Does my dog have a herniated disc?
A slipped disc is a bulging part of an intervertebral disc located in the spine. This bulge presses against the spinal cord, causing back pain and pain radiating to the hind legs, which may lead to nerve damage and loss of strength while walking. A slipped disc can occur anywhere in the back or neck. In the long term, it can cause paralysis, and the dog may have difficulty urinating and defecating. A slipped disc can also occur in the neck, recognizable by a stiff neck and the dog yelping when its neck is touched. With mild symptoms, the dog may regularly stumble with one of its front legs and experience loss of strength. Slipped discs are particularly common in dogs with long backs, such as dachshunds.
The symptoms vary depending on the location of the slipped disc:
Slipped disc in the lower back:
- Sitting down more slowly or having difficulty standing up
- Being unable to jump
- Weak hind legs or lameness
- Difficulty urinating and defecating
- A limp or low-hanging tail
Slipped disc in the mid-back
- Being unable to urinate
- Paralysis or muscle weakness in the hind legs or muscle disease
- Walking slowly and stiffly
- Abdominal pain-like symptoms, a tucked-up abdomen, and a hunched back
Slipped disc in the neck
- Stiff neck
- Muscle weakness in all legs or only the hind legs
- Being unable to lift the head
- Pain attacks and anxiety when the head is petted
A slipped disc can be treated in several ways:
- Surgery: surgery is not necessary until the signs of paralysis worsen. Surgery is required in cases of severe paralysis accompanied by intense pain. The vet will then refer you and your dog to a specialist.
- Absolute crate rest for 6 weeks: crate rest means keeping your dog in its crate and allowing it outside only to urinate. Six weeks of crate rest often results in a full recovery, even in dogs with complete paralysis.
- Corticosteroids: it is not always certain that these will work well, but they are often administered. In less severe cases, the dog is often given painkillers.
- Neck or back support: certain items can be purchased to relieve strain on the neck or back, such as a chest harness, a dog coat to protect against the cold, and a ramp.
A slipped disc accompanied by signs of paralysis is always an emergency. Depending on the location of the slipped disc, a specific treatment is used.
