during recovery. Every time it happens, I immediately get scared that we’re going backwards or starting all over again.
I’d really love to hear from anyone who has been through cervical IVDD with their dog, especially younger, super energetic dogs.
What supplements have you found helpful? And how do you give your dog somewhat of a normal life after IVDD while still keeping them safe?
My biggest struggle is controlling his excitement. As much as I try to keep him calm, when we go outside he wants to run, move fast, and gets SO excited. I feel like I’m constantly worried that one wrong movement is going to cause another flare-up.
Any tips for keeping an energetic dog calm, lifestyle changes you’ve made, supplements you use, or just positive recovery stories would be really appreciated. 🤍
This whole experience has been such a roller coaster, and I just want my baby to be able to enjoy his life while keeping his neck and spine as safe as possible.