The discs in your dog's back serve as shock absorbers for his spine. So when one is injured, he'll be in pain. This can occur when the discs in your dog's neck calcify or compress and burst or become displaced. His back legs may appear weak or he may move gingerly on them. You may see muscle spasms in his back, or he might hunch over when he moves. These are symptoms that your dog may have a herniated disc. See your vet to help diagnose and treat the problem.
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Back Support
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The spinal column, or backbone, is constructed of bone segments, called vertebrae, that are stacked on top of one another. The vertebrae support and protect the spinal cord, which consists of all the nerves that operate body functions. In between each vertebrae is a disc that pads and cushions the bone. The discs are made of a gelatinous substance that absorbs shock and eases motion.
Displaced Discs
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A herniated disc is simply a disc that has been moved out of place by any of a number of causes. A herniated disc is in an incorrect position and no longer supports the spinal column correctly; it can place excessive pressure on the bones and nerves along the spine. Movement will often make this condition more painful as it can push the disc further out of place or cause the disc to collapse completely.
How Discs Break
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Trauma is the most common cause of a herniated disc. A blow to the spinal column may not hurt bones themselves but will often dislodge a disc. Herniated discs also can be caused by overuse or a pre-existing structural issue. In cases of overuse, an active dog may experience constant wear and tear on a disc, finally causing it to herniate. In structural issues, the bones themselves are malformed, causing weakness and a greater potential to herniate.
Reading the Symptoms
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When a disc is herniated the dog will be reluctant to move and in considerable pain. Symptoms to look for include crying out in pain, weakness in hind limbs, inability to walk, unwillingness to climb stairs or jump onto a bed or other surface, an unstable gait, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
Treating the Problem
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When the herniated disc is caused by trauma, in the case of overly intense play, for example, a course of anti-inflammatory medication and rest can be all that's needed to treat the problem. In older animals with recurring problems, the ongoing use of anti-inflammatories or even steroid medication may be used to treat the chronic condition. Surgery is often the only option in animals with structural defects or massive trauma, this is typically accompanied by drug therapy and activity restriction.
Breed Predispositon
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Some breeds are more prone to this problem. Dachshunds are one example of a breed prone to herniated discs. They have a disproportionately long back to their body size. This offers the spinal column less support from the other body parts and causes it to absorb more stress when the dog is in motion.
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