Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when a disc in the spine is either ruptured or herniated, causing it to leak cerebrospinal fluid. This leads to inflammation and pain, as the disc can no longer act as a shock absorber and cannot cope with the weight load on your pet’s spine.
Breeds with short legs and long backs are most at risk. In dogs, these breeds include the Dachshund, Basset Hound, Corgi, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Pekingese, Poodle, and Bulldog. Munchkin/Dwarf-type cats are also at risk, along with British Shorthairs and Persians; however, this condition is much rarer in felines according to available literature.
Symptoms in Dogs:
- Stiffness in the neck
- Back pain
- Crying out when handled
- Reluctance to play, run, or climb (e.g., stairs)
- Wobbly hind legs/staggering gait
- Paralysis or paresis (partial loss of movement)
- Possible roaching (arched back and tight abdomen)
Your first priority is to get your pet to the vet for an MRI or X-rays. Treatment may include total crate rest, surgery, and medication. Some dogs can walk immediately after surgery, while others may take longer to regain mobility. Unfortunately, some dogs may never regain the use of their legs.
Recovery will likely involve physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, core conditioning, and, of course, massage therapy. Massage can help soothe the overcompensating muscles in the front assembly – the front legs, shoulders, and neck – which work overtime to take on more weight and relieve the hind legs.
Once your pet has healed from surgery (with no massage therapy for at least two weeks after surgery, and no massage near the surgical site for six weeks), the underused and atrophied muscles in the hind legs will require stimulation from massage therapy to help them rebuild.
Massage therapy also increases circulation, delivering blood to underused muscles that need it, and speeds up the body’s natural healing process. However, it’s crucial to avoid starting massage therapy too soon after surgery, as the boost in circulation could overwhelm the healing process. Once the initial healing has taken place (at least two weeks after surgery, and after six weeks in the surgical area), it is safe to proceed with massage therapy.
Going forward, try to keep your dog’s weight under control, prevent them from jumping on or off furniture, and assist them up and down the stairs. It is recommended to continue massage therapy on a maintenance basis once the initial rehabilitation sessions are complete. Depending on the dog’s recovery, caregivers and certified massage therapists should develop a schedule tailored to each dog’s individual needs.
Article by Regan Macaulay, Owner of Kuri K9 Massage
After extensive training through Treetops Animal Massage Certification Program (Ontario), I started my mobile business, Kuri K9 Massage in 2013 to help Toronto and GTA pets live healthier, happier lives by relieving physical and emotional pain and tension, thereby also relieving stress for fur baby moms and dads—boosting quality of life together for longer. I offer Swedish massage therapy to dogs and cats young and old, as well as reflexology, lymphatic drainage massage, sports massage, acupressure, and hydrotherapy wraps, as well as distance Reiki.
Website: https://www.kurik9massage.com/
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