Intervertebral disk disease can be a total rupture of the disk or a partial rupture of the disk in the spinal column of a dog. Because the disks cushion the spinal column and help to protect the nerves and spinal cord, this disease can cause symptoms ranging from a decrease in activity to paralysis. Symptoms are graded from one to five in severity.
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Grade One
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IVD degeneration presenting at the grade one level is the appearance of pain without any neurological manifestations. There is no paralysis at this level, however, there are signs of spinal pain. The dog's level of activity may decrease due to the pain of the ruptured disk and the general behavior of the dog may change reflecting the pain the animal is in. The dog's back muscles may feel tense along the spine, or the dog may appear to be in a hunched position. The dog may also growl or whimper in pain with movement.
Grade Two and Three
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Partial or slight paralysis is present at grades two and three. At grade two the dog shows signs of paralysis but is still able to walk. At this level the dog may exhibit only slight paralysis of one limb and weakness of one or more limbs. At grade three the dog is unable to walk due to paralysis in more than one limb. At both levels the dog is still exhibiting symptoms of extreme discomfort and pain which may be constant or occasional depending on the severity of the rupture and the inflammation around the nerves. With the onset of paralysis the dog may also loose control of the muscles controlling the bladder and bowels.
Grade Four and Five
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Stage four and five are both characterized by paralysis and the inability of the dog to walk. Severity at these stages is gauged by the ability of the dog to feel pain. A dog graded at four is still able to feel deep pain sensations in the paralyzed area while a dog at grade five is unable to feel pain in the paralyzed area. At this level of severity medical treatments have low success rates for recovery and the dog may require surgery.
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