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These 15 symptoms of herniated disc in dogs you should know!

The main symptoms of herniated disc

You should definitely know the symptoms of a herniated disc. Why? Herniated disc is a common disease of the spine in dogs and should not be underestimated. It can have far-reaching consequences and change your dog’s life. Symptoms herniated disc dog

In the case of a herniated disc, one thing above all is important: BE FAST. Because the sooner your four-legged friend is treated, the greater the chance that he will be completely healthy again.

Therefore, I have compiled the most important symptoms for you today. These signs may also occur in association with other diseases. And each dog is to be considered individually. Still, it’s important that you know them. And if your dog is showing one or more of the symptoms, I strongly recommend that you take him to a specialist.

When intervertebral discs wear out

A large proportion of incidents involve the thoracic or lumbar spine. However, theoretically, any disc from the first cervical vertebra to the sacrum can be affected. Intervertebral discs sit between the individual vertebrae. They consist of a fibrous ring and a gelatinous core. They serve as shock absorbers between the individual vertebrae. At the same time, they also allow the individual vertebral bodies to move among themselves.

However, if they become brittle, dry and porous, the function decreases. The altered material protrudes into the spinal canal. It presses on the spinal cord and nerves. The function of the nerves is disturbed. A herniated disc is usually acute.

These factors are important symptoms herniated disc dog

How strong the signs are in case of herniated disc depends mainly on 2 factors. On the one hand, from the speed at which the disc advances. Second, the duration of pressure on the spinal cord. How well and how quickly a dog recovers from the incident also depends.

What are the symptoms?

The signs are very diverse. You should know the most important and common signs. Because in the case of a herniated disc, one thing above all applies: act quickly!

    • Many dogs exhibit a stiff and reared back prior to the acute episode. Like a cat hump.
    • They react sensitively to touch in the affected area and literally wince.
    • You can often feel a warming in the affected area.
    • Affected dogs have severe back pain.
    • The back muscles are very tense.
    • Balance and coordination problems occur.
    • Affected quadrupeds do not like to move. They avoid movement downright.
    • They often howl in pain at certain movements.
    • Many dogs avoid things like climbing stairs and jumping into cars.

These signs may also occur:

  • Another sign is paw dragging. The claws are often scuffed and very short.
  • Difficulty in passing feces and urine may occur.
  • Depending on which nerves are compressed, incontinence is also possible.
  • Affected dogs may buckle with their hind legs.
  • Paralysis of the hind legs is possible.
  • If there is a prolapse in the cervical spine, paralysis of all four limbs is also possible.

The dog is in a vicious circle symptoms herniated disc dog

He suffers from severe pain due to the prolapsed disc. Therefore, he adopts a protective posture; as a result, the back muscles become tense. This in turn increases the pressure on the disc, which in turn increases the pain. There is an urgent need for action. The affected quadruped needs immediate treatment and appropriate medication.

Want to learn more about the topic? Then I recommend you my article on herniated disc in dogs. There you will find a lot more valuable information. Symptoms herniated disc dog

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