There will always be a need for vets. That idea, plus my huge love of animals, has led me down the path of becoming a veterinarian. I have not graduated from my course yet, but the reason behind this blog is to share my learning journey. I intend to write blog posts on subjects like the veterinarian education path, my thoughts on whether to be a general or specialist vet and how I wish to use alternative treatments like acupuncture in my practice. If you too have a love of animals and want to make this your job, then my blog will be interesting to you.
Slipped Disc in Dogs: Know the Warning Signs
If you've ever experienced a slipped disc in your back, you'll know it's unpleasant (to put it very mildly indeed). You have 23 vertebral discs in your spinal column. This type of injury occurs when the disc's softer inner section has protruded outwards through the disc's harder fibrous casing, causing the entire disc to slip out of alignment. It can be quite painful. How would you know if your dog has suffered the same injury?
Age and Injuries
Much like in humans, slipped discs become more common with age. However, there can also be a direct cause, such as when an injury has inflicted blunt force trauma on the spine, resulting in a disc slipping out of place. This can happen to dogs during playtime, or even when leaping from a high surface onto the ground. Height is relative too, and even a chair or sofa can be a high surface for a smaller dog.
Signs of a Slipped Disc
Your dog's irregular posture can be an indication of a slipped disc. It will be extremely difficult for them to keep their spine level, and they may be rounding their back (holding their spine in a curved position). They may also have problems holding their head upright. There will also be obvious distress. Depending on the location of the disc and the extent to which it has slipped out of alignment, there can be other symptoms. Your dog may have mobility issues (lameness and even paralysis of their front or rear limbs), as well as being noticeably weak.
Treating the Injury
A suspected slipped disc must be inspected by your local veterinary services clinic. Extreme cases may require surgery to remove the protruding section of the disc that is placing pressure on your dog's spinal cord. Ideally, your dog's case won't be quite so serious, and will only require anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and swelling, with a lot of rest. It can be necessary to keep your dog indoors as they recover, and to regulate their movement. It might be beneficial to temporarily relocate their bedding to a suitable enclosure (such as a dog crate) to further minimise their movement. It won't be an exciting time for your dog, but rest is crucial to allow the swelling in their spine to subside.
Having a disc slip out of position in your back can be agonisingly painful, so if your dog should display any of the symptoms associated with his injury (even if its precise cause remains a mystery), then please make a prompt appointment with your dog's vet.
For more information on veterinary services, contact a professional near you.