![]() ![]() If after examination, your dog is suspected to have a slipped disc, advanced imaging of the spine will be recommended for a definitive diagnosis. To diagnose your dog’s slipped disc, a veterinary neurologist will first conduct physical and neurological exams to help rule out other conditions. Southeast Veterinary Neurology is open 24/7 for this very reason. Each hour is critical to Rover’s recovery. If your canine companion has already lost the ability to walk, please don’t wait to get help. If you observe any slipped disc warning signs in your dog, immediately limit activity to crate rest until you can have your dog evaluated by a veterinary neurologist. The Only Way to Tell if Your Dog Has a Slipped Disc ![]() For example, your dog may start showing signs of an advanced grade without ever having shown signs of earlier grades. Keep in mind that while there are five grades of severity, the progression is not always linear. The dog is paralyzed and CANNOT feel its toes. The dog is paralyzed, but still has feeling in its toes. The dog is unable to walk, but can still move its limbs. There is weakness in one or more limbs, but the dog is able to walk. The dog is only experiencing pain, without any neurologic deficits. The severity of the condition of a dog with slipped disc symptoms is assessed on a grading scale of 1-5: Grade 1 Grading Scale for a Dog with Slipped Disc Symptoms Wobbling, incoordination, or weakness when walking.Here are some warnings that your dog needs immediate medical attention: Signs your dog has a slipped disc can vary from mild neck or back pain to permanent paralysis. Some of the dog breeds most at risk for slipped discs are: It can happen to any dog as part of the aging process, but chondrodystrophic (short legged) breeds are more likely to be affected early on in life. In dogs, slipped discs usually occur mid-back, but can occur anywhere from the neck to the lower back. Christine Senneca, Veterinary Neurologist at Southeast Veterinary Neurology. A slipped disc puts pressure on the dog’s spinal cord, thereby causing pain and potentially other more serious neurologic symptoms,” explains Dr. As a result of this degenerative process, the discs can bulge or rupture, hence the term slipped disc. ![]() “ Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the once shock-absorbing discs between the bones of the spine dehydrate and degenerate. Dog Slipped DiscĪ slipped disc is the most common spinal problem seen in dogs. Therefore, it might be a good idea for pet parents to be able to recognize the typical symptoms of slipped discs in dogs. However, without timely treatment, your dog’s slipped disc can quickly progress and cause irreversible spinal cord damage. Fortunately, depending on the severity and elected treatment option, prognosis for recovery can be as high as 95% when treated early. In some cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.As veterinary neurologists, one of the cases we most frequently see is a dog with slipped disc symptoms. However, neck pain associated with muscle weakness or loss of control of the bowel or bladder requires immediate medical attention. Neck pain associated with a C3-C4 herniation with numbness or tingling requires medical attention but will often improve and resolve with rest, medication and physical therapy. Herniation of the C3-C4 disc is much less common than herniation of the cervical discs below it. These symptoms indicate the need to seek prompt medical evaluation to ensure there isn't permanent damage to the spinal cord or nerves. If the herniated disc pushes on the part of the spinal cord that controls the function of the bowel or bladder, it is possible to have incontinence - loss of control over starting and stopping the passage of stool or urine. Arm and leg weakness can occur if the C3-C4 disc is herniated, because the disc can push on nerves that control movement. ![]()
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