Does my dog have a hernia?
A hernia is a bulging of part of the intervertebral disc located in the spine. This bulge presses against the spinal cord, causing back pain and radiating to the hind legs, where there is a risk of possible nerve damage and loss of strength while walking. A hernia can occur anywhere in the back and neck. It can cause paralysis in the long term, and the dog may have difficulty urinating and defecating. A hernia can also occur in the neck, recognizable by a stiff neck and the dog whining when the neck is touched. In mild cases, the dog frequently stumbles with one of the front legs and experiences weakness. Hernias are especially common in dogs with long backs, such as dachshunds.
The symptoms vary depending on the location of the hernia:
Hernia in the lower back:
- Sitting down more slowly or having difficulty standing up
- Unable to jump
- Weak hind legs or lameness
- Difficulty urinating and defecating
- Floppy or low tail
Hernia in the mid-back:
- Unable to urinate
- Paralysis or muscle weakness of the hind legs or muscle disease
- Slow and stiff walking
- Abdominal pain-like symptoms, tucked abdomen, arched back
Hernia in the neck:
- Stiff neck
- Muscle weakness in all legs or only the hind legs
- Unable to lift the head
- Pain attacks, anxious (when petted on the head)
A hernia can be treated in various ways:
- Surgery: an operation is not necessary until paralysis symptoms increase. Surgery is needed in severe paralysis cases with intense pain. The veterinarian will then refer you and your dog to a specialist.
- Strict crate rest for 6 weeks: crate rest means keeping your dog in its kennel and only allowing it outside to urinate. Often, 6 weeks of crate rest leads to full recovery, even in dogs with complete paralysis.
- Corticosteroids: it is not always certain that this works well, but it is often administered; if the case is less severe, the dog is usually given painkillers.
- Support for the neck or back: there are certain items you can purchase to relieve the neck or back, such as a chest harness, dog coat against the cold, and a ramp.
A hernia with paralysis symptoms is always an emergency. Depending on the location of the hernia, a special treatment is applied.
