Disorders of the somatosensory* system such as neuropathic pain commonly result from an injury or disease (eg IVDD) relating to the body’s nerves and how they function, or within the spinal cord itself. The assessment of neuropathic pain in humans relies heavily...
My vet has officially classified Coco as a member of the seniors’ club – it’s a label that makes my heart sing. Post-IVDD surgery in 2015, Coco was paralysed in the back legs and her bladder function was also affected. Whilst it took six months to help her to wobbly...
Enrichment & brain games for our dachshunds with IVDD One of the worst things about having a dachshund diagnosed with IVDD is hearing the dreaded words “crate rest”. Whether you have taken the conservative or surgical route, often our dachshunds with IVDD need a...
Whoever said crate resting a Dachshund was easy needs to be hunted down and locked in a room full of IVDD sausages without earplugs for a week :-/> When a human is admitted to hospital for back surgery they are confined to a bed, topped up with medication and...
A topic that is often asked is “Will my dog have another IVDD episode even after surgery or having successfully recovered from conservative treatment? The rational answer is “Once a diseased spine, always a diseased spine” But let’s break it down and quote some...
There is no single “magic cure” for IVDD however, whether being treated conservatively or surgically, the importance of rehabilitation has proven to be paramount in a Dachshund’s rehabilitation and future wellbeing following an IVDD event. A qualified physiotherapist...
Dogs with IVDD face a particular risk whenever they undergo anesthesia for procedures like dental work, x-rays, or scans. Since a diseased spine remains so, it’s crucial for your vet to take necessary precautions whenever your dog is anesthetised. When a dog is...
I have taken two hounds through both conservative and surgical pathways (both Grade 5) and have an open mind to both; it primarily comes down to the dog, the preparedness of the owner and most importantly what access you have to services in your area that are...
Thankfully, veterinary medicine has come a long way, and IVDD is no longer a death sentence for affected dogs. With the utmost respect to our amazing Veterinary professionals, signs and symptoms of IVDD can also be indicative of a number of other conditions. A...
It’s not uncommon for Dachshunds to become very weak or paralysed following an IVDD episode. Some may not be able to move their legs at all and others may be able to move their hind legs but unable to take proper steps (drunk walking) Without any assistance, these...
