Vetplayas-VetSpinal Disc Herniation

Vetplayas-VetSpinal Disc Herniation

Disc herniation is a condition that can cause immense pain and suffering for our beloved pets. When the discs in the spine become ruptured or damaged, it can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to severe pain. While this condition can be debilitating for our furry friends, there are options available to help them heal and live a comfortable life. At Vetplayas, we specialize in vet-approved spinal disc herniation treatments that can help your pet get back to their happy, healthy self. Keep reading to learn more about disc herniation in dogs and cats, as well as the treatment options available at Vetplayas.

What is a Spinal Disc Herniation?

A spinal disc herniation is a medical condition that occurs when the inner gel-like substance of a spinal disc leaks out through a tear in the outer layer of the disc. This can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Spinal disc herniation is also known as a slipped disk or a ruptured disk.

How do you know if your dog has a Spinal Disc Herniation?

If your dog is suddenly unable to move their legs or is walking strangely, it may be a sign that they have a spinal disc herniation. Other signs include pain when touched along the spine, yelping when moving, and weakness in the hind legs. If your dog has any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Spinal Disc Herniation in Dogs

There are several symptoms of spinal disc herniation in dogs. The most common symptom is pain. This can be manifested as whimpering, crying, yelping, or howling when the dog moves certain ways or is touched in certain areas. Dogs may also show signs of discomfort by holding their head and neck stiffly, walking with a hunched back, or having difficulty rising from a lying down position. Other symptoms include weakness in the legs, paralysis, and loss of bowel or bladder control. In some cases, only one hind leg may be affected while in other cases, both hind legs may be affected. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to take him or her to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for Spinal Disc Herniation in Dogs

There are a number of options for treating spinal disc herniation in dogs, and the course of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, rest and cage confinement may be all that is necessary. More severe cases may require medication or surgery.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to help reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is usually only recommended if the herniated disc is causing paralysis or severe neurological deficits. The goal of surgery is to remove the pressure on the nerves caused by the herniated disc.

Surgery for Spinal Disc Herniation in Dogs

Since spinal disc herniation is a relatively common condition in dogs, many vets are experienced in performing surgery to correct the problem. The type of surgery performed will depend on the location and severity of the herniation.

In some cases, the herniated disc can be removed through a small incision in the back. This is typically done for milder cases of herniation. For more severe cases, the vet may need to make a larger incision and remove a portion of the vertebrae. This is called a laminectomy.

After surgery, your dog will likely need to stay in the hospital for a few days so that he can be monitored and pain medication can be administered as needed. He will then need to rest at home for several weeks before gradually returning to normal activity levels.

Recovery from Spinal Disc Herniation in Dogs

Disc herniation is a common injury in dogs, especially those that are active or have a predisposition to the condition. The most common symptom of a disc herniation is sudden onset of rear leg paralysis. Other signs may include pain, loss of appetite, and depression.

Most cases of disc herniation can be treated non-surgically with a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physiotherapy. In severe cases where there is no improvement with conservative treatment, surgery may be required to remove the herniated disc material and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

With proper treatment, the majority of dogs make a full recovery from disc herniation and can return to their normal level of activity.

Conclusion

Vetplayas is a new, minimally-invasive treatment for spinal disc herniation in dogs that offers hope for a full recovery. This treatment involves the placement of a small titanium implant between the vertebrae to stabilize the spine and allow the disc to heal properly. While this treatment is still in its early stages, it has shown great promise in preliminary studies and we are hopeful that it will help many dogs regain their mobility and quality of life.