It is sometimes hard to know how to make a dog with a slipped disk comfortable, but there are several things that you can do to help your dog at this time. Your dog getting a slipped disk, or Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) can be a worrying time but with the proper care and attention most dogs can go on to live a pretty normal life.
What Should you do First?
The first thing you should do if you suspect that your dog has a slipped disk is the CALL YOUR VET. It is vital that your vet sees your dog so they can properly assess and diagnose the problem. They will normally use an MRI scan to take a picture of the area to see how much the disk is impinging on the spinal cord, and assess to see how much feeling and pain response your dog has. In some cases (where your dog has lost pain response or has significant neurological deficits) surgery will be required but often conservative treatment is recommended.
Conservative Treatment
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It is comparably inexpensive and avoids costly surgery
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Restricts your dogs movement so a cage or cage is commonly used
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Consists of pain management medication
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Allows your dogs body to heal on their own
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Has in increased likelihood of re occurrence
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Has a greater risk of persistent neurological symptoms
How to Make Your Dog More Comfortable
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Having a slipped disk is painful so you will need to be on hand to administer pain medication when required to ensure your dog remains comfortable.
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It is very hard for most dogs to remain inside a crate for an extended period of time so you will need to adjust your schedule as much as possible to be able to be with them.
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Make sure your dog and the bedding inside the cage remains clean. Remember your dog may have some incontinence issues so give them plenty of toilet breaks.
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If your dog is suffering from some neurological deficit and paralysis then you can use a towel looped under their belly to help support them for toilet breaks.
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Make sure you contact the veterinary physiotherapist as they will give you some exercises to help your dog.
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McTimoney Animal Chiropractors always work with veterinary permission. I will talk to your vet and when they are happy for me to proceed I can then treat your dog. McTimoney chiropractic is great for restoring joint function and easing aching muscles.
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Hydrotherapy is also an excellent therapy for helping your dog build muscle to support their back when recovering from a slipped disk.
Remember, if you have any worries or questions your vet should always be your first port of call when dealing with IVDD in dogs.
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Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438
