What is Intervertebral Disc Disease

graphic of a dog showing a disc herniation compressing the spinal cord — Dog with disc herniation

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a common condition in dogs, particularly in certain breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, and Bulldogs. It occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column bulge or burst into the spinal cord space, causing pain, nerve damage, and potentially paralysis. While IVDD can be a frightening diagnosis for pet owners, there is hope in the form of physical therapy interventions tailored to improve mobility, alleviate pain, and enhance overall quality of life for our furry companions.

Types of IVDD

There are two main types of IVDD: Hansen Type I and Hansen Type II. Hansen Type I typically affects younger dogs and involves a sudden and acute rupture of the intervertebral disc, often resulting in severe neurological deficits. On the other hand, Hansen Type II is more common in older dogs and involves a gradual degeneration of the intervertebral disc over time, leading to chronic spinal cord compression.

Four Areas of Focus for Physical Therapy

spectravet laser for pain — Spectravet Laser

1. Reducing Pain and Inflammation:

Effective pain management is crucial in IVDD rehabilitation. Physical therapists employ various modalities to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, including:

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy: PEMF therapy utilizes electromagnetic fields to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation, promoting tissue healing.
Laser Therapy: Laser therapy employs specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep tissues, providing pain relief and accelerating healing.
Massage: Therapeutic massage helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain by releasing endorphins.
Heat Therapy: Heat application increases blood flow to affected areas, relieving muscle tension and promoting healing.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS units deliver electrical impulses to nerve endings, blocking pain signals and providing relief.

graphic of a brain that says neuroplasticity: the brain's secret superpower — Neuroplasticity is how the nervous system recovers from injuries

2. Driving Neuroplasticity:

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize in response to injury or changes in the environment. In the context of IVDD rehabilitation, neuroplasticity plays a pivotal role in spinal cord injury recovery, enabling the nervous system to establish new neural pathways and compensate for damage. Physical therapists employ techniques such as:

Neurodevelopmental Sequencing: This involves a structured approach to rehabilitating movement patterns, focusing on sensory-motor integration and retraining neural pathways.
Sensory Stimuli: Physical therapists may incorporate various sensory stimuli, such as tactile surfaces, balance pads, and proprioceptive exercises, to encourage sensory-motor integration and enhance neural connections.

Dog standing on balance equipment — Exercises are used to regain strength and balance

3. Regaining Strength and Balance:

Building strength and balance is essential for dogs recovering from IVDD. Therapists may incorporate exercises such as:

Core Strengthening: Core exercises improve stability and support the spine, reducing the risk of injury recurrence.
Balance and Coordination Drills: Balance boards, wobble cushions, and obstacle courses challenge a dog's proprioception and improve coordination.

4. Support and Guidance:

Physical therapists offer valuable support and guidance to both dogs and their owners throughout the rehabilitation journey. This includes:

Bowel and Bladder Care: Therapists educate owners on techniques for managing bowel and bladder function in dogs with mobility impairments.
Assistive Device Recommendations: Recommending and fitting assistive devices such as harnesses, carts, or orthotics to aid mobility.
Enrichment Activities: Suggesting enrichment activities to keep dogs mentally stimulated and engaged during their recovery process.

Conclusion

Physical therapy plays a vital role in rehabilitating dogs with IVDD, focusing on pain management, neuroplasticity, strength, and balance. By tailoring rehabilitation programs to address the specific needs of each dog, physical therapists empower them to regain mobility, improve function, and lead fulfilling lives alongside their devoted owners.

Hope for Dogs with IVDD: Physical Therapy and the Magic of Neuroplasticity