Tyler's IVDD Neck Surgery - How I Noticed it, What it is and How Treated, and Update

In today's blog, dog parents will learn about a serious spinal issue that can affect dogs (either in old age, and especially those who jump off furniture) and cripple them if not attended to immediately.  Invertebrate Disc Disease or IVDD issues are very common for dachshunds and breeds with long backs. 

  In 2014, our (late) Dachshund, Franklin had surgery for it in his lower back for a slipped disc that rendered him unable to walk. His surgery was done within several hours and he regained mobility.  Tyler's IVDD disc issue was in his neck (which I'm finding is easier to deal with for the dog). You'll read how we figured out clues to IVDD in our 10 year old Black and Tan Dachshund Tyler, and his recovery. 

(Image: Skeleton of a dog: Credit TBjornstad via Wikimedia Commons)

HOW THE IVDD WAS NOTICED - I noticed that he was having issues walking around the block starting about 3 weeks ago. He slowed down and wanted to be carried at the end. The day before surgery he couldn't lift his head and was in pain. A drooping head, and the inability to lift it is a sign of neck disc issues. 

- so he got accupuncture immediately- which helped a little. But his muscles froze up (because of the pain) and he cried out several times. The acupuncturist identified it as IVDD in the neck. He went to the ER after sleeping at home. It's common with Dachshunds (we have ramps and little stairs to furniture, so he wasn't jumping off anything). Thanks. He's on pain meds and napping (wish I were, too!)

(Illustration of the ventral aspect of the cervical spine in the dog. Credit: veteriankey.com) 

WHAT THE MRI SHOWED   There is heterointense, somewhat enhancing right ventral canal content at C2-3 with cord compression noted. All of the other disc spaces have some variable disc protrusion and cord flattening noted as well. There is diminished T2 signal in the center of many disc as well, that may indicate mineral in situ. 

(Image; Tyler's MRI showing the vertebrae C2 through C7 in his neck; and smaller image of the C 2-3 issue. Credit: Dogs and Cats Emergency Veterinary)

BOTTOM LINE:  Interpretation: Compressive herniated disc at C2-3, somewhat right sided. Evidence of diffuse IVDD

SHORT SUMMARY OF THE SURGERY:  Surgeon fenestrated (made small perforations in) the C2-3 disc. The Hall air drill was used to create a small sized ventral slot at C2-3, keeping the disc at the center of the slot at the level of the canal. A moderate amount of disc material was removed in small firm pieces. Decompression was complete and the cord returned to normal position.

CARE AFTER SURGERY: 

 1. Activity restriction Strict confinement: This involves spending all day in a crate, pen, or confined area. Tyler can go outside to urinate and defecate. Tyler should be carried on stairs and controlled on a short leash when outside (especially as he starts feeling better!). 

Food, water, and toys can be provided in the confined area. The reason for this strict activity restriction is to minimize the risk of additional disc herniation. 

2. Give medications as instructed-  Prednisone will increase hunger and thirst as well as urine production. It may also make Tyler feel like he can do more activity than he should be doing, so cage rest is extremely important. Tramadol tastes bad and may cause constipation and sedation. It can be discontinued early if you do not think he is painful anymore. Gabapentin should not be needed but can be continued if Tyler seems painful at home. 

3. Monitor the incision for redness, swelling, and discharge and notify us if any is seen.

MY NOTE ABOUT NECK vs. BACK IVDD SURGERY - 

Neck disc issues fortunately don't affect the bladder. Therefore, Tyler has had no problem peeing on his own or doing #2.  Further, there are NO walking issues (at least with Tyler) after IVDD NECK surgery. 

(Photo: Franklin in2017, 3 years after his IVDD surgery) 

Lower back IVDD surgery is Different and More Traumatic -  it did affect the bladder in Franklin. I had to take Franklin outside and put light pressure on his bladder to get him to urinate. Franklin also couldn't move his legs the day after surgery. I had to hold his back legs and move them back and forth to get him used to walking again. Over the course of a week (I believe) he regained his ability to walk, although weakly for the first couple of weeks. 

For Franklin's story and recovery, visit: https://rob-tom-dolly-franklin.blogspot.com/2014/09/our-dog-franklins-surgery-for-herniated.html