Signs of Back Pain & IVDD in Dogs and What You Can Do

Episode 34 of the Mind-Jam Podcast: Pet Health & Longevity podcast, hosted by Rodney Habib & Dr. Karen Becker, titled "Signs of Back Pain & IVDD in Dogs and What You Can Do" was published on January 7, 2025 and runs 109 minutes.

January 7, 2025 ·109m · Mind-Jam Podcast: Pet Health & Longevity

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Summary

Is your dog’s back hurting? The top signs every pet parent should know.Back pain and IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) are some of the most common issues that can affect our canine companions, especially as they age or if they're a predisposed breed.Whether it's a sudden limp, difficulty jumping, or general discomfort, identifying the warning signs early is crucial for helping your dog avoid serious injury and improve their quality of life.IVDD occurs when spinal discs become damaged or degenerate, causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. While breeds like Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels are especially vulnerable, back pain can affect dogs of any size. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility, making effective management crucial.From supportive bedding and non-slip surfaces to rehab, acupuncture, mobility exercises, and harness support, there are many ways to help manage your dog’s back pain at home. Working closely with a qualified rehab professional and veterinarian will ensure the best approach to managing their condition and improving their quality of life.On this episode, licensed Physiotherapist and Canine Rehab Therapist, Sarah MacKeigan joins us to discuss:How to recognize different types of back pain.The causes and symptoms of IVDD.Practical home care for dogs with back pain or IVDDComparing surgical versus conservative treatments.Original LIVE aired Dec 29, 2024. To watch video podcasts LIVE, plus take part with your comments & questions, subscribe at Inside Scoop.TIMESTAMPS00:06:52 Northwest Natural Recall00:011:37 How Often does Back Pain Come Up?00:17:56 Spinal Cord Anatomy00:20:24 Types of Diseases00:28:14 What to do when your Pet is in Pain00:30:09 Symptoms00:35:13 When to Take Action00:49:45 Study of Conservative Management of Acute Thoracolumbar Disk Extrusion00:55:22 Maintenance for a dog that is down01:01:00 Urinary Tract Infections01:06:10 Importance of TeleConsultations01:11:22 Rehab01:35:26 Prevention01:44:57 Things to AvoidMENTIONEDSarah MacKeigan Upward Dog Rehab & WellnessEmerging and Adjunctive Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury Following Acute Canine Intervertebral Disc HerniationConservative Management of Intervertebral Disc Herniations in the paretic dog A review of intervertebral disc disease classification in dogsRecovery of ambulation in small, nonbrachycephalic dogs after conservative management of acute thoracolumbar disk extrusionMechanisms of injury and emergency care of acute spinal cord injuries in dogs and catsClassification of Intervertebral Disc DiseaseACVIM consensus statement on diagnosis and management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusionRecurrence rate of intervertebral disc disease in surgically treated French BulldogsImproving Neurological Outcome with Acupuncture and RehabilitationAcupuncture effects on dogs with Intervertebral Disk DiseaseNatural products can modulate inflammation in intervertebral disc degenerationLion's Mane: A potential treatment for neurologic disorders in veterinary medicinePrognostic factors in canine acute intervertebral disc diseaseDachsLife 2015: an investigation of lifestyle associations with the risk of intervertebral disc disease in DachshundsDISCLAIMERS & DISCLOSURESAny third-party products, brands featured or referred to on the Mind-Jam or Inside Scoop Podcasts are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Dr. Karen Becker, Rodney Habib, Planet Paws Media, or any of their affiliates.The Mind-Jam and Inside Scoop Podcasts are for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of veterinary advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they or their pet may have and should seek the assistance of their doctor or pet's health care professionals for any such conditions.

Episode Description

Is your dog’s back hurting? The top signs every pet parent should know.

Back pain and IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) are some of the most common issues that can affect our canine companions, especially as they age or if they're a predisposed breed.

Whether it's a sudden limp, difficulty jumping, or general discomfort, identifying the warning signs early is crucial for helping your dog avoid serious injury and improve their quality of life.

IVDD occurs when spinal discs become damaged or degenerate, causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. While breeds like Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels are especially vulnerable, back pain can affect dogs of any size. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility, making effective management crucial.

From supportive bedding and non-slip surfaces to rehab, acupuncture, mobility exercises, and harness support, there are many ways to help manage your dog’s back pain at home. Working closely with a qualified rehab professional and veterinarian will ensure the best approach to managing their condition and improving their quality of life.

On this episode, licensed Physiotherapist and Canine Rehab Therapist, Sarah MacKeigan joins us to discuss:

How to recognize different types of back pain.
The causes and symptoms of IVDD.
Practical home care for dogs with back pain or IVDD
Comparing surgical versus conservative treatments.

Original LIVE aired Dec 29, 2024. To watch video podcasts LIVE, plus take part with your comments & questions, subscribe at Inside Scoop.

TIMESTAMPS

00:06:52 Northwest Natural Recall

00:011:37 How Often does Back Pain Come Up?

00:17:56 Spinal Cord Anatomy

00:20:24 Types of Diseases

00:28:14 What to do when your Pet is in Pain

00:30:09 Symptoms

00:35:13 When to Take Action

00:49:45 Study of Conservative Management of Acute Thoracolumbar Disk Extrusion

00:55:22 Maintenance for a dog that is down

01:01:00 Urinary Tract Infections

01:06:10 Importance of TeleConsultations

01:11:22 Rehab

01:35:26 Prevention

01:44:57 Things to Avoid

MENTIONED

DISCLAIMERS & DISCLOSURES

Any third-party products, brands featured or referred to on the Mind-Jam or Inside Scoop Podcasts are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Dr. Karen Becker, Rodney Habib, Planet Paws Media, or any of their affiliates.
The Mind-Jam and Inside Scoop Podcasts are for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of veterinary advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they or their pet may have and should seek the assistance of their doctor or pet's health care professionals for any such conditions.