Prolapsed Discs in Dogs

A prolapsed disc can be extremely painful for a dog, and upsetting for the owner. It can affect the dog's bowel and bladder control, and specifically its physical movement. It is a treatable disease but may require surgery, acupuncture or drugs.

  1. Affected Dogs

    • Any breed of dog can be affected by prolapsed discs, however, older animals and particular breeds are more susceptible to the problem. Dachshounds, Pekinese, Scottish terriers, springer spaniels and poodles are the most common breeds to be affected. Prolapsed discs can be seen in younger dogs of these breeds.

    Cause

    • Prolapsed discs are caused by the gradual decrease in flexibility of intervertebral discs. These are the thin discs which are sandwiched between the vertebrae along the dog's back. Since the intervertebral discs are less flexible, they apply pressure onto the vertebrae and cause ruptures. These impact and press onto the dog's nervous tissue, causing physical pain and inability to move sufficiently.

    Symptoms

    • A dog displays physical weakness if it is experiencing a prolapsed disc. For example, it might have difficulty climbing steps, jumping into the back of a car or leaping onto a couch. You might also notice that it winces or is in pain when handled along its back. In extreme circumstances, a prolapsed disc can cause paralysis of the hindquarter of the dog. As a result, its back legs collapse and it loses control of its bowel movements.

    Diagnosis

    • A prolapsed disc is diagnosed by a vet. An x-ray might be able to detect a prolapsed disc, however, a magnetic-resonance-image (MRI) scan is the most effective method of diagnosis. The vet will use the dog's symptoms, such as inability to control its bladder and lack of movement, to help make a diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • Some dogs are able to recover fully from a prolapsed disc. However, in cases where paralysis is seen, intrusive surgery to remove fragments of bone locked in the spine is necessary. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed to reduce swelling in mild cases, while steroids such as cortisone or cortisteroids can be prescribed for moderate problems. Additional treatments such as providing a natural diet, acupuncture, manipulative therapy (like physiotherapy for dogs) or homepathic remedies are available.