Herniated disc
A herniated disc is a serious condition that can cause severe pain and paralysis in dogs. In this article, you will learn what a slipped disc is, how it develops, what symptoms it causes and how it can be treated.
What is a slipped disc?
A dog's spine consists of many individual vertebrae that are connected to each other by intervertebral discs. The intervertebral discs consist of a soft core and a hard ring. They act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to move.
A herniated disc occurs when the hard ring of the disc ruptures and the soft nucleus leaks out. The nucleus can then press on the spinal cord or the nerves exiting the spine. This can lead to pain, inflammation and nerve damage.
How does a herniated disc develop?
A herniated disc can have various causes. On the one hand, it can be triggered by an injury or an accident, for example a fall or a collision. On the other hand, it can be caused by a degenerative disease that leads to wear and tear of the intervertebral discs. This is particularly common in older dogs or in certain breeds that have a genetic predisposition to disc problems. These include dachshunds, beagles, Pekingese and French bulldogs, for example.
What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?
The symptoms of a herniated disc depend on which region of the spine is affected and how much pressure there is on the spinal cord or nerves. Possible symptoms include
- Pain in the back or neck that increases with movement or touch
- Weakness or paralysis in the legs, resulting in an unsteady gait or dragging of the legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sensory disturbances or numbness in the legs or tail
- Fever or loss of appetite
How is a herniated disc treated?
The treatment of a herniated disc depends on the severity of the disease and the general condition of the dog. In some cases, conservative therapy consisting of painkillers, anti-inflammatories and rest may be sufficient. In other cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, in which the herniated nucleus is removed to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
The prognosis of a herniated disc depends on various factors, such as the age of the dog, the extent of the nerve damage and the success of the therapy. In some cases a full recovery can be achieved, in other cases permanent impairment may occur.
How can a slipped disc be prevented?
A slipped disc cannot always be avoided, but there are some measures that can reduce the risk. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet and maintaining an appropriate body weight to avoid obesity and joint strain
- Regular exercise and moderate training to strengthen the muscles and mobility of the spine
- Avoid jumps or jerky movements that can lead to overstretching or injury to the intervertebral discs
- A check-up at the vet to detect possible signs of degenerative disease at an early stage
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
We help you find the nearest vet → This way