Understanding IVDD vs Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs

Understanding IVDD vs Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs is crucial for pet owners, as these two conditions can have a significant impact on a dog's quality of life.

IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease, is a condition that affects the spine, causing the discs to bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and even paralysis.

Degenerative Myelopathy, on the other hand, is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord, causing it to degenerate over time. It's often referred to as a "wasting disease" because it can cause a dog's muscles to waste away.

Both conditions can be debilitating for dogs, but they have distinct causes and symptoms.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a serious condition that affects the spinal cord, causing necrosis and demyelination that will eventually progress cranially.

DM presents as a slowly progressive, non-painful myelopathy, which means it can be hard to notice at first, but it will get worse over time.

Elevated HA levels are a common symptom of DM, while CRP/HPT levels are usually normal to mildly elevated.

PSGAG, a type of intramuscular injection, has been shown to inhibit proteolytic enzymes, including hyaluronidases, although the exact mechanism of action is still unknown.

Research by VDI shows that patients treated with PSGAG have increasing concentrations of sHA.

IVDD and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) share some common characteristics. Both conditions are genetic and can be passed on to future generations if breeders aren't careful.

IVDD and DM can cause mobility loss and loss of strength in a dog's legs, making everyday activities challenging. This can be a heartbreaking experience for dog owners.

IVDD is a genetic spinal condition that causes a dog's spinal disc to dry, become calcified, and rupture. This is more common in breeds with long bodies and short legs.

Some breeds, like dachshunds, are particularly prone to IVDD, with 1 in 4 dogs being affected. This highlights the importance of responsible breeding practices.

Both IVDD and DM can benefit from physical therapy, which can help improve a dog's mobility and comfort. This is a great way to support your dog's health and well-being.

A dog wheelchair is often recommended for dogs diagnosed with IVDD or DM. This can help improve their mobility and quality of life.

Dogs with IVDD and DM can experience similar mobility issues, including loss of strength and mobility in their legs. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including difficulty standing or walking.

IVDD and DM can both cause a dog's rear feet to knuckle over, and they may lose their quick reflexes in their back feet. The dog may drag or cross their feet when walking.

Physical therapy can be beneficial for dogs with either condition, and a dog wheelchair is often recommended for assistance.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive mobility condition that affects a dog's ability to walk. It typically starts with a loss of strength in the back legs and dragging of the paws.

Dogs with DM will experience worsening mobility loss as the condition progresses, with each stage weakening their legs until they become fully paralyzed. This can happen as early as 8-12 years of age.

DM is a genetic condition, and a DNA test can determine if a dog is clear, a carrier, or at risk. The initial signs of DM include losing the ability to sense movement or body position, feet slipping, dragging, or crossing, and loss of muscle in the back legs.

One of the most distinctive features of DM is the absence of pain, unlike Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). As DM progresses, physical therapy may help slow down the condition, but there is no cure. Assistive devices and carts will be needed, and the dog will require help with toileting and preventing bedsores.

Here's a comparison of the initial signs of DM and IVDD:

As the condition progresses, dogs with DM will require ongoing care and support to manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

Incontinence in dogs can be a challenging issue to deal with, especially if it's related to a mobility condition. Loss of bladder control and fecal incontinence can occur in many canine mobility conditions, including IVDD and DM.

IVDD incontinence can happen right away when a dog becomes paralyzed, and some dogs may not be able to pee and poop on their own. Their caregiver must manually express the dog's bladder many times throughout the day to help them pee. Dog diapers and male wraps may be worn inside the house to prevent accidents and keep them dry.

Incontinence issues in Degenerative Myelopathy develop in the end stages of the disease, which can start about a year after the initial diagnosis. Most DM dogs will lose control of their bladder and bowels in end-stage DM.

The treatment options and outcome are among the most significant differences between Degenerative Myelopathy and IVDD.

Treatment for IVDD typically involves surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, which can help alleviate symptoms in some cases.

The prognosis for IVDD varies depending on the severity and location of the injury, but with prompt and proper care, some dogs can make a full recovery.

Degenerative Myelopathy, on the other hand, is a progressive disease with no known cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

There is no cure for Degenerative Myelopathy, and all dogs with this condition will eventually become paralyzed.

Regular exercise and continued activity can improve a dog's quality of life, but it's essential to understand that their mobility will worsen over time.

Every dog with Degenerative Myelopathy will require a wheelchair to stay active.

Dogs with DM are not in any pain, but their hind and front leg strength will be impacted as the condition progresses.

Paralysis will move up the spine, eventually affecting a dog's ability to breathe.

IVDD and DM are both genetic conditions that can be inherited, so unfortunately, there isn't a cure for either one. However, there are some treatment options that can help manage the symptoms.

Degenerative Myelopathy and IVDD have some similar symptoms, including mobility loss and loss of strength in the legs. This can make it difficult for dogs to walk or stand.

While physical therapy can benefit dogs with either condition, it's essential to note that the treatment options and outcome are among the most significant differences between the two conditions. A dog wheelchair is often recommended for dogs diagnosed with IVDD or DM.

In summary, there isn't a cure for IVDD or DM, but with the right treatment and care, dogs can still live happy and comfortable lives.

Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs is a genetic disorder, and as such, it can be prevented through selective breeding. This means that if you're planning to bring a new pup into your family, it's essential to request SOD-1 gene mutation testing results to ensure they come back normal.

Breeders can take steps to reduce the risk of Degenerative Myelopathy in their breeding programs by choosing healthy parents with normal test results. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that a pup will be completely free of the disease.

Breeds at risk for Degenerative Myelopathy include certain types, and it's crucial to research the specific breed you're interested in to understand its potential risks.

In IVDD, lesions occur in the spinal cord, specifically in the thoracic and lumbar regions, due to the herniation of intervertebral discs.

The lesions in IVDD can be either acute or chronic, and they often result in cord compression, which can lead to severe pain and neurological deficits.

Symptoms of IVDD can appear suddenly, often after an episode of strenuous activity or trauma.

Degenerative myelopathy, on the other hand, is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord and causes lesions that resemble those seen in IVDD.

However, the lesions in DM are typically more diffuse and widespread, and they involve the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord.

The progression of DM is often slower than IVDD, but it can still lead to significant morbidity and mortality.

The diagnosis of IVDD and DM is often made through a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and clinical history.

MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for both conditions, as it can provide detailed images of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.

In IVDD, MRI can show the presence of herniated discs, cord compression, and other structural abnormalities.

In DM, MRI can reveal the characteristic lesions and changes in the spinal cord, including atrophy and cavitation.