Like us humans, our furry friend can also have a hernia. This is a problem that It can appear as a result of trauma (bumps, falls, sudden jumps) or by have a genetic predispositionespecially in certain breeds with short legs and long backs.
It is a process that can be very painful and limiting for the dog, and in severe cases it can even cause paralysis and incontinenceThat's why we're going to look at it in detail how to tell if my dog has a herniated discWhat types exist, what symptoms should alert us, how does the veterinarian diagnose it, and what are the treatment and prevention options?
What is a herniated disc in dogs?
Herniated discs or herniated discs They occur due to a displacement or rupture of the discs located between the vertebrae. These discs act as dampers They consist of a gelatinous core in the center and a harder fibrous ring around it. When the disc is deformed or ruptured, It invades the spinal canal and compresses the spinal cord or nerves.which causes a lot of pain and can cause serious neurological problems.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a pathology degenerative in which these discs dehydrate and lose elasticity over time. As a result, They can bulge (protrusion) or break (extrusion)leading to a herniated disc. This is one of the main causes of spinal cord injury in dogs and the most frequent spinal problem seen by veterinary neurologists.
Depending on how the disc is injured and the dog's profile, there are several types of herniated discs:
- 1 type: This occurs when the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of the disc deteriorate prematurely and the disc material ruptures abruptly into the spinal canal. It commonly affects small breed and chondrodystrophic dogs (short legs, long back) in ages between 2 and 6 years, and is associated with very acute symptoms.
- 2 type: It happens because of a progressive degeneration of the disc nucleusThe disc gradually bulges towards the spinal cord, causing slower and more chronic symptoms. It primarily affects... large and medium breed dogs in adulthood or old age.
- 3 type: It is the most serious and acute type. It occurs when the material of the intervertebral disc It violently exits the spinal canal at high speed, with hardly any prior degeneration, causing an explosive hernia that sometimes ends up causing the death of the animal or a irreversible paralysis.
In all cases, the central problem is the same: pressure on the spinal cord and nervesThe greater and more prolonged this compression, worst prognosis The dog will have [something], so getting to the vet quickly is key.
Causes and dogs at higher risk of herniated disc
A herniated disc in dogs can be due to a single cause or, more frequently, to the sum of several factors that damage the intervertebral discs over time:
- Age-related degeneration: The normal aging process causes the discs to lose water and elasticity, becoming more fragile and prone to bulging or breaking.
- Genetic predisposition: Some breeds, especially chondrodystrophic ones, have a hereditary tendency to cause their discs to degenerate prematurely.
- Trauma and sudden movements: falls, blows, violent turns, races with sudden stops or repeated jumps From sofas or stairs, they can trigger the release of disc material.
- Obesity: Excess weight exerts a additional pressure on the column and accelerates the wear of the discs.
- Inadequate or insufficient exercise: A very sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, strenuous activities without preparation cause the muscles that protect the spine to be insufficient or become excessively fatigued.
- Other diseases: vertebral fractures, dislocations, infections or spinal tumors They can also affect the discs and lead to a hernia.
The breeds that are at higher risk of suffering from a herniated disc are those with long back and short legs (chondrodystrophic), such as Dachshund or Dachshund, Beagle, Basset Hound, Corgi, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, French Bulldog and also some cocker spanielIn these dogs, the hernia can appear at relatively young ages. In large breeds, the problem usually presents in older dogs and more progressively.
How do I know if my dog has a herniated disc?
To find out if you have a hernia, it is very important that you have observe dailyThis way we can detect any new details that appear in their gait or mood. These types of ailments cause a lot of pain, so as soon as we see that He doesn't walk like he used to; he's depressed. and/or that He doesn't feel like jumping or playing that much.That will be the time to worry. If left like this, he could end up losing mobility.
The symptoms of a herniated disc in dogs can range from minor discomfort until one complete paralysisand depend on the affected area of the spine and the degree of spinal cord compression. Some common signs include:
- Neck or back pain: The dog whines when touched, avoids being picked up, or keeps its head down hunched back and head down.
- Rigidity and tremors: stiff back, muscle tremors or chills, especially when standing up or moving.
- Changes in gait: unsteady gait, lack of coordination, dragging of the hind legs or stiffness of one or more limbs.
- Reluctance to move: He refuses to go up stairs, jump onto the sofa or into the car, or sits and lies down very cautiously for fear of pain.
- Howls or moans: He screams or cries if he tries to run, jump, or if you stroke the affected area.
- Urinary or fecal incontinence: In advanced cases, loss of sphincter control may occur.
In addition, some may appear bulge along the backTherefore, it is also advisable to gently stroke their spine if we suspect they have a hernia, although without applying strong pressure to avoid aggravating the pain.
In veterinary medicine, a gravity scale From 1 to 5 to assess a herniated disc:
- 1 Grade: There is only pain, but the dog walks normally and has no neurological deficits.
- 2 Grade: moderate pain and weakness in one or more limbsalthough he can still walk.
- 3 Grade: the dog already He cannot walk on his ownBut it still moves its legs.
- 4 Grade: is paralyzedbut retains deep sensitivity to pain in the fingers.
- 5 Grade: complete paralysis without deep sensitivity in the extremities, a very serious situation with a guarded prognosis.
It's important to know that the progression isn't always linear: some dogs go from moderate pain to a acute paralysis within a few hours without having shown all the intermediate stages. That's why, if you notice that your dog loses the ability to walk, drags its legs, or does not respond to painYou should go to the vet urgently.
Veterinary diagnosis of herniated disc
If a hernia is suspected, the veterinarian will first perform a complete physical and neurological examination to assess reflexes, coordination, and sensation. This allows us to roughly locate which area of the spine may be affected.
Most herniated discs are not noticeable in the plain x-raysSince the discs are made of cartilage, in some cases, when the disc has calcified, it can be seen with X-rays, but for an accurate diagnosis, X-rays are almost always needed. advanced imaging tests:
- X-rays: Useful for assessing spinal alignment and ruling out fractures or bone tumors, although they do not show the spinal cord or disc well.
- Myelography: It involves injecting a contrast agent into the spinal canal and taking X-rays to see where it narrows. It is used less frequently today because safer and more precise techniques exist.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): is choice test to diagnose a herniated disc, as it shows the spinal cord, discs, and nerves in great detail.
- Computed tomography (CT): very useful for viewing bone structures and, combined with contrast, locating herniated disc material.
With all this information, the veterinarian or neurologist can confirm the type of hernia, its exact location and its severityand decide on the most appropriate treatment in each case.
Treatment of herniated discs in dogs
If you suspect your dog has a hernia, you should take him to the vet asapOnce there, they will examine him, and depending on the case, they may administer medication. analgesics and anti-inflammatories, or opt for surgical intervention.
In general, there are two main therapeutic approaches:
Conservative treatment
It is reserved for the milder cases (usually grades 1 and 2) and for some dogs that are not good candidates for surgery. Its pillars are:
- Absolute rest: The dog must spend several weeks (often between 4 and 6) with the very restricted activityIdeally in a small space or cage, without climbing stairs, jumping, or running.
- Medication: use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants prescribed by the veterinarian to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease muscle contracture.
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: Once the acute phase has passed, the massages, gentle exercises and walking on an underwater treadmill They help strengthen back muscles and improve coordination.
- Apply moderate heat: In the chronic phase, thermal blankets or heat lamps, always under veterinary guidance, can help to relax tense muscles.
This approach can be very effective in dogs with pain without significant neurological deficitHowever, it is essential to strictly adhere to rest: many failures of conservative treatment are due to the dog resumes activity too soon.
Surgical treatment
When there is marked difficulty walking, paralysis, loss of sensation Or if conservative treatment doesn't work, the recommended option is... decompressive surgeryUnder general anesthesia, the surgeon opens the spinal canal and Remove the disc material that is compressing the spinal cord..
This is a delicate procedure that must be performed by experienced trauma surgeons or neurosurgeonsBecause the spinal cord is a very sensitive structure. Even so, when action is taken quickly, the prognosis for recovery can be very good, especially in dogs that still retain deep sensation.
After the operation, the dog usually needs a long rehabilitation processWith controlled exercises, assistance with bladder emptying if needed, and care to prevent pressure ulcers, specialized physiotherapy makes a significant difference in functional recovery.
It is important to keep in mind that a early diagnostic This will help the animal maintain a good quality of life. The sooner treatment begins, whether conservative or surgical, the better. The greater the chances that he/she will regain mobility and bowel and bladder control and a lower risk of permanent damage.
Understanding what a herniated disc is in dogs, knowing its causes, recognizing the first symptoms, and going to the vet quickly makes any guardian a key ally in ensuring their furry companion has the best recovery options and can continue enjoying the fullest and most comfortable life possible.