What To Do for My Dog With IVDD?

How to Support Common Spinal Issues in Dogs. Dog Orthopedic Braces for IVDD

Spinal issues in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors and are commonly diagnosed across all breeds in veterinary clinics across the world. Some causes include trauma or injury, tumors, inflammatory or infectious diseases, Spondylosis, Lumbosacral Stenosis, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

What is IVDD?

IVDD is known to affect up to 25% of Dachshunds as well as other breeds (although it is typically common in dogs with longer backs). The disease is caused by the gradual hardening of the intervertebral discs that cushion the vertebrae. Some common signs that might indicate that your dog has IVDD or another spinal issue include:

• Inability to move naturally – Trouble bending down to drink or eat, limping, unwillingness to move, etc.
• Neurological problems – Loss of balance or paralysis, loss of muscle mass (muscle atrophy), muscle spasms, etc.
• Signs of pain – Shivering, vocalizing when touched, etc.

How is IVDD treated?

Although there is a surgery option to treat IVDD, not all dogs are good surgical candidates. Other than surgery, bracing devices can be a wonderful option to help support your pets’ vertebrae. The Balto Body Lift – Body Harness with Handles is designed for injuries or diseases that affect the spinal column. The brace uses two, lateral splints to compress the proximal area of the spinal column.

Although these diseases do not inherently cause issues with your dog's ability to eliminate naturally, the hind end weakness associated with the disease might. When considering bracing, finding one that allows them to eliminate naturally and provide adjustable and removable handles to assist them is going to be important. The Balto Body Lift's full-body lifting capability is great for moving your own dog around the home and in and out of vehicles.

Since muscle atrophy is a common side effect associated with spinal cord issues, using a supplement alongside a bracing device helps to ensure muscle mass can be preserved while there may be a decline in physical activity. MYOS Canine Muscle Formula is recommended by veterinarians across the nation for its high palatability to the pickiest of dogs and clinically proven results in various research studies.