Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most common causes of back pain in canines and can lead to reduced mobility and quality of life. What is IVDD? A degenerative disease affecting intervertebral discs, which are found between most of the bony vertebrae int he spine. IVDD refers to weakened discs more capable of rupture or herniation, which is what happens when that jelly-like substance leaks out into the area of the spinal cord and connected nerve roots. IVDD can be treated conservatively or with surgical intervention, but ultimately the severity of the symptoms will determine that decision.
Signs and symptoms of IVDD: Back or neck pain. Hunched Posture. Sensitivity to touch. HIndlimb weakness. Unsteadiness. Anxious behaviour. Impaired bladder and/or bowel.
Conservative Management adn rehabilitation: Phase I focuses on helping the dog to feel better and move more easily. This can be achieved through laser therapy, soft tissue massage, manual therapy and home stetching program. Phase II is focused on building strength and is the most important part of every patient`s recovery. It is an intensive and progressive home exercise program that empowers pet parents by giving them tools to maintain their dog`s health as they age. Hydrotherapy can be used to help strength the hindlimbs, core and back muscles. Phase III and IV are achieved as patients continue with a regular workout and activity routine, and ultimately regain their strength and independence.
CCL Tear
The cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, acts similar to the ACL in humans. CCL tears are actually the most common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. Trauma, however, is rarely the cause of CCL tears versus chronic degenerative changes resulting in partial or complete rupture.
Signs and symptoms: Swelling, limping, reduced movement in the knee, cracking noises in the knee, reluctanct to exercise or having the knee touched, weight shifting to one side when standing and hind leg extended when sitting.
CCL tears can be conservatively managed with rehabilitation. In some cases, however, such as in dogs who are young, very active, and have a full CCL tear along with a meniscus tear, it is more likely that surgery will be necessary followed by rehabilitation to promote a full return to high-level functional activities like running and jumping to higher surfaces.
Rehabilitation post conservative and post operative would include laser therapy, neuromuscular stimulation to help strengthen hindend, progressive home exercise program, hydrotherapy, passive range of motion and massage/manual therapy.
Arthritis
As our dogs age their start to develop arthritis in their extriemties and spine. They start to show a decline in their ability to get around the house, go for walks, go up or down stairs, or just not be as energetic as they used to be. Veterinary medicine models can help with short term pain management but fall short on long term solutions when dealing with arthritis in senior dogs.
Rehabilitation can help dogs wtih arthritis by get senior dogs moving, helping them build strength, and establish a regular exercise routine. Laser therapy, acupunture and canine massage can help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis. Hydrotherapy can help strengthen the muscles without loading the painful joints.
Hip Dysplasia
A condition of the hip joint (imagine a ball-and socket joint) in which the head of the femur (the “ball”) does not fit properly into the too-shallow acetabulum (the “socket”). Additionally, the ligaments connecting these two bony surfaces to one another are not strong enough to keep them together. Over time, the continuous abnormal movement at the unstable hip joint can result in a loss of cartilage, formation of bone spurs, pain, loss of mobility, and general discomfort.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that generally effects larger breeds, It can often be exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight, both of which are common as dogs get older. Breeds most commonly affected include Bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeauxs, Pugs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Otterhounds, and Saint Bernards. More common breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers frequently experience it as well.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia often show up as mild at first and progress over time. Symptoms include stiffness in the hips when standing from sitting or laying position, stiffness in the hips when walking, running, or playing, lameness (limping) on hind legs, loss of muscle tone in the hind legs and running with a “bunny hop” gait.
Rehabilitation: Your therapist will utilize hands-on manual therapy techniques to ease pain and create a customized therapeutic exercise program to help build stability in the joints and make functional movements easier and less painful. Laser therapy can help to decrease inflammation in the joint. Hydrotherapy can be used to strengthen the hindlimb while not loading the painful joint.
