If your dog suddenly starts sitting down or seems to be walking differently, it may be time to consider the possibility of a slipped disc. The good news is that veterinary medicine uses cutting-edge techniques borrowed from human healthcare to treat this common condition.
Bon Animal Medical Center says intervertebral discs are cushion-like structures between the spine’s bones. When one of these discs herniates or slips out of place, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, swelling, and, in more severe cases, paralysis.
Keep an eye out for these early warning signs in your dog: they don’t greet you at the door with their usual enthusiasm, they yelp when you try to pick them up or cuddle, they begin to breathe rapidly, or they show discomfort or pain when trying to move after waking up.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—visit your vet immediately for an evaluation.
Strict rest and medication are recommended for dogs showing early signs of a slipped disc. A month of treatment can often help reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized for intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy, which can help improve circulation and support nerve recovery. Additional treatments like injections or physical therapy may also be recommended to speed up recovery.
However, if the disc herniation causes severe nerve compression leading to paralysis, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is necessary to assess the situation, and surgery may be required. Since nerves are highly sensitive, prolonged pressure can make recovery difficult, so early intervention is crucial.
Traditional surgery for a slipped disc often involves removing the herniated disc material and, in some cases, cutting away parts of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
While effective, this method required large incisions and often involved cutting through spinal muscles, leading to significant muscle damage, post-surgery back pain, and longer recovery times. Removing parts of the vertebrae usually resulted in intense pain during the early recovery phase.
However, veterinary medicine has recently introduced bipolar spinal endoscopic surgery as a game-changing, minimally invasive alternative. This technique involves making two tiny incisions—each smaller than 1 cm—through which a camera (endoscope) and surgical tools are inserted to address spinal issues.
Dr. Kim Yong Seon, the head of surgery at Bon Animal Medical Center, made headlines last year for his groundbreaking presentation on “Canine Intervertebral Disc Herniation Surgery Using Bipolar Spinal Endoscopy” at the International Veterinary Endoscopy Conference. This presentation garnered widespread attention and support in the veterinary field.
Kim explains the benefits of endoscopic surgery: “With endoscopy, we can directly view the affected area, giving us a better surgical view and reducing the need for bone removal compared to traditional methods. This results in less muscle damage, less pain, and faster recovery.”
He adds, “If your dog struggles to move or shows signs of pain, don’t wait. Visit an animal hospital immediately for an accurate diagnosis. As a secondary veterinary hospital, Bon Animal Medical Center is committed to using the latest technology and equipment to ensure pets recover quickly and safely.”