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What are the signs and symptoms of IVDD?

• Wobbling when walking

• Reduced activity level; unwillingness to jump or even stand up

• Weakness or incoordination in the rear legs

• Paralysis; dragging one or both rear legs when walking

• Whimpering or crying, especially when moved or touched

• Muscle spasms and/or stiffness in neck or back

• Arched or hunched back (sign of cervical disc problem)

• Reduced appetite

• Lack of control over urination or defecation (incontinence)

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What are the stages of IVDD?

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Stage 1 Mild pain and usually self-correcting in a few days  Early intervention is best

Stage 2 Moderate to severe pain in the neck or low back area

Stage 3 Partial paralysis causing trouble walking and/or uncoordinated movements

Stage 4 Paralysis but with the ability to feel

Stage 5 Paralysis with the loss of all feeling

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Stage 1  Best to notice early, change behaviors, keep quiet, may add in meds

Stages 2-3 may require oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, neurological pain medications, opioids, support supplements, physical therapy, dieting, acupuncture, laser therapy, and other multi-modal treatment options.

There is no linear progression of the disease.

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A dog may quickly progress from Stage 1 to Stage 5 or show signs of a more progressive stage from the beginning without showing any signs of the first stages.

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