4739. VET CASE STUDY: Degenerative Disc Disease in a 19-year-old dog

 

TOA PAYOH VETS Be kind to pets veterinary  educational videos Vet case study: A very old Shih Tzu X in Myanmar has  back aches and back pain -  Disc Degeneration Disease & Spondylosis. Physical examination 1. Altered gait - lameness  2. Palpation and joint manipulations - pain levels Hunched painful back, altered gait, hind legs spread  outwards, hip pain   for around 3 months.   3. X-rays Causes of back ache and pain in this 19-year-old female Shih Tzu X.  1. Intervertebral lumbar disc degeneration is likely due to ageing. 2. Spondylosis or bony spur formation likely due to ageing.  3. Left femoral head necrosis likely due to ageing or neoplasia. TREATMENT of back ache and pain 1. Pain killers. 2. Physiotherapy - a combination of exercises, manual therapy,  and other modalities. 3. Good diet. 4. Walk more on non-slippery floors to prevent muscle atrophy. TIPS FROM DR SING As the 19-year-old Shih Tzu X is very old, ensure she  has good nutrition to  prevent malnutrition. Provide her with non-slippery areas  to walk to prevent  further muscle atrophy of the limbs. Some pain killers may be needed  to make her comfortable. To buy stock photos: www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets  For More Information: TOA PAYOH VETS www.toapayohvets.com +65 6254-3326 +65 9668-6468 judy@toapayohvets.com 99pups@gmail.com UPDATE: https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/05/vet-case-study-degenerative- disc-disease.html  Thank you for watching -------------- VET CASE STUDY: Degenerative Disc Disease in a 19-year-old dog 1. Physical examination. Aged dog. 1.1 Pain level - Press on specific areas of her back (DDD) 1.2 Muscle strength - Muscle weakness or shrinking  --- nerve damage or DDD. 2. Imaging scans like X-rays, CT or MRT help diagnose  the alignment of your  disc. 3. Treatment for back pain in the dog. 3.1 Medication 3.2 Walking to strengthen back muscles and relieve some pain 3.3 No spinal surgery Physical activity. Low-impact activity like walking or swimming can strengthen back muscles and relieve some pain. Painkillers No spinal surgery.  X-ray imaging of a dog's vertebral column, or spine, is   a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate the bones, ligaments,  and soft tissues surrounding the spine. It's typically used to  identify issues like fractures, arthritis, infections,  and spinal deformities. SPONDYLOSIS 1. Changes in walk Instead of smoothly swaying from side to side, you may  see your dog’s  back stiffen and fail to move freely. A stiff gait is  not just a sign  of leg pain, but can be a common symptom of a sore back. Your  vet will  perform a physical exam to localize pain if your dog has  changes in gait. 2. Change in movement Your dog’s back may seem rigid, and they may avoid  ambitious movements  like jumping up or rolling over. You may notice your  dog reluctant to  turn his head from side to side, or having difficulty  maneuvering to  reach certain parts of the body. 3. Change in comfort level If your dog’s bone spur grows large enough to pinch the delicate nerve roots along  the spinal cord, he may show signs of pain in dogs and be very sensitive  to touch along his back.  Some dogs will whine, yelp, or even snap if painful areas of the back are touched. --------------------------- When did the pain start? Where do you feel pain? What activities cause the most pain? What activities decrease the pain? Did you have an injury or accident that led to pain? Do you have other symptoms, like tingling or numbness? How far can you walk?   ----------------- Degenerative disk disease occurs when the cushioning  in your spine begins  to wear away. After age 40, most people experience  some spinal degeneration.  But the condition doesn’t always cause symptoms.  When it does, neck and back pain can be intense.  The right treatment can lead to pain  relief and increased   mobility. Degenerative disk disease (degenerative disc disease)  occurs when your spinal  disks break down. Unfortunately, it’s just a natural part of  aging. When these  disks wear out, you’ll typically experience back pain  and stiffness. For some  people, home remedies like hot and cold therapy can decrease  pain. When the  pain is severe, you may benefit from spinal injections or  spine surgery.  A spine specialist can help you determine which treatment  is best for you.  --------------------------- Intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar (lower back)  region is   a common condition characterized by the breakdown of  the intervertebral  discs, which cushion the vertebrae. This wear  and tear can lead to pain,  stiffness, and potentially nerve compression. The  most common symptoms  include lower back pain, which may radiate to the buttocks or legs,  and pain that worsens with sitting, bending, twisting, or lifting.  Elaboration: What is it? Intervertebral disc degeneration, also known as  degenerative disc  disease (DDD), is the gradual deterioration of the  intervertebral discs, which are the shock-absorbing cushions between the  vertebrae in the spine.   Why does it happen? Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, and  the discs can lose  their height, hydration, and ability to absorb shock  over time.  Factors like genetics, age, inadequate metabolite  transport, and loading history can also contribute to disc degeneration.    Symptoms: Back pain: Persistent or intermittent aching in  the lower back.  Leg pain (sciatica): Pain that radiates down the  leg, often due to nerve compression.  Numbness or tingling: Sensory changes in the leg or foot.  Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the back.  Weakness: Muscle weakness in the leg or foot.    Progression and complications: Degenerated discs can bulge or herniate, causing  pressure on nerves  and resulting in symptoms like sciatica. Small bony  outgrowths (bone spurs) can also form at the edges of the vertebrae.    Treatment: Treatment options for lumbar disc degeneration  typically focus on  managing pain and improving function, and may include:   Non-surgical options: Pain medications (NSAIDs,  muscle relaxants), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.    Injections: Epidural steroid injections to  reduce inflammation.    Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be needed to  relieve nerve compression or stabilize the spine. Living with DDD: While there's no cure for DDD, many individuals can  manage their symptoms  and maintain an active lifestyle with appropriate  treatment and lifestyle  modifications. ---------------------------- Spondylosis in dogs, also known as spondylosis deformans, is a non-inflammatory,  degenerative condition of the spinal column characterized by the formation of bone spurs  along the top, bottom and sides of the vertebra. These spurs develop due to  the body's reaction  to damage or instability in the intervertebral discs and joints, often as a result of aging, injury,  or genetic factors.  Symptoms and Causes: Symptoms: While many dogs with spondylosis are asymptomatic, some may experience stiffness, reduced flexibility, sensitivity to touch, or pain, especially if the bone spurs irritate nearby nerves or tissues. Symptoms can include limping,  back pain, or altered gait.    Causes: Spondylosis is most commonly associated with aging and the natural degeneration of intervertebral discs. Trauma (both minor and major) can  also contribute, as can a genetic predisposition to bone spur formation.    Common Locations: In dogs, spondylosis frequently occurs in the  lower back (lumbar spine).  Diagnosis: X-rays: Spondylosis is typically diagnosed with X-rays, which can clearly  visualize the bone spurs.   Other Imaging: CT scans or MRIs may be used in some cases to assess the extent of the condition and   rule out other problems.  Treatment and Management: Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics   may be  used to manage pain.  Physiotherapy: Exercises, massage, and hydrotherapy can help improve range  of motion  and muscle strength.  Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine.  Supplements: Joint supplements may be helpful in some cases.  Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is rarely necessary and  is typically reserved for  cases where the bone spurs are causing significant nerve  compression or instability -------------- REPORT IN STRAITS TIMES AUG 2025 Degenerative disc disease is increasingly affecting younger people in Singapore, potentially   due to factors like genetics, obesity, and intense physical activities such  as Hyrox and CrossFit  that cause early wear and tear on spinal discs. While aging is a primary  cause, lifestyle habits like  smoking, poor posture, and heavy lifting can accelerate degeneration,  and these are contributing  to the rising number of cases in younger demographics. Key findings Youth impact: More teens and young adults are being diagnosed with  degenerative disc disease,  with one in  three individuals showing signs by age 35. Contributing factors: Demanding activities: Young adults engaging in high-impact   or repetitive physical activities  without proper conditioning and core strength are at risk. Genetics: A genetic predisposition can increase susceptibility to the condition. Lifestyle: Smoking and obesity can weaken discs, and injuries can accelerate  degeneration.  Mechanism: The natural process of spinal disc degeneration involves a loss of water and  flexibility, leading to  wear and tear and potential pain from inflammation and abnormal movements.    Lifestyle advice   Exercise: Activities like walking and stationary biking are beneficial for preventing progression, but  high-impact exercises should be avoided.   Avoid smoking: Smoking can reduce blood supply to the discs and worsen the condition.   Proper conditioning: Strengthening core body strength is crucial for young adults to better  handle physical stress on the spine.   Diet: Limiting inflammatory foods like sugary drinks and processed snacks may  help manage pain.