Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) can be a devastating diagnosis for your dog.
The condition can be extremely painful and lead to various degree of impaired mobility including paralysis. Never underestimate the degree of pain your dog might suffer even if they don’t show it.
IVDD is a degenerative process in the intevertebral discs that leads to disc displacement, swelling, or rupture. Symptoms depend on which part of the spine is affected and can include:
- reluctance or inability to move
- pain/vocalization
- muscle tension and spasms
- lameness
- ataxia
- trembling
- paw knuckling
- dragging limbs
- hunched posture
- lowered head
- paralysis
- incontinence
Standard IVDD treatment options
Treatment for IVDD aims to eliminate symptoms and prevent further damage and recurrence. Depending on the degree of the problem, it can consist of:
- medical therapies
- surgery
Conservative measures include:
- strict confinement
- aggressive pain management
- anti-inflammatory medications
- muscle relaxants
Complementary therapies that can be included consist of options such as:
- acupuncture
- laser therapy
- physical therapy
Several surgical procedures are available but their success depends on many variables.
Further information: Intervertebral Disc Disease – A Major Pain in the Neck or Back
Are there any other options?
Bailee’s story
Bailee is a fourteen-years-old English Springer Spaniel. In spite of his age, he still wanted to do things, not all of them wise. Bailee got hurt when he jumped off a four-feet high deck.
As he landed, he yelped in pain and it was obvious that something went wrong.
At the veterinarian
Bailee’s dad took him to a clinic where the veterinarian diagnosed Bailee with IVDD. Bailee went home with instructions to rest and pain medications.
Unfortunately, other than making Bailee ever more lethargic than he’d be from the pain, the meds didn’t do much for him. Bailee was in bad shape and wasn’t getting better. Should his parents put him through surgery?
Stem cell treatment for Bailee
Because of the lack of improvement, Bailee’s dad sought a second opinion. The new veterinarian recommended trying stem cell therapy. His dad agreed and Bailee received IV stem cells.
A week later, Bailee improved dramatically and returned to his happy, smiling self. It’s been 2.5 years since Bailee’s treatment and he continues to enjoy life pain free.
In closing
We’ve been through neck issues with Jasmine. The amount of pain is something that is hard to imagine. Because of everything else Jasmine was dealing with at the time, surgery wouldn’t have been an option.
I am a fan of regenerative therapy. Over time, we used both stem cell treatment and PRP treatment for our dog with great results.
More information about stem cell therapy: What Is Stem Cell Therapy: Digging Deeper—The Science Behind Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy
Source story:
Success Story of Bailee who was Treated with VetStem Cell Therapy
Related articles:
What Is Stem Cell Therapy: Digging Deeper—The Science Behind Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy
Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Prevention, Treatment, and Physical Therapy
Further reading:
Intervertebral Disc Disease – A Major Pain in the Neck or Back
Surgical Versus Medical Management of Canine Disk Disease