Again, you should be able to feel the bones, but they shouldn’t be protruding. If you can’t feel the bones, or they seem to be buried under fat, you have an overweight dog. If the spine is very pronounced with little or no flesh on top of the individual vertebrae, you have an underweight dog.
Dogs’ spinal issues are more common than most owners are aware. They typically take time to manifest before the symptoms are noticeable and the dog’s behavior changes, but they can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life.
We’ll look at the most typical symptoms of canine spine problems below, along with what you can do to prevent and treat these conditions.
Ask yourself if there is an obvious reason for the weight change.
If you have made dietary changes that could cause your dog to gain or lose weight, you should reflect on your actions. Have you changed the flavor of his food, switched from wet to dry food, or started feeding him a new brand of dog food?
If there haven’t been any changes in your dog’s diet or activity level, or if he’s been spending more time inside, perhaps you should consider whether it has to do with your dog’s age.
When discs deteriorate: Back pain in dogs
Next, let’s examine intervertebral disc disease, one of the most typical causes of back pain in dogs. The term “IVDD in dogs” refers to all disc-related back issues. Although many people associate IVDD with Dachshunds, it can occur in many breeds.
Let’s examine the definitions of each word in the term to better understand the meaning of intervertebral disc disease:
VERTERBRAL = The two vertebrae (the two bones)
DISEASE = A disorder, something is not right
Essentially, intervertebral disc disease is a problem with the disc. It might protrude beyond where it should and press against the spinal cord. Or, a disc may completely rupture. (A disc’s top ligament may rupture, causing the disc material to shift out of place, inflame the surrounding area, and harm the spinal cord.) This shows up as various types of neurologic disease.
A dog may present with the following symptoms:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a term for degeneration and protrusion of the intervertebral disk in dogs, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerve. It is one of the most common causes of spinal problems in dogs.
Smaller breeds, such as Dachshunds, Pekingese, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Shih Tzu, are most commonly affected by this illness.
Of course, large breeds can also be affected, but it typically manifests later and progresses more slowly than in small species.
To lessen the strain on the neck and backbone, dog breeds predisposed to this condition should always maintain a healthy weight, which includes a quality diet and regular exercise. A good harness can make walking easier, especially if your dog pulls on the leash frequently.
The severity of IVDD in dogs will determine the course of treatment. For instance, dogs with mild or moderate symptoms can bounce back after just a few weeks of rest.
They may also prescribe some anti-inflammatory or pain medication here. While homeopathy may be beneficial in some circumstances, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support it.
Surgery is frequently necessary for animals with a more severe form of this disease, especially if previously administered drug therapy doesn’t work.
Fortunately, chances of a full recovery following surgery are decent, particularly when done before the dog loses the ability to feel pain.
FAQ
Is it normal for my dog’s spine to stick out?
It’s beneficial to be able to feel your dog’s spine. You should be able to feel the bones when running your hands over your dog’s back, but they shouldn’t be sticking out. Depending on how the spine of your dog feels, the problem could be weight-related.
How do I know if my dog is too skinny?
- There is no fat layer between the skin and the ribs, which are easily discernible or feel like they are just below the skin.
- It is simple to feel the spinal cord, hip bones, and shoulders through the skin.
- The bones at the base of the tail are protruding.
Why can I feel my dog’s spine now?
I can feel my dog’s backbone. Is that normal? Usually, yes. It’s most likely normal and a sign that your dog is at a healthy weight if you can easily feel the spine of your dog through a thin layer of fat.
Why can I feel my dogs spine when he lays down?
Some dogs simply have a topline (spine) that is a little bit higher in some places at birth. They shouldn’t care as long as they are at a healthy weight. Brandy M. That is entirely normal, but you should still keep an eye on their eating habits to make sure there are no health issues.