By: Kelly Marshall
Submitted: 2009-12-12 19:57:21 | Word Count: 509
Whether you have recently brought an older dog into your home or you have just adopted a puppy, you are going to find that you are in a place where you should read up on some of the illnesses and conditions that are common to dogs. One of the issues that might affect your dog is intervertebral disc disease and you will find that it is a fairly serious condition that needs immediate treatment. To make sure that you have all the information that you need, make sure that you are aware of some of the most important facts surrounding this condition and what causes it.
When you are looking for an understanding of intervertebral disc disease, which is also called ruptured disc disease, you need to be aware of the structure of your dog s body. Your dog s spine is made up of the bones known as the vertebrate, and you will find that these bones go from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. The vertebrate are interconnected to small discs made of cartilage, and these discs are typically known as the intervertebral discs. These cartilage discs provide your dog s spine with adequate cushioning and allow the spine to bend easily.
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Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the discs between your dog s vertebrate start to become weakened with age or trauma. The discs may rupture, which will cause the disc to protrude upwards. This often places unwanted pressure on the spinal cord, and depending on the pressure and the severity of the issue, can cause pain, weakness or even paralysis. The area where the disc is ruptured will also affect how the dog adjusts; for instance, an issue near the dog s skull will affect the entire body, while trauma around the middle of the back might only affect the dog s hindquarters and abdomen.
The cause of most intervertebral disc issues is unknown. Dog breeds that are known for having long backs, like Basset Hounds and Dachshunds will tend to have a greater incidence of disc disease than dogs that are rather short bodied. In most cases, the trauma to the spine occurs at the middle of the bag, where the chest and the abdomen meet. Interestingly enough, this condition is more associated with smaller dogs that jump up and down a great deal, rather than with accidents or falling from a height.
When looking to identify this issue, look for intense pain in your dog. Your dog might not want to eat or drink, or they might move very slowly and carefully. In very severe cases, they might also be paralyzed or suffer from incontinence. Make sure that you seek veterinary care at once. In most cases, a steroid will be used to bring down the swelling and the inflammation. Surgery might be recommended to remove the offending disc. Sometimes, healing can take several months
Take some time to learn more about this condition; if it affects your dog, you might have some hard decisions in front of you.
