specialty procedures ivdd/

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Spinal Surgery

* Vet Playas is the only recognized hospital in the Tijuana area to offer Spinal Surgery *

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) can also be described as a ruptured, slipped, bulging or herniated disk that can occur in your dog’s neck or back. This condition is often seen in beagles, dachshunds, pekingese, shih tzus, and basset hounds but may occur in dogs of any size or breed.

The cause of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):
Intervertebral Disc Disease is an age-related, gradual degenerative process that affects the spinal cord of the dog over a period of time, often undetected.

IVDD occurs when the shock absorbing discs between your dog’s vertebrae gradually begin to harden until they are unable to cushion the vertebrae properly. The hardened discs will typically go on to bulge and compress the spinal cord, often damaging the dog’s nerve impulses such as those that control bladder and bowel control. In other cases, a simple jump or poor landing can lead one or more of the hardened discs to burst and press into the nerves of the dog’s spinal cord causing pain, possible nerve damage or even paralysis.

Surgical Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
“Surgery is considered the best, and in some cases the only, treatment option for severe cases of IVDD in dogs”, as per The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (AVCS). IVDD surgery is designed to remove the diseased intervertebral disc material in order to relieve pressure on your dog’s spinal cord, restore normal blood flow and mobility, reduce pain and prevent disc problems in the future. To achieve this goal, a combination of surgeries may be required.

Vet Playas Veterinary Hospital Surgery Cost:

Required prior to surgery: Examination $26.00, Blood test: $90.00 and MRI: $825.00

General Surgery Cost: $1,200.00 – $2,200.00, Hospitalization $100.00 per night 3 -7 nights required

IVDD Surgery Success Rates
At Vet Playas Veterinary Hospital, we have a long history of sucess treating patients with IVDD and patients with spinal injuries due to trauma. Surgery is usually very successful and outcomes are most positive in dogs that have not completely lost their ability to walk. In dogs with severe IVDD that has been left untreated for a long period of time, atrophy of the spinal cord can occur and lead to less successful outcomes. The doctor will discuss this with you to determine if your pet is a candidate for spinal surgery.