When does a dog have degenerative disk disease?
In some cases, the condition is hereditary. Breeds at increased risk of developing degenerative disk disease include Degenerative disk disease occurs when the fluid-filled disks between the vertebrae in your dog’s spinal column begin to leak and deteriorate.
How old does a dog have to be to have a disc rupture?
Although this act is frequently blamed for the disc rupture, the injury actually occurred due to chronic disc degeneration. Most dogs with degenerative disc disease are middle-aged, from three to seven years old. There is likely a genetic predisposition to this disease.
How is a diagnosis of degenerative disk disease made?
Diagnosis of degenerative disk disease is usually made after a complete physical examination is made. X-rays may also be taken to determine the location and extent of spinal damage. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease your dog is in and the severity of accompanying symptoms. Treatment options can include
What should I do if my dog has disk disease?
Dogs with stage 1 disk disease usually have mild pain that goes away after a few days rest and without further treatment. Dogs with stage 2 disk disease causes moderate pain in the dog’s neck or lower spine and may require veterinary care to treat successfully.
How old do dogs have to be to get degenerative disk disease?
Some Breeds Are Prone to Degenerative Disk Disease. The typical dog with degenerative disk disease is a mature animal between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Long, low-slung dogs are particularly prone to developing the disease and other back problems, especially if they are allowed to become obese. In some cases, the condition is hereditary.
What causes disc degeneration and extrusion in dogs?
This is disc degeneration caused by the loss of the ability of the disc to hold the liquid necessary for proper function, and can result in nucleus pulposus degeneration and extrusion (Hansen type I), or annulus fibrosis disc degeneration and a protrusion (Hansen type II). (There is also Hansen type III which is caused by exercise or trauma).
What are the symptoms of spine degeneration in older dogs?
Older dogs with this condition may be hard to identify as owners often associate the symptoms with age. Causes of spine degeneration are numerous, but the necessity for prompt treatment remains the same:
Are there any treatment options for canine degenerative disc disease?
Treatment Options for Canine Degenerative Disc Disease. In other more common cases, disc diseases will flare-up periodically with an unpredictable severity and course. Many dogs are in such pain that we are left prescribing either nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Rimadyl, Previcox, Deramaxx, or even stronger cortisone type drugs.