Stage 5 IVDD in Dogs: Definition, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
When a dog is diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), it can be stressful for everyone involved. Stage 5 IVDD is the most severe form of this condition. Understanding what this stage means and what options are available can help you make the best decisions for your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
What is stage 5 IVDD in dogs?
Intervertebral Disc Disease happens when the discs between a dog’s spinal bones bulge or burst, pressing on the spinal cord. This can cause pain, nerve damage, or paralysis. Veterinarians use a grading scale from 1 to 5 to describe how bad the damage is. Stage 5 means the dog has lost the ability to feel deep pain in the affected limbs. This is the most serious level and requires fast action.
What causes stage 5 IVDD in dogs?
Stage 5 IVDD usually happens when a disc herniation is sudden and severe. This is common in breeds with long backs like Dachshunds, Corgis, and Basset Hounds. Sudden jumping, falling, or rough play can cause a disc to rupture fully. Genetics, age, and weight also play a role. Dogs with weaker back muscles or poor conditioning may be at higher risk.
What are the signs and symptoms of stage 5 IVDD?
Dogs with stage 5 IVDD often show clear and serious signs. These include:
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Sudden paralysis in back legs
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No feeling when you pinch their toes
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Inability to urinate or control bowels
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Weak or floppy tail
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Crying or signs of severe back pain before paralysis sets in
It is very important to get to a vet right away if you see these signs. The sooner a dog gets help, the better the chance of some recovery.
How is stage 5 IVDD diagnosed?
A vet will start with a physical exam and test your dog’s reflexes and pain response. If your dog does not feel deep pain in the affected area, the vet may confirm stage 5 IVDD.
To plan treatment, your vet may order advanced imaging like an MRI or CT scan. These scans show exactly where the disc is pressing on the spinal cord and how severe the damage is.
What treatment options are available for stage 5 IVDD?
Stage 5 IVDD almost always needs surgery if the dog is a good candidate. The goal of surgery is to remove the disc material pressing on the spinal cord.
Surgery for stage 5 IVDD
The most common surgery is called a hemilaminectomy. The surgeon removes part of the bone to reach and remove the damaged disc material. This relieves pressure on the spinal cord.
Time is very important. Studies show that surgery within 24 to 48 hours gives the best chance for a dog to regain feeling and movement. The longer a dog stays without deep pain, the less likely nerves will heal.
Non-surgical care for stage 5 IVDD
If a dog is not a good surgery candidate because of age, health, or cost, some families choose conservative care. This includes strict rest in a crate, pain medication, and physical therapy.
While non-surgical care can help manage pain, the chance of a dog regaining deep pain feeling without surgery is very low at this stage.
What is recovery like for dogs with stage 5 IVDD?
Recovery depends on many factors, including how fast surgery was done and how much damage there was.
1. Immediate aftercare
After surgery, most dogs stay at the vet hospital for a few days. They get pain control, bladder care, and help standing.
Once home, your dog may need to be confined to a crate or pen for several weeks. Short, gentle potty breaks are allowed, but no running, stairs, or jumping.
2. Physical therapy
Rehabilitation is a big part of recovery. Gentle range-of-motion exercises, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy can help muscles stay strong and nerves heal.
3. Using a dog wheelchair
Some dogs do not regain full use of their back legs. For these dogs, a dog wheelchair can bring back freedom and comfort.
Walkin’ Pets wheelchairs help dogs stand, move around, and play safely even if they have back leg paralysis. Many families find that wheelchairs keep their dog active and happy while preventing sores or muscle wasting from dragging their legs.
4. Bladder and bowel management
Many dogs with stage 5 IVDD lose control of their bladder and bowels. Your vet can teach you how to express your dog’s bladder. Keeping a clean bed area and using diapers can help with hygiene.
How long does it take for dogs with stage 5 IVDD to recover?
Every dog is different. Some dogs show improvement within weeks, while others may take months. About half of dogs who get surgery within 24 hours can regain deep pain feeling and walk again. Dogs who do not regain feeling will likely need a wheelchair long-term.
Patience is key. Nerves heal slowly. Your dog’s progress may be small at first. Celebrate each gain and keep up with rehab exercises.
Can dogs with stage 5 IVDD live happy lives?
Many dogs with stage 5 IVDD live full, joyful lives, even if they never walk again on their own. With love, patience, and the right support tools like dog wheelchairs, ramps, or harnesses, these dogs can stay active and connected to family life.
A wheelchair can help your dog explore the yard, go for walks, and play with other dogs. This keeps their mind and heart strong.
Final thoughts on stage 5 intervertebral disc disease
Stage 5 IVDD is serious but not the end for your dog’s happiness. Fast action, good vet care, and support at home make a big difference. If your dog cannot walk again, tools like an adjustable canine wheelchair from Walkin’ Pets can bring freedom back to daily life.
Always speak with your vet about the best choices for your dog’s comfort. Many families find that dogs adapt to life on wheels better than they ever imagined.
No matter what happens, your dog needs your love and care most of all. With the right help, dogs with stage 5 IVDD can keep moving forward with wagging tails and bright eyes.
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7725764/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10135265/
https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/3_Disc-Disease_PLATT.pdf
https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?catId=32731&id=3866649&meta=generic&pId=11268
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2023/10/04/updates-on-intervertebral-disc-extrusion-ivde/