Canine degenerative disk disease is a condition in which the disks in the spinal cord deteriorate. When they deteriorate, they are referred to as ruptured disks. Owners of dogs that are prone to developing degenerative disk disease, such as the dachshund, should be aware of the signs and symptoms.
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Pain
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When disks rupture in the middle or lower portion of the back, there will be severe pain for the dog. Pain might be obvious when the dog is petted on the back or when it tries to move.
Lethargic
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Since canine degenerative disk disease can be extremely painful, the dog will become lethargic.
Paralysis
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When degenerative disk disease affects the neck portion of the spinal cord, the dog could suffer from paralysis of the front legs, back legs or both sets of legs.
Diagnosis
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A veterinarian's examination often includes a myelogram, in which a special dye is used to show the outlines of the spinal cord in an X-ray.
Treatment
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Treatment depends on the stage of the dog's disk disease. If discovered early, it can be corrected in a few days, but serious cases cause paralysis and require surgery.
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