Treatment
Any sign of back pain or neck pain should be taken seriously, and requires immediate veterinary attention. If treated early, permanent loss of function can be prevented in many cases. In order to localize the problem, X-rays, and other imaging studies may be recommended. Myelography is a diagnostic procedure that uses dye injected into the spinal column to visualize pressure points and is an important tool for precise understanding of the problem. If Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is available, it is an excellent but costly visualization tool.
Treatments for spinal disk disease range from rest and medication to surgical intervention, the latter used to relieve pressure. The exact therapeutic plan depends on the severity of the problem. If the affected pet is overweight, a weight loss program will be instituted. Kennel rest is an important part of therapy, and for some dogs, permanent restrictions in activity should be put in place to help prevent recurrences.
Grading the Severity of Intervertebral Disk Disease
A grading system is used for disk disease in the lower back to help owners understand chances of recovery. Grade 1 dogs are painful, but all function is normal. Grade 2 dogs have mild limb deficits, Grade 3 dogs have moderate limb deficits, and Grade 4 dogs have lost limb movement (paresis) but have intact deep limb pain sensation. Grade 5 dogs have lost deep pain sensation and have total limb paralysis.
If a dog has lost deep pain sensation in the legs and is unable to move the limbs, the prognosis is poor but many dogs with moderate loss of function (up to Grade 4) can regain use of the limbs and get relief from pain if prompt therapy is instituted. Even some Grade 5 dogs can recover much of their normal function but only if very prompt intervention occurs.