Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common spinal condition in pets, particularly dogs, that affects the intervertebral disc space, leading to pain, reduced mobility and possibly severe neurological deficits and paralysis.
Having a pet that experiences acute onset of paralysis is frightening and leaves many pet parents feeling hopeless that their fur baby will ever walk normally again. The western medicine approach to degenerative disc disease is limited. If the pet still has deep pain sensation, the recommendation may include cage rest, steroids and pain management. If there is no deep pain sensation there is a narrow window of time where surgery may be effective. Many pet parents cannot afford the surgery and are given two options – a cart (the pets rear sits in a cart so they can pull themselves around) or euthanasia. Complications with using a cart include the pet developing pressure sores and hygiene issues (urination and/or defecation in the cart).
One of the biggest complications that results from paralysis is the loss of proper bladder function. Often these animals are unable to urinate and empty their bladder, resulting in chronic severe urinary tract infections.
Sadly, the underlying reasons for DDD to have occurred are rarely addressed in the western practice.
There is always more that can be done. This article will explore integrative options to prevent DDD along with how to treat it (without steroids or surgery) safely and effectively.
DDD or IVDD refers to the gradual deterioration of the disc(s) that sit between the vertebrae in the spine. These discs act as cushions, providing flexibility and shock absorption. Over time, due to lifestyle and chronic inflammation (with less than 5% being related to genetics), these discs can lose their ability to function, resulting in herniation, compression on the spinal cord, pain or paralysis.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) or Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a significant health concern in pets, especially dogs. Studies indicate that IVDD affects approximately 2% of all dogs, with certain breeds being more predisposed due to their anatomy or genetic makeup.
Sadly these scientific studies ignore the affect of epigenetics (lifestyle) being the true determiner of dis-ease expression.
IVDD can manifest in both acute and chronic forms, with varying degrees of severity, from mild pain to complete paralysis if left untreated. Though early intervention is key (as untreated IVDD can lead to irreversible neurological damage), the ideal is to create a lifestyle to prevent the chronic inflammation and consequent degeneration.
Who Is More Prone To DDD?
Breeds: Some breeds are more prone to Degenerative Disc Disease, particularly those with long backs and short legs, known as chondrodystrophic breeds. These include:
- Dachshunds: One of the most commonly affected breeds due to their long backs.
- Corgis: Similar to Dachshunds, their spine structure puts them at risk.
- Basset Hounds: Their short legs and elongated spines can lead to spinal issues.
- French Bulldogs and Pugs: These brachycephalic breeds are also more susceptible, particularly in their neck region.
Age: While DDD can occur at any age, middle-aged to senior pets (around 4-7 years old) are more prone as their discs have been degenerating over time. However, younger pets of predisposed breeds can develop the condition.
What Causes DDD?
Degenerative Disc Disease can be attributed to a variety of factors:
Diet: Eating processed diets, high in carbohydrates and ingredients that contribute to leaky gut (chemicals, preservatives and glyphosate) lead to chronic inflammation. This chronic insidious inflammation attacks the weakest links in the body, which for some individuals is their spine. Processed diets combined with poor lifestyle, trauma and genetics, is the perfect storm for expressing dis-ease.
Lifestyle: Lack of proper exercise, obesity and poor structural health can exacerbate the condition.
Trauma: An injury or repetitive stress on the spine can accelerate disc degeneration. Jumping on and off of furniture or going up and down stairs contributes to the chronic trauma.
Genetics: Certain breeds are genetically predisposed (have a greater risk) to disc degeneration. The expression of DDD can be prevented in 95% of pets through proper diet, exercise and controlling environmental triggers.
Prevention Is Possible
Preventing degenerative disc disease (DDD) is possible when the focus is on lifestyle.
- Weight Management and Species Appropriate Diet
Excess weight places undue stress on the pet’s spine. A raw, species-appropriate grass fed and finished diet helps maintain a healthy weight, minimizes inflammation and reduces the strain on the intervertebral discs. Proper nutrition also supports disc health. Tests are available to determine nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Once identified, proper supplementation and detoxification can be implemented. The Empowered Pet Parent Course is invaluable, guiding pet parents step by step to understand exactly what a pet needs without relying on misleading marketing claims. Click Here!
- Exercise & Mobility
Encouraging regular and controlled exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, providing better structural support. Consider swimming or low-impact exercises to reduce jarring on the spine while strengthening back muscles.
- Chiropractic Care
All the energy that drives the body originates from the spinal cord. Just like in a house, if a breaker pops, the associated electrical socket will no longer receive electricity, until the breaker is reset. This analogy helps describe how the energy coming from the spinal column can be interrupted. Chiropractic adjustments are like resetting the breaker box, restoring the flow of energy to the body. Regular spinal adjustments by a veterinary chiropractor improves the flow of energy from each of the spinal nerves out to their end user. These adjustments maintain spinal alignment, reducing the risk of disc injuries.
- Fascia Decompression
The fascia is the tissue that holds everything together and creates the communication highway throughout the body for nutrition and cell signaling. In addition to feeding a species appropriate diet, Fascia Decompression is the most important home treatment a pet parent can provide to extend their fur babies health and longevity. Learning how to support the fascia is fun, easy, requires no tools, just your hands and loving intention! To learn more about how to perform Fascia Decompression For Your Fur Family Click Here!
- Joint & Disc Support Supplements
Supplements that support disc health and reduce inflammation include:
- EvoLove Joyful Joints: Is a highly absorbable powder designed to support healthy connective tissue and joint mobility. There is added collagen peptides that have been shown in studies to support joint function and promote tendon and ligament strength. Click Here!
- EvoLove Black Cumin Seed Oil: For dogs only! Not for cats! Black Cumin Seed oil is a powerful superfood! It boosts the immune system, is anti-inflammatory and has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It supports digestive health, stabilizes blood sugar, strengthens liver detoxification, supports lung function and promotes joint health. Click Here!
- Pectasol-C: This natural product derived from citrus pith blocks Galactin-3, the primary alarm protein that is released from the cell when “danger” is perceived. Galactin-3 signals the release of the cytokine storm (inflammation). Though this is a good thing under normal circumstances, when it becomes excessive (the modern lifestyle where inflammation never turns off), it can be harmful. Pectasol also binds heavy metals. Click Here!
Treatment
Allopathic Vs Integrative Approaches
Allopathic Approach
In a traditional allopathic setting, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms:
1. Medications: Pain relievers like NSAIDs and corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Risks: While these can provide short-term relief, long-term use can lead to gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, liver damage and immune suppression. Additionally, masking pain without addressing the root cause may lead to further injury.
2. Surgery: For severe cases where there is significant disc herniation or compression, surgical laminectomy (removal of part of the spinal bone) may be performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Risks: Surgery is invasive, requiring anesthesia and a lengthy recovery period. Complications can include infection, nerve damage, paralysis or the recurrence of disc issues in other areas if the underlying causes are not addressed.
3.Rest: Crate rest is often prescribed in mild cases to prevent further injury, but without addressing the root cause, this is only a temporary fix.
Risks: While rest can temporarily alleviate symptoms, it doesn’t resolve the underlying problem. Prolonged inactivity may also lead to muscle atrophy, further weakening the spine’s support system.
Integrative Holistic Approach
An integrative approach focuses on addressing the root cause of DDD, supporting natural healing, and minimizing pain through less invasive methods. Treatments are tailored to the pet’s unique needs, forming part of a holistic plan including lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, detoxification and behavior modification. Strategies include incorporating ozone therapy, hyperbaric oxygen and frequency therapy. This comprehensive strategy aims to restore balance, promote spinal health, and improve immune health.
Be Proactive! Learn how to implement these strategies today! Take the Empowered Pet Parent Course and start your pets healing journey!
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Resources:
Schoon, A., et al. “Ozone therapy in veterinary medicine: From laboratory to practice.” Journal of Ozone Therapy.
Citation: Schoon, A., Bittner, H., & Haussler, K. (2018). Ozone therapy in veterinary medicine: From laboratory to practice. Journal of Ozone Therapy, 7(2), 85-97.
Mazzetti, C., et al. “The effects of ozone therapy on pain and inflammation in dogs with intervertebral disc disease.”
Veterinary Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Citation: Mazzetti, C., Ciapetti, G., & Castelli, M. (2014). The effects of ozone therapy on pain and inflammation in dogs with intervertebral disc disease. Veterinary Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 27(5), 329-335.