French bulldogs have intervertebral disc disease problems at the age period of young to adult. It was common in small dog breeds like French bulldogs, pugs, and dachshunds.
In scientific terms, Intervertebral Disc Disease is a degenerative condition that means dogs can suffer disc problems when young adults age.
IVDD is common in Chondrodystrophic breeds but it was the most painful and deliberating spinal condition. IVDD can cause loss of mobility, paralysis, and extreme pain.
This article will explain intervertebral Disc Disease in French bulldogs with a section on symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
According to the National Institutes of Health, Intervertebral Disc Disease is a common diagnosis and well-investigated pathological condition in French bulldogs with neurological deficiencies.
Intervertebral Disc Disease is a source of back pain in dogs, disc degeneration occurs when the held water in the disc becomes dehydrated. The dog needs to suffer from disc problems extreme pain, paralysis, and loss of mobility.
Disc degeneration decreases shock-absorbing capacity which leads to disc herniation and spinal cord compression.
What are the symptoms of Intervertebral Disc Disease?
Below is the list of Symptoms of Intervertebral disc disease
- Holding the neck low
- Unable to fully lift the head
- Neck or back pain
- Weak, uncoordinated movement within four limbs or hind limbs
- Limping on one or both front limbs
- Urinary incontinence
- Panting or shivering
- Paralysis in four limbs or difficulty breathing (severe cases that are surgical emergencies)
- Hunched back or stiff appearance
- Paralysis
What are the Causes of Intervertebral Disc Disease
Below is the list of Causes of Intervertebral Disc disease.
- Genetics: Certain breeds like Chondrodystrophic breeds are pre-disposed to Intervertebral Disc Disease due the structure and genetic factors.
- Obesity: French bulldogs can have IVDD due to excessive weight that puts an additional strain on the spine and Intervertebral disc.
- Age: Intervertebral Disc Diseases are mostly found in older dogs. However, it can also occur in young dogs according to their structure and weight.
- Injury: Injuries such as Jumping from height, and rough playing will lead to disc herniation.
- Pre-existing Condition: Certain medical conditions such as Infection and inflammation.
What are the treatments for Intervertebral Disc Disease
If the French bulldogs have Intervertebral Disc Disease, consult a veterinarian for a proper solution. The treatment can include Physical therapy, Medication, and exercises. You can check the research and case study guide for the treatment of IVDD.
Can a French bulldog recover from IVDD without surgery?
If you find the IVDD problem in your French bulldog early then it could be recovered with pain medication and exercises. Or else to resolve the IVDD, the French bulldogs may need surgery to recover from IVDD.
Do dogs feel pain with IVDD?
The dogs feel pain when they have IVDD Problems. Dogs like French bulldogs, and dachshunds have IVDD problems due to their structure and genetics. IVDD dogs have neurological dysfunctions like inability to walk, weakness, loss of mobility, paralysis, etc.
How much does IVDD surgery cost for a French Bulldog?
The surgery cost depends upon the situation of the cases. The typical cost of the IVDD surgery is $1500 to $4000. If you spot any symptoms of IVDD in French bulldogs then medication and exercise will be the treatment.
Can a French bulldog recover from IVDD without surgery?
If the French bulldogs have IVDD and you find it in the early stage then the veterinarian will recommend pain medication and strict exercise to solve the IVDD in the early stage.
Do all dogs with IVDD become paralyzed?
It depends upon the type of Disc injuries and the structure of dog breeds. Intervertebral Disc Disease is a common source of back pain due to predisposed breeds. The dogs may become paralyzed or suffer pain due to IVDD.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with Intervertebral Disc Disease?
Intervertebral Disc Disease will not affect the life expectancy of dogs, but they may have back pain and disc problems. If you treat the dogs well, the dogs live as other dogs.
