Several tools are used to diagnose IVDD, with each carrying a different cost and serving a different function.
Please use the guide below to access information about the various tools used by veterinarians in the diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
This pinwheel-like structure is often used by veterinarians to help identify the vertebrae which have been affected by IVDD. The veterinarian will glide the pinwheel down the dog’s spine observing the animal for pain or muscle flinching, thus identifying the disc in question.
A trip to the OR will not be necessary to check the level of deep pain sensation for dogs who have developed a loss of limb function. The veterinarian will use the clamp to squeeze the pads of your dachshund’s foot and may continue testing for loss of sensation up to the base of the tail with this method. The greater the deep pain, the greater the chance of recovery from a spinal injury.
The myelogram uses a contrasting agent or dye to illuminate the affected region of the spine. X-rays are taken before and after the injection of the contrasting agent. The outline of the spinal cord and any herniated disc material can be seen on the post-contrast x-rays. As technology improves, this procedure is sometimes coupled with a CT Scan to provide additional information about a selected region of the spinal column.
Many veterinarians will take x-rays or radiographs in an attempt to see a suggestion of disc rupture. These views are generally non-conclusive. DRBC does endorse the use of x-ray or radiograph pre-surgically or for dogs in respiratory distress to confirm sound lung function, eliminating the concerns for pneumonia which some dachshunds can develop.
The MRI provides the surgeon with the most accurate information possible and is the diagnostic tool chosen most often by DRBC. Unlike the myelogram, no foreign substances are injected and yet much better definition of the spinal column and herniated disc are mapped.
The CT scan is an X-ray technique where a computer is used to reconstruct cross-sectional images of the animal in the scanner. It provides invaluable information for surgical planning of many spinal cord disorders. We now use the CT scan almost exclusively for the diagnosis of disc disease in dogs and cats because it is fast and accurate. In contrast to myelography, CT scanning is also a non-invasive technique. Extruded disc material can usually be seen without the need for a contrast agent.
CT scans made at the end of the rib cage:
- A normal dog with the spinal cord surrounded by fat and bone (arrow).
- A dog with a large disc extrusion (arrowhead).
Additional Notes:
- There are no ‘over-the-counter’ fixes for IVDD. Please consult a qualified veterinarian before using any medications or OTC products on your dachshund.
- The information offered herein is for informational and educational and purposes only. Seek the timely care of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary surgeon if you believe your dog is exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms of IVDD. This website does not seek to diagnose or treat IVDD.
