Herniated disc in dogs

Herniated disc – causes and risk factors

A slipped disc in dogs can be caused by several factors. One of the main reasons is the age-related wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, which leads to a drying out of the disc cells and a reduced regeneration. Obesity and one-sided overloading can further increase the risk of a herniated disc.

But nutrient deficiencies and dehydration, also caused by years of feeding industrial dry food, can also increase the risk. Dry food is often referred to as “discount ready-made pizza” for dogs and is a poor choice for dog nutrition. It contains only about 10% moisture and can therefore lead to a lack of fluids, which in turn can lead to premature ageing of discs and other soft tissues. In addition, there are low-quality meat sources, artificial additives, preservatives, attractants and flavour enhancers. It is important to note that not all ingredients need to be declared. Some of these ingredients may also be present in wet food.

To stay healthy, dogs, like us humans, need fresh and high-quality food. Anything else can cause illness and shorten the dog’s lifespan. Breeds with a long back in relation to their build, like the Dachshund, are particularly prone to a herniated disc and can therefore suffer from “dachshund paralysis”.

How do you recognise a slipped disc in dogs?

A herniated disc can cause damage to the spinal cord and nerve tracts, often resulting in radiating pain. Neurological deficits such as paralysis, tremors and incontinence are also common consequences of nerve crushing caused by a herniated disc. Cauda equina syndrome and myelomalacia can also occur because the transmission of signals from the nerves is disrupted.

Other signs of a herniated disc include difficulty standing up, avoidance of stairs and jumping into cars, and curvature of the back due to pain. Other signs of a herniated disc include inability to sit up, incoordination or dragging of the limbs, numbness, muscle tremors, sensory loss and balance problems.

If you notice one or more of these typical symptoms in your dog, a quick reaction is required, especially in the case of neurological deficits. Therapeutic measures must be taken to strengthen and, in the best case, regenerate the nerve cells and soft tissues of the vertebrae.

The first step should be a visit to a competent veterinarian. However, if the vet recommends surgery immediately without deeper investigation, you should seek a second opinion as it is important to distinguish a herniated disc from other conditions such as spondylosis or hip dysplasia as the symptoms may be similar. A computer tomography can clarify the cause.

Once the herniated disc and its position have been clearly diagnosed, the first thing to do is to relieve the pain. Although chemical painkillers are often used, they are not a long-term solution and should be used with caution.

Important information

• It is actually very important that pain therapy does not become permanent, as it reduces the dog’s perception of pain, causing him to move normally again, which can worsen the condition. Rest and a back-friendly environment are very important now to promote a quick recovery.
• It is also very important to note that painkillers from human medicine, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, are toxic to dogs and therefore must not be used.
• Physiotherapy can be a good option to give the dog therapy based on its symptoms. A physiotherapist trained for dogs can also give valuable tips on how the dog can lead a back-friendly life from now on.
• Surgery should only be performed in a specialized veterinary hospital and only if it is medically necessary.

What you can do for your dog

• There are several things you can do to help your dog. Firstly, it is important to give your dog enough rest to relieve the pressure on his spine. To do this, you should provide a quiet and comfortable place for him to rest.
• As mentioned above, physiotherapy can be helpful to strengthen your dog’s muscles and help him to move normally again. Massages can also help to improve circulation and metabolism.
• Targeted exercise therapy that is tailored to your dog’s needs can also be useful. However, you should make sure that you do not put your dog under unnecessary strain and do not overtax him.
• A change in diet can also help to improve your dog’s condition. A balanced and healthy diet can promote regeneration and support the healing process.

Micronutrients – an important component of therapy

Micronutrients are now an important part of the treatment of intervertebral disc and spinal diseases, also in humans. They can strengthen the intervertebral discs and vertebral bones, promote nerve regeneration and support nerve preservation. Rapid treatment of injured nerves is crucial for the preservation of signal transmission.

If symptoms of failure such as paralysis or incontinence have already occurred, micronutrients can support the reactivation of the nerves. It is important to act quickly because the longer injured nerves are left untreated, the longer they take to reactivate. If waited too long, it may be too late.

In addition, micronutrients can also support the surrounding tissue and fascia, which can contribute to more stability.

In close cooperation with veterinarians who have the animal’s welfare in mind, such as Dr. vet. med. Sibylle Ott, as well as outstanding animal healers and dog physiotherapists, we developed two coordinated micronutrient groups for the treatment of slipped discs more than 20 years ago. Each group has its own mechanism of action, but the combination of micronutrients has proven to be particularly effective. Compared to the placebo and drug group, the combination showed promising results in the course of therapy. Nowadays, these products have become standard with many good veterinarians and veterinary practitioners.

Both micronutrient groups have their own names. The DOG FIT by PreThis® VITAMIN B complex contains all the micronutrients of the B vitamin complex in the right proportions for the dog’s needs. This complex is available in small, medium and large sizes and can therefore be dosed precisely. The micronutrients contained are essential for the development, strengthening and regeneration of the dog’s nerve cells.

DOG FIT by PreThis® VITAL regeneration offers a special selection of micronutrients that are specifically adapted to the treatment of a slipped disc. They strengthen the intervertebral discs and vertebral bones and promote their regeneration. They also support the surrounding tissue such as fasciae, ligaments and tendons. These micronutrients have proven to be very reliable in the treatment of BSV.

Both preparations can also be used individually, but their mechanisms of action complement each other optimally in combination in the treatment of a herniated disc and possible secondary symptoms. They are part of the DOG FIT by PreThis® nutrient system, with which many dog owners have already had very good experiences.

Of course, both products are free from genetic engineering, gluten, fructose, yeast, soy, cereals, flavours, palm oil, aromas and preservatives.