IVDD/Fractures Reading Questions

What does IVDD stand for?

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Describe what the intervertebral disks are composed of.

Annulus fibrosus – outer fibrous layer

Nucleus pulposus – inner gel-like nucleus

What purpose do these disks serve?

Allow a larger range of motion and to prevent vertebrae from rubbing against one another

What does chondrodystrophic mean? List 2 examples of a chondrodystrophic breed.

It means cartilage malformation:

Dachshund, bulldog, corgi, pug, French bulldog, basset hound, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shih tzu, cocker spaniel, beagle and poodle

75% to 100% of chondrodystrophic breeds undergo what within by 1 year of age?

Degenerative changes of the vertebrae

What is Type 1 herniation? (know the difference)

acute onset and typically more severe clinical signs, presents in chondrodystrophic breeds most commonly at the age of 3-6 years

What is Type 2 herniation? (know the difference)

chronic or gradual onset with typically less severe clinical signs, presents in NONchondrodystrophic breeds most commonly at ages 8-10 years, more common in large breed dogs

What are the clinical signs for IVDD?

Cervical – neck pain, reluctance to turn head or move neck, stiff gait, lowered head, front limb lameness

Thoracolumbar – back pain, reluctance to walk, hunched posture, paresis or paralysis in rear limbs, urinary incontinence or retention

When taking radiographs to diagnose IVDD, what is required and why?

Anesthesia for proper positioning

What are you looking for on a radiograph?

Narrowed disk spaces at the location of the lesions

This is required for a definitive diagnosis

Myelogram

What are the treatment options for both types of herniation?

Medical – strict cage rest, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, muscle relaxers

Surgical – fenestration and hemilaminectomy

What do animals getting intensive nursing care require?

Soft padding in the cage, indwelling catheter or bladder expression, frequent turning and proper nutrition

What percentage of cases treated medically had reoccurrence of the disease with more severe signs?

Approximately 40%

If a patient lacks deep pain for longer than ____hours, prognosis is _________.

24;poor

What are two things owners can do to help prevent IVDD?

Use a harness to walk and limited jumping up and off of couches/beds